Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)最新文献

{"title":"Utilization Pattern of Acupuncture and Its Associated Predictors for Cancer Pain in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Eunbin Kwag, Haneum Joo, Soo-Dam Kim, So Jung Park, Jung Hyo Cho, Nam Hun Lee, Jong Cheon Joo, Myung Han Hyun, Susan Chimonas, Ting Bao, Jun J Mao, Jee Young Lee, Hwaseung Yoo","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090292","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer-related pain is a common and distressing symptom among patients with cancer. Although acupuncture is widely used and supported by growing evidence, its real-world use and related patient attitudes remain underexplored in South Korea. This study aimed to investigate patterns of acupuncture use and identify factors influencing its use among Korean cancer patients experiencing pain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 at six Korean medicine hospitals. A total of 201 cancer patients with pain completed a questionnaire assessing acupuncture use, pain severity and interference, and beliefs using a modified version of the ABCAM (Attitudes and Beliefs about Complementary and Alternative Medicine) instrument. Treatment concerns, logistical barriers, and social norms were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 201 participants, 80.6% reported using acupuncture for cancer-related pain. Pain severity was the only significant predictor of acupuncture use (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10-2.12, <i>p</i> = 0.01). Acupuncture users reported fewer concerns about safety and side effects, fewer logistical barriers, and stronger encouragement from family, healthcare providers, and peers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This is the first study to explore real-world use of acupuncture for cancer pain in South Korea. Greater pain severity, perceived safety, ease of access, and social support were associated with higher acupuncture use. These findings suggest that improved patient education and integration of acupuncture into cancer care may enhance pain management for Korean patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme</i> Gene Polymorphisms and Diabetic Neuropathy: Insights from a Scoping Review and Scientometric Analysis.","authors":"Rafaela Cirillo de Melo, Paula Rothbarth Silva, Nathalia Marçallo Peixoto Souza, Mateus Santana Lopes, Wellington Martins de Carvalho Ragassi, Luana Mota Ferreira, Fabiane Gomes de Moraes Rego, Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090289","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most common and disabling complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves. Genetic factors, particularly polymorphisms in the <i>Angiotensin-converting enzyme</i> (<i>ACE</i>) gene, have been proposed as contributors to DN susceptibility. This study aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence on <i>ACE</i> gene polymorphisms and their association with DN through a scoping review combined with scientometric analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed in February 2025, following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Observational studies involving individuals with DN and the genotyping of ACE polymorphisms were included. Scientometric mapping was conducted using the Bibliometrix package in RStudio to identify publication trends and key thematic terms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 100 screened articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (72.7%) addressed diabetic peripheral neuropathy, while 27.3% investigated cardiac autonomic neuropathy. All studies analyzed the I/D polymorphism in intron 16 of the <i>ACE</i> gene. The D allele and DD genotype were associated with increased susceptibility to DN in over half of the studies (6/11), while the II genotype was reported as protective in 3/11. Findings varied by ethnicity and study design. The scientometric analysis identified 'peripheral diabetic neuropathy', type 2 diabetes', and 'ACE gene polymorphism' as the most frequently co-occurring terms, indicating that research on this topic has been concentrated around these themes, while showing limited diversity in geographic origin and scope.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong><i>ACE</i> I/D polymorphism appears to modulate susceptibility to DN, though interethnic variability and methodological heterogeneity challenge definitive conclusions. Broader, standardized studies are needed to validate its utility as a predictive biomarker.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468817/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence Versus Professional Standards: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of GPT, Gemini, and ENT UK in Delivering Patient Information on ENT Conditions.","authors":"Ali Alabdalhussein, Nehal Singhania, Shazaan Nadeem, Mohammed Talib, Derar Al-Domaidat, Ibrahim Jimoh, Waleed Khan, Manish Mair","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090286","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090286","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Patient information materials are sensitive and, if poorly written, can cause misunderstanding. This study evaluated and compared the readability, actionability, and quality of patient education materials on laryngology topics generated by ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and ENT UK.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We obtained patient information from ENT UK and generated equivalent content with ChatGPT-4-turbo and Google Gemini 2.5 Pro for six laryngology conditions. We assessed readability (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, FKGL; Flesch Reading Ease, FRE), quality (DISCERN), and patient engagement (PEMAT-P for understandability and actionability). Statistical comparisons involved using ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ENT UK showed the highest readability (FRE: 64.6 ± 8.4) and lowest grade level (FKGL: 7.4 ± 1.5), significantly better than that of ChatGPT (FRE: 38.8 ± 10.5, FKGL: 11.0 ± 1.5) and Gemini (FRE: 38.3 ± 8.5, FKGL: 11.9 ± 1.2) (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). DISCERN scores did not differ significantly (ENT UK: 21.3 ± 7.5, GPT: 24.7 ± 9.1, Gemini: 29.5 ± 4.6; <i>p</i> > 0.05). PEMAT-P understandability results were similar (ENT UK: 72.7 ± 8.3%, GPT: 79.1 ± 5.8%, Gemini: 78.5 ± 13.1%), except for lower GPT scores on vocal cord paralysis (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Actionability was also comparable (ENT UK: 46.7 ± 16.3%, GPT: 41.1 ± 24.0%, Gemini: 36.7 ± 19.7%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>GPT and Gemini produce patient information of comparable quality and engagement to ENT UK but require higher reading levels and fall short of recommended literacy standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468877/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex-Related Differences in Early In-Hospital Outcome (Technical Success and Complications) of Carotid Artery Stenting and Risk Factors of Carotid Artery Stenosis.","authors":"Kinga Natalia Dudzińska, Paweł Muszyński, Joanna Kruszyńska, Konrad Bagiński, Maciej Kowalczuk, Konrad Nowak, Anna Tomaszuk-Kazberuk, Paweł Kralisz, Sławomir Dobrzycki, Marcin Kożuch","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090282","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Stroke and arteriosclerotic diseases remain the main challenge for global healthcare. Carotid artery procedures aim to restore blood flow through the carotid arteries to prevent embolic events. The most common techniques include carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). The choice of intervention depends on the severity of stenosis, the patient's overall condition and the presence of comorbidities. The personalized approach, which includes sex-related differences, is crucial in optimizing the outcome.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sex-related differences in atherosclerosis risk factors and early carotid artery stenting treatment outcomes were evaluated in 271 patients. The goal of the study was to asses sex-related differences in early outcome of CAS, including success rate and complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The only significant difference in classical arteriosclerosis risk factors included a higher occurrence of smoking among males. The technical success rate of carotid artery stenting was high (94.46%). The sex-related differences in CAS involve using smaller sizes of implanted stents in females. There was a high incidence of complications (mostly minor), predominantly among females. They had a significantly higher frequency of bleeding and hypotension. Blood pressure and BMI significantly influenced the odds of complications.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Females undergoing CAS have a higher complication risk with a similar success rate.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Interleukin-13 in Chronic Airway Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study in COPD and Asthma-COPD Overlap.","authors":"Marina Perković, Vesna Vukičević Lazarević, Pavo Perković, Tomislav Perković, Vanja Dolenec, Ana Hađak, Vesna Šupak Smolčić, Ljiljana Bulat Kardum","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090287","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Distinguishing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) remains challenging due to shared clinical and inflammatory features. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is implicated in airway inflammation and remodeling and may represent a potential treatable trait. This study aimed to evaluate whether serum IL-13 could differentiate between COPD and ACO or define ACO subtypes and to explore its relationship with clinical and phenotype parameters.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional bicentric study in 215 COPD and ACO patients recruited from outpatient clinics. The study measured blood IL-13 levels in COPD vs. ACO patients, across five ACO subtypes, and evaluated IL-13's ability to predict ACO. Additionally, correlations were explored among endotype (IL-13) and different phenotype traits (e.g., fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), sputum eosinophilia, serum total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) levels, blood eosinophilia, and neutrophilia) and clinical outcomes (annualized exacerbation rate, symptom scores, and pulmonary function parameters).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences in IL-13 levels were found between COPD and ACO patients or among ACO subtypes. IL-13 did not predict ACO occurrence. We observed a weak correlation between IL-13 and tIgE levels in the entire cohort. Additionally, there was a weak correlation between IL-13 and FeNO in patients with eosinophil counts exceeding 300 cells/μL, as well as between IL-13 and age in the COPD cohort. No correlation was found between IL-13 and other phenotypic features or clinical outcomes in the overall cohort, including within both COPD and ACO groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>IL-13 cannot differentiate between COPD and ACO or ACO's subtypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468259/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immunoblotting Analysis of Fruit Proteins in Mexican Pediatric Patients Suggests the Existence of New Allergens.","authors":"Angélica Torres-Arroyo, Maidelen Suárez-Gutiérrez, Andrea Iglesias-Amaya, Aramiz López-Durán, Luisa Díaz-García, Horacio Reyes-Vivas, David Alejandro Mendoza-Hernández","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090284","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090284","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food allergies are chronic diseases that compromise quality of life and can be potentially fatal due to anaphylaxis. The WHO estimates a 1-11% global prevalence, which has been increasing in recent years. They are considered, along with obesity, to be the two noninfectious pandemics. The WHO databases (WHO/IUIS) contain 403 food allergens, most of which have been reported from North America (Canada and the USA), Europe, and Asia, while reports of allergens from Latin America are scarce. Allergies have population and geographical specificities; therefore, identifying the main clinically relevant food allergens and potential new, undescribed components affecting Latin America is essential. This work aims to contribute to this field.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>we gathered data from 16 allergic Mexican pediatric patients to fruits from the Rosaceae (pear and peach) and Musaceae (banana) families, as well as an allergic adult to Lauraceae (avocado). These fruits are prevalent allergens in Latin America.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>the data suggest that patients reacted to 20 different allergenic proteins reported in different allergen databases. Furthermore, we identified 16 previously unreported immunoreactive proteins, suggesting their potential role as new allergens.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>this preliminary work is particularly relevant, as it can influence the specific diagnosis of allergens most frequently affecting the pediatric population.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Rehabilitation of a Patient with Acute Transverse Myelitis After HPV Vaccination-A Case Report.","authors":"Kornelia Kowalik, Piotr Niebrzydowski, Julia Kropidłowska, Alexandra Kvinen, Małgorzata Kusiak-Kaczmarek, Dominika Szalewska","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090281","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare, immune-mediated disorder of the spinal cord characterized by sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction. Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is widely regarded as safe, isolated reports have suggested a potential temporal association with autoimmune neurological events, including ATM. We present a case of a 21-year-old woman who developed ATM two weeks following administration of the first dose of the HPV vaccine (Cervarix). The clinical presentation included rapid-onset paraparesis, sensory deficits, and sphincter dysfunction. An MRI revealed a T2-hyperintense lesion at the Th10-Th12 level. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated protein levels. The patient underwent corticosteroid therapy, plasmapheresis, and IVIG, followed by a comprehensive, individualized rehabilitation program. This included balance and stability training, Redcord-based neuromuscular activation, electrostimulation, and pelvic floor therapy. Although no causal link between HPV vaccination and ATM has been established, this case emphasizes the importance of considering post-vaccinal autoimmune phenomena. More importantly, it illustrates the critical role of early, targeted rehabilitation-particularly pelvic floor re-education and neuromodulation-in improving outcomes in patients with significant motor and autonomic deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468459/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Serum Levels of Interleukins-17, 21, 6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Patients with Patchy Alopecia Areata and Their Association with Disease Severity.","authors":"Abeer Khaled Abu-El-Azayem, Zinab Alatawi, Helal F Hetta, Ayman Salama, Nizar Sirag, Eid Alatwi, Rehab Mohamed Naguib, Randa Erfan, Haitham Abdelhamid, Abeer El-Dessouki El Sayed, Mera Mohamed Galal Anan","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090283","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090283","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by non-scarring hair loss. The destruction of hair follicle cells is mediated by cytotoxic T cells, which release cytokines that contribute to tissue damage. Among these, Th17 cells produce key inflammatory mediators, including IL-17, IL-21, IL-6, and TNF-α, which may play a role in disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-21, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients with patchy AA compared with healthy controls and to assess their association with disease severity. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 50 patients with patchy AA and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were collected, and serum cytokine levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. <b>Results</b>: Of the patients, 70% were female (35 patients) and 30% were male (15 patients). Disease severity distribution showed that 66% had mild AA, 22% had moderate AA, and 12% had severe AA. Compared with controls, AA patients exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-21 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Additionally, cytokine levels showed a positive correlation with both age and disease duration, suggesting their potential role in disease progression. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight the involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of patchy AA and their correlation with disease severity. Understanding these cytokine interactions may provide insights into targeted therapeutic strategies in managing AA.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surveillance of Mpox Cases in Mexico: Epidemiological Patterns During the 2022-2023 National Outbreak.","authors":"Juan M Bello-López, Dulce M Razo Blanco-Hernández, Miguel Á Loyola-Cruz, Clemente Cruz-Cruz, Oscar Sosa-Hernández, Nayeli G Nieto-Velázquez, Georgina Victoria-Acosta, Adriana Jiménez, Laura Delgado-Balbuena, Luis G Zárate-Sánchez, Paulina Carpinteyro-Espín, Enzo Vásquez-Jiménez, Adolfo López-Ornelas, Graciela Castro-Escarpulli, Araceli Rojas-Bernabé, María C Tamayo-Ordóñez, Yahaira de J Tamayo-Ordóñez, Francisco A Tamayo-Ordóñez, Benjamín A Ayil-Gutiérrez, Omar A García-Hernández, Benito Hernández-Castellanos, Julio C Castañeda-Ortega, Claudia C Calzada-Mendoza, Emilio M Durán-Manuel","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090288","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mpox is an emerging zoonotic disease, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Since its discovery, it has been considered endemic in Central and West Africa. Mpox is of global significance as of May 2022, due to the report of simultaneous outbreaks in more than 70 countries where the disease was not endemic. The global spread of mpox has shown the importance of maintaining active surveillance for emerging zoonotic diseases, many of which can cross borders.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to analyse mpox cases and national incidence in Mexico related to the global outbreak.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Epidemiological data (confirmed cases and incidence of MPXV infection) were obtained from the morbidity yearbook of the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Mexican Ministry of Health. The information was analysed for the construction of epidemic curves, distribution of cases by age and sex and quartiles of geographical incidence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 4081 cumulative confirmed cases were recorded with a peak and national incidence of 1191 and 1.87, respectively, in September 2022. The distribution of cases by age and sex showed that males were more prevalent (above 95%) in the 25-44 years age group compared to females. Finally, geographical analysis showed that cosmopolitan and population-concentrated states had the highest incidence, clustered in the top quartile. The 2022 mpox outbreak in Mexico was consistent with other countries as reported in the international literature, with most cases occurring among exposed individuals in cosmopolitan cities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The need for active surveillance of emerging diseases, access to specific diagnostics and implementation of vaccination strategies is analysed and discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Review of the Mechanisms and Risks of <i>Panax ginseng</i> in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.","authors":"Eli Frazer, Candi Zhao, Jacky Lee, Jonathan Shaw, Charles Lai, Peter Bota, Tina Allee","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090285","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a widespread, multifaceted disorder involving overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative liver injury, and dysfunction of the brain's dopaminergic reward circuits. Korean red ginseng (KRG), an herbal supplement derived from <i>Panax ginseng</i>, has demonstrated qualities potentially useful to the treatment of AUD, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic effects. This review examines active constituents of KRG, their pharmacological actions, and evidence supporting KRG's therapeutic potential in the context of AUD, while also assessing its safety profile, adverse effects, and potential drug interactions. KRG's main bioactive constituents, ginsenosides, appear to have roles in modulating alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, ethanol-activated inflammatory cytokine cascades, and neurological systems disrupted by AUD, including GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways. Evidence from animal models and limited small-scale human trials suggests KRG may alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, enhance cognitive performance, and attenuate anxiety through these pathways. While generally safe for consumption, several case reports and animal studies have indicated KRG's potential to pose a variety of risks in vulnerable populations at high, prolonged doses, including hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular changes, mood disturbances, and hormonal effects. Furthermore, KRG's neuromodulating role and influence on cytochrome P450 enzymes make it liable to interact with several medications, including warfarin, midazolam, selegiline, and serotonergic agents. Overall, KRG shows promise as a complementary supplement in managing aspects of AUD, though current evidence is limited by low sample sizes, inconsistent reports regarding nuances of ginsenosides' mechanisms, and a low number of human trials. Further human-focused research is needed to elucidate its safety, efficacy, and mechanism.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468607/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}