Objectives: Low numbers of underrepresented minority faculty members in academic medicine (black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaskan) continue to be a concern for medical schools because there is higher attrition and talent loss among this group. Although much has been written on this topic, there has not been a systematic review of the indexed literature...

Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality worldwide. However, studies have shown increased risk of mortality from heart disease and stroke even within the normal blood pressure (BP) range, starting at BPs above 110–115/70–75 mm Hg. Nutraceuticals, such as vitamins and minerals, have been studied extensively for their efficacy in lowering BP and may be of benefit to the general, normotensive population in achieving optimal BP. Our study investigated the effects of six nutraceuticals (Vitamins: C, D, E; Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium) on both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in this population. We performed a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis for all six supplements versus placebo. Calcium and magnesium achieved significant reductions in both SBP and DBP of −1.37/−1.63 mm Hg and −2.79/−1.56 mm Hg, respectively. Vitamin E and potassium only yielded significant reductions in SBP with values of −1.76 mm Hg and −2.10 mm Hg, respectively. Vitamins C and D were not found to significantly lower either SBP or DBP. Future studies should determine optimal dosage and treatment length for these supplements in the general, normotensive population.

Background/Objectives: Studies have shown that consistent reductions of 2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the general normotensive population can result in significant decreases in mortality from heart disease and stroke. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment for magnesium and potassium supplementation, having previously discovered that both reduce SBP by −2.79 and −2.10 mm Hg, respectively. Methods: Placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials examining the effects of magnesium and potassium supplementation on SBP were identified. Pairwise meta-analyses with subgroups for dosage and treatment duration were run. Results: Magnesium at dosages of ≤360 mg/day and durations greater than 3 months reduced SBP by −3.03 and −4.31 mm Hg, respectively. Potassium at dosages of ≤60 mmol/day and durations greater than 1 month reduced SBP by −2.34 and −2.80 mm Hg, respectively. Conclusions: Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations. Future studies are needed to validate these findings and provide tailored recommendations. These studies could investigate varying dosages over long-term follow-up to provide robust data on optimal dosages and treatment durations, as our findings were limited due to reliance on previously published trials.

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In 2015, the Florida State University College of Medicine launched its first open access, peer-reviewed journal called PLAID: People Living with And Inspired by Diabetes. As the title suggests, the journal included a mix of perspectives from those living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes, as well as diabetes-related research and review articles. After ceasing publication during the COVID-19 pandemic, we reflect on lessons learned and key takeaways for those interested in creating, managing, and ultimately ceasing publication of a library-run, peer-reviewed journal.