Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.88238.].

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasingly prevalent, interrelated conditions contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Understanding long-term mortality trends is essential to guide public health strategies. This study aimed to evaluate nationwide mortality trends involving NAFLD and DM in the United States from 1999 to 2022 and to assess demographic and geographic disparities. CDC WONDER was used to extract data for adults aged ≥ 25 years. 10th Revision (ICD−10), using the explicit codes with K74.0, K74.6, K75.8, K76.0 and K76.9 for NAFLD and E10-E14 for DM. Age- Adjusted Mortality Rates (AAMRs) per million population were calculated and trends were analyzed by calculating annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) using Joinpoint Regression Program (version 5.2.0.0; National Cancer Institute), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. From 1999 to 2022, a total of 126,431 NAFLD and DM related deaths were recorded with most of the deaths occurring in Medical Facilities (43.52

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and hypertension (HTN) are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Although each condition independently increases mortality risk, long-term national trends in deaths involving their coexistence have not been well characterized. Characterizing these patterns is critical for informing prevention strategies and addressing health disparities at the population level. U.S. death certificate data from 1999 to 2020 were analyzed using the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database. Deaths were classified as AD-only, HTN-only, or coexisting AD–HTN based on ICD-10 codes. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated using the 2000 U.S. Standard Population. Temporal trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Analyses were stratified by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, U.S. census region, state, metropolitan status, and place of death. A sensitivity analysis excluding 2020 was conducted to assess pre–COVID-19 trends. From 1999 to 2020, there were 2,529,075 AD-related deaths, 8,145,940 HTN-related deaths, and 411,510 deaths involving both conditions. The AAMR for coexisting AD–HTN mortality increased from 2.85 to 13.56 per 100,000 adults, with an overall AAPC of 5.42

Introduction Algae-derived bioactive peptides are gaining recognition as functional ingredients offering health benefits and sustainability advantages over conventional proteins. This review aimed to evaluate the current evidence on algal peptides, focusing on their nutritional content, mechanistic actions, health effects, potential for sustainability, and translational challenges.Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed studies reporting bioactive peptides derived from microalgae, macroalgae, or Cyanophyceae were included. In vitro, animal, and human intervention studies evaluating molecular mechanisms, metabolic outcomes, or clinical relevance were considered.Results Available evidence shows that algal peptides exert multifunctional bioactivities, including inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme and renin, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of glucose metabolism via α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-IV inhibition, and regulation of lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Frequently studied sources included Limnospira, Chlorella, Auxenochlorella, Nannochloropsis, Undaria, Palmaria, Ulva, and Neopyropia. Limited human trials suggest modest but clinically relevant improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and body-weight-related outcomes, primarily using whole algal biomass or extracts. Life-cycle assessments highlight favorable land-use efficiency and carbon sequestration potential, although economic feasibility is constrained by energy-intensive downstream processing.Conclusion Algal-derived peptides demonstrate promising health-promoting effects and align with sustainable nutrition goals. However, their clinical translation is limited by variability in peptide characterization, uncertain bioavailability, and lack of robust human trials. Standardized production methods, improved delivery strategies, comprehensive safety assessments, and well-designed clinical studies are essential to support their application in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

OBJECTIVE:This study aims to investigate the lived experiences of civilians in Lahore during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, focusing on psychological distress, social disruption, coping mechanisms and perceptions of national response and preparedness. DESIGN:The study employs an exploratory phenomenological approach. SETTING:The study has been conducted in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab, the largest by population province of Pakistan. Lahore was selected as a research site due to its historical, strategic and political significance in Indo-Pak conflicts. PARTICIPANTS:Data were collected from 10 participants aged 18 or above years, who lived in Lahore between April and May 2025, and were willing to discuss personal, social or psychological experiences related to the conflict. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted in Urdu, transcribed, and were thematically analysed using both manual and NVivo V.12 software-supported coding. RESULTS:Seven inter-related themes were identified. Participants reported intense anxiety, hypervigilance and insomnia driven by hybrid warfare tactics, including misinformation, drone sightings and media sensationalism. Social life was disrupted through withdrawal from public, religious and communal activities. Coping strategies included religious faith, family cohesion, humour and expressions of national solidarity. Notably, many participants experienced psychosomatic symptoms such as palpitations, gastrointestinal distress and stress-induced fever. A prominent finding was the absence of civilian preparedness guidance, which amplified fear and uncertainty during the escalation. CONCLUSION:The conflicts, although short lived and geographical restrained, casts a long psychological and social on civilians, marked by fear, uncertainty, social disruption and dissatisfaction with institutional preparedness. While some coping and resilience were evident, the findings highlight the need to strengthen civilian-focused public health responses during periods of conflict escalation, including mental health awareness, media literacy and community-level support within Pakistan's emergency response frameworks.