Global Rise Research Articles

Behavioral patterns in elderly single-person households

The global rise in the aging population and the increase in older adults living alone have raised concerns about health-related behaviors, particularly sedentary lifestyles and reduced daily activities. These behaviors are linked to higher risks of physical and cognitive conditions. While many global studies have explored these patterns, research within the Chilean context remains limited. This work presents a analysis of behavioral patterns in elderly individuals living alone in Chile, offering valuable insights into this population. Using clustering techniques, we identified two distinct activity patterns among the participants. The first pattern is characterized by a gradual increase in activity during the day, peaking around midday and followed by a decline, likely associated with meal preparation and rest. The second pattern demonstrates a more dynamic lifestyle, with a rapid surge in activity after waking and sustained levels throughout the day, suggesting a potentially healthier approach to aging. These findings align with previous studies indicating high levels of sedentary behavior in older adults, reinforcing the need for interventions tailored to diversify daily routines and promote physical activity. This study is the first to explore these patterns in the Chilean context, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of elderly care and informing future strategies for improving the well-being of older adults living alone.

Impact of future climate scenarios on thermal performance and resilience of building façades: Canadian climate case study

Buildings in urban areas are responsible for a significant share of GHG emissions that directly contribute to climate change. Nevertheless, the built environment is vulnerable to the changing climate. Particularly, the unpredictable weather threatens the performance of building components, durability of building materials, and indoor environmental comfort. In this study, the impact of future climate on thermal performance of building façades in the Canadian climate is investigated using simulation analysis. To account for different climate conditions, three future weather scenarios pertaining to global temperature rise of 0.5°C, 1.5°C, and 2.5°C were compared with historical weather data. Both hourly and Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) weather data were studied. The results, including thermal transmittance, heat flux, moisture content, and façade temperature were compared. This comparison could show the applicability of using averaged TMY data compared to the large hourly dataset. The results show a pattern of change in the façade's thermal and hygrothermal performance as temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation norms change in both seasons. The comparison between the TMY and the Yearly data showed an underestimation of heat transfer within the façade when the TMY data is used. The historical TMY data results showed the inadequacy of this weather file for climate impact assessments of facades in both summer and winter. The approach used in this study can be repeated for different climate conditions, acting as a tool to design façades and predict their performance in face of a changing climate.

Exploring thermal effects of advanced backside power delivery network beyond 3 nm node

Backside Power Delivery Networks (BSPDNs) address scaling issues by relocating power, boosting efficiency and density. However, thermal effects pose challenges. In this work, a comprehensive thermal analysis of BSPDN is performed to elaborate the key modulation factors and possible optimization approaches, where the specific backside metal layers are constructed to investigate the impacts of operating conditions, via distribution and materials on thermal effects. To improve the simulation efficiency, the effective thermal conductivity is employed to simplify the Nanosheet (NSH) FET based front-end-of-line (FEOL) and other layers at the 3 nm technology node. Results show that non-uniform via distribution in BSPDN causes temperature fluctuations, but augmenting Backside Via counts effectively mitigates local peak temperature increases from higher power. For BSPDN, backside cooling solutions outperform frontside in efficiency, particularly at high via densities. Using high thermal conductivity inter-metal dielectric (IMD) materials significantly reduces global temperature rise and fluctuations from non-uniform vias in BSPDN, enhancing PDN design flexibility.

Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum): A Climate Resilient and Nutritionally Significant Crop for Global Food Security

The environmental balance needed for agriculture is severely strained due to changes in rainfall patterns and climate change, as well as the growing global need for food. As global temperatures rise and precipitation patterns become more erratic, millets offer an efficient solution to the trade-off between food security and water availability. Millets are rich in nutrients and possess a special ability to endure extreme conditions such as heat, drought, and various other abiotic and biotic stresses. Pearl millet is a highly climate-resilient crop capable of mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. Antioxidant gene expression, presence of a waxy outer layer and heat shock proteins/chaperons contribute to its abiotic stress tolerance. By adjusting its flowering phenology and establishing fast-growing roots, pearl millet enhances its water and nutrient use efficiency. Stable sources of germplasm in pearl millet that exhibit resistance to diseases such as downy mildew, blast, rust, smut, and ergot have also been incorporated into disease resistance breeding programs. Pearl millet plays a crucial role in nourishing the poverty-stricken populations due to its high palatability and rich nutritional profile. Various bioactive compounds pertain to hypoglycemic, anticancerous and probiotic properties that contribute to its health benefits. Biofortification in pearl millet offers a solution to address issues of micronutrient deficiency in vulnerable populations. Continued research and investment in pearl millet production not only bolster food security but also contribute to the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions. Thus, embracing pearl millet represents a forward-thinking approach to ensuring food security and promoting nutritional diversity on a global scale.

Climate change and forced migration

Abstract Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant driver of migration patterns worldwide. As the global temperatures rise, extreme weather events become more frequent, leading to disruptions in livelihoods displacement, and migration. Every day, climate change becomes a more urgent economic, social and existential threat to countries and their people. Climate changes are becoming more and more evident every day, a factor that undoubtedly directly or indirectly affects the displacement of populations. This article provides answers to basic questions starting with how, and where climate change triggers migration and displacement, the second question is if we have a definition for the climate migration, or climate refugee, can they have protection from the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the last analysis is the inadequacy of the protection afforded by international law and European Union law and the Albania Legislation to individuals who leave their country of origin for reasons related to environmental issues. The methodology used to answer the questions of this paper includes desk review on existing literature, legal texts, reports from international organizations, legal framework regulating climate migration rights and the decision of the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) regarding the “climate refugees”, the case of Teitiota v New Zealand.

Linking the PETM and North Atlantic volcanism using tellurium in sediments

The Paleocene – Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a short period (~170 kyr) of global temperature rise starting at 55.93 Ma, which occurred during the breakup of the North Atlantic and the emplacement of the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP). Recently, mercury (Hg) concentrations in sediments have been used in an attempt to connect the eruptive history of the NAIP with environmental change during this period, at a higher resolution than possible using geochronology. Here we present sedimentary tellurium (Te) as a novel proxy to further reconstruct NAIP volcanism at high resolution. We measured 45 trace elements in 401 sediment samples from 3 sections across the PETM in the northern hemisphere. All study sites exhibit an increase in Te concentrations and Te/Th ratios close to the onset of the PETM and remain high until the end of the main North Atlantic ash phase about 1 Myr later. The trace element data indicate that changes in sediment lithology or in environmental conditions do not influence sedimentary Te concentrations suggesting a volcanic source instead. We used existing age models to remove the effect of changes in sedimentation rate and calculated volcanic Te fluxes. Our Te data suggest increased volcanism in the latest Paleocene and early Eocene. This fits existing radiometric ages of the NAIP, which demonstrate that a more than 5 km thickness of lava in eastern Greenland and the Faroes was erupted within about 1 Myr between ~56 to ~55 Ma. All our study sites show similar Te flux variations across the PETM. In contrast, sedimentary mercury (Hg) profiles from these and other sites are less consistent. Tellurium in sediments may represent a useful proxy to reconstruct NAIP volcanism.

Historical invasion rates vary among insect trophic groups.

Globalization has spread thousands of invasive insect species into new world regions,1,2,3 causing severe losses in ecosystem services. Previous work proposed that plant invasions facilitate insect invasions through the creation of niches for non-native herbivores.3,4,5,6 Despite the impact of insect invasions, a comprehensive understanding is lacking on how invasion success varies among insect feeding groups. We therefore compiled the predominant larval trophic groups (herbivores, predators, parasites, detritivores, and brood-carers) for 5,839 non-native insect species in nine world regions to compare (1) proportions of species in each group between non-native species and the world's fauna, (2) how invasion success for each trophic group has changed over the last three centuries, and (3) how historical herbivore invasions are related to plant invasions over time and parasite invasions are related to herbivores. We find that herbivores represent a significantly larger proportion (52.4%) among non-native insects compared with the world fauna (38.4%), whereas proportions of non-native detritivores (including fungivores), predators, and brood-carers are significantly lower; parasite proportions do not significantly differ. Predators and detritivores dominated among invasions in the 18th century but subsequently diminished, likely due to changing invasion pathways, whereas proportions of herbivores, parasites, and brood-carers increased over time. We found herbivore invasions to lag 80 years behind plant invasions, whereas parasitoids appear to co-invade with their herbivore hosts. The dominance of herbivores among non-native insects and their strong cross-correlation with plant invasions further strengthens the hypothesis that plant invasions drive the global rise in numbers of non-native insects.

Peri-Operative Complications And Surgical Outcomes In Repeat Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: Repeat cesarean sections are becoming increasingly common due to the global rise in cesarean deliveries. While cesarean sections can be life-saving for both mother and baby, the risks associated with multiple procedures tend to increase. This study aims to evaluate these complications and outcomes to guide safer practices. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Chittagong Medical College & Hospital, from December 16-June’17. All the pregnant women who underwent repeat Caesarean section in Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong during the study period were considered as the study population. A total of 100 study subjects were selected by consecutive convenient sampling techniques. Data analysis was done by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 16. In all cases, p-value <05 was considered significant. Result: most repeat cesarean sections (70%) lasted about 1 hour, with 99% utilizing the Pfannenstiel incision. Adhesions were observed primarily with the bladder (8%), peritoneum (5%), and omentum (5%). A lower transverse uterine incision was used in 99% of cases, while 5% experienced scar dehiscence. Challenges during fetal delivery occurred in 5% of cases, and 3% had difficulty entering the peritoneal cavity. Placental abnormalities like placenta previa were noted in 6% of cases, and placental adherence (accreta or percreta) was found in 3%. Urinary bladder injuries occurred in 2% of cases. Blood loss was below 1 liter in 95% of surgeries, but 3% required significant transfusions. Elective tubal ligation was performed in 15% of cases, and some patients underwent additional procedures like Lynch surgeries or uterine artery ligations (3%). Conclusion: Notable complications are observed in repeat cesarean sections, including adhesions with the bladder, scar dehiscence, and challenges during fetal delivery. Additionally, placental abnormalities, such as placenta previa and abnormal adherence, highlight the complexities associated with repeat procedures. Most patients experienced minimal blood loss, with 95% losing less than 1 liter.

The rise of the walking dead: Zombie firms around the world

We build a comprehensive new dataset spanning listed and private nonfinancial zombie firms across Advanced Economies and Emerging Markets over the past two decades. Our findings reveal a global rise in the prevalence of these unproductive and unviable firms, particularly since the Global Financial Crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. We show that private firms exhibit lower zombification rates due to their lower average survival rates. Our paper also offers a new perspective on zombie lending drivers: lenders may rationalize zombie lending based on overly optimistic expectations of a recovery in zombies’ future earnings. We then document that macroprudential policies targeting bank capital and loan restrictions can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of zombification. However, strengthening the banking sector alone may not suffice without robust insolvency frameworks prepared to manage firm restructuring and insolvency.

Textile Organic Electrochemical Transistor for Non-Invasive Glucose Sensing

The global rise in diabetes has highlighted the urgent need for continuous, non-invasive health monitoring solutions. Traditional glucose monitoring methods, which are invasive and often inconvenient, have created a demand for alternative technologies that can offer comfort, accuracy, and real-time data. In this study, the development of a textile-based organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) is presented, designed for non-invasive glucose sensing, aiming to integrate this technology seamlessly into everyday clothing. The document details the design, optimization, and testing of a one-component textile-based OECT, featuring a porous PEDOT:PSS structure and a glucose oxidase-modified electrolyte for effective glucose detection in sweat. The research demonstrates the feasibility of using this textile-based OECT for non-invasive glucose monitoring, with enhanced sensitivity and specificity achieved through the integration of glucose oxidase within the electrolyte and the innovative porous PEDOT:PSS design. These findings suggest a significant advancement in wearable health monitoring technologies, providing a promising pathway for the development of smart textiles capable of non-invasively tracking glucose levels. Future work should focus on refining this technology for clinical use, including individual calibration for accurate blood glucose correlation and its integration into commercially available smart textiles.

Assessment of Maximum Temperature for Future Time Series over Aurangabad, Maharashtra State, India

Climatic downscaling is an important tool used by many researchers in the field of climate to downscale climatic data available for global area to study the impacts of climate on smaller area. In climatic downscaling, there are mainly two types: 1) Statistical Downscaling and 2) Dynamical Downscaling. In the present study, statistical downscaling has been performed using SDSM (Statistical Downscaling Model) to find out future values of maximum temperatures (Tmax) over Aurangabad region (Latitude: 19.8911° N, Longitude: 75.1545° E). For this downscaling, CanESM2 (Canadian Earth System Model) CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5) GCM (General Circulation Model) were selected and downscaling was performed under three different RCPs (Representative Concentration Pathways): RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Downscaling model is calibrated and validated successfully over the baseline period 1961-2005 and results are presented graphically as well as statistically. Future downscaling values of maximum temperatures are presented with the help of three future time series: 2020s (2011-2040), 2050s (2041-2070) and 2080s (2071-2099) and it is observed that there is increase in the values of Tmax for the future time series with respect to the baseline period. Further the heat maps are developed for increasing monthly mean daily Tmax values under three RCPs with respect to the baseline period over the duration 2006 to 2013 and compared with increased observed monthly mean daily Tmax values over the same duration. This comparison has been done to assess the pattern of increasing monthly mean daily Tmax of downscaling results over Aurangabad region. All three RCPs are showing increasing values of monthly mean daily Tmax values for the selected three future time series with respect to the baseline period. Decade wise study of downscaling results is also showing increasing values of mean monthly daily Tmax with respect to the baseline period. Tmax values are predicted to be increased under RCP 2.6 by 1.10 0C, under RCP 4.5 by 2.13 0C and under RCP 8.5 by 4.20 0C at the end of 2099 which follows the prediction given by IPCC for global level temperature rise up to 2100.

Harnessing the Power of Fermented Tea to Improve Gut Microbiota and Combat Obesity Epidemic.

The global rise in obesity rates has prompted a thorough evaluation of dietary strategies that may alleviate this metabolic issue. Fermented tea, a beverage rich in polyphenols and catechins, has emerged as a viable therapeutic option for obesity management. This review discusses the role of fermented tea in modulating the gut microbiome, a critical factor in energy regulation and obesity. We explore how the bioactive components in fermented tea influence gut health and their implications for metabolic health. Fermented tea may inhibit weight gain and fat accumulation in obese animal models, likely by promoting beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful species. Changes in the production of short-chain fatty acids and improvements in gut barrier integrity are linked to enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammatory markers, essential for effective obesity management. However, barriers remain in applying these findings in clinical settings, such as the need for standardized fermentation techniques and accurate dosage assessments. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of fermented tea in obesity treatment and advocates for further research to enhance its integration with public health initiatives.

Streamlining COM-B model: Insights from the Healthy Eating Context

The global rise in diet-related diseases highlights the urgent need for effective behavioural interventions. While theoretical frameworks like the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model are valuable for understanding and influencing healthy eating behaviours, their practical application is often hindered by complexity and extensive measurement demands. This study addresses these challenges by testing a simplified version of the COM-B model, focusing on a select set of items representing seven core constructs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 347 Australian young adults to validate this streamlined model, making it more accessible for researchers and practitioners. Our findings underscore the importance of automatic motivation, the physical environment, and physical capability as critical factors in promoting healthy eating behaviours. By simplifying the COM-B model, this research contributes to developing more practical and effective strategies for healthier eating, addressing a critical public health issue.

Robust cooperative hub location optimization considering demand uncertainty and hub disruptions

Amidst the rise of economic globalization and increased commodity trading, the logistics industry is experiencing rapid growth, encountering intricate transportation demands and fierce market competition. Simultaneously, it faces challenges related to infrastructure development and resource allocation efficiency. To enhance the adaptability and robustness of transportation networks when facing uncertain demands and potential hub disruptions, this paper proposes a two-stage robust optimization model for cooperative hub location problem. The model utilizes a hybrid algorithm that effectively combines the global search capability of genetic algorithms with the step-by-step optimization efficiency of Benders decomposition. Case study analyses demonstrate that, irrespective of the uncertainty environment, the cooperative model maintains lower total costs. Particularly in the case of large demand fluctuations, its cost advantages over non-cooperative models become notably prominent, showcasing remarkable performance in meeting service demands and enhancing resource utilization. Additionally, in cooperative networks, hub disruptions have a more significant impact on hub location decisions, with penalty and supplementary costs further exacerbating this influence. These research findings offer crucial insights for management practices: in uncertain market environments, adopting cooperative and robust planning strategies is pivotal for mitigating operational risks. When making decisions on cooperative hub location selection, carriers should comprehensively consider the interaction between uncertainty and economic benefits to achieve an optimal balance between risk and cost, ensuring the sustained economic feasibility of cooperative ventures.

Assessment of the readiness of health facilities in urban areas to deliver geriatric-friendly care services: a cross-sectional study in Kampala City, Uganda

BackgroundWith the global rise in the elderly population, ensuring geriatric-friendly healthcare services is paramount. This study aimed to assess the current readiness of health facilities in Kampala City, Uganda, to provide geriatric-friendly care services.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in 35 health facilities (HF) including Private for-profit (PFP), Private not-for-profit, and public (government-run) facilities at different levels i.e., Health Centre III, Health Centre IV, and Hospitals, within Kampala City, Uganda. Data was collected using a self-administered health facility assessment tool. Facilities scoring 80–100 were classified as fully ready to offer geriatric-friendly care, 51–79 indicated moderate readiness, and 0–50 indicated low readiness.ResultsThe overall readiness index (RI) across all facilities was low, 44.09 (SD ± 14.18). The National Referral Hospital (NRH), PFPs, and HFs in Kampala Central had the highest RI of 55.34. 47.63 and 51.09 respectively. The low readiness of HF to provide geriatric-friendly care was due to the low scores in leadership and governance (13.49), financing (19.29), human resource (42.66), and Health Management Information System (47.99) WHO building blocks. HCIVs had a higher readiness index than the other HF levels (Coefficient: 17.40, 95% CI: 4.16 to 30.64, p = 0.012). HFs in Kawempe had a significantly lower RI than those in Makindye and Kampala Central (Coefficient: -13.80, 95% CI: -24.48 to -3.11, p = 0.013).ConclusionThe findings of our study indicate that public and private health facilities in Kampala City are not ready enough to provide geriatric-friendly care services.

Fish oil-based bigels with outstanding sensory and antioxidant properties: Application in low-fat mayonnaise

Low-fat mayonnaise has gained widespread popularity as a condiment, driven in part by the global rise in obesity rates, which is partially linked to excessive fat consumption. In this study, the bigel systems were designed by preparing fish oil oleogels and gelatin hydrogels to produce low-fat mayonnaise. As the oleogel content increased in bigels, a phase inversion shifted from oil-in-water (O/W) systems to water-in-oil (W/O) systems. Rheology and mechanical property analysis revealed that the hardness and gel strength of bigels improved as the oleogel content increased. The freeze-thaw stability of bigels was impacted by the ratio of oil and water phases, with O/W systems enduring one additional freeze-thaw cycle compared to W/O systems. The bigel containing 40% oleogel (BG 40) and lemon essential oil significantly enhanced antioxidant properties, as measured by the levels of primary and secondary oxidation products. The antioxidative capacity of the gel, as indicated by the reduced development of primary and secondary oxidation products, was 301.4% and 196.7% greater, respectively, compared to that of the pure oleogel. Based on magnetic resonance imaging and sensory rating analysis, sample BG 40 demonstrated the most homogeneous structure and the best sensory properties. The sample BG 40, used as the fat substitute in preparing low-fat mayonnaise, reduced total oil content compared to full-fat mayonnaise. Our findings contributed to the development of low-fat mayonnaise using fish oil-based bigels, which exhibit exceptional sensory and antioxidant properties.

Questioning Sustainable Environmental Policies and Practices in Indonesia: Would Durkheim’s Structural Functionalism Theory Have a Relevance?

Indonesia, as a signatory to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These commitments, outlined in Law Number 16 of 2016, include limiting global temperature rise, setting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets, and developing a long-term strategy for net zero emissions by 2050. To meet these obligations, the Indonesian government has introduced Carbon Economic Value (CEV) policies through Presidential Regulation Number 98 of 2021. These policies aim to reduce GHG emissions by implementing carbon pricing mechanisms such as carbon trading, levies, and performance-based payments. However, the implementation of CEV policies has faced various reactions, including criticism and resistance. Despite these challenges, it's imperative not to hinder the policy's implementation, given its potential to drive significant societal and lifestyle changes towards a greener future. This study analyzes Indonesia's progress in reducing GHG emissions through CEV policies. Using normative legal research and qualitative analysis, it explores the positive impacts of these policies, including their alignment with structural functionalism theory. The study highlights that the implementation of CEV policies as an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia through carbon trading mechanisms, carbon taxes, and funding partnerships with developed countries aligns with structural functionalism theory according to Emile Durkheim. This is evidenced by the existence of a clear system (legal and governance) in implementing CEV policies, including regulators (Government), implementers (SOEs, private sector, and society), supervisors (UNFCCC), and program donors (World Bank, IMF), where each entity cooperates in an organized manner in accordance with the provisions of the Paris Agreement 2015 and Presidential Regulation 98 of 2021 continuously according to their respective tasks. This policy also brings about functional social change by promoting a harmonious balance to shift dependence away from fossil fuels towards more environmentally friendly Renewable Energy sources.

Health system interventions and responses to anti-microbial resistance: A scoping review of evidence from 15 African countries.

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is claiming the lives of more than 1.2 million people each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) this global health crisis is particularly acute in Africa, largely due to fragile and underfunded health systems. Efforts to combat this public health threat have led to the implementation of health system interventions worldwide aimed at managing and containing the spread of AMR. However, the literature on the real time impacts and the barriers that hinder the implementation of these interventions in the African context is limited. The objective of this scoping review was to identify AMR interventions in African health systems, their impact, and the challenges of the implementation. Drawing on Muka and colleague's 24 step approach for scoping reviews, two major public health databases (PubMed and Global Health) were searched for articles in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines resulting in 4,783 records. Screening and retrieval of articles was done using Rayyan software based on specified inclusion criteria and 36 articles included in the final list. These articles were synthesized after extracting specific data on AMR interventions and their impact on African health systems. The review identified four broad impacts of AMR interventions including 1. Reduction in antibiotics use, 2. Increased adherence to guidelines and protocols, 3. Enhanced laboratory-based AMR surveillance, 4. Development of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) Action Plans and Teams. However, challenges such as poor laboratory infrastructure, logistical challenges, poor financial commitment and inadequate education and training were identified as challenges impeding the successful implementation of AMR interventions in Africa. Our findings reveal a range of successful AMR interventions in African health systems although infrastructural and financial challenges remain. Better standardization and reporting of AMR diagnosis while leveraging the available information is needed to improve the optimization of treatment guidelines across Africa.

Associations of Cannabis Use, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, and Liver Fibrosis in U.S. Adults.

Introduction: Following the introduction of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) as a replacement term for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the relationship between MASLD and cannabis use has yet to be established. With the global rise in cannabis consumption, understanding its impact on MASLD is critical for clinical guidance. Our study investigated the association between cannabis use, MASLD, and clinically significant fibrosis (CSF) among U.S. adults. Methods: Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the period 2017 to 2018 to conduct a cross-sectional analysis. The diagnosis of hepatic steatosis and CSF was based on median values of the controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement, with thresholds of 285 dB/m and 8.6 kPa, respectively. Information on cannabis use was obtained through self-report questionnaires. Multinomial logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were used to investigate the association between cannabis use and MASLD with CSF. Results: Our study assessed data from 2,756 U.S. adults (51.1% female; 32.2% white; mean age 39.41 ± 11.83 years), who had complete information on liver stiffness measurements through transient elastography alongside reported cannabis use. Results indicated that cannabis use overall was not associated with liver stiffness in patients with MASLD. However, among females, cannabis use was associated with MASLD accompanied by CSF, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.91). Heavy cannabis use (9 to 30 times per month) was associated with MASLD accompanied by CSF among female participants, with an adjusted OR of 0.12 (95% CI: 0.02-0.88). Conclusion: In our study, cannabis use did not show a significant association with liver stiffness in patients diagnosed with MASLD. However, heavy cannabis consumption in women was associated with MASLD accompanied by CSF. These findings suggest that the effects of cannabis on liver health may differ based on gender and frequency of cannabis use, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.

Effect of the dose, timing, and route of administration of mesenchymal stem cells on their regenerative capacity after myocardial infarction: A systematic review

Background The global rise in cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) poses a significant health challenge, which is why adult stem cells have gained great importance in recent years, due to their potential to promote the regeneration of the flowcardiac tissue, among which multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) stand out, thanks to their clinical usefulness. Objectives To evaluate the effect of the dose, timing, and route of administration of MSCs on their regenerative capacity after MI. Methods We searched for randomized clinical trials and experimental studies published up to April 25, 2024, in Medline (PubMed) and Scopus. Results Nine clinical studies were included in the qualitative assessment. The main routes of application were coronary, intramyocardially, epicardial topical and systemic venous perfusion, which could have clinical effectiveness with doses of 1x106 MSC/Kg,1 to 3 x 106, 4x106 and those greater than 0.5x106, respectively. The median number of viable cells administered was 2.4x106 (IQR: 1.6-2.4) in the PCI group versus 1.6x106 in the RCVI group (p=0.167). Median ex vivo retention was 2.55% in the RCVI group, 30 days after AMI, and 39.40% in the PCI group. At 4 and 12 months of follow-up, a better left ventricular end-to-end (LVEF) was observed in the group treated with ADSCs, at 4 (51.8% ±5.4% vs. 35.5% ±1.9%) and 8 weeks (52.1%± 3.4% versus 34.2% ±4.7%, p = 0.048). Conclusions The dosing, timing of administration, and routes of administration were important factors to assess the efficacy of the MSC.