Management Of Disease Research Articles

Fenofibrate Nanosuspension: A Novel Strategy to Enhance its Bioavailability for the Management of Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia, a metabolic condition marked by elevated plasma levels of cholesterol or triglyceride-carrying lipoproteins, is a major contributor to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Antihyperlipidemic drugs are classified according to their primary mechanism of action. Fenofibrate’s role in regulating cholesterol and managing insulin resistance-associated metabolic disorders makes it a preferred choice in combination therapies with statins for cardiovascular disease management. Nanoparticles have gained attention for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs by reducing particle size to the nanoscale (100-200 nm), which increases solubility, dissolution rate and adhesion to cell surfaces. Nanosuspensions improve drug solubility and bioavailability through methods like media milling, high-pressure homogenization and precipitation. Despite advancements, producing stable Fenofibrate nanoparticles below 100 nm at an industrial scale remains a challenge. Recent strategies include using sonication and freeze-drying to enhance bioavailability and solubility, achieving significant improvements in drug dissolution and therapeutic efficacy.

Perceptions of patients and caregivers toward the management of rare disease in Malaysia: a qualitative research study.

The management of rare diseases is rarely addressed among policymakers and public communities. It is hindered by the lack of information on its epidemiology and burden, especially from the perspective of patients and families with rare diseases. This study aims to understand the perceptions of rare disease patients and their families in the management of rare diseases in Malaysia. A qualitative interview was used to explore the perceptions of patients and families regarding the management of rare diseases in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted with the rare disease patients or their parents/guardians provided by three major rare disease advocacy groups, between 1 July and 15 September 2016. The interviews focused on two key areas: the challenges associated with rare disease and the issues related to accessing medication. Out of the nineteen recruited participants, seventeen (89.5 percent) completed the interview sessions. The significance of awareness, knowledge, and support from others emerged as crucial for families and patients living with rare diseases. Despite facing delayed diagnosis and treatment, a majority of patients and parents expressed satisfaction with the advancements in rare disease management. Nevertheless, a prominent challenge revolves around access to enzyme replacement therapy for eligible patients. This study emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals understanding patient with rare diseases perceptions to tailor communication strategies, provide accurate information, and address concerns effectively. The message underscores the significance of collaboration between healthcare providers and patient support groups to deliver adequate health information, potentially enhancing patients' understanding and their illness perceptions.

Uptake of Digital Health Interventions for Cardiometabolic Disease in British South Asian Individuals: Think Aloud Study.

Digital health interventions (DHIs) could support prevention and management of cardiometabolic disease. However, those who may benefit most often experience barriers to awareness and adoption of these interventions. Among South Asian individuals, we evaluated user experience of DHIs for prevention and management of cardiometabolic disease, aiming to understand barriers and facilitators to initial and ongoing use. Among South Asian individuals recruited via primary care, community organizations, and snowball methods (n=18), we conducted "think-aloud" interviews using a reflective and reactive approach. Participants included nonusers, as well as those that used a range of DHIs as part of monitoring and improving their health. Participants were asked to think aloud while completing a task they routinely do in a familiar DHI, as well as while setting up and completing a search task in a novel DHI; they were encouraged to behave as if unobserved. Lack of cultural specificity was highlighted as reducing relevance and usability, particularly relating to dietary change. Preferred features reflected individual health beliefs and behaviors, digital skills, and trust in DHIs. For example, tracking blood glucose was considered by some to be positive, while for others it caused distress and anxiety. Similarly, some users found the novel DHI to be extremely simple to set up and use, and others grew frustrated navigating through initial interfaces. Many participants raised concerns about data privacy and needing to agree to terms and conditions that they did not understand. Participants expressed that with information and support from trusted sources, they would be interested in using DHIs as part of self-management. DHIs may support South Asians to prevent and manage cardiometabolic disease, but it is important to consider the needs of specific user groups in DHI development, design, and implementation. Despite motivation to make health changes, digital barriers are common. Cultural appropriateness and trusted sources (such as health care providers and community organizations) have roles in increasing awareness and enabling individuals to access and use DHIs.

Cost-Effectiveness of Empagliflozin (JARDIANCE®) in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in France, Based on the EMPA-KIDNEY Clinical Trial.

The efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) were demonstrated in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, which showed a 28% reduction in combined risks of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.82; p < 0.001) compared with placebo. Based on these results, the present study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin + standard of care (SoC) compared with SoC alone in the treatment of CKD in France. A Markov state microsimulation model was adapted to compare the health and economic outcomes in France, considering a healthcare system perspective, in patients treated with empagliflozin in addition to SoC versus patients treated with SoC alone. The model simulated the intention-to-treat population of the trial, transitioning between 18 mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive health states defined based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes classification. For each arm, the model estimated (over a 25-year time horizon) the number of events and deaths, and the costs associated with these events, to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The resources used were derived using French authorities reports, literature, and French CKD guidelines. Both economic and health outcomes were discounted at a 2.5% annual rate according to French guidelines. The model predicted that using empagliflozin + SoC to treat patients with CKD would prevent CKD-related complications and deaths associated with a cardiovascular event or all-cause deaths while in kidney replacement therapy, resulting on average in a discounted gain of 1.29 years in overall survival (9.48 years vs. 8.19 with SoC alone). Empagliflozin costs (treatment, events, and disease management) were completely offset by the cost savings from avoided kidney failure events. Overall, empagliflozin + SoC would be more effective and less costly than SoC alone and would therefore be the dominant treatment strategy. The sensitivity analyses conducted support the results' robustness in showing the dominance of empagliflozin + SoC over SoC alone. The base-case results indicate that empagliflozin + SoC is a dominant strategy compared with the current SoC for the management of CKD in France. Empagliflozin + SoC would have a positive impact on patients with CKD by slowing CKD progression and leading to the prevention of kidney failure events on top of all-stages CKD complications.

Molecular interactions of Trichoderma: from microbial competition to soil health promotion

The increasing demand for sustainable solutions to agricultural pest and disease management has positioned Trichoderma fungi as a promising biological control agent. Trichoderma is not only capable of suppressing various plant pathogens but also promotes plant growth and strengthens natural plant defenses. This mini-review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying Trichoderma's ability to function as a biocontrol agent, focusing on nutrient competition, antibiotic production, mycoparasitism, and the induction of plant resistance. Additionally, advances in genomics and transcriptomics have facilitated a deeper understanding of the signaling pathways and genes responsible for Trichoderma's biocontrol effectiveness, including G-protein and MAPK pathways. Beyond pathogen suppression, Trichoderma plays a key role in enhancing soil health and establishing symbiotic relationships with plants, contributing to improved nutrient absorption and growth hormone production. However, challenges remain in translating laboratory success to large-scale field applications. This mini review highlights the need for further research on optimizing Trichoderma formulations, understanding its interaction with other beneficial soil organisms, and exploring genetic engineering to enhance its biocontrol capabilities. The future of Trichoderma lies in its integration into holistic, agroecological systems alongside other sustainable pest management strategies.

Host Genetic Resistance in Brassica napus: A Valuable Tool for the Integrated Management of the Fungal Pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans.

Management of plant disease in agro-ecosystems ideally relies on a combination of host genetic resistance, chemical control, and cultural practices. Growers increasingly rely on chemical and genetic options, but their relative benefits in disease control, yield, and economic outcomes are rarely quantified. We explore this relationship for blackleg crown canker disease (caused by Leptosphaeria maculans), a major biotic constraint limiting canola production globally. Data from 20 field trials conducted from 2013 to 2015 in canola-growing regions of Australia were used to assess the effects of host resistance and fungicide treatment on blackleg severity, grain yield, and gross margin. In the absence of fungicide, blackleg disease was 88% lower in the most resistant compared with the most susceptible blackleg resistance category. In the most susceptible resistance category, the most effective fungicide treatment significantly reduced blackleg severity (from 50 to 6%) and increased grain yield (478 kg/ha, 41%) and gross margin (AU$120/ha, 17%). However, the mean benefits of fungicide tended to decrease with increasing levels of genetic resistance, to the point that yield, disease, and gross margin benefits were close to zero in the most resistant cultivars. Overall, these findings suggest that fungicides can reduce blackleg severity, but the benefits of application strongly depend on associated levels of genetic resistance. Canola cultivars with higher genetic resistance reliably reduced blackleg disease and maintained grain yield without the associated cost of fungicide application. The intensification of canola production to meet increasing global demand will require strategies to sustainably manage and protect finite genetic resistance resources to control blackleg disease.

Fix-dose combination in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases

Fix-dose combination in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases

Low geriatric nutritional risk index is associated with osteoporosis and fracture risk in patients with chronic liver disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPatients with chronic liver disease (CLD) frequently suffer from malnutrition and bone diseases, both of which heighten the risk of poor clinical outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and osteoporosis or fracture risk using the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in patients with CLD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 209 consecutive patients with CLD. The participants were divided into two groups: the all-risk group (GNRI ≤ 98.0) with nutrition-related risk and the no-risk group (GNRI > 98.0) without nutrition-related risk. Osteoporosis was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. The FRAX was used to estimate the 10-year probabilities of hip fracture (FRAX-HF) and major osteoporotic fracture (FRAX-MOF).ResultsOf the 209 patients, 72 (34.4%) had osteoporosis. The all-risk group had a significantly higher prevalence of osteoporosis than the no-risk group (p < 0.001). Conversely, patients with osteoporosis had significantly lower GNRI than those without osteoporosis (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis found lower GNRI to be a significant and independent risk factor for osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR], 0.927; p < 0.001) and high fracture risk derived from FRAX (without BMD) (OR, 0.904; p = 0.009). GNRI had a positive correlation with bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip, but a negative correlation with FRAX-HF and FRAX-MOF in the FRAX with and without BMD (p < 0.001 for all). The cutoff value of GNRI for predicting osteoporosis was 104.9, with sensitivity of 0.667 and specificity of 0.657.ConclusionsThe GNRI was significantly associated with osteoporosis and FRAX-derived fracture risk in patients with CLD, suggesting that it could be a simple and useful indicator for the management of bone diseases.

PH-Responsive MOF Nanoparticles Equipped with Hydrophilic "Armor" Assist Fungicides in Controlling Peanut Southern Blight.

The development of novel, safe, and efficient pest and disease control technologies for agricultural crops remains a pivotal area of research. In this study, by combining ZIF-8 and ZIF-90, a water-stable, pH-responsive bilayer MOF nanoparticle (NP) named Z8@Z90 was created, and tebuconazole (TEB) was added to form T@Z8@Z90, used for controlling peanut southern blight. The loading efficiency of TEB within the T@Z8@Z90 reached 26.15%, enabling rapid release in acidic environments triggered by oxalic acid (OA) secreted by Sclerotium rolfsii. In vitro experiments showed that T@Z8@Z90 can regulate the oxalic acid secretion of S. rolfsii and destroy its cell membrane structure. Additional experiments revealed that T@Z8@Z90 reduced sclerotial formation, decreased the total protein content of sclerotia, and influenced their sensitivity to pesticides, thereby mitigating the risk of reinfection by S. rolfsii. Notably, T@Z8@Z90 exhibited efficient translocation within peanut seedlings, being absorbed through the roots and transported to the leaves. At a concentration of 200 mg/L, T@Z8@Z90 exhibited high safety profiles for peanut seedling growth compared to the TEB suspension. Moreover, T@Z8@Z90 is safer for earthworms than TEB SC. Overall, this study offers valuable insights for the management of soil-borne diseases in agriculture and contributes to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices.

Advancements in the Management of Pediatric and Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Treatment Strategies and Long-Term Outcomes

Advancements in the Management of Pediatric and Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Treatment Strategies and Long-Term Outcomes

Sex Differences in Colonoscopy Indications and Findings: Results from a Large Multicenter Database.

Background: Sex-based differences are common among diseases. We aimed to investigate the differences in colonoscopy indications and its findings between males and females. Methods: A large, multi-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study included all colonoscopies performed between 2016 and 2021 in seven endoscopy departments. The indications and findings of the procedures were compared between males and females. Results: A total of 151,411 (52.6%) women and 136,519 (47.4%) men were included, aged 56.54 ± 12.9 years and 56.59 ± 12.7. Cecal intubation was similar (95.6% vs 95.5%, p = 0.251). More females had excellent or good bowel preparation compared to males (71.4% vs 65.6%). Colonoscopy due to abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and anemia was higher in females compared to males (15% vs 9.9%, 3.9% vs 2.2%, and 7.6% vs 4.9%, p < 0.001, respectively), while positive FOBT, rectal bleeding and post-polypectomy surveillance and screening were more common indications among males (9.5% vs 7.8%, 10.7% vs 7.8%, and 10.8% vs 7.1%, respectively). On colonoscopy, males were found to have significantly higher colorectal cancer and polyps (0.5% vs 0.4% and 35.1% vs 24.6%). Polyp detection rates were lower in females across all indications, whereas diverticulosis rates were higher in males. However, a clinically significant difference regarding diverticulosis was observed only in patients with anemia as the indication. Conclusions: Notable differences exist between males and females in terms of the indications and findings on colonoscopy. This highlights the need for identifying the factors contributing to these differences and the developing sex-specific approaches for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases.

Current Practice, Safety and Efficacy of Interventions for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: Evidence From a UK Registry.

To determine the current practice, safety and efficacy of interventions used in the management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in the UK NHS. Prospective registry (recruitment between 1st April 2018 and 31st August 2022, retrospective data from 1st January 2015 permitted with consent). Sub-group data-linked to Hospital Episode Statistics for additional follow-up (until 31st July 2022). UK NHS hospitals treating RRP patients. Children and adults diagnosed with RRP and managed in an NHS hospital. Disease severity (Derkay, voice handicap and GRBAS scores), management (type and frequency of surgical and adjuvant intervention) and complications (cancer, death). Three hundred and thirty patients were entered into the registry; 304 (including 65 children) were eligible for analysis. Children had more severe disease than adults (median Derkay score 10 vs. 5). Microdebrider was the most common surgical intervention, particularly in children (86% of children, 49% of adults). Additionally, lasers (CO2, KTP and pulsed dye) were used in 34% of adults. Gardasil was the most common adjuvant therapy (21 children, 23 adults). Procedural complications were rare (10.8% children, 5.9% adults). Five patients developed laryngeal malignancy; there were six deaths during follow-up period. This is the largest UK RRP study to date. RRP is more aggressive in children than adults, and treatment choice differs between age groups. Overall, management was safe with minimal complications reported, and generally effective in maintaining a safe airway. Standardised reporting is required to objectively monitor disease progression and safety over time. NCT03465280, ISRCTN36100560.

Design and Development of a Wearable Device for Multi-Parametric Human Health Monitoring

INTRODUCTION: Wearable technology has emerged as a promising tool for continuous health monitoring, offering potential disease prevention and management benefits. However, existing devices often provide limited physiological data, hindering comprehensive health assessments.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to design and develop a wearable device capable of multi-parametric human health monitoring, focusing on vital indicators such as heart rate, body temperature, and physical activity.METHODS: A modular design approach was employed to integrate multiple biosensors into a compact wearable device. The collected data was processed by a microcontroller and transmitted wirelessly to a server.RESULTS: The developed wearable device demonstrated accurate and reliable measurement of target health parameters, with results comparable to existing prototypes in terms of functional capabilities.CONCLUSION: The proposed wearable device holds significant potential for enhancing personal health management by providing comprehensive and real-time health data. Future research will focus on expanding the device's capabilities, improving battery life, and conducting long-term user trials.

Comparison of different diagnostic protocols for the detection of Toxocara spp. in faecal samples of cats and dogs

BackgroundToxocara canis and Toxocara cati are parasitic nematodes that occur worldwide. As embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs in the environment pose a zoonotic risk, especially for children, optimal diagnostic approaches are necessary for effective disease response and management, including surveillance. However, little is known about the performance of different diagnostic protocols for detecting Toxocara spp. in the faeces of cats and dogs, hampering movement towards an optimal diagnostic process. This study aimed to compare detection methods, including a newly developed sequential sieving protocol (SF-SSV) and a high-throughput multiplex qPCR-based method to facilitate epidemiological studies.MethodsSpecies-specific Toxocara spp. egg suspensions and canine and feline faecal samples from the field were used to estimate analytical and diagnostic sensitivity of the protocols. The performance of two automated DNA extraction protocols using enzymatic and mechanical lysis were compared by multiplex qPCR, targeting both T. canis and T. cati-specific genomic sequences. All samples were examined by microscopy-based techniques, the sedimentation flotation technique (SF) and a newly developed SF-SSV for the detection, enrichment and purification of parasite eggs. The costs and processing times necessary for all protocols were estimated and compared for both single samples and sets of 100 samples.ResultsTo detect Toxocara spp. eggs, SF-SSV showed the highest analytical sensitivity and a significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity than the DNA detection methods. Mechanical lysis performed better than enzymatic lysis for automated DNA extraction. In automated DNA extraction, 96-well plates performed better than 24-well plates. DNA detection and microscopy-based parasitological methods showed substantial agreement between the results generated by each method. Microscopy-based techniques required the lowest costs and least hands-on time for a single sample. However, when costs and labour were estimated for a set of 100 samples, the DNA detection protocol using 96-well plates for extraction revealed costs similar to SF-SSV and the fastest processing times.ConclusionsSF-SSV was superior in terms of analytical and diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of Toxocara spp. eggs. For larger sets of samples, multiplex qPCR-based DNA detection represents an alternative to microscopy-based methods, based on the possibility of faster sample processing at similar costs to SF-SSV, and the ability to provide species-specific diagnoses.Graphical

Awareness and perception on the use of smartphone applications for crop protection among undergraduate students in Southwestern Nigeria

Mobile applications in crop protection especially for speedy pest diagnosis, monitoring, and management are increasingly gaining global attention and support. An understanding of the awareness and perception of the youths, particularly students in tertiary institutions (who are heavy users of smartphones), on the use of smartphone applications for crop protection, is crucial for sharpening their orientations towards embracing the digital ecosystem in agriculture. The imperativeness is evident in the ongoing government drive towards promoting students’ engagement in digital agriculture as accommodated in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (2022–2027). Consequently, this study investigated awareness and perception of mobile phone applications among crop and agricultural extension-related final-year students in selected Universities in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 407 students. Data were obtained with the aid of questionnaires. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation using SPSS software. Findings show that very few (less than 8%) of the respondents were aware of the usage of specific smart/android phone applications for pest identification, disease diagnosis, and weather forecasting. Less than 4% ever used smart/android phones for pest identification, crop protection, and information sourcing on disease diagnosis and management. However, their perception of the need for pest and disease diagnosis as a foundation step to enhance crop protection (4.65 points on a scale of 5), and readiness to use android/smartphone applications for this purpose (MS = 4.45) was positive. There are enormous implications for increased awareness and knowledge sharing on the use of android/smartphone applications for crop protection and other interventions to promote digital agriculture among students in Nigeria.

Metabolic and lifestyle factors accelerate disease onset and alter gut microbiome in inflammatory non-communicable diseases.

Biomedical and lifestyle factors in Western populations have significantly shifted in recent decades, influencing public health and contributing to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that share inflammation as common pathology. We investigated the relationship between these factors and 11 NCDs in the cross-sectional FoCus cohort (n = 1220), using logistic regression models. Associations with age-at-disease-onset were specifically analyzed for type 2 diabetes (T2D, low-grade chronic inflammation) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, high-grade chronic inflammation) in disease-specific cohorts (FoCus-T2D, n = 514; IBD-KC, n = 1110). Important factors for disease risk were identified using Cox-PH-regression models and time-to-event analysis. We further explored the interaction between identified risk factors and gut microbiome composition using linear models. Lifestyle factors were clearly linked to disease phenotypes, particularly in T2D and IBD. Still, some factors affected only the age-at-onset, but not disease prevalence. High-quality nutrition significantly delayed onset for both IBD and T2D (IBD: HR = 0.81 [0.66; 0.98]; T2D: HR = 0.45 [0.28; 0.72]). Smoking accelerated T2D onset (HR = 1.82 [1.25; 2.65]) but delayed onset in ulcerative colitis (UC: HR = 0.47 [0.28; 0.79]). Higher microbiota diversity delayed IBD onset (Shannon: HR = 0.58 [0.49; 0.71]) but had no effect on T2D. The abundance of specific microbial genera was strongly associated with various biomedical and lifestyle factors in T2D and IBD. In unaffected controls, these effects were smaller or reversed, potentially indicating a greater susceptibility of the gut microbiome to negative influences in T2D and IBD. The dual insights into age-at-disease-onset and gut microbiota composition in disease emphasize the role of certain biomedical and lifestyle factors, e.g., nutrition quality, in disease prevention and management. Understanding these relationships provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies to mitigate the impact of metabolic and inflammatory diseases through lifestyle modifications and gut health management.

Exploring the Effects of Health Education and Chronic Disease Management Nursing in the Management of Hypertension in Elderly Patients in the Community

Exploring the Effects of Health Education and Chronic Disease Management Nursing in the Management of Hypertension in Elderly Patients in the Community

Preparation of pH-Responsive Kas@ZnO Quantum Dots for Synergistic Control of Rice Blast and Enhanced Disease Resistance in Rice.

The construction of controlled-release formulations improves the sustained-release performance and utilization efficiency of pesticides, which are important aspects in plant protection and environmental chemistry. The current study employs kasugamycin (Kas), which is widely used to control Magnaporthe oryzae, conjugated with carboxyl-functionalized ZnO quantum dots via amide linkages to yield a pH-responsive pesticide delivery system (Kas@ZnO). Physicochemical characterizations indicated the successful preparation of the Kas@ZnO nanoparticles. In vitro drug release assessments indicated that Kas@ZnO exhibited a loading capacity of 21.05% and could effect the controlled release of Kas in an acidic environment, which is beneficial given the unique acidic microenvironment of M. oryzae. Bioactivity assays demonstrated that Kas@ZnO could simultaneously inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination. Additionally, bioactivity tests showed that the control efficacy of Kas@ZnO against rice blast reached 67.43% after 14 days of in vivo spray inoculation, which was higher than that obtained with Kas (55.50%), suggesting improved beneficial effects of Kas@ZnO application over a prolonged duration. Moreover, Kas@ZnO enhanced the activity of defense-related enzymes in rice and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes, such as OsPR2, OsPR3, OsPR5, OsWRKY45, OsLYP6, and OsNAC4. Ultimately, the biosafety assessments revealed that Kas@ZnO did not exert any harmful effects on rice and demonstrated slight toxicity toward zebrafish. These findings indicate that Kas@ZnO can function as a pH-sensitive pesticide delivery system, allowing for targeted release of the pesticide within plant tissues. This technology demonstrates significant potential for eco-friendly plant disease management.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding Motor Impairments

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide, profoundly impacts health and quality of life. While cognitive impairments—such as memory loss, attention deficits, and disorientation—predominate in AD, motor symptoms, though common, remain underexplored. These motor symptoms, including gait disturbances, reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle weakness, sarcopenia, and impaired balance, are often associated with advanced stages of AD and contribute to increased mortality. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that motor symptoms may be present in earlier stages and can serve as predictive markers for AD in older adults. Despite a limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these motor symptoms, several key pathways have been identified, offering avenues for further investigation. This review provides an in-depth analysis of motor symptoms in AD, discussing its progression, potential mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Addressing motor symptoms alongside cognitive decline may enhance patient functionality, improve quality of life, and support more comprehensive disease management strategies.

Optimization of Fermentation and Biocontrol Efficacy of Bacillus atrophaeus XHG-1-3m2

Biological control plays an increasingly important role in various aspects of modern agriculture and forestry. Identifying biocontrol strains with commercial potential for effective disease management is currently a focal point in biological control research. In this study, Bacillus atrophaeus XHG-1-3m2, a strain with significant biocontrol potential against Wilsonomyces carpophilus causing shot hole disease in wild apricots, was developed. The study determined the antibacterial activity of the fermentation broth, the optimal fermentation medium composition and conditions, and explored its effectiveness in controlling Wilsonomyces carpophilus. The optimal fermentation medium for strain XHG-1-3m2 comprises 12.5 g/L yeast extract, 12.5 g/L soy peptone, 10.0 g/L sodium chloride, 1 g/L ammonium chloride, 1 g/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1 g/L disodium hydrogen phosphate, and 0.5 g/L magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. With an initial pH of 7.0, a liquid volume of 40%, an inoculum volume of 3%, and shaking incubation at 28 °C for 24 h, the viable cell count reached 14 × 109 CFU/mL. In vitro and in vivo tests on leaves revealed that the fermentation broth and the biocontrol biofertilizer derived from this strain inhibited the leaf lesions caused by Wilsonomyces carpophilus on wild apricots, achieving inhibition rates of 94.62% and 82.46%, respectively.