There was 0.3-fold lower stroke risk in IHD patients with combination TCM and non-TCM treatment (95% CI = 0.11-0.84, P = .02). Moreover, the survival rate was higher (P  less then  .001) and the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was significantly lower (P = .04) in IHD patients with TCM treatment.IHD patients using combined TCM and WM had a higher survival rate and lower risk of new onset stroke, especially hemorrhagic stroke than those who did not use TCM treatment.
  Photoperiod length induces in temperate plants major changes in growth rates, morphology, and metabolism, with for example modifications in the partitioning of photosynthates to avoid starvation at the end of long nights. However, this has never been studied for a tropical perennial species adapted to grow in a natural photoperiod close to 12h/12h all year long.
 
  We grew Coffea arabica, an understorey perennial evergreen tropical species in its natural 12h/12h and in a short 8h/16h photoperiod and we investigated its responses at the physiological, metabolic and transcriptomic levels. The expression pattern of rhythmic genes, including core clock genes was affected by changes in photoperiod. Overall, we identified 2,859 rhythmic genes, of which 89% were also rhythmic in Arabidopsis thaliana. Under short days, plant growth was reduced, and leaves were thinner with lower chlorophyll content. In addition, secondary metabolism was also affected with chlorogenic acid and epicatechin levels decreasing, and in agreement the genes involved in lignin synthesis were overexpressed and those involved in the flavanol pathway were underexpressed.
 
  Our results show that the 8h/16h photoperiod induces drastic changes in morphology, metabolites and gene expression and the responses for gene expression are similar to those observed in the temperate annual Arabidopsis thaliana species.
 Our results show that the 8 h/16 h photoperiod induces drastic changes in morphology, metabolites and gene expression and the responses for gene expression are similar to those observed in the temperate annual Arabidopsis thaliana species.
  Cesarean delivery reduces the risk of infant and maternal morbidity and mortality when medically indicated, however, the cesarean delivery rate is estimated to be two to three times higher than medically necessary. The World Health Organization and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have expressed concern over the high rates of cesarean delivery, citing evidence that cesarean delivery has negative short- and long-term consequences for the health of the infant, mother, and for future pregnancies. Infants delivered by cesarean are at an increased risk of metabolic disease and immune dysfunction throughout the lifespan. Preliminary research suggests that the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is a plausible pathway linking cesarean delivery to poor health later in life. The present study examines the relation between mode of delivery and HPA axis function in six-month-old infants. We also examine whether the cesarean delivery was elective or indicated altered to the relation between mod cortisol concentrations at baseline and after the inoculation procedure compared to those delivered vaginally. Further, the relation between mode of delivery and cortisol levels persisted even when the analyses were restricted to compare only the elective cesarean deliveries (e.g.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/MLN-2238.html  maternal request or previous cesarean delivery) to those delivered vaginally.
 
  This study provides evidence for an association between cesarean delivery and infant HPA axis function in infancy. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the HPA axis is a plausible pathway that links cesarean delivery with long-term health outcomes.
 This study provides evidence for an association between cesarean delivery and infant HPA axis function in infancy. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the HPA axis is a plausible pathway that links cesarean delivery with long-term health outcomes.
  Ensuring steady stream of safe blood is the ultimate goal of blood transfusion practice. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every part of life and economy. Consequently, this study sets off to assess the effect of the pandemic on blood supply and blood transfusion in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
 
  Data from the Donor Clinic and Blood Group Serology Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were retrospectively extracted to evaluate supply and use of blood before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
 
  A total of 1638 donors were recorded within the study period. Age range 15-29 and 30-44 years constituted majority of the subjects (58.9% and 33.4%, respectively). The donor pool were male-dominated. Commercial donors (61.7%) and family replacement donors (30.6%) constituted majority of the donor pool. Most of the donor pool were students (37.1%), public servants (22.8%) and artisans (18.6%). A concomitant decrease of 26.1% and 18.9% were recorded in blood donation and request during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
  Blood supply was not significantly affected in our study center as both requests and donations decreased. Consideration for improving family replacement donation was advised.
 Blood supply was not significantly affected in our study center as both requests and donations decreased. Consideration for improving family replacement donation was advised.Despite the evolving advances in clinical approaches to obesity and its inherent comorbidities, the therapeutic challenge persists. Among several pharmacological tools already investigated, recent studies suggest that melatonin supplementation could be an efficient therapeutic approach in the context of obesity. In the present review, we have amalgamated the evidence so far available on physiological effects of melatonin supplementation in obesity therapies, addressing its effects upon neuroendocrine systems, cardiometabolic biomarkers and body composition. Most studies herein appraised employed melatonin supplementation at dosages ranging from 1 to 20 mg/day, and most studies followed up participants for periods from 3 weeks to 12 months. Overall, it was observed that melatonin plays an important role in glycaemic homeostasis, in addition to modulation of white adipose tissue activity and lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial activity. Additionally, melatonin increases brown adipose tissue volume and activity, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have also been demonstrated.