Viable Prevention Strategy Research Articles

Associations of C‐reactive protein and homocysteine with neuropsychological outcomes in older adults at risk of dementia

AbstractBackgroundInflammation is becoming increasingly recognised as a core feature of dementia and neurodegenerative processes. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and homocysteine are blood‐based markers of non‐specific inflammation used in clinical settings. This study aimed to 1) investigate the associations of hs‐CRP and homocysteine on neuropsychological performance (i.e. verbal memory, executive function, processing speed) in older adults attending a memory clinic; and 2) examine whether these associations differed for individuals at varying risk stages of dementia, i.e. with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) vs. mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodWe recruited older adults aged ≥ 50 years with new‐onset cognitive concerns without dementia. A fasting blood sample was used to obtain concentrations of serum hs‐CRP (mg/L) and plasma homocysteine (µmol/L). Hs‐CRP levels were grouped into low <1.0mg/L, moderate 1.0‐3.0mg/L, and high risk >3.0‐10.0 mg/L. A standardised neuropsychological assessment was conducted by a clinical neuropsychologist, and composite scores for each neuropsychological outcome were calculated as an average of z‐scores of all tests within the same domain. Classifications of MCI were determined by clinician consensus as having objective impairments in neuropsychological tests (≥1.5SDs below normative scores). Multiple regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical factors.ResultThe final sample consisted of 423 participants (Mean age = 67.37 years [SD = 8.15], 63.1% female, mean MMSE = 28.95 [SD = 1.35]), who were classified as either having SCD (n = 158) or MCI (n = 265). Hs‐CRP and homocysteine concentrations did not differ between SCD and MCI groups. In participants with SCD, high‐risk CRP concentrations were significantly associated with poorer executive function (β = ‐.226, 95% CI = [‐0.692, ‐0.059], p = .020) and processing speed (β = ‐.212, 95% CI = [‐0.584, ‐0.025], p = .033). There were no significant associations between CRP and neuropsychological outcomes in those with MCI, or in the total sample. Homocysteine was not associated with cognitive outcomes.ConclusionCRP may be involved in early disruptions to cerebral frontal‐subcortical pathways. Targeting inflammation in the earliest stages of cognitive decline, where subjective complains are paramount, may be a viable strategy for prevention.

From bytes to bites: In-silico creation of a novel multi-epitope vaccine against Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus

Flaviviruses transmitted by arthropods, including the Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus (MVEV), are RNA viruses capable of causing severe encephalitis in various hosts. The spread of these viruses is closely linked to climatic conditions and the habitats of host and vector species, leading to outbreaks in new geographic regions. Notable encephalitis-causing flaviviruses include Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Kunjin virus (KUNV). MVEV, primarily spread by the mosquito Culex annulirostris and amplified by water birds such as egrets and Nankeen night herons, has caused significant outbreaks in Australia, including severe epidemics in 1951, 1956, and 1974. Despite its severity, no rapid diagnostic techniques or effective antiviral treatments are available, and current interventions are limited to supportive care and mosquito management. Given the absence of a licensed vaccine, this study aimed to develop a multi-epitope hybrid vaccine targeting MVEV using in silico approaches. The study focused on identifying B-cell and T-cell epitopes from the MVEV Envelope (E) protein, constructing a vaccine candidate, and computationally validating its immunogenic potential. The designed vaccine underwent rigorous analysis of its antigenic properties, allergenicity, and toxicity. Disulfide engineering and assessment of physicochemical properties ensured the structural integrity of the vaccine, supported by Ramachandran plot and ProSA web analyses. Molecular docking studies assessed the vaccine's binding affinities with TLR-3, and MHC-I. Population coverage analysis of MHC-I and MHC-II epitopes evaluated global efficacy. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations explored the stability of docked complexes, and PDBsum analysis elucidated interaction details. Immunological simulations were conducted to predict immune response outcomes, providing comprehensive validation of the vaccine's antigenicity. The findings highlight the potential of a multi-epitope vaccine as a viable strategy for MVEV prevention.

Well-Being and Cardiovascular Health: Insights From the UK Biobank Study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global health concern. Emerging evidence suggests a potential protective role of well-being in reducing CVD risk. We conducted a cohort analysis using the UK Biobank data set, encompassing 121 317 participants. We assessed the well-being of participants using a well-being index derived from baseline questionnaires. Well-being categories were derived by latent class analysis using general happiness and satisfaction with family, friendships, health, and finance situations. The relationship between well-being and 4 major CVDs was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and Mendelian randomization. The study also examined the impacts of well-being on lifestyle factors and inflammatory markers, and its mediating role in the well-being-CVD relationship. Higher well-being was associated with a significantly reduced risk of various CVDs. Latent class analysis identified 4 distinct well-being groups (low, variable, moderate-to-high, and high satisfaction), with higher satisfaction levels generally associated with lower risk of CVDs. Mendelian randomization suggested potential causal relationships between well-being and reduced risk of CVDs. Participants with greater well-being demonstrated healthier behaviors and lower levels of inflammatory markers. Mediation analysis indicated that lifestyle and inflammatory markers partially mediated the relationship between well-being and CVDs. This study demonstrates a robust inverse association between well-being and the risks of CVDs, suggesting that enhancing well-being may be a viable strategy for CVD prevention. The role of lifestyle factors and inflammation as a mediator provides insight into possible biological pathways linking psychological states and cardiovascular health.

Mitigation of mild steel corrosion using Schiff base-derived inhibitors in acidic media: An experimental and theoretical study

Corrosion presents a substantial hurdle in the oil and gas industry, and corrosion inhibitors represent an economically viable strategy for control and prevention. As operating conditions in oil and gas extraction become increasingly harsh, factors such as cost, availability, and service temperature significantly influence inhibitor selection. While there is a wealth of literature on organic corrosion inhibitors, many exhibit a notable decrease in effectiveness at elevated temperatures, hindering their industrial application. To address this issue, we synthesized a novel Schiff base derivative, 1-((E)-(4-chlorophenylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol (E4CMN), and investigated its effectiveness in inhibiting corrosion on Q235 immersed in a 1 M HCl. E4CMN adsorbs onto the surface by forming strong π-d interactions with Fe through the delocalized π electrons in its conjugated structure, effectively blocking the attack of corrosive particles towards the metal surface and consequently suppressing metal corrosion. Our study demonstrates that E4CMN exhibits maximum efficiencies of 96.9 % at a concentration of 250 mg L−1. Importantly, E4CMN shows insensitivity to service temperature, maintaining an 84.4 % corrosion inhibition efficiency even when exposed to 75 °C. This work provides novel insights into mechanism of inhibition of mild steel corrosion by Schiff base derivatives in acidic environments and offers valuable considerations for the development and selection of corrosion inhibitors for high-temperature applications.

Binuclear TbⅢ complex used for the fluorescent detection of 2, 6-pyridindicarboxylic acid, an anthrax biomarker

Anthrax is a potentially highly lethal acute infectious disease caused by the zoonotic bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which poses a threat to human life and health. 2, 6-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA) is a significant component of bacterial spores as a typical anthrax biomarker. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a simple and efficient detection method for DPA. Here, we successfully synthesized a binuclear terbium complex with formulas [Tb2(DMOMP)2(CH3OH)2(H2O)4Cl2]·2Cl·2CH3OH, which is constructed by 2, 6-dimethoxy-4-methylphenol (DMOMP) and TbⅢ ion. Each TbⅢ ion center is encapsulated by seven O atoms and one Cl− anion. Based on this, the encapsulated coordination environment facilitated efficient ligand energy transfer via the “antenna effect”. Therefore, the complex exhibits interesting luminescence response characteristics, with fast and stable green fluorescence response to DPA, low detection limit Ksv = 1.08 × 10−5 M−1, and fluorescence lifetime τ = 754.93 μs. [Tb2(DMOMP)2(CH3OH)2(H2O)4Cl2]·2Cl·2CH3OH has excellent fluorescence properties and strong immunity to interference and is capable of sensitively detecting the B. anthracis biomarker DPA, allowing it to be potentially used as an effective fluorescent probe and providing a viable strategy for effective anthrax fever prevention.

Promoting Protective Factors for Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents at Risk

Abstract: Theoretical Background: Suicide is among the leading causes of death for young people and a major public health concern. While intervention programs targeting youth at risk seem promising, more research is warranted to determine what works for whom. The HEYLiFE universal school-based suicide prevention program aims to promote three putative protective factors, namely, knowledge about mental health, agency, and help-seeking intention in students aged 14 years and older. While its overall efficacy was confirmed previously, specific effects in adolescents with different risk profiles remain to be determined. Objective: We explored whether program efficacy differed for students aged 14 – 18 years (mean age M= 16.2 years, SD = 1.2 years) at low, medium, and high risk for suicidality. Method: A pre–post within-group comparison trial was designed to evaluate the HEYLiFE suicide prevention program in a convenience sample of 304 adolescents from five public schools. The data of 218 adolescents (45.2 % female) with completed data sets were analyzed. Using a two-step cluster analysis, we identified three distinct at-risk clusters for suicidality based on self-reported suicidality, depression, impulsivity/carelessness, and avoidance. We then applied a mixed-model analysis of covariance to evaluate program efficacy in these clusters. Results: While knowledge improved to a similar degree across all clusters, agency and help-seeking intentions improved in the low- and medium-risk cluster but not in the high-risk cluster. Efficacy across time ranged from small to medium effects. Conclusion: Our results confirm that the HEYLiFE suicide prevention program is efficacious for the majority of students. The promotion of protective factors among students with different risk profiles is a viable strategy for universal suicide prevention, although efforts are warranted to specifically target individuals exhibiting the greatest risk for suicide.

Correlates of early breastfeeding cessation and breastmilk expression in Uganda: a case-control study.

To identify the correlates of early breastfeeding (BF) cessation and breastmilk expression (BE) among mothers 12 months after childbirth. We used a case-control study design to compare characteristics between mothers who stopped BF and expressed breastmilk 12 months after childbirth in Uganda. BF practices were determined in 12-month follow-up interviews using an adapted World Health Organization infant feeding questionnaire. Univariate and bivariate logistic regression models identified correlates of early BF cessation and BE as distinct but related outcomes. The odds of early BF cessation were higher among mothers who expressed breastmilk irrespective of maternal age (adjusted odds ratio: 2.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.39, 5.68). Mothers who stopped BF and did not express breastmilk were more likely to be older than those who continued BF and did not express breastmilk during the first 12 postpartum months. Mothers living with human immunodeficiency virus infection have disproportionately high odds of early BF cessation that may contribute to disparities in child health outcomes. Promotion of safe BF practices coupled with family and social support could be a viable preventive strategy for attenuating such disparities, especially among young mothers at risk of early BF cessation.

Integrated gut microbiome and metabolome analysis reveals the inhibition effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CBT against colorectal cancer.

The microecological stability of the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in both preventing and treating colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigated whether Lactobacillus plantarum CBT (LP-CBT) prevents CRC by inducing alterations in the gut microbiota composition and associated metabolites. The results showed that LP-CBT inhibited colorectal tumorigenesis in azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-treated mice by repairing the intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, LP-CBT decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, LP-CBT remodeled intestinal homeostasis by increasing probiotics (Coprococcus, Mucispirillum, and Lactobacillus) and reducing harmful bacteria (Dorea, Shigella, Alistipes, Paraprevotella, Bacteroides, Sutterella, Turicibacter, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Allobaculum), significantly influencing arginine biosynthesis. Therefore, LP-CBT treatment regulated invertases and metabolites associated with the arginine pathway (carbamoyl phosphate, carboxymethyl proline, L-lysine, 10,11-epoxy-3-geranylgeranylindole, n-(6)-[(indol-3-yl)acetyl]-L-lysine, citrulline, N2-succinyl-L-ornithine, and (5-L-glutamyl)-L-glutamate). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of LP-CBT on colorectal cancer was further confirmed using the MC38 subcutaneous tumor model. Collectively, these findings offer compelling evidence supporting the potential of LP-CBT as a viable preventive strategy against CRC.

Support For The Comprehensive School Health Model To Increase Reproductive Health Knowledge Of Elementary School Children As A Primary Prevention Effort

The research explores the impact of the Comprehensive School Health model on enhancing the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children as a primary prevention effort. In an era of rapid social and technological changes, early-age reproductive health awareness is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Comprehensive School Health model in improving the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children. The purpose of this research is to assess whether the Comprehensive School Health model significantly enhances the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children. It seeks to determine if this approach can be a viable strategy for primary prevention in the field of reproductive health. The study employs a pre-experimental design with a One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Data was collected through observations, interviews, and documentation. The sample consists of sixth-grade students from an elementary school in Sorong District, selected using total sampling. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon tests and rank biserial correlation. The results indicate a significant improvement in the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children following the intervention. The Wilcoxon test showed a p-value of <0.001, and the mean difference was -35.0, signifying a substantial increase in knowledge. The effect size was 1.62, indicating a significant impact, and a strong negative rank biserial correlation of -1.00 revealed a robust correlation between the intervention and knowledge improvement. This study concludes that the Comprehensive School Health model is effective in significantly enhancing the reproductive health knowledge of primary school children, with a substantial effect size and a strong correlation between the intervention and knowledge improvement. These findings emphasize the importance of early-age reproductive health education and highlight the potential of this model as an effective strategy for primary prevention in the field of reproductive health.

Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Literature Review and Clinical Recommendations.

The objective was to elucidate the correlation between CMVP and immunosuppressive therapy in IBD patients, we hope this review could expand on the significance of CMV as an opportunistic pathogen and the potential impact on morbidity and mortality in IBD patients. Records and clinical trajectories linked to CMVP in IBD patients were extracted from the PubMed database, irrespective of language barriers. The reference lists incorporated in these studies were manually inspected. Conclusions were generated using straightforward descriptive analysis. In total, 18 IBD patients, including Crohn's disease (CD, 67%) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC, 33%), affected by CMVP were identified from 17 published articles. A minority of these patients (17%) exhibited active disease, whereas the majority (83%) presented with quiescent disease. Fever (100%) and dyspnea (44%) emerged as the most prevalent clinical symptoms. All the patients had undergone immunosuppressive therapy. A significant proportion, up to 89%, had received thiopurine treatment prior to the CMVP diagnosis. Interestingly, none of the patients were subjected to biological therapy. Half of the patients manifested with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Almost all patients (94%) were administered antiviral treatment and a substantial 83% experienced full recovery. Immunosuppressive agents were either tapered or discontinued altogether. A subset of patients, 17%, suffered fatal outcomes. Our findings underscore the need for heightened suspicion of CMVP in IBD patients who exhibit symptoms such as fever and dyspnea. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CMVP should be considered a potential differential diagnosis. It was observed that CMVP primarily transpires during CD remission. Azathioprine emerged as the predominant immunosuppressant linked to CMV reactivation. The prompt application of effective antiviral therapy can substantially enhance patient outcomes. CMV vaccine might serve as a viable prevention strategy.

Polypill Programs to Prevent Stroke and Cut Costs in Low Income Countries: Moving From Clinical Efficacy to Pragmatic Implementation.

Current projections are that the already overwhelming burden of strokes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will continue to rise over the coming decades as the prevalence of traditional vascular risk factors burgeon in these countries. Cardiovascular polypills containing combinations of antihypertensive(s), a statin, with or without aspirin or folic acid in the form of a single pill, represent a viable strategy for both primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in LMICs. Large multicenter trials in LMIC and high-income country (HIC) settings have now clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of the cardiovascular polypill versus placebo (or usual care) in reducing primary stroke risk by 50%. For survivors of a recent myocardial infarction residing in HICs, the polypill reduced risk of major cardiovascular events by 25% due to improved treatment adherence. Data on the clinical efficacy of the polypill for secondary stroke prevention are scanty both in HICs and LMICs. Cost-effectiveness analyses data from LMICs suggest cost savings with the polypill for primary and secondary prevention of stroke and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, major contextual barriers in LMICs need to be surmounted through mixed methods research and hybrid clinical trials to assess its real-world effectiveness, before the adoption of the polypill for primary and secondary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention in routine clinical practice.

Malaysian Women's Viewpoint on HPV Screening and Vaccination: A Study on Barriers.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in low-income countries and the third most common cancer in Malaysia among women aged 15 to 44. This is a huge concern because of the high mortality rate compared to other countries. Cervical cancer is caused by a common sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). Of cervical cancer cases, 80% are attributed to serotypes 16 and 18; therefore, early detection of premalignant lesions and infections from these viruses is important. Diagnosis can be carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based HPV DNA analysis and Pap smear, which act as a viable preventive strategy. (1) Background: This study determined the adoption of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the willingness to get vaccinated in Malaysian women. (2) Methods: An online survey was conducted with women from across Malaysia to gather their views on the barriers that prevent them from accessing HPV services. Sentiment analysis was performed to detect and classify the comments into three groups (positive, neutral, and negative). (3) Results: A total of 449 opinions were received, and the findings revealed that 41.3% were not afraid to be diagnosed early, and were prepared to accept positive or negative screening results. In addition, 18.6% of those surveyed indicated that they feared a Pap smear and were very concerned that they would not get good results. Of the respondents, 36% believed in vaccination and preferred to know more about it; 43.24% claimed that their family members were very supportive towards screening and vaccination; and 21.3% felt embarrassed and were afraid to undergo the screening procedure, as they had no prior experience and were unsure of how the procedure was conducted. In addition, 40.5% indicated that they had no concerns about HPV testing and related procedures, as this information is widely available. Only a few respondents (8.1%) talked about the time constraints and busy work schedules that prevented them from going to medical appointments. The survey also revealed that women are prevented from participating in cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs due to a lack of knowledge, shyness, personal rumors, privacy issues, financial issues, a lack of access to medical services, and ignorance and beliefs about rumors spreading online. (4) Conclusion: Results indicate that awareness of HPV and related prevention measures among women is vague and that negative perceptions continue to exist. It is strongly advised to develop a well-designed and knowledge-based application on the efficacy of screening and vaccination among Malaysian women.

Dasatinib causes keratinocyte apoptosis via inhibiting high mobility group Box 1-mediated mitophagy

Dasatinib, a second-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, is currently used as first-line treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. However, dasatinib treatment increases the risk of severe cutaneous toxicity, which limits its long-term safe use in clinic. The underlying mechanism for dasatinib-induced cutaneous toxicity has not been clarified. In this study, we tested the toxicity of dasatinib on human immortal keratinocyte line (HaCaT) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). We found that dasatinib directly caused cytotoxicity on keratinocytes, which could be the explanation of the clinical characteristic of pathology. Mechanistically, dasatinib impaired mitophagy by downregulating HMGB1 protein level in keratinocytes, which led to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Mitochondria-derived ROS caused DNA damage and cell apoptosis. More importantly, we confirmed that overexpression of HMGB1 could reverse dasatinib-induced keratinocyte apoptosis, and preliminarily explored the intervention effect of saikosaponin A, which could increase HMGB1 expression, on cutaneous toxicity caused by dasatinib. Collectively, our study revealed that dasatinib induced keratinocyte apoptosis via inhibiting HMGB1-mediated mitophagy and saikosaponin A could be a viable strategy for prevention of dasatinib-induced cutaneous toxicity.

Moderated-mediation analysis of multimorbidity and health-related quality of life among the Chinese elderly: The role of functional status and cognitive function

To investigate the relationship between multimorbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and explore the effects of functional status and cognitive function on Chinses elderly behind this relationship. The Multivariate logistic regression and Tobit regression models were used to determine the influence of multimorbidity on HRQoL. Bootstrap analysis was used to probe the mediating effects of functional status and the moderating role of cognition on multimorbidity and HRQoL. Results of the 2,887 participants age ≥ 60 years included in the analysis, 51.69% had chronic diseases. Stroke (β = -0.190; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.232, -0.149; p < 0.001) and the combination of hypertension and stroke (β = -0.210; 95% CI, -0.259, -0.160; p < 0.001) had the greatest influence on HRQoL. Functional status partially mediated the relationship between the number of non-communicable diseases (No. of NCDs) and HRQoL, while cognitive function had a moderating effect not only in the A-path (No. of NCDs to functional status, β = 0.143; t = 7.18; p < 0.001) and but also in the C-path (No. of NCDs to HRQoL, β = 0.007; t = 6.08; p < 0.001). Functional status partially mediated the relationship between multimorbidity and HRQoL in older adults. And cognitive function, if declined, may strengthen this relationship. These findings suggested that improving cognitive function and functional status in those who developed multimorbidity could be a viable prevention or treatment strategy to improve HRQoL in elderly patients.

The Mediterranean Diet and the Western Diet in Adolescent Depression-Current Reports.

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world and a current and growing social and health problem. The growing scale of the problem not only concerns adults, but now it particularly affects children and adolescents. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in adolescence is crucial because adolescent depression is a risk factor for recurrence of depression later in life, as well as many other mental health disorders in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to analyze data on the dietary patterns and composition of the Mediterranean diet as a modifiable risk factor for depression, which would be a viable prevention strategy and a good target for early intervention and supportive treatment of depression. Research shows that the Mediterranean diet pattern can reduce the risk and symptoms of depression, while western eating styles can increase the risk and severity of depression in adolescents. The number of studies in adolescent populations continues to increase, but most longitudinal and clinical studies are still insufficient. Modification of the diet can be a helpful strategy for the prevention and treatment of depression in adolescents; therefore, the diet of young people should be considered a key and modifiable goal in the prevention of mental disorders.

Promise of Physiological Profiling to Prevent Stroke in People of African Ancestry: Prototyping Ghana.

Worldwide, compared to other racial/ethnic groups, individuals of African ancestry have an excessively higher burden of hypertension-related morbidities, especially stroke. Identifying modifiable biological targets that contribute to these disparities could improve global stroke outcomes. In this scoping review, we discuss how pathological perturbations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathways could be harnessed via physiological profiling for the purposes of improving blood pressure control for stroke prevention among people of African ancestry. Transcontinental comparative data from the USA and Ghana show that the prevalence of treatment-resistant hypertension among stroke survivors is 42.7% among indigenous Africans, 16.1% among African Americans, and 6.9% among non-Hispanic Whites, p < 0.0001. A multicenter clinical trial of patients without stroke in 3 African countries (Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa) demonstrated that physiological profiling using plasma renin activity and aldosterone to individualize selection of antihypertensive medications compared with usual care resulted in better blood pressure control with fewer medications over 12months. Among Ghanaian ischemic stroke survivors treated without renin-aldosterone profiling data, an analysis revealed that those with low renin phenotypes did not achieve any meaningful reduction in blood pressure over 12months on 3-4 antihypertensive medications despite excellent adherence. For a polygenic condition such as hypertension, individualized therapy based on plasma renin-aldosterone-guided selection of therapy for uncontrolled BP following precision medicine principles may be a viable strategy for primary and secondary stroke prevention with the potential to reduce disparities in the poor outcomes of stroke disproportionately shared by individuals of African ancestry. A dedicated clinical trial to test this hypothesis is warranted.

Spraino: A novel low-friction device for prevention of lateral ankle sprain injuries in indoor sports

A heightened risk for lateral ankle sprain injuries has been associated with excessive shoe-surface friction. ‘Spraino’ is a novel product specifically designed towards preventing friction-related lateral ankle sprains. In a recent 510-athlete randomized controlled trial, allocation to this “low-friction” shoe-patch resulted in a 53% reduction of severe ankle sprain injuries. Until now, however, a theoretical explanation linking shoe-surface friction and lateral ankle sprain injury mechanism is missing, and the extent to which Spraino reduces shoe-surface friction remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to present a theoretical link between lateral edge shoe-surface friction and the mechanism of lateral ankle sprain injuries, and ultimately establish the ability of Spraino to reduce lateral edge shoe-surface friction. In this paper, we present a theory on how ankle sprain mechanics are directly affected by the friction between shoe and surface, and why friction modifications might be a viable preventive strategy. When testing slip resistance in a modified mechanical test-setup, we detected a 63% reduction (0.83–0.31) in friction coefficient between the lateral edge of the outsole and the indoor sports floor when adding Spraino to the side of the shoe. Justified in our theory, and the previously established clinical effectiveness, this reduction in friction can mitigate both the risk and severity of lateral ankle sprain injuries. This suggests that reducing friction on the lateral edge of footwear can be an effective ankle sprain injury prevention strategy.

The Mediterranean Diet as a Source of Bioactive Molecules with Cannabinomimetic Activity in Prevention and Therapy Strategy.

The endocannabinoid system is a complex lipid signaling network that has evolved to be a key regulator of pro-homeostatic pathways for the organism. Its involvement in numerous processes has rendered it a very suitable target for pharmacological studies regarding metabolic syndrome, obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases. Cannabinomimetic molecules have been found in a large variety of foods, most of which are normally present in the Mediterranean diet. The majority of these compounds belong to the terpene and polyphenol classes. While it is known that they do not necessarily act directly on the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, their ability to regulate their expression levels has already been shown in some disease-related models, as well as their ability to modulate the activity of other components of the system. In this review, evidence was gathered to support the idea that phytocannabinoid dietary intake may indeed be a viable strategy for disease prevention and may be helpful in maintaining the health status. In an era where personalized nutrition is becoming more and more a reality, having new therapeutic targets could become an important resource.

Food Allergy Prevention: Early Versus Late Introduction of Food Allergens in Children.

The emergence of food allergies in children is crucial for various medical fields seeking a viable strategy for allergy prevention. The most well-recognized approach adopted by numerous health care and government institutions hinges on the delay in the introduction of food allergens, which supposedly protects infants from sensitization and decreases the possibility of allergy development. However, recent experimental findings indicate that the benefits of this approach might be overestimated, as early exposure to allergenic foods has been shown to yield more advantageous outcomes. Multiple investigations on the causes of allergic diseases report that avoiding food allergies might be related to early consumption of these allergens. Alternatively, delaying the contact with allergenic nourishments, explored in contemporary research, has been proven to result in a higher prevalence of allergies among children, originating such conditions as atopic diseases and extreme sensitization to foods. The current paper compares the two prominent strategies of allergenic food introduction, gathering the most pertinent modern evidence to distinguish whether exposure to food allergens should be delayed or advanced.

Determining whether Public Communications Campaigns Based on the The Social Norms Approach are a Viable COVID-19 Prevention Strategy for College Campuses

The purpose of this study is to (a) outline the formative steps that universities can follow to determine if a media campaign based on the social norms approach (SNA) is a viable method for increasing COVID-19 prevention behaviors among their students, (b) present formative research data collected at a large public land-grant university in the U.S., and (c) as a test case, apply that data to assess the SNA’s viability for promoting COVID-19 prevention behaviors among students at that institution. Over time, a series of fast-track surveys were conducted to determine the descriptive and injunctive norms for four COVID-19 prevention strategies: wearing a mask in public, physical distancing, limiting the size of indoor gatherings, and receiving or planning to get a vaccination. The results demonstrated that, at this particular university, an SNA-based public communications campaign would be a promising strategy for promoting these protective behaviors. First, a clear majority of the survey respondents reported engaging in the behaviors. Second, the respondents perceived the behaviors to be less common than was actually the case, with one exception: wearing a mask. In all four cases, they perceived the behaviors to be less approved of than what the surveys documented.