Efficacy of Different Doses and Forms of the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Semaglutide in Weight Reduction Among Non-diabetic Obese or Overweight Populations.

Disorders linked to increased body weight are on the rise and obesity is a global epidemic associated with a rising risk for developing comorbidities, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. There is a significant need to develop a multimodal approach targeting obesity within clinical medicine. Pharmacological options to produce weight loss have been a popular research area and the novel glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are highly effective glycemic control agents that have shown a substantial weight loss effect. This systematic review explores the efficacy of semaglutide, a GLP-1 RA agent, in a non-diabetic population, looking at endpoints of changes in weight and waist circumference and the percentage of patients achieving a clinically effective weight loss of at least 5%. This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was undertaken to find applicable papers using three databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library. The included articles were narrowed down from an initial pool of 423 papers using filters, automation tools, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and quality appraisal tools. In this systematic review, we have analyzed 10 high-quality studies published in the last five years, including nine randomized control trials (RCTs) and a retrospective cohort study. The aim was to combine the results of these studies, encompassing 6623 participants, to showcase the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in the non-diabetic obese or overweight population. The consolidated data from the literature in this systematic review endorses the use of semaglutide as a highly efficient weight-reducing agent, contributing positive insight to both clinicians and researchers in the field of obesity treatment.

Influences of role models and other factors on physical activity amongst 6 to 16 years overweight and obese students.

Background: Physical activity is an essential aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, which offers a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind. Nonetheless, a family history of obesity can pose significant challenges to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, which is further exacerbated by the academic stress. Individuals who have a role model that prioritizes physical activity are more likely to develop positive and healthy habits in their lives. Objectives: The study aimed to examine how role models affect physical activity and its impact on addressing challenges of family obesity history and academic stress in school children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to April 2020 in three schools in Amritsar district selected by lottery method of simple random sampling. Out of 4226 students, 355 overweight and obese students were interviewed regarding their physical activity. An informed written assent and consent was taken from the children and guardians respectively. Mothers of 6 to 11-year-old students and students aged 12 to 16 were interviewed using a pre-designed, validated, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: 51.3% had a family history of obesity while 14.9% and 14.6% of parents of overweight students had hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Over half (52.7%) lacked interest in physical activity and almost 33.5% of males were inactive. Students who chose movie actors as role models (71.1%) and those who found their role models' information reliable (83.2%) were more likely to participate in physical activity. Of the 247 students who were knowledgeable about healthy living, a significant majority of 70.4% engaged in physical activity while 76% of overweight/obese students reported academic stress as a barrier. Conclusions: Study shows majority engage in physical activity regardless of gender. Over 70% have family history of obesity and healthy lifestyle knowledge. Stress reduces physical activity and students with movie/sports/fitness role models have better activity levels. Reasons for not engaging included dislike for sports and lack of time.

Current Practices and Emerging Therapies to Optimize Heart Failure Management in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Systematic Review.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a distinctive manifestation of sarcoidosis, a multisystemic inflammatory disorder that is characterized by non-necrotizing granulomas. CS can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure (HF), and sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of CS involves imaging in the form of a two-dimensional echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan, and an endomyocardial biopsy. Treatment of CS entails corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, monoclonal antibodies, and, in advanced cases, heart transplantation (HTx). This systematic review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, focusing on HF in sarcoidosis patients. Eligibility criteria include recent (2019-2024) research papers on sarcoidosis-induced heart failure, excluding other causes. The databases searched were PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. From 36,755 initial articles, 2,060 remained after filtering, and 17 were selected for quality assessment. Based on quality assessment, 11 studies were included in the final review. In CS, a variety of treatment strategies can be implemented. Corticosteroids are the first-line therapeutic options, and in the majority of cases, they are very successful in controlling the disease progression. Immunosuppressive agents like methotrexate and azathioprine are used to avoid long-term steroid use. Both corticosteroids and immunosuppressives act by reducing inflammation and preventing myocardial scarring. Biological agents like infliximab and adalimumab prevent disease progression by targeting specific inflammatory pathways and are used in refractory cases. Regular HF management drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics help in optimizing cardiac function. In severe cases, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be required. The ultimate treatment for end-stage CS is HTx, which has to be supplemented with a strong, individualized regimen of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressives to avoid graft rejection and to control sarcoidosis. Due to a lack of standard protocols for management and limited knowledge about CS, the ideal treatment of HF is still a matter of debate. Hence, further research and clinical trials need to be performed to optimize patient outcomes.

Unraveling the Hidden Potential of Barley (Hordeum vulgare): An Important Review.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a winter crop well known for its small-seeded grains and self-pollinating characteristics. The flour derived from barley grains plays a crucial role in numerous processed food items, contributing to their taste and nutritional value. Barley consists of complex carbohydrates (80%), proteins (11.5-14.2%), lipids (4.7-6.8%), ß-glucans (3.7-7.7%), and ash (1.8-2.4%). Beyond its other nutrients, barley boasts a good reservoir of phenolic compounds (1.2-2.9 mg/g GAE). This abundance of beneficial compounds positions barley as an attractive industrial substrate. In this review, the nutritional composition and bioactive profile of barley are discussed in a systemic manner, emphasizing its potential in the development of innovative barley-based products that promote health and well-being. By incorporating barley into various food formulations, industries can not only boost nutritional content but also offer consumers a wide range of health benefits. In conclusion, barley's diverse applications in food and health highlight its essential role in promoting healthier living.

The Efficacy of Renal Denervation in Treating Resistant Hypertension: A Systematic Review.

Resistant hypertension is blood pressure (BP) that is persistently above target in spite of the maximally tolerated usage of at least three anti-hypertensives simultaneously. The sympathetic nervous system is instrumental in blood pressure (BP) regulation. Renal (sympathetic) denervation involves using ablative energy to disrupt the sympathetic nerves in renal arteries. This systematic review examines the efficacy of this treatment modality. Abiding by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we conducted an extensive literature search in five databases, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and ScienceDirect, to retrieve studies that are free, open access, and published in English done within the past four years. Nineteen articles passed critical appraisal. These articles were randomized controlled trials (RCT), a case report, a cross-sectional study, a cohort study, and previous reviews. Renal denervation (RDN) was generally superior to sham control in patients with resistant hypertension for reducing various systolic blood pressure (SBP) measures, including 24-hour ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime SBP. The efficacy was highest in patients whose baseline SBP was higher. BP reduction was sustained for years post-procedure. The procedure had a good safety profile with no severe complications. Future studies should compare the efficacy of different types of renal denervation, such as ethanol ablation versus radiofrequency ablation, and renal denervation against other procedure-based treatment modalities, such as carotid baroreceptor stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.

Physician-medical manufacturing industry relationships: Perceptions of medical students.

Background Physicians and the medical manufacturing industry (MMI) are closely associated and may have some form of financial or business arrangement. Research has highlighted that these interactions negatively impact physicians' prescribing behaviour. We tried to explore medical students' perspectives regarding these interactions. Methods We did a questionnaire-based survey to capture the demographic information and included five yes-or-no questions with two possible answers that probed the participants' awareness. Statements (26 Likert-style questions) describing various physician-industry interactions were formulated based on previous research. Excel was used to gather the data, and SPSS v 25.0® for Windows was used to analyse it. Frequencies and percentages (qualitative variables) and means and standard deviations were used to present descriptive statistics (quantitative variables). The associations between the independent variables and awareness were examined using chi-square test. Results About 40% of students knew doctors and MMI work together, but only 6% knew there were rules about accepting gifts from MMI. Eighty-four per cent of respondents felt free samples from MMI were an excellent way to learn about new products. The prevalence of awareness was higher in interns/housemen (51.6%) compared to medical students (35.9%). Most (43%) of the participants preferred an online database as a method of disclosure. Conclusions Our findings indicated students' knowledge gaps regarding ethical considerations and recommended guidelines regarding the relational dynamics of medical practitioners and MMI. Students should be taught appropriate conduct and best practices and must strive to develop skepticism towards MMI marketing claims. This may be achieved by implementing various educational interventions in the medical curriculum.

Evaluation of Interdental Papilla Regeneration Using Injectable Hyaluronic Acid: A Clinical Study.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel injections in deficient papillae and record the effects for four weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen deficient class 1 papilla sites according to Nordland and Tarnow classification were included. After scaling and root planing, 0.5 ml HA gel was injected into the papillae. Measurements of black triangle height (BTH) and black triangle area (BTA) from the contact point to the most coronal level of the visible papilla tip were done on the clinical photographs using ImageJ software at baseline, one week, and four weeks postoperatively, and a comparison was made. Descriptive data were examined using the mean and standard deviation (SD). Paired t-test was used for intragroup comparisons, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. All the data analysis was done using SPSS software version 25.0. RESULTS: There was a mean decrease in the BTA from baseline (0.54 mm2), one week (0.13 mm2), to four weeks (0.26 mm2) with a slight loss of papilla volume from the first week to the fourthweek, and this decrease in area was statistically significant. A mean decrease in the BTH throughout the follow-ups from baseline (1.36 mm) to the first week (0.30 mm) to the fourth week (0.73) was recorded with a slight loss of papilla volume from the first week to the fourthweek, and this decrease in height was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, the decrease in the BTA and BTH recorded was more from baseline to the first week as compared to baseline to the fourth week postoperatively. CONCLUSION: HA gel is an effective treatment for minimally invasive papilla augmentation, particularly in class I Nordland and Tarnow papilla deficits.

Allicin: a promising modulator of apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the foremost cause of mortality globally. Various phytochemicals from natural sources have been extensively studied for their anticancer properties. Allicin, a powerful organosulfur compound derived from garlic, exhibits anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This review aims to update and evaluate the chemistry, composition, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics Allicin. Allicin has garnered significant attention for its potential role in modulating Fas-FasL, Bcl2-Bax, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, autophagy, and miRNA pathways. At the molecular level, allicin induces the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and enhances the activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9. This is accompanied by the simultaneous upregulation of Bax and Fas expression in tumor cells. Allicin can inhibit excessive autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK/mTOR signaling pathways. Allicin-loaded nano-formulations efficiently induce apoptosis in cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. Safety and clinical aspects are meticulously scrutinized, providing insights into the tolerability and adverse effects associated with allicin administration, along with an overview of current clinical trials evaluating its therapeutic potential. In conclusion, this review underscores the promising prospects of allicin as a dietary-derived medicinal compound for cancer therapy. It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate its precise mechanisms of action, optimize delivery strategies, and validate its efficacy in clinical settings.

Implementation and outcomes of beta-lactam allergy management protocol at a comprehensive cancer center.

PURPOSE: Beta-lactam allergy (BLA) is associated with increased broad-spectrum antibiotic (Br-ABX) use and worse clinical outcomes. We evaluated our hospital-wide BLA protocol (BLA-P) that used following categories: intolerance, low-risk, and high-risk. METHODS: Hospitalized adult patients with listed BLA during 10/2021-12/2022 were eligible. Exclusions were critically ill, surgical, hospice or comfort care, or non-verbal patients. Assessment was counted each time a pharmacist evaluated BLA. Interventions were no further action (high-risk allergy, patient refusal, unstable clinical status), updated allergy label, or delabeled. Delabeling was done either based on antibiotic history (direct-delabeling), or via test-dose challenge for low-risk patients. Br-ABX usage was compared in the unique delabeled patients: the empiric antibiotic use 90 days post-delabeling versus pre-delabeling using McNemar test (SPSS). RESULTS: A total of 700 assessments in 631 patients were identified. 441 assessments in 377 patients (median 63 years-old, 41% male, 50% hematological cancer) met inclusion criteria. The assessments revealed 9% intolerance, 55% low-risk, 23% high-risk and 13% unknown reaction. Interventions resulted in no further action 7%, updated label 72%, and delabeling 21%. 65% of the delabeling was via direct-delabeling and 35% test-dose challenge. Among patients who received a test-dose challenge, 36/36(97%) had no documented allergic reactions, and 1/26(3%) developed a mild rash. The use of aztreonam (pre-delabeling 28% vs. post-delabeling 1.2%, p < 0.001) and meropenem (13% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.022) significantly decreased while cefepime (24% vs. 50%, p = 0.001) and piperacillin-tazobactam (3.7% vs. 22%, p < 0.001) increased after delabeling. CONCLUSION: BLA-P led to 21% delabeling, which resulted in increased preferred Br-ABX and decrease in aztreonam/meropenem use among delabeled patients.

Association of Cannabis Use with Complications Among Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Insights from National Inpatient Sample.

Background/Objective: Cannabis, one of the most widely used recreational drug in the United States, has had a significant surge in usage following its legalization in 1996. In recent years, there has been research into the physiological effects of cannabis on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Our study aims to systematically examine the association between cannabis use and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Materials and Methods: We queried the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample database to identify patient encounters with GERD. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis or missing demographics were excluded. We compared patient demographics, comorbidities, and complications among cannabis users and nonusers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and complications of GERD. Results: A total of 27.2 million patient encounters were included in the analysis, out of which 507,190 were cannabis users. Majority of the cannabis users were aged between 45-64 years (46.6%), males (57.4%), White (63.84%), and belonged to the lowest income quartile (40.6%). Cannabis users demonstrated a higher prevalence of esophagitis compared to nonusers (6.11% vs. 3.23%, p<0.001). However, they exhibited a lower rates of esophageal stricture (0.6% vs. 0.8%, p<0.001) and esophageal cancer (0.2% vs. 0.24%, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, cannabis users were noted to have higher odds of esophagitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-1.39, p<0.001). A lower odds of esophageal stricture (aOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96, p=0.02) and esophageal cancer (aOR: 0.48,95% CI: 0.42-0.57, p<0.001) were noted. Conclusion: Our cross-sectional study using the nationally available database indicates an association between cannabis use and higher odds of esophagitis, along with lower odds of esophageal stricture and cancer. While these findings suggest a potential relationship between cannabis use and esophageal complications, it is limited in establishing causality. Therefore, further long-term studies are warranted to understand the mechanism behind this association and to determine if cannabis use has an impact on esophagus.

Academic publishing requires linguistically inclusive policies.

Scientific knowledge is produced in multiple languages but is predominantly published in English. This practice creates a language barrier to generate and transfer scientific knowledge between communities with diverse linguistic backgrounds, hindering the ability of scholars and communities to address global challenges and achieve diversity and equity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To overcome those barriers, publishers and journals should provide a fair system that supports non-native English speakers and disseminates knowledge across the globe. We surveyed policies of 736 journals in biological sciences to assess their linguistic inclusivity, identify predictors of inclusivity, and propose actions to overcome language barriers in academic publishing. Our assessment revealed a grim landscape where most journals were making minimal efforts to overcome language barriers. The impact factor of journals was negatively associated with adopting a number of inclusive policies whereas ownership by a scientific society tended to have a positive association. Contrary to our expectations, the proportion of both open access articles and editors based in non-English speaking countries did not have a major positive association with the adoption of linguistically inclusive policies. We proposed a set of actions to overcome language barriers in academic publishing, including the renegotiation of power dynamics between publishers and editorial boards.

Trypanosoma cruzi Reactivation After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy.

https://tidbitapp.io/tidbits/trypanosoma-cruzi-reactivation-post-chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-therapy/update.

Comparison of Outcomes Between Sacubitril/Valsartan and Enalapril in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare outcomes between sacubitril/valsartan and enalapril in patients with heart failure. We performed this meta-analysis according to the guidelines reported in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception till September 15, 2023. Outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular-related hospitalization. A total of nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that the risk of all-cause mortality was higher in patients receiving enalapril compared to patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan (risk ratio [RR]: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.04). Risk of cardiovascular mortality was significantly higher in the enalapril group compared to the sacubitril/valsartan group (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.91). The risk of cardiovascular hospitalization was significantly higher in the enalapril group compared to the sacubitril/valsartan group (RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.86). In conclusion, our meta-analysis of nine studies underscores the superior clinical performance of sacubitril/valsartan compared to enalapril in managing patients with heart failure.

Recent Development in the Search for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitors based on the Indole Pharmacophore.

The signal transduction and cell proliferation are regulated by the epidermal growth factor receptor. The proliferation of tumor cells, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis is inhibited by the epidermal growth factor receptor. Thus, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, glioma, and bladder cancer can be treated by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. Although third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are potent drugs, patients exhibit drug resistance after treatment. Thus, the search for new drugs is being continued. Among the different potent epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, we have reviewed the indole-based inhibitors. We have discussed the structure-activity relationship of the compounds with the active sites of the epidermal growth factor receptor receptors, their synthesis, and molecular docking studies.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Metformin and Lifestyle Modification for the Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of metformin versus lifestyle interventions in preventing diabetes in individuals with prediabetes. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted a comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE) up to September 1, 2023. Five eligible studies were included. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the risk of developing diabetes between the metformin and lifestyle intervention groups (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.77-1.68). Similarly, when comparing metformin with lifestyle intervention, the risk of diabetes was slightly higher in the metformin group, but this difference was not statistically significant (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.93-1.86). When comparing metformin with lifestyle intervention to lifestyle intervention alone, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of diabetes (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.74-1.04). In conclusion, our analysis found that the incidence of type 2 diabetes was slightly higher in patients receiving metformin alone compared to lifestyle intervention, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Further trials are necessary to better evaluate these interventions for preventing type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.

Stress-mediated aggregation of disease-associated proteins in amyloid bodies.

The formation of protein aggregates is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases and systemic amyloidoses. These disorders are associated with the fibrillation of a variety of proteins/peptides, which ultimately leads to cell toxicity and tissue damage. Understanding how amyloid aggregation occurs and developing compounds that impair this process is a major challenge in the health science community. Here, we demonstrate that pathogenic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, AL/AA amyloidosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can aggregate within stress-inducible physiological amyloid-based structures, termed amyloid bodies (A-bodies). Using a limited collection of small molecule inhibitors, we found that diclofenac could repress amyloid aggregation of the ß-amyloid (1-42) in a cellular setting, despite having no effect in the classic Thioflavin T (ThT) in vitro fibrillation assay. Mapping the mechanism of the diclofenac-mediated repression indicated that dysregulation of cyclooxygenases and the prostaglandin synthesis pathway was potentially responsible for this effect. Together, this work suggests that the A-body machinery may be linked to a subset of pathological amyloidosis, and highlights the utility of this model system in the identification of new small molecules that could treat these debilitating diseases.

Uncovering the genetic architecture of parallel evolution.

Identifying the genetic architecture underlying adaptive traits is exceptionally challenging in natural populations. This is because associations between traits not only mask the targets of selection but also create correlated patterns of genomic divergence that hinder our ability to isolate causal genetic effects. Here, we examine the repeated evolution of components of the auxin pathway that have contributed to the replicated loss of gravitropism (i.e. the ability of a plant to bend in response to gravity) in multiple populations of the Senecio lautus species complex in Australia. We use a powerful approach which combines parallel population genomics with association mapping in a Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population to break down genetic and trait correlations to reveal how adaptive traits evolve during replicated evolution. We sequenced auxin and shoot gravitropism-related gene regions in 80 individuals from six natural populations (three parallel divergence events) and 133 individuals from a MAGIC population derived from two of the recently diverged natural populations. We show that artificial tail selection on gravitropism in the MAGIC population recreates patterns of parallel divergence in the auxin pathway in the natural populations. We reveal a set of 55 auxin gene regions that have evolved repeatedly during the evolution of the species, of which 50 are directly associated with gravitropism divergence in the MAGIC population. Our work creates a strong link between patterns of genomic divergence and trait variation contributing to replicated evolution by natural selection, paving the way to understand the origin and maintenance of adaptations in natural populations.

Awareness and Hesitancy of COVID-19 and other Vaccines among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Center in North India.

Introduction: Approximately 40 years have passed since we first learned about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but several people living with HIV (PLHIV) in developing countries such as India cannot avail treatments. This makes preventive measures, such as vaccinations, critical in these persons to avoid vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). However, little is known about the willingness and perceptions of PLHIV regarding these vaccines. Therefore, we explored vaccine awareness and hesitancy, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine and other VPD's among PLHIV and factors affecting the same in Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Research Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of HIV patients who attended our Antiretroviral Therapy center (ART). Clinical data were collected using a questionnaire on general profile, disease information, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding vaccinations, and vaccination status for different VPDs. Results/Findings: We enrolled 300 subjects and found that 82% of the patients attending our ART center were aware of vaccinations, most of whom were aware of the polio vaccine (n=91, 30.33%), followed by tuberculosis (n=61, 20.33%), and the majority of them were not aware of vaccines indicated in PLHIV. We also found that the majority (n= 240, 80.23%) of patients had vaccine hesitancy, especially regarding the new COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among people about the benefits and uses of vaccination to achieve the greater goal of reduced morbidity and mortality among PLHIV. There is a need for free vaccination programs for VPDs in PLHIV patients.

Estimation of Physiologic Pressures: Invasive and Non-Invasive Techniques, AI Models, and Future Perspectives.

The measurement of physiologic pressure helps diagnose and prevent associated health complications. From typical conventional methods to more complicated modalities, such as the estimation of intracranial pressures, numerous invasive and noninvasive tools that provide us with insight into daily physiology and aid in understanding pathology are within our grasp. Currently, our standards for estimating vital pressures, including continuous BP measurements, pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, and hepatic portal gradients, involve the use of invasive modalities. As an emerging field in medical technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has been incorporated into analyzing and predicting patterns of physiologic pressures. AI has been used to construct models that have clinical applicability both in hospital settings and at-home settings for ease of use for patients. Studies applying AI to each of these compartmental pressures were searched and shortlisted for thorough assessment and review. There are several AI-based innovations in noninvasive blood pressure estimation based on imaging, auscultation, oscillometry and wearable technology employing biosignals. The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth assessment of the involved physiologies, prevailing methodologies and emerging technologies incorporating AI in clinical practice for each type of compartmental pressure measurement. We also bring to the forefront AI-based noninvasive estimation techniques for physiologic pressure based on microwave systems that have promising potential for clinical practice.