Hypercholesterolemia: a literature review on management using tafolecimab: a novel member of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) persist as the leading cause of mortality globally, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including hypercholesterolaemia, being a significant contributor. Hyperlipidemia management includes various lipid-lowering drugs, including statins, Bempedoic acid, inclisiran, Lomitapide, ANGPTL3 inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Statins have traditionally dominated lipid management therapies; however, a subset of patients remains unresponsive or intolerant to this therapy, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Tafolecimab, a promising and novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, demonstrated significant LDL-C reduction and a favourable safety profile in clinical trials. Objective: This review aimed to discuss the role and efficacy of Tafolecimab in the management of hypercholesterolaemia. Methods: The authors searched online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, for articles related to talofecimab. Discussion: The efficacy of Tafolecimab in diverse patient populations, including those with comorbid conditions and various lipid disorders, has been explored. Ongoing trials, such as CREDIT-1, CREDIT-2, and CREDIT-4, have provided valuable insights into Tafolecimab's potential as a lipid-lowering agent. Moreover, the drug's extended dosing interval may enhance patient compliance and reduce treatment costs. It has also been found that Tafolecimab has more affinity for PCSK9 and a longer duration of LDL-C reduction than other monoclonal antibody drugs such as evolocumab. Thus, this review focuses on Tafolecimab, a novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, its mechanism of action, clinical trial outcomes, safety profile, and potential role in hypercholesterolaemia management. Despite its assuring potential, the long-term impact of Tafolecimab on cardiovascular outcomes remains to be fully elucidated, necessitating further research. Regulatory authorities like the FDA and EMA should also evaluate Tafolecimab's risks and benefits. Conclusion: In conclusion, Tafolecimab shows potential as an innovative therapeutic option for hypercholesterolaemia, particularly in patients with specific risk factors, but warrants additional research.

Association Between Fluoroquinolones and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are routinely administered antibiotics that have demonstrated an increased propensity to cause major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We conducted a systematic review aimed to investigate the association between FQ usage and the risk of MACE. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception to September 2023 to retrieve studies comparing FQ administration with placebo and reporting the occurrence of MACE. Relevant studies that explored the occurrence of MACE, defined as "acute myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, arrhythmia, or heart failure" with FQ usage were eligible for inclusion. Four studies with a total of 42,808 patients were included. Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and gatifloxacin were observed to have an increased propensity to cause MACE, particularly arrhythmias, whereas ciprofloxacin was associated with the lowest risk of causing MACE. Despite the methodological diversity in the included studies, this systematic review uncovered a consistent trend of heightened likelihood of MACE with FQ administration across studies, suggesting that elevated serum concentrations of some FQs may correlate with higher risks of MACE development. This systematic review emphasizes the need for cautious administration of FQs, particularly in patients with a preexisting cardiovascular condition. Routine cardiac monitoring using electrocardiograms is warranted for patients on high doses of FQs to preemptively detect the development of MACE, particularly arrhythmias.

Effect of vitamin A on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes: An overview of deficiency, excessive intake, and intake recommendations.

Vitamin A imbalance during pregnancy and lactation is a global public health concern with potentially negative consequences for fetuses and neonates. Inadequate vitamin A intake during this critical period can lead to anemia, weakened immune function, night blindness, and increased susceptibility to infections. Conversely, excessive intake of vitamin A can result in birth defects, hypercalcemia, and psychiatric symptoms. This review aims to identify risk factors contributing to vitamin A deficiency in pregnant women and its impact on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. It also examines the effects of high-dose vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy on offspring health. By analyzing existing literature and recommendations, the review emphasizes the significance of vitamin A in the development of various body systems and organs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of vitamin A during pregnancy and lactation, encompassing deficiencies, excessive intake, and supplementation guidelines. The need for further research in this field is highlighted. In conclusion, maintaining a balanced vitamin A status is crucial during pregnancy to promote better outcomes for fetuses and newborns. Effective monitoring and intervention strategies are essential to address vitamin A deficiency and excess in pregnant women, thereby improving fetal and neonatal health.

Understanding the Role of Energy Productivity, Eco-Innovation and International Trade in Shaping Consumption-Based Carbon Emissions: A Study of BRICS Nations.

In recent years, addressing the issue of carbon emissions has gained significant attention in the field of environmental sustainability. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the interplay between eco-innovation, international trade, energy productivity, and consumption-based carbon emissions in the context of the BRICS economies. Using data spanning the period from 1990 to 2020, we employ advanced methodological techniques to overcome challenges associated with cross-section dependency, non-stationarity, and heterogeneity. The results of our study provide compelling evidence of a long-term cointegrating association between eco-innovation, energy productivity, economic growth, imports, exports and consumption-based carbon emissions. The results reveal that eco-innovations, exports, and energy productivity are associated with reductions in CO2 emissions. Conversely, imports and GDP growth contribute to higher CO2 emissions. Our findings have significant implications for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders involved in shaping environmental policies and sustainable development strategies. The observed negative correlations between eco-innovation, exports, energy productivity, and consumption-based carbon emissions offer a clear channel for mitigating environmental pollution. By prioritizing and promoting eco-innovation initiatives, encouraging sustainable exports, and enhancing energy productivity, policymakers can effectively reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable economic growth.

Economic and non-economic drivers of tourism: bidirectional causality of tourism and environment for South Asian economies.

This study explores the relationship between economic growth, tourism, and the environment in South Asian economies. It finds that factors such as GDP, human capital, globalization, and financial risk are interconnected and have long-term associations in these countries. The study employs various methodologies and tests to analyze the data. The author employs novel panel methodologies such as the method of moment of quantile regression analysis, slope heterogeneity, cross-section dependence test, and Westerlund cointegration. Additionally, a causality test along with the latest unit-root test is used. The results reveal important findings. As GDP expands, its impact on international tourism diminishes at higher quantiles, suggesting a decreasing effect. However, GDP still contributes positively to tourism across all quantiles. Human capital has a stronger effect on attracting tourists at lower quantiles, while globalization has varying impacts depending on the level of globalization in a country. Financial risk has a greater negative impact on tourism in larger economies compared to smaller ones. The study also examines the relationship between CO2 emissions and the variables under investigation. It finds that the effect of GDP on emissions decreases at higher quantiles, indicating a smaller contribution. Human capital has a larger effect on reducing emissions at lower quantiles, while the impact of globalization is more significant at higher quantiles. Moreover, an increase in financial risk leads to a decrease in emissions, particularly at lower quantiles. Based on these findings, the study suggests policy recommendations for South Asian economies. These include promoting sustainable tourism practices, investing in human capital development, encouraging responsible globalization, mitigating financial risks, and aligning tourism strategies with sustainable development goals.

How does CEO power and overconfidence affect the systemic risk of China's financial institutions?

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, this study measures the contribution of banks and non-bank financial institutions toward the systemic risk of China. Second, the present study investigates the relationship between CEO power, CEO overconfidence, and systemic risk. This study uses the Delta Conditional Value-at-Risk (∆CoVaR) method to measure the systemic risk contribution of firms listed on the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges over a period of 2006-2018. The results show that non-bank financial institutions are systemically more important compared to banks. We employed fixed-effect regression analysis to show that banks with overconfident CEOs increase the firm's systemic risk. The results also confirm that powerful CEOs enhance the contribution of non-bank financial institutions to systemic risk, whereas CEO power's impact was significant only for non-state-owned banks. The findings were further validated by the robustness test results obtained using the two-stage least squares approach. These findings are important for constructing regulations to reduce the contribution of firms to systemic risk.

Complications of invasive mechanical ventilation in critically Ill Covid-19 patients - A narrative review.

Critically ill COVID-19 patients have to undergo positive pressure ventilation, a non-physiological and invasive intervention that can be lifesaving in severe ARDS. Similar to any other intervention, it has its pros and cons. Despite following Lung Protective Ventilation (LPV), some of the complications are frequently reported in these critically ill patients and significantly impact overall mortality. The complications related to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in critically ill COVID-19 patients can be broadly divided into pulmonary and non-pulmonary. Among pulmonary complications, the most frequent is ventilator-associated pneumonia. Others are barotrauma, including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, bullous lesions, cardiopulmonary effects of right ventricular dysfunction, and pulmonary complications mimicking cardiac failure, including pulmonary edema. Tracheal complications, including full-thickness tracheal lesions (FTTLs) and tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are serious but rare complications. Non-Pulmonary complications include neurological, nephrological, ocular, and oral complications.

The Impact of Energy Productivity and Eco-Innovation on Sustainable Environment in Emerging Seven (E-7) Countries: Does Institutional Quality Matter?

Emerging economies are showing promising growth and economic success, but the growth process has significantly increased carbon emissions in these countries and deteriorated environmental quality. Environmental degradation is an issue of serious concern as it is directly linked to human lives and health. Since the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Emerging Seven (E-7) countries have struggled to meet the SDG targets, as it's been a challenge for them to lower carbon emissions and improve the quality of the environment. Thus, the present study explores the key factors that significantly affect environmental quality. This study examines the effect of institutional quality, energy productivity, and eco-innovation on consumption-based carbon dioxide (CCO2) emissions for E-7 economies. The cointegration analysis results show a long-run relationship between institutional quality, energy productivity, GDP, eco-innovation exports, imports, and CCO2 emissions. The results obtained using the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model show that institutional quality, energy productivity, eco-innovation, and exports adversely affect CCO2 emissions and improve environmental quality in the short and long run. In contrast, imports and GDP are positively linked with CCO2 emissions and contribute to environmental degradation. Policies that target institutional quality, eco-innovation, and energy productivity significantly affect CCO2 emissions and help improve environmental quality.

Revisiting the nexus between fiscal decentralization and environment: evidence from fiscally decentralized economies.

Fiscal decentralization is a topic of great importance, especially in the context of environmental sustainability. Numerous research studies have been conducted on fiscal decentralization providing conflicting results, and therefore, the current study fills the gap by examining the effect of fiscal decentralization on environmental quality in the presence of environment-related technological innovation, renewable energy consumption, international trade, and economic growth taking seven fiscally decentralized advanced OECD countries as a case study. Using data from 1990 to 2018, we employed the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to test the spatial spillover effect of fiscal decentralization on the environment in seven fiscally decentralized countries. The primary findings show that carbon emissions are affected by the associated regions, which significantly correlates with the spatial distribution, and in the short run, fiscal decentralization increases carbon emissions. However, in the long run, fiscal decentralization decreases carbon emissions and is essential for achieving the goals of net-zero carbon emission. The results also show that the indirect effect is significantly positive in the economic-geographical weight matrix, and the spatial spillover effect of fiscal decentralization is not conducive to the environment of countries with economic exchanges. Furthermore, fiscal decentralization has a threshold effect, and the results show that when the fiscal decentralization degree is higher, it significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Any policy in these countries that target renewable energy, fiscal decentralization, and eco-innovation will significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Impending perforation near ileocecal junction due to phytobezoar impaction and intraluminal polyp: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Bezoars and polyps are an uncommon cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction. There are four different kinds of bezoars: phytobezoars, made of vegetables and fibers; trichobezoars, resulting from the ingestion of hair and frequently an expression of psychiatric disorders; lactobezoars, which are formed of milk curd; and pharmacobezoars, caused by drugs and medications. Signs and symptoms classically vary from abdominal pain to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. We present a rare case of impending perforation along with an intraluminal polyp near ileocecal junction due to phytobezoar impaction. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a 59-year-old Sindhi female with a known history of interstitial lung disease and hypertension who presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and constipation for 1 week, vomiting for 5 days, and abdominal distension for 2 days. After a preoperative examination and her failure to respond to conservative therapy, she was taken to the operating room for exploratory laparotomy. A hard intraluminal mass was suspected to be obstructing the small bowel at the site of impending perforation. This mass was a phytobezoar along with an intraluminal polyp. Resection of the affected segment was performed, followed by ileoileal anastomosis, and a drain was left. The patient was discharged 1 week later and was found to be well with no complaints at 3 weeks follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of bezoars is important for early intervention and prevention of complications. Our case is unique as phytobezoar with intraluminal polyp is a rare clinical finding. Moreover, the signs and symptoms with which the patient presented are nonspecific and can be seen with multiple surgical emergencies.

Role of financial stability, technological innovation, and renewable energy in achieving sustainable development goals in BRICS countries.

Global warming is the buzzword these days, where researchers and policymakers are working hard to figure out its causes and how we can achieve sustainable development goals. Several research studies have been conducted to determine the key factors that influence environmental degradation. However, studies have ignored the role of financial institutions in achieving sustainable development goals. Therefore, the present study evaluates the influence of financial stability on consumption-based-carbon emission for BRICS countries in the presence of renewable energy, technological innovation, industry value-added, and international trade over the period of 1995 to 2018. This study has simulated its analyses by utilizing the spatial Durbin model through the spatial time-fixed effect technique due to the cross-border spillover effect. The results show that financial stability, technological innovation, economic growth, and imports contribute to consumption-based carbon emissions, whereas renewable energy and exports negatively influence consumption-based carbon emissions. In the case of cross-border spillover analysis, the study's findings revealed that only renewable energy has a positive spillover effect among the variables with a significant effect, whereas economic growth and bilateral export have a negative effect on consumption-based carbon emission.

The nexus between consumption-based carbon emissions, trade, eco-innovation, and energy productivity: empirical evidence from N-11 economies.

Unlike previous studies, this study attempts to fill the research gap in the area of consumption-based carbon emissions by introducing the role of energy productivity and eco-innovation along with international trade. To fill the mentioned research gap, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of eco-innovation and energy productivity on trade-adjusted consumption-based carbon emissions for the Next Eleven (N-11) economies using updated available data from 1995-2019. Further, on the methodological aspect, this study employed novel advanced panel data econometric techniques such as cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lags model (CS-ARDL), Westerlund cointegration test, and augmented mean group approach, which helps to tackle the problem of cross-section dependency and heterogeneity. The empirical outcomes confirm the long-run cointegrating relationship for consumption-based carbon emissions with exports, imports, gross domestic product, energy productivity, and eco-innovation. The results from CS-ARDL indicate that energy productivity, eco-innovation, and exports decrease carbon emissions by - 0.181%, - 0.0148%, and - 0.292%, respectively. However, economic growth and imports cause carbon emissions to increase by 1.201% and 0.225%, respectively. Moreover, the results also confirmed that any policy targeting energy productivity, exports, imports, gross domestic product, and eco-innovation should help to achieve equilibrium in approximately more than 1 year. This study recommends that the role of energy productivity and environment-related innovation is crucial for achieving the carbon neutrality target of the Next Eleven economies.

Identifying impact of international trade and renewable energy consumption on environmental quality improvement and their role in global warming.

There is a lack of proper research that highlights the impact of institutional quality (IQ) and renewable energy consumption (REC) on the carbon emission (CE). The significance of IQ and REC in the achievement of zero CE is highlighted in this research. The current research reports the effects of these important factors on the consumption-based carbon emissions in the G-7 countries from 1995 to 2018. Based on the outcome of the cointegration test, the long-run connection is recognized between IQ, REC, GDP, exports, imports, and consumption-based CE. The findings also validated that there exist significant decrease and increase in the CE in both the short and long run; for instance, IQ, REC, and exports decrease the CE, while imports and GDP increase the CE. The estimates of causality test showed that policies aimed at improving IQ, REC, GDP, exports, and imports have a significant impact on the CE. Consequently, based on these results, policymakers in the G-7 must prioritize IQ and REC to enhance environmental quality and attain carbon neutrality.

Role of institutional quality and renewable energy consumption in achieving carbon neutrality: Case study of G-7 economies.

This research emphasized the significance of institutional quality and renewable energy consumption in achieving the desired objective of zero carbon emissions. Following the COP21 (Paris Conference), many countries have fixed their national level objectives for achieving the carbon neutrality and to tackle the problem of global warming. Many researchers have focused their efforts on the aspects that contribute to environmental degradation. Meanwhile, there is a scarcity of appropriate research that highlights the environmental implications of institutional quality and renewable energy consumption. Therefore, the current study examines the influence of these significant determinants on CCO2 emissions in the G-7 countries from 1990 to 2018. The long run relationship between institutional quality, renewable energy consumption, GDP, exports, imports, and CCO2 emissions is approved, based on the assessed results of cointegration test. Besides that, the estimated results have endorsed a considerable decrease and increase in carbon emission both in the short and long run, i.e., institutional quality, renewable energy consumption, and exports reduce emissions, while imports and GDP raise emissions. The Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test results show that policies aiming at improving institutional quality, renewable energy consumption, GDP, exports, and imports have a significant effect on CO2 emissions. As a result of these findings which recommends that G-7 countries' policymakers should emphasize institutional quality and renewable energy consumption in order to improve environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and to achieve carbon neutrality.

Institutional Pressure and Green Product Success: The Role of Green Transformational Leadership, Green Innovation, and Green Brand Image.

Rapid economic growth has led to economic activities which have caused extensive environmental damage to the planet. Companies have sought to adapt their business methods to reduce their carbon footprint in order to meet regulations, satisfy consumer preferences and keep up with changing societal expectations. The relationship between institutional pressure and green product performance will be an important issue in corporate green management. This article looked through the lens of green innovation and explored the moderating role of green brand image between green product innovation and new green product success. Utilising the data of 243 managers in Mainland China, structural equation modelling results found that institutional pressure is positively correlated to green transformational leadership, green transformational leadership is positively correlated to green process innovation, green process innovation is positively correlated to green product innovation, green product innovation is positively correlated with new green product success, green brand image moderates the relationship between green product innovation and new green product performance. The research results provide theoretical and practical implications for enterprises to relieve institutional pressure and build specific green competitive advantages.

Does environmental taxes achieve the carbon neutrality target of G7 economies? Evaluating the importance of environmental R&D.

The present study highlights the importance of environmental taxes and R&D in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Post Paris conference (COP21), countries set domestic targets to achieve zero carbon or carbon neutrality. Several studies have been conducted to explore the factors affecting environmental quality. However, the literature on the importance of environmental taxes and environmental R&D in affecting environmental quality is scant, and thus, this study investigates the impact of environmental taxes and R&D on consumption-based carbon emissions for G-7 countries over a period of 1990-2019. The cointegration test results show a stable long-run association between environmental taxes, environmental R&D, imports, exports, GDP, and consumption-based CO2 emissions. The results show that in the short- and long-run, environmental taxes, environmental R&D, and exports significantly reduce carbon emissions, whereas GDP and imports significantly enhance carbon emissions. The Dumitrescu and Hurlin Granger causality test results show that any policy that targets environmental taxes, environmental R&D, exports, imports, and GDP significantly changes CO2 emissions. This study recommends that policymakers in G-7 countries should focus on environmental R&D and taxes to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.

Does financial stability and renewable energy promote sustainable environment in G-7 Countries? The role of income and international trade.

Financial stability is of great importance especially in the context of achieving sustainable environment. The objective of this study is to fill the research gap in this area by introducing financial stability, international trade, renewable energy, and income as novel determinants of consumption-based carbon emissions. The present study is based on G-7 economies, and the time period is from 1990 to 2018. The present study employed advanced econometric techniques that can deal with problems of slope homogeneity and cross-section dependence. The cointegration analysis results show a stable long-run association between financial stability, renewable energy, international trade, national income, and consumption-based carbon emissions with structural breaks (1994 Italy's fiscal crises, 2001 mild recession, 2008 global financial crises, and 2010 European debt crises). The results show that both in long- and short-run financial stability, exports and renewable energy significantly reduce carbon emissions. In contrast, national income and imports are found to have a significant positive effect on consumption-based carbon emissions. Policymakers in G-7 countries should focus more on financial sector stability and encourage firms to use renewable energy. Any policy that targets financial stability, exports, and renewable energy will significantly reduce carbon emissions. This study is a novel contribution to the area of consumption-based carbon emissions as it incorporates the role of financial stability for G-7 economies.

Correction to: Association of Allergic Symptoms with Dengue Infection and Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The spelling of the fifth author's name was misspelled. The byline should appear as shown above.

Association of Allergic Symptoms with Dengue Infection and Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The relationship between the severity of dengue infection and allergy is still obscure. We conducted an electronic search across 12 databases for relevant articles reporting allergic symptoms, dengue infection, and dengue classification. These studies were categorized according to dengue severity and allergy symptoms, and a meta-analysis was performed by pooling the studies in each category. Among the included 57 articles, pruritus was the most common allergic sign followed by non-specified allergy and asthma (28.6%, 13%, and 6.5%, respectively). Despite the reported significant association of dengue with pruritus and total IgE level (P < 0.05), in comparison with non-dengue cases and healthy controls, there was no association between the different severe dengue group with pruritus, skin allergy, food allergy or asthma. However, removing the largest study revealed a significant association between asthma with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) rather than dengue fever (DF). In comparison with DF, DHF was associated with IgE positivity. Furthermore, specific-IgE level was higher in secondary DF rather than primary DF. There was a possible association between allergy symptoms and dengue severity progression. Further studies are needed to clarify this association.