Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Unveiling the Immunostimulatory Potential of Rhus Toxicodendron in Immunocompromised Balb/C Mice Induced with Cyclophosphamide","authors":"Vara Prasad Saka, N. G. V., Bharat Kumar Reddy Sanapalli, Abanti Goswami, Anirban Roy, Anurag Agrawal, Pankaj Gupta, Digvijay Verma, Subhash Kaushik","doi":"10.3390/diseases12080178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080178","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated how Rhus toxicodendron (RT) (6C, 30C, and 200C) can boost the immune system of BALB/c mice that were given cyclophosphamide (CPM), which is an anticancer drug that weakens the immune system. RT, known for its historical use in traditional homeopathic remedies, has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in various experimental models. To test the immune-boosting effects of RT, CPM (80 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally to mice on days 4, 8, and 12 of the study but not to the normal control group. CPM-induced immunosuppression led to significant decreases in red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and reduced spleen and thymus indices. Phagocytic activity, cytokine concentrations, and spleen architecture were also adversely affected. RT treatment, particularly at 200C, significantly ameliorated these effects, improving RBC, WBC, and Hb levels. Furthermore, RT partially prevented CPM-induced atrophy of immune organs. Treatment positively influenced cytokine production at both the protein and mRNA levels, restoring immune balance. Histopathological results confirmed that RT stimulated the immune system. The cells were more stable, and the white pulp in the spleen was arranged in a regular pattern. These findings suggest that RT may serve as an adjunctive immunostimulant therapy for conditions characterized by immunosuppression. However, further investigations in other immunocompromised states must validate these results before considering human clinical trials.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141926302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Onset and Disease Activity: To Eradicate or Not to Eradicate?","authors":"A. Gravina, R. Pellegrino, Veronica Iascone, G. Palladino, Alessandro Federico, R. Zagari","doi":"10.3390/diseases12080179","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080179","url":null,"abstract":"Helicobacter pylori infection has significant epidemiological relevance due to the carcinogenic nature of this bacterium, which is potentially associated with cancer. When detected, it should ideally be eradicated using a treatment that currently involves a combination of gastric acid suppressors and multiple antibiotics. However, this treatment raises questions regarding efficacy and safety profiles in patients with specific comorbidities, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Eradication therapy for H. pylori includes components associated with adverse gastrointestinal events, such as Clostridioides difficile colitis. This necessitates quantifying this risk through dedicated studies to determine whether this antimicrobial treatment could be significantly associated with IBD relapse or exacerbation of pre-existing IBD, as well as whether it could potentially lead to the de novo onset of IBD. Although the available evidence is reassuring about the safety of eradication therapy in patients with IBD, it is limited, and there are no specific recommendations for this particular situation in the leading international IBD and H. pylori guidelines. Therefore, studies need to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of the available antimicrobial regimens for H. pylori eradication in patients with IBD, both in clinical trial settings and in real-life studies.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"116 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141926097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Could Ocular Glands Be Infected by SARS-CoV-2?","authors":"Jinghua Bu, Minjie Zhang, Rongrong Zhang, Le Sun, Zhenzong Chen, Yang Wu","doi":"10.3390/diseases12080169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080169","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of the study was to investigate the expression levels of ACE2 in ocular glands and to investigate the effect of S protein on them. Male C57BL/6J mice were used for the experiments. The expression levels of ACE2 are highest in the Meibomian glands, followed by the conjunctiva, the cornea, and the lacrimal glands. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed direct binding between ACE2 and S protein in ocular surface epithelia and Meibomian glands. CD45+ cell infiltration was found in the S protein treatment group, which was accompanied by upregulation of inflammation-related cytokines. There was also prominent cell apoptosis in the S protein treatment group. In conclusion, not only the cornea and the conjunctiva, but also the Meibomian glands express ACE2, and S protein could induce ocular surface epithelial cell and Meibomian gland cell inflammation and apoptosis.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"22 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141802434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sudden Cardiac Death-Etiology, Risk Factors and Demographic Characteristics: An Extensive Study of 1618 Forensic Autopsies","authors":"Ioana Radu, Anca Otilia Farcas, Victoria Nyulas, Carmen Corina Radu, K. Brinzaniuc","doi":"10.3390/diseases12080168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080168","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major public health concern worldwide, affecting all age and social groups. Methods: In this retrospective study, of the 8265 autopsies performed in the Institute of Legal Medicine, 1618 cases of SCD were included. The aim of this study is to identify demographic characteristics, etiological factors, epidemiological characteristics and risk factors that lead to SCD. Results: The highest incidence of SCD was in age group 40–69 years (65.0%), 71.6% of this age group being men. Of the total number, 32.1% (520) occurred in the emergency room. The most common cause of sudden death is represented by coronary atherosclerotic disease, reported in 89.8% (1453) of cases, tricoronary lesions being found in 60% (870) of cases. Etiological factors of SCD encountered during autopsies were acute myocardial infarction in 13.9% (225), dilated cardiomyopathy 43.9% (710), cardiac hypertrophy 579 (36.07%), pericarditis 1.9% (30), myocarditis 1.73% (28) and adipositas cordis 5% (81). Along with epicardial fat and BMI, alcohol consumption was recorded in 17.9% (290), this being a potential trigger. Conclusions: Based on forensic autopsy and histological findings, a wide variety of factors are involved in the etiopathogenesis of SCD, some of which can be eliminated through preventive measures implemented early.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"7 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141803290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paediatric Calcaneal Osteochondroma: A Case Report and a Literature Review","authors":"Valeria Calogero, Michela Florio, S. Careri, A. Aulisa, F. Falciglia, Marco Giordano","doi":"10.3390/diseases12080167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080167","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Heel pain in children is a common condition. The aetiology can be ascribed to fractures, osteochondrosis, tendinitis, calcaneal-navicular or talo-calcaneal coalition, osteomyelitis, rheumatic diseases, anatomic variants, malignant tumours (osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma), and benign lesions (bone cyst, aneurismal bone cyst, osteoid osteoma, or exostosis). In particular, this manuscript focuses on a case of calcaneal exostosis in the paediatric age, aiming to highlight its rarity. Osteochondromas are benign tumours of the surface of the bone and the overlying cartilage. They grow until skeletal maturity and can cause stiffness, pain, cosmetic alterations, tendinitis, and neuro-vascular compression. The calcaneus is an extremely rare site for these tumours. Only two case reports of paediatric exostosis of the calcaneus bone are available. Methods: We describe a case of a girl of 16 years of age, affected by multiple cartilaginous exostosis, who presented with a painful mass on the inferior margin of the foot in the calcaneal region, which was diagnosed as an exostosis. The neoformation was excised, and the girl underwent clinical follow-up. Results: The patient was promptly discharged in good condition, and on the 25th postoperative day, she was completely pain-free and allowed weight bearing. Conclusions: In the case of heel pain resistant to conservative treatment, the presence of an osteochondroma should be considered after excluding more common causes. If symptomatic, calcaneal osteochondromas could require surgical excision.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141803336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality of Life Assessment Using the WHOQOL-BREF Survey in Hospitalized Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder from Romania","authors":"Melania Lavinia Bratu, D. Sandesc, Teodora Anghel, Liana Dehelean, Mariana Bondrescu, F. Bratosin, R. Tudor","doi":"10.3390/diseases12070158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070158","url":null,"abstract":"This cross-sectional analysis aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) among hospitalized patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Romania, utilizing the WHOQOL survey. Conducted from January to December 2023 in the Psychiatry Clinic of the “Pius Brinzeu” Emergency Clinical Hospital in Timisoara, this study engaged 70 participants, adhering to ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Employing the WHOQOL-BREF instrument, the research hypothesized that AUD patients would show significantly lower QoL scores across its domains compared to general population norms. The study focused on identifying the QoL domains most impacted by AUD, exploring correlations between QoL scores and AUD background characteristics, and pinpointing intervention areas for patient care improvement. Participants were predominantly males (88.57%) with a middle-aged average of 55.51 years. Educational backgrounds varied, with a notable percentage having attended college (44.29%) or university (17.14%). Regarding marital status, 41.43% were married. Comorbidities were present in 52.86% of the sample, with hypertension being the most common (34.29%). Results showed mean QoL scores in the physical (61.84 ± 16.05), psychological (64.11 ± 17.16), social (60.48 ± 24.85), and environmental (68.44 ± 17.34) domains, revealing a significant diversity in satisfaction levels across these areas. Statistical analyses highlighted marital status as significantly associated with a better QoL in the physical domain, with married, co-habiting, and divorced participants reporting higher scores compared to single ones. In conclusion, while AUD significantly affects the QoL of hospitalized patients in Romania, marital status emerges as a critical factor in mitigating these effects, particularly in the physical domain of QoL. These findings underscore the complexity of AUD’s impact on QoL and the importance of considering sociodemographic factors in patient care practices and interventions. The study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between AUD and QoL, proposing a foundation for enhancing care outcomes for AUD patients in Romania.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"54 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141643658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COVID-19 and Prostatitis: A Review of Current Evidence","authors":"Datesh Daneshwar, Yemin Lee, Abid Nordin","doi":"10.3390/diseases12070157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070157","url":null,"abstract":"Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), poses a global health threat. The virus enters host cells by binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is then facilitated by the protease activity of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). It triggers a cytokine storm that eventually leads to cell apoptosis, tissue damage, and organ failure. Therefore, any organs in the human body that have both receptors are highly susceptible to COVID-19 infection, potentially resulting in multiple-organ failure. The prostate has been reported to express high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. While there are limited studies regarding the association between COVID-19 and prostatitis, the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 could cause prostatitis cannot be denied. Thus, through this review, a better insight into the associations of SAR-CoV-2 can be provided.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"34 39","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141645405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitude, Practices of Assessment, and Management of Sickle-Cell Disease: A Meta-Aggregative Review","authors":"A. Druye, D. F. Agyare, William Akoto-Buabeng, Jethro Zutah, Frank Odonkor Offei, Bernard Nabe, G. O. Ofori, Amidu Alhassan, Benjamin Kofi Anumel, Godfred Cobbinah, Susanna Aba Abraham, Mustapha Amoadu, J. Hagan","doi":"10.3390/diseases12070156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070156","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) presents significant health challenges globally. Despite its prevalence in diverse geographical regions, there is a paucity of literature synthesizing evidence on healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward SCD assessment and management. This meta-aggregative review systematically examined and synthesized existing qualitative research to elucidate healthcare professionals’ KAP regarding SCD assessment and management. Methods: This meta-aggregative review followed Aromataris and Pearson’s guidelines and the PRISMA framework for systematic review reporting. The search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Web of Science, Google Scholar, Dimensions AI, and HINARI. Quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) demonstrate varying levels of KAP toward SCD assessment and management. Studies reveal low-to-moderate levels of general knowledge among HCPs, with nurses often exhibiting poorer understanding than physicians. Deficiencies in awareness of specific interventions, such as chemoprophylaxis and prenatal diagnosis, are noted, along with gaps in SCD assessment and diagnosis, particularly in pain management and premarital screening. Attitudes toward SCD patients vary, and practices reveal inconsistencies and deficiencies, including inadequate nutritional counseling and barriers in emergency departments. However, interventions aimed at improving HCPs’ KAP show promise in enhancing understanding and attitudes toward SCD, suggesting potential avenues for improvement. Conclusions: Educational initiatives targeted at both student nurses and practicing healthcare providers, coupled with the implementation of standardized protocols and guidelines, can enhance knowledge acquisition and promote consistent, high-quality care delivery. Future studies should improve the quality of their methods in this area of study.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"52 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141650158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Systemic Enzyme Supplementation on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis","authors":"Neha Shah","doi":"10.3390/diseases12070155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070155","url":null,"abstract":"Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) imposes a substantial symptom burden that adversely impacts patients’ quality of life. Current anti-fibrotic treatments for IPF provide limited symptomatic relief, necessitating the implementation of complementary disease management strategies to enhance health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Serracor-NK® and Serra Rx260, systemic enzyme supplements, improved symptoms and HRQOL with favorable safety profiles in a proof-of-concept study in PF patients. This prospective, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial enrolled 100 IPF patients from six institutions. The supplement group (n = 50) received the oral systemic enzyme supplements Serracor-NK® and Serra Rx260 in addition to standard care for 6 months, while the placebo group (n = 50) received standard care alone. The primary objective was to evaluate the regimen’s impact on symptoms, QOL, and well-being using the UCSD shortness of breath (UCSD-SOB) questionnaire, St. George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), and WHO well-being index (WHO-5). Safety evaluation was a secondary objective. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the supplement group demonstrated meaningful improvement in symptoms as compared to the placebo group, as assessed by the UCSD-SOB (p < 0.05) and SGRQ questionnaires (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significantly greater proportion of patients in the supplement group showed improved QOL and well-being (p < 0.05) and reduced health impairment (p < 0.05), as assessed by SGRQ. Mental well-being (WHO-5) and physical activity (SGRQ activity domain) did not differ significantly between the groups. Safety assessments, including liver function tests and vital signs, indicated that the supplement regimen was well tolerated. To conclude, Serracor-NK® and Serra Rx260 alleviate symptoms and enhance HRQOL in IPF patients with a favorable safety profile (Clinical Trials Registry India registration number: CTRI/2020/05/025374).","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"7 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141651516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the Prevalence of TEE Detected Left Atrial Appendage Thrombi","authors":"Franziska Lecker, Klaus Tiemann, Thorsten Lewalter, Clemens Jilek","doi":"10.3390/diseases12070151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070151","url":null,"abstract":"(1) Background: Meteorological factors seem to exert various effects on human health, influencing the occurrence of diseases such as thromboembolic events and strokes. Low atmospheric pressure in summer may be associated with an increased likelihood of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of meteorological conditions on left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus formation. (2) Methods: A total of 131 patients were included, diagnosed with a first instance of thrombus via 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) between February 2009 and February 2019. Months with frequent thrombus diagnoses of at least 10 thrombi per month were categorized as frequent months (F-months), while months with fewer than 10 thrombus diagnoses per month were labelled as non-frequent months (N-months). The analysis focused on differences in meteorological parameters in two-week and four-week periods before the diagnosis. (3) Results: F-months were predominantly observed in spring and summer (April, May, June, and July), as well as in February and November. During F-months, a higher absolute temperature difference, lower relative humidity, longer daily sunshine duration, and greater wind speed maximum were observed in the two- and four-week periods rather than for N-months. In the two-week period, average temperatures, equivalent temperatures, and temperature maxima were also significantly higher during F-months than N-months. (4) Conclusion: Thrombi in the left atrial appendage are more prevalent during periods characterized by high absolute temperature differences, low relative humidity, and long daily sunshine duration.","PeriodicalId":11200,"journal":{"name":"Diseases","volume":"48 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141654610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}