Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental diseases. The cause of ASD is unknown, but several genetic and non-genetic risk factors have been characterized that, alone or in combination, are implicated in the development of ASD. Currently, no diagnostic biomarkers are available, and the diagnosis of ASD is based on typical features that include repetitive behaviors, and impaired social communication and interaction. Several pathomechanisms such as alterations in brain development and function, and synaptic defects have been proposed to contribute to these behaviors. In addition, processes outside the central nervous system may contribute to, or modify, the clinical phenotype and severity. This chapter summarizes the clinical features of ASD, highlights the important genetic and non-genetic risk factors for ASD, and introduces the current knowledge around the pathological processes within and outside the brain.
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a lipid mediator that interacts with its receptor (PAF-R) to carry out cell signalling. However, under certain conditions the binding of PAF to PAF-R leads to the activation of pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic pathways that have been implicated in the onset and development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and inflammatory diseases. Over the past four decades, research has focused on the identification and development of PAF-R antagonists that target these inflammatory diseases. Research has also shown that dietary factors such as polar lipids, polyphenols, and other nutrient constituents may affect PAF metabolism and PAF-R function through various mechanisms. In this review we focus on the inhibition of PAF-R and how this may contribute to reducing cardiovascular disease risk. We conclude that further development of PAF-R inhibitors and human studies are required to investigate how modulation of the PAF-R may prevent the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and may lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Obstetric Analgesia-Gale et al. BRITISHRIt is known that 50% N20 and 50% 02 mixture is a safe and efficient analgesic for parturient women. The British Oxygen Company have produced single cylinders of premixed gases containing a 50/50 gas and oxygen mixture, which would be ideal for use in midwifery if they could be relied upon to dispense a constant 50/50 mixture.Composition changes in premixed gas and oxygen mixtures have been reported at low temperatures ; for this reason an experimental investigation has been conducted into the effects of cooling upon premixed cylinders of the recommended 50°% N20 and 50% 02 mixture.Under certain conditions of use partially filled cylinders of 50/50 N20 and 02 exposed to temperatures of -80 C. or below undergo partial stratification of the constituent gases. The result of this could be that the last fraction of gas obtained from the cylinder contains as little as 2 % 02.The conditions leading to this state of affairs are discussed and are thought to be unlikely to arise in practice (P=0.0001). The nature of the dispensing apparatus is such as to minimize the danger. The precautions necessary to prevent stratification appear to be so elementary as to fail to constitute a barrier to the domiciliary use of 50/50 N20 and 02 and trouble can be completely avoided by protecting the cylinders from very low temperatures.Nevertheless, in the event of a cylinder not being protected from frost before use, it is felt that the precautions of warming and agitating the cylinder should be taken, and would certainly prevent any dangerous deprivation of oxygen.
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterised by progressive loss of brain function. The most common of these is Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. Intake of macro- and micro-nutrients impacts brain function, including memory, learning, mood, and behaviour. Lipids, particularly phospholipids and sphingolipids, are crucial structural components of neural tissues and significantly affect cognitive function. The importance of functional foods in preventing cardiovascular disease is well-documented in the current literature. However, the significance of such foods for central nervous system health and neurodegenerative diseases is less recognized. Gut microbiome composition affects cognitive health and function, and dietary lipids are known to influence gut health. Thus, this review will discuss different sources of dietary lipids and their effect on cognitive functioning and their interaction with the gut microbiome in the context of neurodegenerative disease.
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