Assessment of the Effects of Occluding Pairs of Teeth on Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Dialysis Patients.

AIM: To determine oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in hemodialysis patients and assess if location and distribution of teeth had perceived oral impacts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Face-to-face interviews and oral examinations were conducted among 96 patients in southwest Florida. Sociodemographic data in addition to self-reported medical conditions were collected. OHRQoL was determined using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-12). Presence of decayed teeth, missing teeth, anterior occluding pairs (AOPs) and posterior occluding pairs (POPs), and community periodontal index were ascertained through oral examinations. RESULTS: Mean age was 64.81 ± 12.9 years. Mean number of teeth present was 20.12 ± 10.8. Nearly half (48%) of the participants had ≥1 decayed teeth. Among those examined for periodontal health, 86% had some form of periodontal disease. Mean AOP was 4.4 ± 2.3 and mean POP was 4.2 ± 3.1. Median GOHAI-12 score was 52. Limiting the kinds or amounts of food (p = 0.040), trouble biting or chewing (p = 0.010), feeling uncomfortable eating in front of people (p = 0.024), and pleased with looks (p = 0.038) were statistically significant for AOP groups. Only trouble biting or chewing (p = 0.044) and pleased with looks showed significant association with POP groups (p = 0.038). In adjusted regression analyses, participants with AOPs 0 to 2 had 86% lower odds of reporting GOHAI-12 scores above 40 (25th percentile) than the group with AOPs 3 to 6 (odds ratio = 0.14; 95% confidence interval = 0.04-0.58). CONCLUSION: The study highlights fewer AOP to have a larger effect than POP not only in the psychosocial dimension but also in the functional abilities. Lower GOHAI-12 scores were associated with AOP 2 or less than 2 in the study sample. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: While treatment and management of oral health problems in dialysis patients are complicated by the presence of co-morbidities, age-related changes in the mouth, and issues of access to dental care, identification, repair, or replacement of strategically important teeth using the "shortened dental arch principle" to maintain oral function among hemodialysis patients are recommended.

Barriers to Eye Care for Adults in the United States and Solutions for It: A Literature Review.

Vision loss and blindness is a significant public health concern that has had a profound impact on various communities in the United States. Both anticipated and unforeseen barriers have been linked to the rising rates of vision loss and blindness in the country. Extensive research has identified numerous barriers that put many Americans at a disadvantage when trying to seek high-quality eye care services. Not only do the barriers to eye care services create problems for eye health, but also create a poor quality of life. Therefore, understanding and identifying barriers to eye healthcare services is incredibly important. In addition to understanding and identifying barriers, it is also important to identify solutions to the problems created by these barriers. A systematic review of articles characterizing the barriers to eye care was completed which resulted in the identification of the major barriers that affect Americans. The review of previous research was also used to identify available solutions for problems associated with the barriers to eye care services. The major barriers identified were cost, insurance, transport and accessibility, eye health care literacy, and communication. Because of the identification of the major barriers, solutions were also identified. Health education and increased vision screenings were found to be the most used forms of solutions by healthcare professionals promoting good eye health. Telemedicine has also been cited as a possible solution to the growing problem of visual impairment and blindness within the American population.

A Study on the Effects of Hypothyroidism on the Senses: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Hypothyroidism has been found to have long-term effects on each of the senses, but with proper treatment, many of them can be significantly minimized. This paper analyzes the research on the impact of hypothyroidism on the senses of smell, taste, hearing, vision, and thermoregulation. Data were collected from the National Library of Medicine, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "hypothyroidism," "taste," "smell," "vision," "hearing," and "thermoregulation." Approximately 413 articles were found when searching with these parameters, and 30 were used in this paper. Studies were excluded if they were outside this paper's scope or older than 2012. Studies were included if they specifically focused on hypothyroidism and one of the five listed senses. Patients with hypothyroidism had a significantly increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss, decreased perception of the blue-yellow color axis, decreased sense of olfaction and number of olfactory bulbs, and decreased thermogenesis. Hypothyroidism was also found to show increased length of COVID-19-induced anosmia and decreased bitter taste perception. It can be concluded that hypothyroidism has many effects on the senses, particularly an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss. More studies need to be done on these effects.

Neurological Complications of COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic is well on its way to reaching endemic status across the globe. While the medical community's understanding of the respiratory complications induced by COVID-19 is improving, there is still much to be learned about the neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection. This review aimed to compile relevant, available evidence of COVID-19-induced neurological complications and to provide information for each complication regarding symptomology, progression patterns, demographic risk factors, treatment, and causative mechanism of action when available. Data for this review was collected using a confined search on PubMed using the keywords ["COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2"] AND ["neurological complications" OR "olfactory symptoms" OR "gustatory symptoms" OR "myalgia" OR "headache" OR "dizziness" OR "stroke" OR "seizures" OR "meningoencephalitis" OR "cerebellar ataxia" OR "acute myelitis" OR "Guillain Barré Syndrome" OR "Miller Fisher Syndrome" OR "Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome"] between 2019 and 2023. A wide range of neurological manifestations impact a significant percentage of COVID-19 patients, and a deeper understanding of these manifestations is necessary to ensure adequate management. The most common neurological complications identified consist of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, myalgia, headache, and dizziness, while the most severe complications include stroke, seizures, meningoencephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, acute myelitis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. While this review effectively provides a roadmap of the neurological risks posed to COVID-19 patients, further research is needed to clarify the precise incidence of these complications and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for their manifestation.

Effect of Socialization on Alzheimer's Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Age is the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease where beta-amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain. Elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes, were burdened by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this literature review is to describe the effectiveness of social engagement and how combating isolation can have a neuroprotective effect on individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. We conducted a search in PubMed examining articles from 2010 to 2023 that discussed the impact of socialization on Alzheimer's disease, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our search terms were "Alzheimer's Disease + Socialization," "Social Isolation + Alzheimer's Disease," "Alzheimer's Disease + COVID-19," "COVID-19 + Social Isolation," and "Social Interventions + Alzheimer's Disease." Inclusion criteria consisted of patients ages 60 and older with Alzheimer's disease, mention of social isolation or engagement, and any relationship between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease. Exclusion criteria were defined as other dementias, non-social interventions, and the effects of different viruses on Alzheimer's disease. After the screening process, 30 articles were included, along with six articles that were suitable to the topic. Of the 36 total articles, 19 focused on an intervention involving socialization; eight explored the effect of social isolation during COVID-19 on patients with Alzheimer's disease; five articles examined social isolation as a risk factor for dementia; and four articles discussed the effect of socialization on Alzheimer's disease. A few studies reported that having a large social network can improve cognition and mood for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies reported that interventions such as volunteering, video calls, group art classes, animal interactions, and others produced positive outcomes in Alzheimer's patients, but not all were statistically significant. Our review found a consistent association between a socially integrated lifestyle and a decreased incidence of early-onset dementia. Although not all interventions were solely social, a strong social structure remained at the core of a healthy aging process.

The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.

Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi give this brew its unique psychedelic properties which have been revered over centuries. In recent years, ayahuasca has gained attention as a potential therapeutic tool for mental health disorders, including substance abuse and depression. The uniqueness of ayahuasca's therapeutic potential is that it is an amalgamation of its biochemical makeup and the ritual guided by a shaman, along with the interpretation of the participant of their experience. The boom of "ayahuasca tourism" has brought forth testimonies of feeling "cured" of depression, and substance abuse and an improvement in overall well-being. This systematic literature review focuses on summarizing the recently available research on the effectiveness of ayahuasca as a treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also focuses on understanding the effects it has on personality traits that play a significant role in the manifestation of the above-listed mental health conditions effects. Additionally, the review investigates the importance and role the ritual itself plays, often described as the "mystical experience". This systematic literature review aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the use of ayahuasca for numerous mental health conditions by analyzing medical research papers published no earlier than September 2017 to no later than May 2023 from Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 43 articles met the criteria and were used for detailed analysis. This review will synthesize the findings of the studies, examining the potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on multiple mental health disorders, the significance of the "mystical experience," and the mechanisms of action underlying its effects. Through the review, ayahuasca proves to be a worthwhile therapeutic tool that if used in the right setting influences mind, body, and spirit. It is important to note that most studies used in this article relied on surveys and self-reporting proving to be a limitation as no clear standard has been achieved to test the efficacy of ayahuasca. The respect for the culture and origin needs to be retained as Western medicine dwells deeper into ayahuasca's benefits.

COVID-19 and Its Ophthalmic Manifestations: A Literature Review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus discovered in late 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The virus has now developed into a full-scale global pandemic affecting hundreds of millions of people to date. A majority of cases present with nonspecific acute upper respiratory symptoms. A wide range of systemic symptoms has been reported, with some patients presenting with nonspecific extrapulmonary symptoms. Recently, there has been an increased association of COVID-19-positive patients presenting with ocular symptoms. As an increasing number of patients present with ophthalmic manifestations, recognizing these visual symptoms is of utmost importance. Some patients may present with ocular symptoms as the first indication of COVID-19 infection; quickly isolating and starting treatment can aid in stopping the spread of this novel coronavirus. This review will describe the current epidemiology and pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the ophthalmic manifestations and their clinical course progression. Further, we will be reporting on the growing number of rare ocular manifestations that have occurred in some COVID-19-positive patients, along with the route of transmission, specific manifestations, and the treatment methods for both these pulmonary and extrapulmonary symptoms, specifically the ocular manifestations.

The Lasting Effects of COVID-19 on the Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).

It is estimated that around 30% of the population living in Western countries has metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a spectrum of pathology (not attributed to alcohol/substance intake) initiated by steatosis and progression toward inflammation and irreversible fibrosis metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With inflammation being a key component of the transition to MASH, it raises the question of whether the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has notoriously induced hyperinflammatory states, may influence the progression of MASLD. Specifically, it remains unclear if the potential chronic sequelae of COVID-19 in patients who recovered from it may increase the predisposition for MASH. Since MASH maintains a high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure, and the need for a liver transplant, the potential additive effects of COVID-19 could prove critical to study. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct a literature review to examine if COVID-19 could have chronic sequelae that affect the progression of MASLD pathogenesis. It was hypothesized that severe cases of COVID-19 could induce systemic inflammation, metabolic changes, and lasting gut microbiome alterations that lead to inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the liver, similar to those seen in MASH. A scoping review of the literature was conducted utilizing the PubMed database. Studies that examined hepatobiliary pathology, gut microbiome, systemic inflammation, metabolic changes, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and hypoxia seen in COVID-19 were included. Human studies of adult cohorts, animal models, and in vitro experiments were included. Genetic components of MASLD were not examined. Exclusion criteria also encompassed any studies not referencing the hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal tract, portal system, or systemic circulation. Findings indicated a frequent trend of elevated liver enzymes, mild steatosis, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, and hepatobiliary congestion. It was found that direct cytopathic effects on hepatocytes were unlikely, but the direct viral insult of cholangiocytes was a potential complication. High serum levels of IL-1, TNF-a, and MCP-1, in COVID-19 were found as potential risk factors for MASH development. Hypoxia, altered lipid metabolism, and iatrogenic DILI were also proposed as potential precipitators of MASH development. Notably, lasting changes in gut microbiome were also frequently observed and correlated closely with those seen in MASH.

A Narrative Review of the Many Psychiatric Manifestations of Neurosyphilis: The Great Imitator.

Neurosyphilis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the spirochete, Treponema pallidum. New syphilis infections have been increasing around the world each year. This disease was much of a concern in the pre-penicillin era, where when left untreated many cases progressed to tertiary syphilis which can commonly manifest as neurosyphilis. Of particular interest, neurosyphilis has been linked to masquerading itself as various psychiatric conditions. This narrative review focuses on exploring psychiatric manifestations of neurosyphilis as well as the importance of screening in psychiatric settings and clinicians maintaining high clinical suspicion of the disease. A systematic search was conducted for published articles from 2003 to 2023 using PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. A total of 66 articles met the criteria and were used for detailed analysis, where psychiatric manifestations and clinical progression of patients were discussed in detail. Psychiatric manifestations that were explored include dementia, delirium, depression, mania, personality changes, and psychosis. One of the most common manifestations of neurosyphilis appears to be severe neurocognitive impairment. There are also rare psychiatric conditions neurosyphilis mimics that have been described in literature such as Capgras syndrome and Geschwind syndrome. A narrative review of the literature revealed a low level of clinical awareness of neurosyphilis as a possible etiology of various psychiatric disorders. This resulted in delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and consequently delayed initiation of adequate treatment. Considering that many psychiatric manifestations of neurosyphilis are reversible with proper treatment, it is imperative to implement routine screening for syphilis among psychiatric patients.

The Role of Vitamin C in Human Immunity and Its Treatment Potential Against COVID-19: A Review Article.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has left clinicians around the world searching for viable prevention and treatment options to use against the virus. The important physiologic properties of vitamin C have been well documented regarding its use by immune cells and its role as an antioxidant. It has previously shown potential as a prophylactic and treatment option for other respiratory viruses, and because of this, there has been intrigue into whether these positive outcomes translate into a cost-effective prevention and treatment option for COVID-19. To this point, there have only been a few clinical trials performed to assess the validity of this notion, with very few showing definitive positive outcomes when vitamin C has been incorporated into prophylactic or treatment protocols to use against coronavirus. When being used to specifically treat the severe complications that arise from COVID-19, vitamin C is a reliable option to treat COVID-19-induced sepsis but not pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). As a treatment option, high-dose therapy has shown flashes of promise in a few studies although investigators in these studies often subject the testing group to multimodal therapies that include vitamin C as opposed to just vitamin C alone. Given the role that vitamin C has shown to uphold regarding the human immune response, it is currently advised for all individuals to maintain a normal physiologic range of plasma vitamin C through diet or supplements for adequate prophylactic protection against the virus. More research with definitive outcomes will be needed before it is recommended to provide high-dose vitamin C therapy to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Nutritional and Wellness Strategies for Neurological and Psychiatric Recovery From Post-COVID Syndrome and Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19.

The post-COVID syndrome was officially recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, indicating that this syndrome has made a significant impact on our populace. Also, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a term that describes the long-term health problems that some people experience after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. These problems can last for weeks, months, or even years, and can affect various parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, brain, and blood vessels. This narrative review paper utilized the PubMed database to explore the pathophysiology of post-COVID syndrome's neurological and psychiatric symptoms and PASC and make therapeutic connections to the known mechanisms of various nutritional, supplemental, and wellness approaches. Searches were queried on the PubMed database between March 29 and April 16, 2022, using the phrases "long-covid," "post-COVID syndrome," "Vitamin D covid," "vitamin C covid," "omega-3 covid," "kynurenine covid," "whole-body hyperthermia," "mushrooms immunity," "n-acetyl cysteine covid," "mushrooms cognition," "sugar consumption inflammation," and "covid microbiome." Articles were screened for their relevance to the discussion of post-COVID syndrome's neurological and psychiatric pathophysiology at the discretion of the principal researcher. There were no limitations regarding publication years, but articles from 2005 to April 2022 were cited. Micro-ischemic disease, neuropathy, autoimmune processes, mast-cell activation, and impaired blood-brain barriers have all been implicated in the pathological processes of this syndrome with varying degrees of supportive evidence. The common denominators, however, are inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, a beneficial approach to dealing with the complications of post-COVID syndrome would be to reduce the exacerbations of these common denominators with lifestyle and nutritional changes. Replenishing nutritional deficiencies, supplementing with N-acetylcysteine, decreasing consumption of refined sugars, preventing dysbiosis of the microbiome, performing exercises, increasing dietary intake of mushrooms, utilizing beneficial herbs such as rosemary, and increasing the core body temperature through whole-body hyperthermia seem to show potential for efficacy in this pursuit. Considering the safety and evidence-based connections of the therapies explored for dealing with the post-Covid syndrome, it could be of great benefit and of little harm to our patients to include these considerations in formulating post-Covid treatment plans.

Intra-operative Guidelines for the Prevention of Uterine Niche Formation in Cesarean Sections: A Review.

Formation of a uterine niche following a C-section can predispose the patient to future obstetric complications such as dehiscence, uterine rupture, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta accreta. The significant morbidity and mortality of these complications along with increasing C-section rates emphasizes the importance of prevention. However, there are no clear guidelines on intra-operative protocol to prevent postpartum niche formation. Besides surgical technique, the novel use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections has demonstrated promising potential and may have applications in hysterotomy closures. The objective is to examine current research on optimal C-section procedures to prevent uterine niche formation and subsequent obstetric complications. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Initial searches yielded 827 results. Inclusion criteria were human, animal, and in-vitro studies, peer-reviewed sources, and outcomes pertinent to the uterine niche. Exclusion criteria applied to articles with outcomes unrelated to myometrium and interventions outside of the intra-operative and immediate pre-/post-operative period. Based on the criteria, 41 articles were cited. Pathophysiology of uterine niche formation was associated with incisions through cervical tissue, adhesion formation, and poor approximation. Significant risk factors were low uterine incisions, advanced cervical dilatation, low station, non-closure of the peritoneum, and creation of a bladder flap. There was no consensus on uterine closure as it likely depends on surgical proficiency with the given technique, but a double-layered non-locking suture appears reliable to reduce niche severity. Recent trials indicate that intra-operative PRP/MSC injections may decrease niche incidence and severity, but more research is needed. If prevention or minimization of uterine niche is desired, the optimal C-section protocol should avoid low uterine incisions, choose uterine closure technique based on the surgeon's proficiency (double-layered non-locking is reliable), and close the peritoneum, and myometrial injection of PRP/MSC may be a useful adjunct intervention pending further clinical evidence.

Thyroid Predictors of Postpartum Mood Disorders.

Postpartum mood disorders (PMD) are currently among the leading causes of maternal postpartum morbidity and mortality. PMD include the conditions of postpartum blues (PB), postpartum depression (PPD), and postpartum psychosis. The pathogenesis of PMDs are ambiguous, and there are no reliable prenatal predictive markers despite current research efforts. Even though reliable indicators have not been found, leading ideas suggest an etiology of hormonal fluctuations. Although thyroid markers have long been linked to psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), how they correlate with PMDs is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the pathophysiological link between thyroid function, PMDs, and the usefulness of thyroid markers as indicators of their occurrence and severity. The methodology consisted of a narrative literature review. Several inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to filter the results of literature searches in PubMed. Studies were included if they discussed any marker related to thyroid endocrinology in relation to the incidence or pathophysiology of any PMD. Both primary and secondary analyses were included. The permissive inclusion criteria were used due to the relative scarcity of research on the topic and the ambiguous pathophysiology of PMD. The results demonstrated the potential utility of thyroid autoimmunity as a predictor of late-onset PPD. Hypothyroidism, low euthyroid hormone levels, and the presence of thyroid autoantibodies were correlated with increased incidence of PPD and late postpartum depressive symptoms, past the timeline of PB. Most notably a rapid postpartum drop in cortisol level may precipitate thyroid autoimmunity in anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody positive women, which could eventually produce a hypothyroid phase associated with depressive symptoms. There was insufficient evidence to suggest a relationship with postpartum psychosis. In conclusion, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of PMDs remain ambiguous, but TPO-antibodies in the third trimester may be a predictor of late PPD.

Advances in Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy: Current Treatments, Emerging Therapies, and Challenges.

Obesity is a major public health concern linked to health risks such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stroke, metabolic syndrome, asthma, and cancer. It is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, but genetic or hormonal factors may also contribute. Over a third of adults in the United States are obese. Pharmacological agents have been designed to reduce weight gain caused by excessive calorie intake and low physical activity. They work by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat or stimulating the secretion of satiety hormones. These drugs include lipase inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. However, the current weight-loss strategies do not effectively treat genetic-related diseases, such as generalized lipodystrophy, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency. Emerging therapies for these gene mutations have been developed targeting leptin and melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs), restoring the normal function of leptin or melanocortin-4 receptors regulating energy balance and appetite. Leptin analogs and MC4R agonists are novel therapies that target genetic or hormonal causes of obesity. This article provides a comprehensive review of anti-obesity medications (AOMs). In this review, we discuss the clinical trials, efficacy, United States FDA-approved indication, contraindications, and serious side effects of different classes of drugs, including lipase inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, leptin analogs, and MC4R agonists.

Multiple Clinical Indications of Mifepristone: A Systematic Review.

Mifepristone and misoprostol are globally used medications that have become disparaged through the stigmatization of reproductive healthcare. Patients are hindered from receiving prompt treatment in clinical scenarios where misoprostol and mifepristone are the drugs of choice. It is no exaggeration to emphasize that in cases where reproductive healthcare is concerned. The aim of this paper is to discuss the different indications of mifepristone and to delineate where the discrepancy in accessibility arises. For this systematic review, we included publications citing clinical trials involving the use and efficacy of mifepristone published in English within the date range of 2000 to 2023. Five databases were searched to identify relevant sources. These databases are Google Scholar, MEDLINE with full text through EBSCO, and three National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases (NCBI Bookshelf, PubMed, and PubMed Central). Twenty-three records were ultimately included in this review. Mifepristone has been shown to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder and psychotic depression. There was a significant decrease in depression and psychiatric rating symptoms for patients taking mifepristone versus placebo with no adverse events. Mifepristone has also been shown to improve treatment course in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) who failed or are unable to undergo surgical treatment. In addition, mifepristone has been shown to be a successful treatment option for adenomyosis and leiomyomas. Patients had a statistically significant decrease in uterine volumes following mifepristone treatment, which aided in the alleviation of other symptoms, such as blood loss and pelvic discomfort. Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid that has immense potential to provide symptomatic relief in patients suffering from a wide array of complicated diseases. Historically, mifepristone has been proven to have an incredible safety profile. While further research is certainly needed, the politicization of its medical use for only one of its many indications has unfortunately led to the willful ignorance of its potential despite its evidence-based safety profile and efficacy.

Body Mass Index (BMI): A Screening Tool Analysis.

Body mass index (BMI), a measurement based on a person's height and weight, allows the classification of individuals into categories such as obese or overweight. With these classifications, we can assess risk for hypertension, diabetes, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, and other chronic diseases. Furthermore, childhood BMI serves as a prediction method for health and disease later in life. Along with BMI, researchers also study waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in correlation with the above-mentioned chronic illnesses. This brief review explores the associations between body mass index, waist circumference, and the waist-hip ratio as measurements and their capability as predictors for persistent conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Socioeconomic Determinants of COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality in Florida.

A wide variety of social determinants of health have been associated with various risks and impacts on quality of life. Specifically, poverty, lack of insurance coverage, large household sizes, and social vulnerability are all factors implicated in incidence and mortality rates of infectious disease. However, no studies have examined the relationship of these factors to the COVID-19 pandemic on a state-wide level in Florida. Thereby, the objective of this study is to examine the relationship between average household size, poverty, uninsured populations, social vulnerability index (SVI), and rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Florida counties. The objective was accomplished by analyzing the cumulative case and death reports from state and local health departments in Florida. The data was compiled into a single dataset by the CDC COVID-19 Task Force. Using US Census Bureau data, all Florida counties were classified into tertiles of the separate categories of poverty rate, average household size, uninsured rates, and SVI (Social Vulnerability Index). The poverty level was classified as low (0-12.3%), moderate (12.3-17.3%), and high (>17.3% below the federal poverty line). The uninsured population proportion was classified as low (0-7.1%), moderate (7.1-11.4%), and high (>11.4% uninsured residents). Average county household size was classified as low (0-2.4), moderate (2.4-2.6), and high (>2.6). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) used US census data on 15 social determinants of vulnerability to evaluate and assist disadvantaged communities. SVI tertiles were low (0-0.333), moderate (0.334-0.666), and high (0.667-1) on a range of 0-1, with higher numbers signifying communities with many factors of social vulnerability. The mean cumulative cases and deaths per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated in each tertile for each category. Analysis of the data revealed that case and mortality rates due to COVID-19 in the high poverty counties were markedly higher in Florida than the national average. In contrast, moderate and low poverty rates were below average. Similarly, counties with a high SVI had case and mortality rates greatly above state and national averages. Counties with a high proportion of uninsured displayed the highest case rates. However, mortality rates were the highest in counties with a low proportion of uninsured individuals. No clear correlation was observed between COVID-19 rates and household size. It was concluded that compiled CDC and US census data suggests a significant correlation between poverty, social vulnerability, lack of insurance coverage, and increased incidence and mortality from COVID-19. Future research should statistically analyze the correlations and examine the individual factors of SVI as potential COVID-19 predictors.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Depression/Depression-Like Symptoms Among Different Genders and Races.

Background While being overweight is a risk factor for hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, it can also be a risk factor for depression and vice versa. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of depression symptoms between genders and races. Methodology A nationally representative sample was utilized to explore the relationship between depression-related symptoms and BMI status by comparing different genders and racial identities. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was used in this study. Data from 2013 to 2016 were included in the analysis. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to collect information regarding responses to eight primary questions based on gender, race, and BMI status. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and the chi-square test. Results Data were presented as percentages. A majority of both men and women who admitted to having depression or depression-like symptoms more than half the days or nearly every day were overweight or obese. However, men had a higher prevalence compared to women for most questions. Statistical analysis showed that among men and women who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, 61.5% (χ2 = 5.045, p = 0.992) and 50.9% (χ2 = 17.186, p = 0.308) were overweight, respectively. Among the races, those who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, non-Hispanic Asian individuals had the lowest percentage of being overweight at 47.7% (χ2 = 7.099, p = 0.955), while Hispanic individuals other than Mexican Americans had the highest percentage of being overweight at 67.4% (χ2 = 8.792, p = 0.721). Conclusions Being overweight or obese appears to have a positive relationship with depression and depression-like symptoms for each gender and race. Similarly, individuals who report having depression-like symptoms are likely to be overweight or obese. Further research is needed to determine other differences in etiologies between genders and races, along with determining whether more individuals become depressed due to being overweight or obese or whether more individuals become overweight or obese due to being depressed. The results of this study are limited to the data obtained through NHANES.

Laboratory and Point-of-Care Testing for COVID-19: A Review of Recent Developments.

With the emergence of Coronavirus infection called COVID-19, testing is essential for containment and mitigation purposes. In a pandemic, control is essential to limit the spread of any virus. Initially, contact tracing was not available which ultimately led to the 2020 pandemic. However, with the development of COVID-19 rapid testing, the rate of infections has lessened and has allowed for some return to normalcy. In this review, we discuss the various antibody, antigens, and molecular tests that have been given emergency authorization (EA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moreover, we will discuss the various point-of-care tests as well as the specificity and sensitivity that are associated with each testing kit. With appropriate testing, we can be aware of how the virus spreads and how prevalent it remains.

Obesity: A Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Its Markers.

As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the world is facing a major public health concern. Obesity is a complex disease associated with an increase in several inflammatory markers, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation. Of multifactorial etiology, it is often used as a measurement of morbidity and mortality. There remains much unknown regarding the association between obesity and inflammation. This review seeks to compile scientific literature on obesity and its associated inflammatory markers in chronic disease and further discusses the role of adipose tissue, macrophages, B-cells, T-cells, fatty acids, amino acids, adipokines, and hormones in obesity. Data were obtained using PubMed and Google Scholar. Obesity, inflammation, immune cells, hormones, fatty acids, and others were search words used to acquire relevant articles. Studies suggest brown adipose tissue is negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Researchers also found the adipose tissue of lean individuals predominantly secretes anti-inflammatory markers, while in obese individuals more pro-inflammatory markers are secreted. Many studies found that adipose tissue in obese individuals showed a shift in immune cells from anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, which was also correlated with insulin resistance. Obese individuals generally present with higher levels of hormones such as leptin, visfatin, and resistin. With obesity on the rise globally, it is predicted that severe obesity will become most common amongst low-income adults, black individuals, and women by 2030, making the need for intervention urgent. Further investigation into the association between obesity and inflammation is required to understand the mechanism behind this disease.