A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi, led by Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, has discovered that the tumor suppressor protein Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) can cause a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in human glioblastoma — the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor — while sparing healthy cells. This new understanding has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for various hard-to-treat cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Ferroptosis is triggered by the iron-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent lipid peroxidation, which plays a crucial role in shrinking cancerous tumors. This is the first time that Par-4, already known for killing cancer cells through apoptosis — a form of programmed cell death — has been shown to promote ferroptosis in glioblastoma cells.
The tumor suppressor protein Par-4 is widely expressed across species, but is often reduced, mutated, or inactivated in the presence of various cancers. In the study “Tumor suppressor Par-4 activates autophagy-dependent ferroptosis,” recently published in the journal Communications Biology, the researchers identified that Par-4 plays an unanticipated role in promoting ferroptosis-mediated cancer regression. They demonstrated that Par-4 triggers the activation of ferritinophagy (autophagic degradation of ferritin) through the nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4). This activation is necessary for the accumulation of the labile iron pool, the production of ROS, and the subsequent lipid peroxidation, all of which lead to ferroptosis.
Ferroptosis plays a key role in various health issues, such as cancer, heart disease, brain damage, kidney failure, lung injury, and diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s. The identification of Par-4 as a key player in ferroptosis is essential, as it is involved in the main processes and signals that make this alternative cell death pathway, ferroptosis, occur. Many types of cancer cells don’t respond to today’s treatments or have developed resistance to existing drugs therapies.
This research was a collaborative effort between Associate Professor Mazin Magzoub’s lab at NYU Abu Dhabi and Professor Vivek M. Rangnekar from the University of Kentucky, who discovered Par-4 in 1993.
“Our team’s discovery that Par-4 triggers ferroptosis is a breakthrough in the field of cancer treatment development,” said Galadari, who is the Senior Vice Provost for Research and Managing Director of the Research Institute at NYU Abu Dhabi. “Developing methods to activate alternative cell death pathways presents new opportunities for the creation of more potent and effective therapies for glioblastoma and other deadly and debilitating diseases.”
“Investing in research at institutions such as NYUAD is instrumental in transforming the UAE into a knowledge-based economy that attracts local, regional, and global talent — a symbiotic relationship that creates opportunities, knowledge, and wealth,” Galadari added.
Researcher Samantha Boch has studied the impact of incarceration on child and family health for more than a decade.
Her latest research examines the health records and health care use of youth, individuals under age 21, who likely have been involved or whose families have been involved in the justice system. The challenge was identifying youth who have been impacted by mass incarceration, as most health care systems don’t routinely ask about incarceration. Families may not disclose that information due to stigma, fear of child protective services involvement, or judgment.
“There are few, if any, large community-level studies about the health of youth affected by incarceration, or their family’s incarceration, using medical records,” explains Boch, an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. “Despite a lot of youth and families affected by incarceration, gaps remain in understanding its prevalence and consequences. There are numerous reasons for this, some include a lack of provider awareness, lack of curriculum in provider training, lack of funding for this research and lack of routine sensitive screening for exposure.”
Boch and her research team searched the electronic medical records for justice-related keywords such as “prison,” “jail,” “sentenced,” “probation,” “parole,” and others, to determine the impact of incarceration. The researchers used data from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital collected over an 11-year period.
Their study, published in Academic Pediatrics, found that of the more than 1.7 million records reviewed, 38,263 (or 2.2%) of youth seen between January 2009 and December 2020 likely had a parent incarcerated or faced some type of confinement as a juvenile. This small percentage was also responsible for a disproportionate number of physical and mental health diagnoses and health care visits at Cincinnati Children’s. They were compared against a socio demographically matched sample without a justice keyword and the total sample population of youth.
Nearly 63.3% of all behavioral health inpatient admissions, 23.7% of all hospitalization inpatient days and 45.5% of all foster care visits were attributed to the 2.2% of youth who had documented probable personal or family justice system involvement. The findings complement another study led by Boch, published in 2021 using data from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Youth with a justice keyword in their record had 1.5 to 16.2 times the prevalence of various physical and mental health disorder groupings studied compared to matched youth who didn’t have a justice keyword but do have similar socioeconomic backgrounds. They also had 428.2 more physical health diagnoses and 269.2 more mental health diagnoses per 100 youth than the matched youth.
According to the study, youth with a justice keyword made up a large proportion of all of those who were diagnosed with health disorders or conditions at Cincinnati Children’s from 2009-2020. This includes 42.9% of all schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, 42.1% of all bipolar and related disorders, 38.3% of all suicide and self-injury disorders, 24.5% of all trauma and stress related disorders, 44.9% of all shaken baby syndrome cases, 13.9% of all infectious diseases, 12.5% of speech language disorders and 12.8% of all youth pregnancies.
Nationally, about 7% of U.S. youth have had a parent incarcerated. Findings at Cincinnati Children’s and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus grossly underestimate the number of youth affected by incarceration or confinement, says Boch.
“Our data reflects families who disclosed and health providers who documented,” says Boch. “Families who refrain from disclosing or whose information is not documented were not represented which is a key limitation. This study is an attempt to uncover the size of the impact of mass incarceration on youth health in Cincinnati. Our health care systems and correctional systems clearly overlap and impact the lives of children.
“Replication of these findings in other communities would strengthen the growing justification for decarceration efforts and other reforms, especially if we want all U.S. children and families to thrive,” says Boch. “We will continue to have health care disparities and lead the world with poor health outcomes if we continue to lead in incarceration.”
Other co-authors of the study include Joshua Lambert, PhD, University of Cincinnati; Christopher Wilderman, PhD, Duke University; and Judith Dexheimer, PhD; Robert Kahn, MD; and Sarah Beal, PhD, all of the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s.
The research study of Cincinnati youth was supported by Boch’s awards, including the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (AHRQ/PCORI) K12 PEDSnet Scholars Learning Health Systems Career Development Program, internal funding from the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Dean’s New Investigator Award, internal funding from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, and the NIH/NIMHD Loan Repayment Award for Clinician Scientists from Disadvantaged Backgrounds.
Understanding how soft materials fail under stress is critical for solving engineering challenges as disparate as pharmaceutical technology and landslide prevention. A new study linking a spectrum of soft material behaviors — previously thought to be unrelated — led researchers to identify a new parameter they call the brittility factor, which allows them to simplify soft material failure behavior. This will ultimately help engineers design better materials that meet future challenges.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Simon Rogers and graduate student Krutarth Kamani specialize in determining how soft materials yield to stress and have shown how solid and liquid physical states can exist together in the same material. This area is of high interest due to its importance to industrial, environmental and biomedical applications.
Along the way, the team identified a communication breakdown among the scientists who work in this area, causing a bottleneck between a theoretical understanding of soft material behavior and real-world applications.
When soft materials — natural or synthetic — deform under pressure, they eventually reach a critical point where they either return to their original form or undergo permanent deformation, like stretching or breaking a piece of elastic. This process is known as yielding. A gradual yielding transition is termed ductile behavior, while an abrupt one is referred to as brittle behavior, the researchers said.
“At a recent conference, we realized that all of us who study soft materials from all over Europe and North America couldn’t agree what the connection is between brittle and ductile behavior nor how to define it.”
In the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, instead of viewing soft material behavior as one or the other — brittle or ductile — Rogers’ team considers a spectrum of yielding behaviors. This allowed the team to build a continuum model, which led to them uncovering the brittility factor. This factor is critical in determining how and why soft materials fail.
Essentially, brittility affects how a material deforms permanently under stress. The team’s model indicates that the higher the brittility factor, the less a soft material will deform permanently before yielding.
As in the team’s past studies, the model was developed and tested using data from numerous experiments that subjected various soft materials to stress while measuring the individual strain responses using a device called a rheometer.
“We didn’t expect this study to explain as much as it does,” said Rogers, who is also an affiliate at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the U. of. I. “What we ended up with was a way to bring a whole bunch of soft material behaviors together under the same physics umbrella. Previously, they’d been studied independently or maybe all been applied simultaneously, but never thought of as being physically or mathematically connected.”
This finding will allow researchers to explain precisely why some materials are more resistant to rapid yielding than others, a question that has eluded researchers for decades.
“This single parameter amazingly connects so many puzzling observations researchers have come across over the years,” Kamani said.
“This work marks the point at which we are approaching the crest of the hill in understanding soft materials behavior,” Rogers said. “We’ve always felt like each step takes us higher, but with no end in sight. Now we can see the top of the hill, and we are closer to the top and free to move forward in whatever direction we would like.”
The National Science Foundation supported this research.
Anxiety disorders are a pervasive and crippling mental health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, apprehension, and unease, anxiety disorders can debilitatingly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, a diverse range of evidence-based treatments has emerged to combat anxiety, offering hope for recovery and resilience.
This article will delve into the best treatments for anxiety disorders, exploring the most effective therapies, medications, and lifestyle modifications that have proven to alleviate symptoms and empower individuals to regain control over their lives. What is the most effective way to calm the racing thoughts, sweaty palms, and nagging doubts that characterize anxiety disorders?
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect an individual’s mood, emotions, and behavior. These disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry that interfere with an individual’s daily life. Anxiety disorders are common, affecting approximately 40 million adults in the United States alone.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
Disorder
Description
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Excessive and persistent worry about everyday things, even when there is no apparent reason to worry.
Panic Disorder
Recurring panic attacks, which are intense feelings of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes and include physical symptoms such as a racing heart and shortness of breath.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Fear of being judged, evaluated, or rejected by others in social situations.
Specific Phobias
Irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to perform.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and flashbacks following a traumatic event.
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are treatable, and there are various treatment options available. These include:
Medications
Medications are often used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders. The most commonly used medications for anxiety disorders are:
Medication
Description
Benzodiazepines
Antidepressants can help alleviate anxiety symptoms by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antidepressants can help alleviate anxiety symptoms by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Antidepressants that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Therapy
Therapy is a crucial component of anxiety disorder treatment. The most effective types of therapy for anxiety disorders are:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a helpful approach that enables individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. CBT is a structured, short-term treatment that focuses on the present moment and helps individuals develop coping skills and strategies to manage their stress.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that involves helping individuals face their fears and anxieties in a controlled and safe environment. This type of therapy can be beneficial for individuals with specific phobias or social anxiety disorders.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the present moment. ACT encourages individuals to develop psychological flexibility and live by following their values, even in anxiety.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication and therapy, lifestyle changes can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. These include:
Exercise
Regular exercise is a natural anxiety-reducer that can help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. Exercise can help reduce muscle tension, improve mood, and enhance sleep quality.
Diet
A healthy diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, and salt can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and should be consumed in moderation.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, can help individuals relax and reduce anxiety symptoms. These techniques can be learned through classes, online tutorials, or mobile apps.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, receive support, and connect with others who are going through similar challenges.
Natural Remedies for Anxiety
In addition to conventional treatments, natural remedies can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. These include:
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies such as passionflower, kava, and valerian root have been used for centuries to treat anxiety. These remedies can be consumed as teas, capsules, or tinctures.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help reduce anxiety symptoms. These oils can be inhaled directly, added to baths, or used in massage therapy.
Mindfulness and Meditation Apps
Mindfulness and meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm provide guided meditation sessions and relaxation techniques that can help individuals manage their anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders are common and treatable. While treatment options may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms, a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies can provide relief from anxiety symptoms. By understanding the different types of anxiety disorders and treatment options available, individuals can take the first step towards managing their anxiety and improving their overall well-being.
Heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths annually. The good news is that it is largely preventable, and incorporating simple yet effective lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition. Individuals can take proactive steps toward shielding their hearts from damage by making informed choices about diet, exercise, and stress management.
This article outlines the top ways to prevent heart disease, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the likelihood of heart-related complications. What can be done to avoid the number one killer in the world, heart disease, which claims millions of lives every year?
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a condition where the heart’s arteries become damaged or clogged, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. It is a complex and multifaceted condition caused by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
The Risks of Heart Disease
The risks of heart disease are numerous and can have devastating consequences. According to the World Health Organization, heart disease is responsible for 17.9 million deaths annually, which is approximately 31% of all global deaths. In the United States alone, heart disease claims over 650,000 lives every year. The risks of heart disease are not limited to death, as it can also lead to chronic illness, disability, and a significantly reduced quality of life.
Top Ways to Prevent Heart Disease
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent heart disease, starting with making informed lifestyle choices. Here are the top ways to prevent heart disease:
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential in preventing heart disease. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to reduce the risk of heart disease by:
Food Group
Benefits
Fruits and Vegetables
High in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Whole Grains
Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve digestion
Lean Protein
Helps to reduce saturated fat intake and can help to lower cholesterol levels
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is crucial in preventing heart disease. Exercise can help to:
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots
Increase overall cardiovascular health
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, and quitting can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease. Smoking damages the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
4. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure, increasing the heart rate, and promoting unhealthy behaviors such as overeating and smoking. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help to manage stress and reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential in preventing heart disease. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease by:
Raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes
Promoting unhealthy behaviors such as overeating and smoking
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults.
6. Monitor and Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, and monitoring and managing blood pressure is crucial in preventing heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends:
Blood Pressure Category
Systolic Pressure
Diastolic Pressure
Normal
Less than 120 mmHg
Less than 80 mmHg
Elevated
120-129 mmHg
Less than 80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension
130-139 mmHg
80-89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension
140 mmHg or higher
90 mmHg or higher
7. Get Regular Check-Ups
Regular health check-ups are essential in preventing heart disease. Regular check-ups can help to:
Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other heart health metrics
Identify risk factors and take preventative measures
Receive early treatment for any heart health problems
8. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing heart disease. Excess weight can increase the risk of heart disease by:
Raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes
Promoting unhealthy behaviors such as overeating and smoking
9. Limit Saturated and Trans Fats
Saturated and trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and promoting plaque buildup in the arteries. Limiting saturated and trans fats can help reduce heart disease risk.
10. Get Enough Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in preventing heart disease. Omega-3s can help to:
Lower triglycerides and blood pressure
Reduce inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular health
The American Heart Association recommends 250-500 mg of omega-3s per day.
By incorporating these top ways to prevent heart disease into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and improve their overall cardiovascular health. Remember, prevention is key, and taking proactive steps to prevent heart disease can add years to one’s life and life to one’s years.
