Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, with heart failure (HF) significantly contributing to this burden. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of systemic inflammation, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular conditions, including HF. This narrative review examines the relationship between CRP levels and the risk of incident HF in patients with pre-existing CVD. By synthesizing findings from prospective cohort studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses, we aim to assess the potential role of CRP as a predictive biomarker for HF onset. Inflammation is a critical component in HF pathophysiology, contributing to myocardial remodeling, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) assays allow for the detection of low-grade inflammation, offering improved risk stratification for cardiovascular events. Studies indicate that elevated hs-CRP levels correlate with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and HF development. However, CRP’s specificity as a marker remains a challenge due to its association with various systemic inflammatory conditions. Recent research has explored CRP’s role in HF subtypes, particularly HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Despite growing evidence linking CRP to HF, gaps remain in understanding its mechanistic role, optimal clinical thresholds, and therapeutic implications. Future research should focus on mechanistic studies elucidating CRP’s direct impact on myocardial dysfunction, subgroup-specific analyses, and interventional trials targeting CRP-driven inflammation. Addressing these gaps could significantly improve HF prevention and management by leveraging CRP as a viable prognostic and therapeutic target.

Viral hepatitis (VH) remains a leading cause of preventable mortality in the United States (US). Despite advancements in antiviral therapies, disparities in VH-related mortality persist across demographic, racial, and geographic groups. This study analyzes trends in VH-related mortality among US adults between 1999 and 2020 to identify high-risk subgroups and inform public health interventions. This retrospective cohort study analyzed VH-related deaths among US adults (≥25 years). Data were obtained from the CDC WONDER database, with cases identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes B15–B19. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated per 1,00,000 individuals and stratified by age, gender, race and geographical location. Temporal trends in mortality were analyzed by estimating annual percentage changes (APCs) in the AAMRs using the joinpoint regression model. A total of 3,59,035 VH-related deaths were recorded among US adults during 1999 to 2020 with a cumulative overall AAMR of 7.36 (95% CI: 7.33–7.38). Overall, the AAMRs increased significantly from 1999 to 2013 (APC: +3.21; P < .01), followed by a significant decline until 2020 (APC: −5.61; P < .01). Men exhibited higher AAMRs than women, with middle-aged adults (45–64 years) most affected compared to young (25–44 years) and older adults (65 to 85+ years). Non-Hispanic (NH) American Indians/Alaska experienced the highest AAMRs followed by NH Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics, NH Asians/Pacific Islanders and NH Whites populations. Geographically, mortality rates were higher in urban areas than in rural areas, in the Western region relative to other regions and in the District of Columbia compared to other states. Significant disparities in VH-related mortality persist across demographic and geographic subgroups, with particularly higher rates among men, NH American Indian/Alaska Native population, middle-aged adults, and residents of urban and Western US regions. Targeted public health strategies are essential to address these inequities and improve outcomes.

We read the article "Fetal Femur Length and Risk of Diabetes in Adolescence: A Prospective Cohort Study" by Sayeed et al. with great interest. The authors present compelling evidence linking mid-trimester impaired femur growth with elevated prediabetic biomarkers in Bangladeshi adolescents. However, we believe the study would benefit from considering additional factors. Maternal gestational diabetes, a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in offspring, and family history of diabetes, which reflects genetic predisposition, should be included. Socioeconomic factors, which influence health outcomes, also warrant attention. Including these variables would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between fetal femur length and T2DM risk in adolescents.

Tampons usage is being practiced worldwide as safe for menstrual protection. However, studies have shown the presence of certain heavy metals possessing feminine health risk due to absorptive capacity of vaginal epithelium leading to certain health consequences i.e. neurological, renal and reproductive disorders. In this regard, necessary measures are required to be taken like public health initiatives, education campaigns, regular screening and the use of chelators to remove heavy metals from the body. The regulatory authorities are urged to implement safety standards for tampon manufacturing processed and ensure transparent labeling of ingredients. By adapting these measures, the feminine health and tampon safety can be protected.