Assessing the effect of statins in lowering the risk of stroke and preventing cerebral ischemia in patients with hypercholesterolemia

Numerous analyses have explored the role of statins in reducing stroke incidence, reducing cerebral ischemia in hypercholesterolemic patients, and preventing ischemic stroke. This paper aims to assess the effect of statins in lowering the risk of stroke and preventing cerebral ischemia in patients with hypercholesterolemia. To achieve this objective, the literature was reviewed, randomized control tests were analyzed, and a systematic review was performed. The risk of developing cerebral ischemia was found to be reduced in hypercholesterolemic patients and patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease. However, it is unknown whether this reduction in incidence is a result of the drug, which reduces low-density lipoprotein levels in the blood, or to statins’ pleotropic effects on the vascular endothelium. Since their discovery, statins have proven to be beneficial in controlling cholesterol blood levels. Moreover, statins have been shown to have pleotropic effects after a certain period of use, one of which is lowering ischemic stroke incidence in hypercholesterolemic patients. Most recently, statins have been found to lower systolic blood pressure. It is not yet clear whether it has a significant effect on mortality or whether or not it is linked to statins

Characterisation of lamina I anterolateral system neurons that express Cre in a Phox2a-Cre mouse line

A recently developed Phox2a::Cre mouse line has been shown to capture anterolateral system (ALS) projection neurons. Here, we used this line to test whether Phox2a-positive cells represent a distinct subpopulation among lamina I ALS neurons. We show that virtually all lamina I Phox2a cells can be retrogradely labelled from injections targeted on the lateral parabrachial area (LPb), and that most of those in the cervical cord also belong to the spinothalamic tract. Phox2a cells accounted for ~ 50–60% of the lamina I cells retrogradely labelled from LPb or thalamus. Phox2a was preferentially associated with smaller ALS neurons, and with those showing relatively weak neurokinin 1 receptor expression. The Phox2a cells were also less likely to project to the ipsilateral LPb. Although most Phox2a cells phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases following noxious heat stimulation, ~ 20% did not, and these were significantly smaller than the activated cells. This suggests that those ALS neurons that respond selectively to skin cooling, which have small cell bodies, may be included among the Phox2a population. Previous studies have defined neurochemical populations among the ALS cells, based on expression of Tac1 or Gpr83. However, we found that the proportions of Phox2a cells that expressed these genes were similar to the proportions reported for all lamina I ALS neurons, suggesting that Phox2a is not differentially expressed among cells belonging to these populations. Finally, we used a mouse line that resulted in membrane labelling of the Phox2a cells and showed that they all possess dendritic spines, although at a relatively low density. However, the distribution of the postsynaptic protein Homer revealed that dendritic spines accounted for a minority of the excitatory synapses on these cells. Our results confirm that Phox2a-positive cells in lamina I are ALS neurons, but show that the Phox2a::Cre line preferentially captures specific types of ALS cells

Analyzing Sustainability Awareness among Higher Education Faculty Members: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the understanding of sustainability of the faculty members in higher education in Saudi Arabia. One of the main objectives is to explore how they implement sustainability in the courses offered in one of the major non-profit private universities in Riyadh. Findings: A survey was conducted among the faculty members to investigate their awareness on this topic. Survey results were compared between the different departments to understand how the faculty members can contribute to sustainable education if they increase their knowledge through training and workshops related to the topic. The comparative analysis allows us to define the guidelines to build a strong institution that presents itself as a leader and change-driver in the Gulf region. The survey was done among the limited number of faculty members in the benchmark university, searching for answers about sustainability using the top-down methodology. The survey fulfilled the original aim of developing an evidence base of faculty members existing expertise, experience and interest in sustainability. The survey is also an important step to embed sustainability into the benchmark university. It also provides an opportunity to reflect and put forward suggestions on what it means to have sustainability as a core value and strategic priority. Originality/value: According to the Saudi Vision 2030, developed following the UN requirements, the Saudi Government expects companies to be more responsible towards society and sustainable economy. Increasing the understanding and learning of sustainability among faculty members is beneficial to young people to build their professional careers in a sustainable environment, considering the environmental, social, and economic implications. In this context, the role of faculty members is crucial to strengthen the awareness and knowledge about sustainability in higher education among the new generation. The work identified opportunities to engage all staff on what it means to have sustainability as a core value and strategic priority

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population