Raluca Maria Pop, Paul-Mihai Boarescu, Corina Ioana Bocsan, Mădălina Luciana Gherman, Veronica Sanda Chedea, Elena-Mihaela Jianu, Ștefan Horia Roșian, Ioana Boarescu, Floricuța Ranga, Maria Doinița Muntean, Maria Comșa, Sebastian Armean, Ana Uifălean, Alina Elena Pârvu, Anca Dana Buzoianu
{"title":"Beneficial Effects of White Grape Pomace in Experimental Dexamethasone-Induced Hypertension.","authors":"Raluca Maria Pop, Paul-Mihai Boarescu, Corina Ioana Bocsan, Mădălina Luciana Gherman, Veronica Sanda Chedea, Elena-Mihaela Jianu, Ștefan Horia Roșian, Ioana Boarescu, Floricuța Ranga, Maria Doinița Muntean, Maria Comșa, Sebastian Armean, Ana Uifălean, Alina Elena Pârvu, Anca Dana Buzoianu","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050132","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of winemaking, is a rich source of bioactive polyphenols known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While the cardiovascular benefits of red grape pomace have received significant scientific attention, the therapeutic potential of white grape pomace remains largely unexplored, particularly in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension. Given the rising prevalence of hypertension and the oxidative-inflammatory mechanisms underlying its progression, this study investigates the effects of white GP on blood pressure regulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in an experimental model of dexamethasone (DEXA)-induced hypertension (HTN). By focusing on white GP, this research addresses a significant gap in current knowledge and proposes a novel, sustainable approach to managing hypertension through valorising winemaking by-products.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The first concentration used, GP1, was 795 mg polyphenols/kg bw, while the second concentration, GP2, was 397.5 mg polyphenols/kg bw.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>White GP polyphenols extract in the DEXA_GP1 group had reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The extract with a higher content of polyphenols (GP1) prevented the elevation of serum levels of total oxidative stress (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress index (OSI), while the extract with a lower content of polyphenols (GP2) slightly reduced serum levels of MDA. Both concentrations of GP increased serum levels of NO and Total Thiols, significantly higher (<i>p</i> < 0.05) than in the group treated with lisinopril. The serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) increased in all groups where HTN was induced. Both doses of GP extract prevented the elevation of TNF-α. Heart tissue levels of the studied cytokines (TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were not influenced (<i>p</i> > 0.05) by either the HTN induction or the treatment administered.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that grape pomace may serve as a promising nutraceutical intervention for hypertension management, particularly in conditions associated with oxidative stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110589/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144151845","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}
Chandreshwar P Shukla, Nayan K Jain, Michael A O'Donnell, Kapil V Vachhani, Rashmi Patel, Janki Patel, Rajiv Modi, Arpit Dheeraj, Jee Min Lee, Annah Rolig, Sanjay V Malhotra, Bakulesh Khamar
{"title":"Desmocollin-3 and Bladder Cancer.","authors":"Chandreshwar P Shukla, Nayan K Jain, Michael A O'Donnell, Kapil V Vachhani, Rashmi Patel, Janki Patel, Rajiv Modi, Arpit Dheeraj, Jee Min Lee, Annah Rolig, Sanjay V Malhotra, Bakulesh Khamar","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050131","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Desmocollin3, a transmembrane protein, is expressed in the basal/suprabasal layer of normal stratified epithelium. DSC3 gene expression is described in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). DSC3-protein-expressing recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) had a durable response to CADI-03, a DSC3-specific active immunotherapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluated DSC3 protein expression and its correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in bladder cancer. DSC3 gene expression and its correlation with 208 immune encoding genes, treatment outcome, and survival were evaluated using the \"ARRAYEXPRESS\" and \"TCGA\" datasets. Immune genes were grouped as tumor-controlling immune genes (TCIGs) and tumor-promoting immune genes (TPIGs) as per their functions.</p><p><strong>Results & conclusions: </strong>NMIBC had higher DSC3 expression compared to MIBC. More immune genes were correlated with DSC3 in MIBC (21) compared to NMIBC (11). Amongst the TCIGs, six in NMIBC and one in MIBC had a negative correlation while two in NMIBC and nine in MIBC had a positive correlation with DSC3. Amongst the TPIGs, nine in NMIBC and five in MIBC had a negative correlation. Seven TPIGs had a positive correlation with DSC3 in MIBC and none in NMIBC. Of the T cell exhaustion markers, none were correlated with DSC3 in MIBC. Among NMIBC, CTLA4 and TIGIT were the only markers of exhaustion that demonstrated a negative correlation with DSC3. DSC3 expression was also higher in p53 mutant compared to wild p53, non-papillary MIBC compared to papillary MIBC, and in basal, squamous molecular subtype compared to luminal MIBC. MIBC with lower DSC3 expression had better outcomes (response, survival) compared to those with higher DSC3 expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152506","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":"Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma in the Community of Pathumthani, Thailand.","authors":"Narongkorn Saiphoklang, Pitchayapa Ruchiwit, Apichart Kanitsap, Pichaya Tantiyavarong, Pasitpon Vatcharavongvan, Srimuang Palungrit, Kanyada Leelasittikul, Apiwat Pugongchai, Orapan Poachanukoon","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050130","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Airway diseases, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pose significant respiratory problems. The prevalence and risk factors of these diseases among community dwellers vary geographically and because of underdiagnosis. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with these diseases in a provincial-metropolitan area in Thailand. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2023 and November 2023 on individuals aged 18 years or older residing in Pathumthani, Thailand. Data on demographics, pre-existing diseases, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary functions assessed by spirometry, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV<sub>1</sub>), and bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR), were collected. COPD was defined as having respiratory symptoms, a risk factor, and post-bronchodilator FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC < 70%. Asthma was defined as having respiratory symptoms and a positive bronchodilator responsiveness. <b>Results</b>: A total of 1014 subjects (71.7% female) were included, with a mean age of 56.6 years. The smoking history was 10.4% (13.4 pack-years). Common symptoms included cough (18.4%), sputum production (14.5%), and dyspnea (10.0%). COPD was found in 8.3%, while asthma was found in 10.3%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that these diseases were significantly associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.023; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007-1.039 for every 1-year increase in age), smoking (OR 2.247; 95% CI 1.068-4.728), heart disease (OR 2.709; 95% CI 1.250-5.873), wheezing (OR 3.128; 95% CI 1.109-8.824), runny nose (OR 1.911; 95% CI 1.050-3.477), and previous treatment for dyspnea (OR 6.749, 95% CI 3.670-12.409). <b>Conclusions</b>: COPD and asthma were relatively prevalent in our study. Being elderly, smoking, having heart disease, and experiencing any respiratory symptoms with a history of treatment are crucial indicators for these airway diseases. Pulmonary function testing might be needed for active surveillance to detect these respiratory diseases in the community.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152919","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}
Abdullah Al Lawati, Ayman Alhabsi, Rhieya Rahul, Maria-Luisa Savino, Hamed Alwahaibi, Srijit Das, Hanan Al Lawati
{"title":"Current and Emerging Parenteral and Peroral Medications for Weight Loss: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Abdullah Al Lawati, Ayman Alhabsi, Rhieya Rahul, Maria-Luisa Savino, Hamed Alwahaibi, Srijit Das, Hanan Al Lawati","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050129","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity is a growing global health challenge, necessitating effective treatment options beyond lifestyle interventions. This narrative review explores established and emerging pharmacotherapies for weight management, including parenteral agents like Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Setmelanotide, and Tirzepatide, as well as peroral medications such as Phentermine, Phentermine/Topiramate, Bupropion/Naltrexone, Orlistat, and Metformin. Newer treatments like Cagrilintide and Bimagrumab show promise for enhancing weight loss outcomes. Parenteral GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrate superior efficacy compared to traditional peroral medications, with gastrointestinal side effects being the most common. Artificial intelligence presents intriguing opportunities to enhance weight loss strategies; however, its integration into clinical practice remains investigational and requires rigorous clinical validation. While current anti-obesity medications deliver significant benefits, future research must determine the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of AI-driven approaches. This includes exploring how AI can complement combination therapies and tailor personalized interventions, thereby grounding its potential benefits in robust clinical evidence. Future directions will focus on integrating AI into clinical trials to refine and personalize obesity management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152503","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}
Calista Persson, Allison Eaton, Harvey N Mayrovitz
{"title":"A Closer Look at the Dermatological Profile of GLP-1 Agonists.","authors":"Calista Persson, Allison Eaton, Harvey N Mayrovitz","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050127","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering established metabolic and cardiovascular benefits. Emerging evidence suggests these agents also exert direct dermatologic effects. This systematic review categorizes these effects and explores their role in inflammatory skin diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was performed across EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published from 2014 to 2025. Inclusion criteria were English-language, peer-reviewed original research involving human subjects that linked GLP-1RAs to dermatologic effects. Animal and in vitro studies were excluded. PRISMA guidelines were followed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Thirty-four reported adverse effects, including hypersensitivity, injection-site reactions, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and immune-mediated conditions like bullous pemphigoid. Seventeen studies described beneficial outcomes, such as improvements in psoriasis, reduced hidradenitis suppurativa flares, enhanced wound healing, anti-aging potential, and decreased inflammation. GLP-1RAs showed cytokine modulation in psoriasis, though their role in hidradenitis suppurativa remains uncertain. Cosmetic concerns, such as \"Ozempic Face\" due to rapid weight loss, were also noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>GLP-1RAs have a broad spectrum of dermatologic effects, from immunomodulatory benefits to adverse cutaneous reactions. Their impact on inflammatory skin disorders suggests a novel therapeutic avenue. However, adverse reactions and aesthetic changes warrant vigilance. Future research should focus on mechanistic studies, long-term safety, and identifying biomarkers to predict dermatologic responses, ultimately guiding personalized treatment approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153058","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}
Ana María Rayo Pérez, Rafael Rayo Martín, Rafael Rayo Rosado, Joao Miguel Costa Martiniano, Raquel García-de-la-Peña
{"title":"Ultrasound Relationship of Plantar Fat and Predislocation Syndrome.","authors":"Ana María Rayo Pérez, Rafael Rayo Martín, Rafael Rayo Rosado, Joao Miguel Costa Martiniano, Raquel García-de-la-Peña","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050128","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plantar fat plays a crucial role in protecting and cushioning the metatarsals. Its degeneration is a risk factor for the development of metatarsalgia and, consequently, predislocation syndrome.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the relationship between plantar fat thickness and predislocation syndrome in an adult population, and to determine a possible association between a decrease in forefoot plantar fat and the presence of symptoms.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective observational study was conducted, including records of patients who visited the podiatry clinic between December 2022 and December 2023. Fifty complete records were selected, divided into two groups, one healthy and one pathological, aged between 18 and 70 years. An ultrasound examination of the plantar area of the second metatarsophalangeal joint was performed to assess the thickness of the fat and plantar plate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis of the 50 records, divided into healthy and pathological groups, reveals significant differences in the thickness of plantar fat and the plantar plate between the two groups. Subjects with predislocation syndrome have a significantly lower plantar fat thickness (0.566 cm) compared to the healthy group (0.941 cm) and also show a greater thickness of the plantar plate (0.359 cm vs. 0.244 cm). Statistical tests confirm these differences with high significance (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The ROC curve shows that plantar fat thickness is a good predictor of predislocation syndrome, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.923, emphasizing the utility of this measure in identifying the condition.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Preliminary studies suggest that a reduction in plantar fat increases the predisposition to develop predislocation syndrome at the level of the second metatarsophalangeal joint.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153003","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":"Patient with Secondary Amyloidosis Due to Crohn's Disease on Hemodialysis Effectively Treated with Ferric Carboxymaltose Injections: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Masayo Ueno, Fumihito Hirai, Asami Fuji, Yuko Shimomura, Keiko Uemoto, Kosuke Masutani, Takao Saito","doi":"10.3390/diseases13040125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13040125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Almost all patients undergoing dialysis develop renal anemia and receive medicines such as erythropoietin and iron preparations. However, the conventional intravenous treatment with saccharated ferric oxide (SFO) is insufficient for these patients when they have incurable and persistent iron deficiency anemia due to secondary amyloidosis. Therefore, we administered 500 mg of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) to such a patient with Crohn's disease. <b>Case presentation:</b> A 56-year-old man on maintenance hemodialysis had secondary amyloidosis due to Crohn's disease. Additionally, he was anemic and received 40 mg of SFO weekly; however, his hemoglobin (Hb) level remained low at 7 g/dL. Therefore, 500 mg of FCM was administered bimonthly from the first to the fourth dose, and the Hb level temporarily increased compared to that after the previous SFO administration. Since bimonthly administration did not adequately maintain the Hb level, FCM was administered monthly from the 5th to 12th dose, which stabilized the Hb level at 10-12 g/dL. No side effects, such as hypophosphatemia, were observed. <b>Conclusions:</b> A single dose of 500 mg FCM administered once every 1-2 months stabilizes the Hb level and contributes to efficient iron utilization in patients with incurable anemia undergoing hemodialysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025507/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058646","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":"Clinical Trial: Effects of Autologous Dendritic Cell Administration on Renal Hemodynamics and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Diabetic Kidney Disease.","authors":"Endang Drajat, Aziza Ghanie Icksan, Jonny Jonny, Aditya Pratama Lokeswara, Bhimo Aji Hernowo, Elvita Rahmi Daulay, Terawan Agus Putranto","doi":"10.3390/diseases13040122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13040122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant risk factor for End-Stage Renal Disease, with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Hyperglycemia in DKD induces inflammation, contributing to glomerular hyperfiltration, fibrosis, and impaired renal function. Current therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs, show limited efficacy. Autologous dendritic cells (DCs) offer potential anti-inflammatory effects by reducing cytokine activity and fibrosis biomarkers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test design was conducted involving 29 DKD patients. Baseline blood and urine samples were collected for MMP-9, TGF-β, and Doppler ultrasound (PSV, EDV) measurements. The subjects received subcutaneous injections of autologous DCs, and follow-up measurements were conducted four weeks after treatment. The statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After treatment, there were a significant decrease in PSV (from 47.1 ± 23.87 cm/s to 27.85 ± 20.53 cm/s, <i>p</i> = 0.044) and a significant increase in EDV (from 13 ± 5.32 cm/s to 15.7 ± 12.55 cm/s, <i>p</i> = 0.039). A strong correlation was observed between the TGF-β and MMP-9 levels (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed reduced MMP-9 influence on the TGF-β after treatment, suggesting potential fibrosis reduction. Gender and UACR subgroup analyses revealed significant PSV and EDV improvements in females and the microalbuminuria group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Autologous dendritic cell therapy significantly improved renal hemodynamics and showed potential to reduce fibrosis by modulating TGF-β and MMP-9 levels in DKD patients, warranting further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025661/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061149","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}
Helal F Hetta, Khalid S Albalawi, Amal M Almalki, Nasser D Albalawi, Abdulmajeed S Albalawi, Suleiman M Al-Atwi, Saleh E Alatawi, Mousa J Alharbi, MeshaL F Albalawi, Ahmad A Alharbi, Hassabelrasoul Elfadil, Abdullah S Albalawi, Reem Sayad
{"title":"Rabies Vaccination and Public Health Insights in the Extended Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Scoping Review.","authors":"Helal F Hetta, Khalid S Albalawi, Amal M Almalki, Nasser D Albalawi, Abdulmajeed S Albalawi, Suleiman M Al-Atwi, Saleh E Alatawi, Mousa J Alharbi, MeshaL F Albalawi, Ahmad A Alharbi, Hassabelrasoul Elfadil, Abdullah S Albalawi, Reem Sayad","doi":"10.3390/diseases13040124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13040124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>This systematic scoping review examines rabies-related incidents, interventions, and post-exposure immunoprophylaxis in the Arabian Gulf region and Saudi Arabian Peninsula.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, WoS, MedLine, and Cochrane Library up to July 2024. Studies were included discussing the reported cases of rabies that received the PEP in all countries of the Arabian Gulf, their epidemiological data, the received schedules of vaccination, and their safety. The search was done by using the following terminologies: rabies vaccine, rabies human diploid cell vaccine, vaccine, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Southwest Asia, Iran, West Asia, Western Asia, Persian Gulf, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Ajam, Saudi Arabian Peninsula, and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The systematic scoping review included 36 studies, synthesizing findings from diverse research designs, including large-scale cross-sectional studies and case reports, spanning nearly three decades. Findings indicated that young males in urban areas are most at risk for animal bites, predominantly from domestic dogs and cats. While post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was generally administered within recommended timeframes, vaccination completion rates varied.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The review highlighted gaps in public awareness about rabies risks and prevention. Vaccine safety profiles were generally favorable, with mostly mild-to-moderate side effects reported. The study underscores the need for enhanced public health education, standardized PEP protocols, and a One Health approach to rabies prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025472/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024899","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":"Clinical Importance of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Sinus Rhythm at 3 Months After Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.","authors":"Jumpei Saito, Toshihiko Matsuda, Yui Koyanagi, Katsuya Yoshihiro, Yuma Gibo, Soichiro Usumoto, Wataru Igawa, Toshitaka Okabe, Naoei Isomura, Masahiko Ochiai","doi":"10.3390/diseases13040126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13040126","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels after ablation have been associated with a risk of arrhythmia recurrence (AR) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. In addition, baseline BNP levels were also predictors of AR after AF ablation. However, previous studies have not been clear about whether sinus rhythm (SR) or AF was present at the time of BNP measurement. In this study, we investigated BNP levels in SR at 1,3 months after persistent AF ablation. <b>Methods:</b> We followed up 178 patients with persistent AF undergoing first-time arrhythmia ablation. BNP levels were measured before 1 and 3 months later after AF ablation in SR. The correlation between AR within 1 year after AF ablation and measured BNP levels was examined. <b>Results:</b> A total of 178 cases (81 males, mean age 69 (60, 74), mean CHA2DS2 Vasc score 2 (0, 4)) with persistent AF were included for ablation. BNP levels before AF ablation were not significantly different between AR and not AR patients. The BNP levels of AR patients were significantly elevated from 1 month to 3 months after the procedure compared with those without (-11.1 pg/mL (-53, 5.7) vs. 17.8 pg/mL (-58.3, 180.5), <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Elevated BNP levels in SR after AF ablation were a significant predictor of AR. <b>Conclusions:</b> Elevated BNP levels in SR 3 months after AF ablation compared with BNP levels 1 month after persistent AF ablation might be a significant prognostic factor in AR.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043764","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}