Disease Prevention Strategies Research Articles

Global Burden of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Attributed to High Fasting Plasma Glucose from 1990 to 2019.

Burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias have grown rapidly over the decades, and high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) was one of the well-established risk factors. It is urgently needed to estimate the global burden of AD and other dementias attributable to high fasting plasma glucose between regions, countries, age groups, and sexes to inform development of effective primary disease prevention strategies and intervention policies. The burden of AD and other dementias attributable to HFPG was estimated based on a modeling strategy using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 dataset. The disease burden and time trend globally and by region, country, development level, age group, and sex were evaluated. The number of AD and other dementias-related deaths attributable to HFPG increased from 42,998.23 (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 4459.86-163,455.78, the year of 1990) to 159,244.53 deaths (95% UI 18,385.23-583,514.15, the year of 2019). The age-standardized death rate increased from 1.69 (95% UI 0.18-6.54) in 1990 to 2.24 (95% UI 0.26-8.24) in 2019. The burden was higher in more developed regions. The burden in women was double that in men, that HFPG-attributable AD and other dementias caused 99,812.79 deaths (95% UI 9005.67-387,160.60) in women and 59,431.74 deaths (95% UI 5439.02-214,819.23) in men, with age-standardized death rate of 2.27 (95% UI 0.20-8.79) per 100,000 population in women and 2.20 (95% UI 0.20-8.00) in men. Findings from the current study emphasizes the urgent requirement for targeted interventions in high-development regions, as well as the importance of proactive measures in middle-development countries in protection of AD and other dementias. The gender disparity necessitates the integration of gender-specific considerations in targeted approaches in prevention of AD and other dementias.

Follow the Arrows: Using a Co-Created Causal Loop Diagram to Explore Leverage Points to Strengthen Population Physical Activity Promotion in British Columbia, Canada.

Population physical activity promotion (PPAP) is one of the most effective noncommunicable disease prevention strategies, yet coordination is lacking around the world. Whole-of-system approaches and complex systems methods are called for to advance PPAP. This paper reports on a project which (1)used an Attributes Framework with system mapping (group model building and causal loop diagramming of feedback loops) and (2)identified potential leverage points to address the challenge of effective coordination of multisectoral PPAP in British Columbia. Key findings from stakeholder interviews and workshops described the current system for PPAP in terms of attributes and dimensions in the framework. These were translated into variables and used in group model building. Participants prioritized the importance of variables to address the coordination challenge and then created causal loop diagrams in 3 small groups. One collective causal loop diagram was created, and top priority variables and associated feedback loops were highlighted to explore potential leverage points. Leverage points included the relationships and feedback loops among priority variables: political leadership, visible policy support and governance, connectivity for knowledge translation, collaborative multisector grants, multisector collaboration, and integrating co-benefits. Leveraging and altering "vicious" cyclical patterns to increase coordinated multisector PPAP are key. The Attributes Framework, group model building and causal loop diagrams, and emergent feedback loops were useful to explore potential leverage points to address the challenge of multisectoral coordination of PPAP. Future research could apply the same methods in other jurisdictions and compare and contrast resultant frameworks, variables, feedback loops, and leverage points.

The Impact of Genomic Sequencing on Veterinary Diagnostics

Genomic sequencing has revolutionized veterinary diagnostics by providing a comprehensive understanding of an animal's genetic makeup and its implications for health and disease. By unraveling genetic variations and disease markers, genomic sequencing enables precise and early diagnoses of inherited diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer in animals. It empowers veterinarians to tailor treatment approaches based on an animal's genomic data, including targeted therapies and personalized medicine. Genomic sequencing also enhances disease surveillance, aids in breeding programs, and improves disease prevention strategies. However, the use of genomic sequencing in veterinary diagnostics raises ethical considerations, such as informed consent, privacy, and data ownership. Challenges include data privacy and security, interpretation of complex genomic data, and ensuring accessibility to genomic sequencing technologies. Emerging trends, including expanded genomic databases, integration of multi-omics approaches, and the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, offer new opportunities for improved diagnoses and treatment outcomes. In conclusion, genomic sequencing has a profound impact on veterinary diagnostics, enabling precise diagnoses, personalized treatment approaches, and advancements in breeding programs and disease prevention.

Nutrigenetics: unravelling the genetic contributions to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus

In this review, we aim to explore the field of nutrigenetics and its potential impact on obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Current dietary approaches in nutritional science often overlook the individual’s genetic profile, limiting the effectiveness of personalized diets. Nutrigenetics aims to incorporate genetic data into nutritional interventions to optimize disease prevention and treatment strategies. Regarding obesity, genetic factors, including multiple genes and alleles, influence body weight and predisposition to obesity. The FTO and MC4R genes, for example, have been linked to weight gain and appetite regulation. Similarly, genetic variations in the APO-A and APO-E gene families affect lipid metabolism and susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Genetic variations in genes such as MTHFR and PPAR-γ2 have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, while dietary factors, such as the consumption of fruits and vegetables, can reduce the likelihood of developing these diseases. In diabetes mellitus, both type 1 and type 2, genetic factors also play a significant role. Genes like IGF2BP2 and PRKAA2 impact insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. Although nutrigenetics is still a developing field, it has the potential to revolutionize personalized nutrition plans and improve health outcomes.

Experimental infection of cattle, sheep, and goats with the newly emerged epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) emerged in Europe for the first time in late 2022. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of EHDV-8 infection in cattle, sheep, and goats. Following experimental infection with EHDV-8, four out of five calves displayed fever, while another calf exhibited ulcerative and crusty lesions of the muzzle. RNAemia peaked at day 7 post infection in all calves and remained relatively stable till the end of the study, at 78 days post infection. Infectious virus was isolated up to 21 days post infection in one calf. As far as small ruminants are concerned, one sheep experienced fever and two out of five had consistent RNAemia that lasted until the end of the study. Remarkably, infectious virus was evidenced at day 7 post infection in one sheep. In goats, no RNA was observed. All infected animals seroconverted, and a neutralizing immune response was observed in all species, with calves exhibiting a more robust response than sheep and goats. Our study provides insights into the kinetics of EHDV-8 infection and the host immune responses. We also highlight that sheep may also play a role in EHDV-8 epidemiology. Altogether, the data gathered in this study could have important implications for disease control and prevention strategies, providing crucial information to policy makers to mitigate the impact of this viral disease on livestock.

Immune System and Nutrition in Fish

Fish have a complex immune system consisting of various defense mechanisms to protect their bodies from disease-causing organisms and external threats. While fish's immune system shares some similarities with that of humans, it also has some differences. Understanding and researching the immune system of fish in recent years has become crucial for combating infections in both natural habitats and fish farms. The health of fish depends not only on environmental factors but also on the strength of their immune systems. In fish farms, the risk of infectious diseases spreading increases due to high fish density and limited living spaces. Therefore, fish producers employ various methods to strengthen the immune system of fish. Immunostimulants play a significant role in this context. These compounds, which stimulate both specific and non-specific immune systems in fish, can enhance resistance to infectious diseases. The immune system of fish can vary depending on species and environmental conditions. Factors such as nutrition, stress, water temperature, and water quality can affect the immune system of fish. Thus, in situations like fish farming or aquarium maintenance, measures such as maintaining proper water conditions, providing balanced nutrition, practicing hygiene, and implementing disease prevention strategies should be taken into account to support the health of fish.

Changing epidemiologic patterns of typhus group rickettsiosis and scrub typhus in China, 1950-2022

ObjectivesWe conducted a systematic analysis of the notifiable rickettsial diseases in humans in China during 1950-2022. MethodsWe utilized descriptive statistics to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic characteristics of typhus group rickettsiosis (TGR) and scrub typhus (ST) cases. ResultsSince the 1950s, there have been variations in the incidence rate of TGR and ST in China, with a downtrend for TGR and an uptrend for ST. The South became a high-incidence area of TGR, whereas the North was previously the high-incidence area. ST cases were concentrated in the South and the geographic area of ST spread northward and westward. The seasonality of TGR and ST were similar in the South but distinct in the North. Most TGR and ST cases were reported by county-level medical institutions, whereas primary institutions reported the least. Delayed diagnosis was associated with fatal outcomes of TGR and ST. Cases in low-incidence provinces, confirmed by laboratory tests and reported from county/municipal-level institutions had higher odds of delayed diagnoses. ConclusionsOur study revealed significant changes in the epidemiological characteristics of TGR and ST in China, which can provide useful information to enhance the control and prevention strategies of rickettsial diseases in China.

Estimation of HbA1c for DMT2 risk prediction on the Mexican population based in Artificial Neural Networks

In this paper, the main objective is to estimate the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin through an easily accessible computational platform to estimate the risk of generating type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Mexican population. The estimation of the computational tool is developed through an artificial neural network model, which was trained and validated according to a population sample of 1120 Mexican people between 18 and 59 years old. The model inputs were gender, age, body mass index, waist circumference, weekly food consumption, family history, and whether the person suffers from any chronic degenerative disease other than T2DM. We used the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin as output, estimated according to a dynamic glucose model. The estimation results present a coefficient of determination of 99 %, demonstrating an acceptable performance of the neural network model. The developed platform is an aid tool for health personnel, which seeks to generate a first approximation to the glycemic status of those communities with a high marginalization index for generating disease prevention strategies.

Strategy and Methodology of Modern Preventіve Physіcal and Rehabіlіtatіon Medіcіne іn the Health Care System of Ukraіne

The main sense of the preventive physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) strategy is the development and implementation of medical and social projects, which are based on certain backgrounds, principles, tasks and strategies. The purpose of a quality life formation is to promote the achievement of well-being and health at all levels and for all persons and the main mechanisms of its formation are the creation of conditions for individuals, groups of people, communities and a positive impact on health problems. The disease and its consequences, which disturb the necessary balance of medical, psychological and social components, lead to a change in the quality of a person’s life, to his partial or complete isolation from social life, which causes social disintegration. This necessitates the development and implementation in the health care system of Ukraine of promising preventive rehabilitation/habilitation technologies to improve the quality of life, which includes a person’s assessment of his physical, mental and social well-being. The article deals with modern views on preventive PRM as a disease prevention strategy, which includes the technology and organization of diagnostic and health-improving methods. The modern PRM strategy is determined by the priority of the systemic approach, the use of biopsychosocial models, the focus on the personalization of the individual, and provides for changes in the basic paradigm of the implementation and assessment of rehabilitation measures. Modern technologies in education and training have a positive impact on health promotion, rehabilitation and prevention, medical diagnosis, functional assessment, treatment and rehabilitation management for persons of any age who have experienced limitations in daily functioning due to health conditions. Preventive PRM is person- and functioning-oriented (as opposed to organ- and disease-oriented specialties or specialties that focus on specific age groups) and aims to improve activity, quality of life, improve healthy behaviors, and promote the positive influence of personal and environmental factors on functioning. Preventive PRM allows to manage person’s health. A person does not passively learn about the state of his health, but with the help of modern rehabilitation diagnostic technologies, a multidisciplinary approach, information support, specialists capable of implementing a complex of rehabilitation technologies, gets to know his body, understands what negatively affects his health, and which improves him, and most importantly, learns to manage these processes by himself.

Dissecting the impact of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection on functional networks and community stability of the tick microbiome.

Pathogens can manipulate microbial interactions to ensure survival, potentially altering the functional patterns and microbiome assembly. The present study investigates how Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection affects the functional diversity, composition, and assembly of the Ixodes scapularis microbiome, with a focus on high central pathways-those characterized by elevated values in centrality metrics such as eigenvector, betweenness, and degree measures, in the microbial community. Using previously published data from nymphs' gut V4 region's amplicons of bacterial 16S rRNA, we predicted the functional diversity and composition in control and A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks and inferred co-occurrence networks of taxa and ubiquitous pathways in each condition to associate the high central pathways to the microbial community assembly. Although no differences were observed concerning pathways richness and diversity, there was a significant impact on taxa and functional assembly when ubiquitous pathways in each condition were filtered. Moreover, a notable shift was observed in the microbiome's high central functions. Specifically, pathways related to the degradation of nucleosides and nucleotides emerged as the most central functions in response to A. phagocytophilum infection. This finding suggests a reconfiguration of functional relationships within the microbial community, potentially influenced by the pathogen's limited metabolic capacity. This limitation implies that the tick microbiome may provide additional metabolic resources to support the pathogen's functional needs. Understanding the metabolic interactions within the tick microbiome can enhance our knowledge of pathogen colonization mechanisms and uncover new disease control and prevention strategies. For example, certain pathways that were more abundant or highly central during infection may represent potential targets for microbiota-based vaccines.

Data attribution and quantitative analysis for heart disease screening

Heart disease is a globally common fatal diseases, and its appearance has always been of great concern. The goal of this paper was to analyse factors of variation in the appearance of heart disease in Cleveland area with a view to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and comprehension of heart disease. This paper utilized data which includes the prevalence of heart disease in Cleveland region, which contains several characteristic variables such as age, gender, type of chest pain, etc., as well as the target variable, the prevalence of heart disease. First, the data were subjected to data pre-processing, including missing value treatment, outlier treatment, and feature engineering. Then, Granger causality test could be utilized to find out the correlation among features and target in order to distinguish the features that have a significant impact on the prevalence of heart disease. The outcome of the experiment showed that there was a major causal relationship between features such as ST depression led by oldpeak, slope of the highest exercise ST segment, a blood disorder called thalassemia (thal), and heart disease incidence. And different degrees of blood diseases may increase the risk of the disease. These results have significant implications for the progression of targeted heart disease prevention strategies and health management policies. Further studies can incorporate more features and data to enhance models precision and accuracy and interpretability, providing more valuable information for better understanding the pathogenesis of heart disease and predicting risk.

Next Generation Therapeutic Strategy for Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline: Transient, Once-in-a-Lifetime-Only Depletion of Intraneuronal Aβ (iAβ) by Its Targeted Degradation via Augmentation of Intra-iAβ-Cleaving Activities of BACE1 and/or BACE2.

Although the long-standing Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis (ACH) has been largely discredited, its main attribute, the centrality of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), remains the cornerstone of any potential interpretation of the disease: All known AD-causing mutations, without a single exception, affect, in one way or another, Aβ. The ACH2.0, a recently introduced theory of AD, preserves this attribute but otherwise differs fundamentally from the ACH. It posits that AD is a two-stage disorder where both stages are driven by intraneuronal (rather than extracellular) Aβ (iAβ) albeit of two distinctly different origins. The first asymptomatic stage is the decades-long accumulation of Aβ protein precursor (AβPP)-derived iAβ to the critical threshold. This triggers the activation of the self-sustaining AβPP-independent iAβ production pathway and the commencement of the second, symptomatic AD stage. Importantly, Aβ produced independently of AβPP is retained intraneuronally. It drives the AD pathology and perpetuates the operation of the pathway; continuous cycles of the iAβ-stimulated propagation of its own AβPP-independent production constitute an engine that drives AD, the AD Engine. It appears that the dynamics of AβPP-derived iAβ accumulation is the determining factor that either drives Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline (AACD) and triggers AD or confers the resistance to both. Within the ACH2.0 framework, the ACH-based drugs, designed to lower levels of extracellular Aβ, could be applicable in the prevention of AD and treatment of AACD because they reduce the rate of accumulation of AβPP-derived iAβ. The present study analyzes their utility and concludes that it is severely limited. Indeed, their short-term employment is ineffective, their long-term engagement is highly problematic, their implementation at the symptomatic stages of AD is futile, and their evaluation in conventional clinical trials for the prevention of AD is impractical at best, impossible at worst, and misleading in between. In contrast, the ACH2.0-guided Next Generation Therapeutic Strategy for the treatment and prevention of both AD and AACD, namely the depletion of iAβ via its transient, short-duration, targeted degradation by the novel ACH2.0-based drugs, has none of the shortcomings of the ACH-based drugs. It is potentially highly effective, easily evaluable in clinical trials, and opens up the possibility of once-in-a-lifetime-only therapeutic intervention for prevention and treatment of both conditions. It also identifies two plausible ACH2.0-based drugs: activators of physiologically occurring intra-iAβ-cleaving capabilities of BACE1 and/or BACE2.

Identification and Characterization of the CPP Gene Family in the Genome of Aedes aegypti L. (Yellow Fever Mosquito) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti is an important vector organism responsible for carrying numerous arboviral pathogens and serious diseases, including yellow fever, Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue fever. The CPP gene family, one of the crucial molecular defense systems, plays a significant role in the regulation of growth and development by controlling the production of proteins. In this study, a comprehensive genome analysis of the CPP gene family in Ae. aegypti was conducted. Each gene was thoroughly characterized, gene structures were examined, and conserved motifs were investigated. Additionally, the properties of these proteins were comprehensively analyzed. Expression analyses were performed to reveal the effects of CPP genes on development by calculating Reads Per Kilobase Million (RPKM) values. The findings emphasize the importance of CPP genes in controlling arboviral pathogens and understanding general stress responses in insects. The information derived from this research could contribute to the development of more effective intervention strategies for Ae. aegypti and other vector carriers to cope with stress. In conclusion, the systematic analysis of the CPP gene family in the Ae. aegypti genome is a crucial step in the management and development of effective disease prevention strategies for this species. Moreover, this study provides a significant foundation for future functional genomics research in understanding the structure and function of CPP genes.

Prospects for the use of probiotic organisms to develop alternative strategies for disinfection and prevention of infectious diseases

Introduction: An important feature of microorganisms is the ability to adapt to adverse external influences, including the development of multiple antimicrobial resistance, leading to such negative consequences for humans as nosocomial infections, problems with cleaning rooms, medical and industrial equipment. The active use of chemical disinfectants for high-quality disinfection and cleaning has a number of disadvantages, including the risks of pathogens with new mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents. The search for new, effective and safe antimicrobial agents as an alternative to chemical disinfectants is relevant. The use of probiotic strains of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, in this capacity may be a promising area of research.Objective: to analyze the literature data on studies of the potential of probiotic organisms, including lactic acid bacteria, to develop alternative disinfection and prevention strategies.Materials and methods: This review of the subject field has been prepared based on the guiding principles of PRISMA-ScR. SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and RSCI databases were used. The works in Russian and English were considered, for the period 1995-2023.Results: The review included 89 articles exploring the disadvantages of traditional disinfection methods and the search for alternative sanitation strategies. The description of various solutions for the introduction of probiotic purification methods is systematized – using bacteriophages, probiotic microorganisms of R. Bacillus and representatives of lactic acid bacteria as active agents.Conclusions: A system of sanitary measures based on probiotic biodesinfectants, including lactic acid bacteria, can be included among the tools for countering pathogens, including their biofilms and forms with multidrug resistance. The introduction of a probiotic hygienic cleaning system, without having a negative impact on the environment, can increase the effectiveness of traditional hygienic preventive measures both in medical institutions and in production.

Multi-country collaborative citizen science projects to co-design cardiovascular disease prevention strategies and advocacy: findings from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, and South Africa

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVD) were responsible for 20.5 million annual deaths globally in 2021, with a disproportionally high burden in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is growing evidence of the use of citizen science and co-design approaches in developing interventions in different fields, but less so in the context of CVD prevention interventions in SSA. This paper reports on the collaborative multi-country project that employed citizen science and a co-design approach to (i) explore CVD risk perceptions, (ii) develop tailored prevention strategies, and (iii) support advocacy in different low-income settings in SSA.MethodsThis is a participatory citizen science study with a co-design component. Data was collected from 205 participants aged 18 to 75 years in rural and urban communities in Malawi, Ethiopia and Rwanda, and urban South Africa. Fifty-one trained citizen scientists used a mobile app-based (EpiCollect) semi-structured survey questionnaire to collect data on CVD risk perceptions from participants purposively selected from two communities per country. Data collected per community included 100–150 photographs and 150–240 voice recordings on CVD risk perceptions, communication and health-seeking intentions. Thematic and comparative analysis were undertaken with the citizen scientists and the results were used to support citizen scientists-led stakeholder advocacy workshops. Findings are presented using bubble graphs based on weighted proportions of key risk factors indicated.ResultsNearly three in every five of the participants interviewed reported having a relative with CVD. The main perceived causes of CVD in all communities were substance use, food-related factors, and litter, followed by physical inactivity, emotional factors, poverty, crime, and violence. The perceived positive factors for cardiovascular health were nutrition, physical activity, green space, and clean/peaceful communities. Multi-level stakeholders (45–84 persons/country) including key decision makers participated in advocacy workshops and supported the identification and prioritization of community-specific CVD prevention strategies and implementation actions. Citizen science-informed CVD risk screening and referral to care interventions were piloted in six communities in three countries with about 4795 adults screened and those at risk referred for care. Health sector stakeholders indicated their support for utilising a citizen-engaged approach in national NCDs prevention programmes. The citizen scientists were excited by the opportunity to lead research and advocacy.ConclusionThe collaborative engagement, participatory learning, and co-designing activities enhanced active engagement between citizen scientists, researchers, and stakeholders. This, in turn, provided context-specific insights on CVD prevention in the different SSA settings.

Factors and challenges contributing to antimicrobial resistance in East African pastoral settings and importance of One Health approach

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is acknowledged as a One Health dilemma because resistant microbial and genes are swiftly appearing and spreading worldwide across humans, animals and the environment. Livestock owners in East African pastoral regions face significant financial and socio-economic challenges owing to animal diseases that can be particularly severe in remote areas, where communities rely solely on their livestock for subsistence. Unfortunately, providing veterinary services in these regions is challenging because of the inadequate infrastructure and limited resources. Consequently, pastoralists may resort to self-medicating their animals, often using antimicrobials in ways that can contribute to the emergence of AMR. Prolonged use, overuse, or misuse of antimicrobial drugs in both human and animal populations in low-income East African pastoral settings is a significant factor that contributes to the emergence of AMR in these regions. Similarly, a significant factor contributing to the spread of AMR in pastoral regions is the disregard for withdrawal periods by pastoralists, owing to a lack of awareness about AMR. Inadequate sanitation protocols and limited access to uncontaminated water sources are additional factors contributing to the dissemination of AMR pathogens in both animals and humans. This leads to critical public health concerns that hinder effective antimicrobial treatment, reduce animal productivity, and have economic consequences for pastoralists. Addressing the challenges associated with AMR requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that can facilitate the coordinated surveillance and monitoring of AMR, promote the rational use of antimicrobials, advocate for alternative disease prevention and management strategies, and raise awareness among communities and healthcare professionals in pastoral areas about the emergence of AMR. The challenges and factors contributing to AMR in pastoral settings are complex; however, the One Health approach offers a promising strategy for reducing the risk of AMR. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the factors and challenges associated with AMR in pastoral settings, and proposes the adoption of a One Health approach as a solution to this pressing issue. One Health impact statement The review highlights that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in East African pastoral settings is a significant issue that contributes to the emergence and spread of AMR worldwide. Prolonged use, overuse, or misuse of antimicrobials in human and animal populations is a significant factor in the emergence of AMR in these settings. The challenges and factors contributing to AMR in pastoral settings are intricate and call for a multi-faceted approach that encourages rational use of antimicrobials, promotes alternative prevention and management methods, and enhances awareness among Eastern African pastoral communities. The article highlights the significance of adopting the One Health approach in mitigating the hazards of AMR in these settings.

Research progress on the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between respiratory allergies and skin allergies

Allergic disease is a systemic disease that affects multiple systems. Respiratory tract and skin are the most frequently involved organs of allergies, which include allergic rhinitis, asthma, acute and chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, etc.. They are closely correlated clinically. Respiratory allergies and skin allergies often occur in one patient in the form of synchronous occurrence, synchronous aggravation or mutual transfer of symptoms, and early atopic dermatitis in infants is an independent risk factor of respiratory allergy. Type Ⅰ hypersensitivity is the most common immunologic mechanism of respiratory and skin allergies, which are mediated by allergens induction, multiple immune cells and inflammatory cells involvement, and IgE medicated mast cell degranulation. This present article provides a brief review on the epidemiology, tissue origin, and pathogenesis of respiratory airway allergy and skin allergy, in order to provide new ideas and reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment and the development of allergic disease prevention strategies.

The Cantabria Cohort, a protocol for a population-based cohort in northern Spain

Cantabria Cohort stems from a research and action initiative lead by researchers from Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and University of Cantabria, supported by the regional Goverment. Its aim is to identify and follow up a cohort that would provide information to improve the understanding of the etiology and prognosis of different acute and chronic diseases. The Cantabria Cohort will recruit between 40,000–50,000 residents aged 40–69 years at baseline, representing 10–20% of the target population. Currently, more than 30,000 volunteers have been enrolled. All participants will be invited for a re-assessment every three years, while the overall duration is planned for twenty years. The repeated collection of biomaterials combined with broad information from participant questionnaires, medical examinations, actual health system records and other secondary public data sources is a major strength of its design, which will make it possible to address biological pathways of disease development, identify new factors involved in health and disease, design new strategies for disease prevention, and advance precision medicine. It is conceived to allow access to a large number of researchers worldwide to boost collaboration and medical research.

INTRICACIES OF VAGINAL MICROBIOME IN HUMAN FEMALE HEALTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW

The vaginal microbiome profoundly impacts women's reproductive health. This review examines its significance, exploring microbial diversity, imbalances, infections, and preventive strategies. Imbalances, triggered by various factors, lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Research into personalized interventions, including probiotics tailored to individual microbial compositions, shows promise. Novel therapeutics targeting dysbiosis and disease prevention strategies, alongside technological advancements in diagnostics, highlight the future of healthcare. Understanding microbiome-associated reproductive outcomes and identifying microbial biomarkers for diseases beyond infections are emerging frontiers. Integrating findings into clinical practice and public education enhances vaginal health practices. This comprehensive overview underscores the need for continued research to develop precise interventions supporting a balanced vaginal microbiome and enhancing women's reproductive well-being. The evolving understanding of the vaginal microbiome holds vast potential to revolutionize healthcare, aiming for personalized, preventive, and effective interventions.

Advancing Engagement and Enrollment of Older Black Americans in Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia‐Related Research

AbstractBackgroundThe under‐enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials limits the development of culturally tailored disease treatments and preventative strategies. For example, African Americans experience a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet they remain woefully underrepresented in AD research. This limits understanding of how AD may operate differently in black populations, who have a higher burden of socio‐structural determinants of health. To improve older black American enrollment, The NYU Healthy Brain Aging and Sleep Center (HBASC) team developed a method tailored toward increasing minority enrollment in clinical trials by collaborating with community‐based organizations and minority populations to reexamine barriers to trial participation.MethodHBASC conducted a single‐site (New York Metropolitan Area) longitudinal study examining sleep and AD in healthy black adults (aged 60‐75). From the study, barriers to trial enrollment were evaluated on a systemic and individual level. The degree to which each level directly or indirectly contributed to barriers to enrollment was further explored using a series of steps and practices seeking to engage underrepresented communities in research. In doing so, team members established and implemented a community‐focused method called FEED. Study personnel demonstrated the feed method by Finding groups, organizations, and trusted community members to collaborate with, Educating community members, Engaging community members through events and educational seminars, and Delivering resources to the community.ResultThrough collaborations with community leaders and organizations, the study team performed community outreach events, raising disease awareness, sustaining trustful relationships, and providing educational resources. The study team saw ∼50% increase in black participant enrollment through the FEED method. Increased engagement in medical research was accomplished when underrepresented communities were empowered with the tools and resources to make knowledgeable decisions.ConclusionDiverse populations of patients face complex and multifaceted barriers to enrollment in clinical trials. A FEED framework will help address these barriers at an individual and systemic level.