Shahd Hamran, Amani A Al-Rajhi, Kawthar Jasim, Majed A Al-Theyab, Mohamed Elahtam, Mooza K Al-Hail, Wadha Al-Fahaidi, Yaman A Khamis, Yara Dweidri, Abdel-Naser Elzouki, Tawanda Chivese
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Adding Ribavirin to Sofosbuvir-Based Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) in Re-Treating Non-Genotype 1 Hepatitis C-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Shahd Hamran, Amani A Al-Rajhi, Kawthar Jasim, Majed A Al-Theyab, Mohamed Elahtam, Mooza K Al-Hail, Wadha Al-Fahaidi, Yaman A Khamis, Yara Dweidri, Abdel-Naser Elzouki, Tawanda Chivese","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050138","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is still debate whether ribavirin should be added to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the management of treatment-experienced individuals with non-genotype-1 hepatitis C. This study compared the efficacy and safety of adding ribavirin to sofosbuvir-based combinations compared to sofosbuvir-based regimens alone in treating non-genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) in individuals who have been previously treated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and preprint databases from inception to September 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared sofosbuvir-based regimens with ribavirin to sofosbuvir-based regimens alone in previously treated individuals with non-genotype 1 HCV infection. Data extraction and quality of study assessments were performed by two independent authors, and synthesis was performed using bias-adjusted models, heterogeneity using I2, and publication bias using funnel plots.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight RCTs compared sofosbuvir-based combinations with and without ribavirin were included. Overall, the addition of ribavirin to sofosbuvir, compared to sofosbuvir alone, did not show a benefit in achieving sustained virological response (SVR) (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.26-3.17, I2 = 70.0%) with moderate certainty in Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence. In subgroup analysis, there was no benefit of adding ribavirin to sofosbuvir in individuals with non-genotype 1 HCV. The additional ribavirin was associated with increased adverse events (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.58-2.6, I2 = 8.0%) and treatment discontinuation (OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.78-4.28, I2 = 0.0%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The moderate certainty evidence suggests that adding ribavirin to sofosbuvir-based regimens may not confer benefit in achieving SVR in previously treated individuals with non-genotype 1 HCV but increases the odds of adverse events and treatment discontinuation. More evidence is needed on the effect of additional ribavirin in achieving SVR in individuals with decompensated cirrhosis.</p><p><strong>Registration: </strong>The protocol is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022368868).</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152602","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":"Unmasking the Hidden Morbidity of Ocular Diseases in Primary Care Through a Collaboration with Specialists in Remote Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study from Rural Crete, Greece.","authors":"Konstantinos Chliveros, Manolis Linardakis, Ioanna Tsiligianni, Miltiadis Tsilimbaris, Ioannis Pallikaris, Christos Lionis","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050137","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Ocular disorders are not frequently addressed in primary care, which is more visible in remote rural settings. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of eye diseases in a remote rural population of Crete and to explore whether they represent a hidden morbidity. <b>Materials and Methods</b>: A community-based, cross-sectional study based on data collected through a comprehensive clinical investigation conducted by a mobile ophthalmological unit. Permanent inhabitants, aged over 40 years, living in one remote rural community located on the highest mountain of Crete, were invited to participate. The prevalence of eye diseases was measured during the comprehensive ophthalmological examination. Patients' medical records were used to assess hidden morbidity. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) was applied to measure self-reported vision-targeted health status. <b>Results</b>: A total of 239 individuals agreed to participate; 54.9% were females (<i>n</i> = 151), with a mean ageof 66.13 years (±14.56). The most common diagnoses were refractory errors (59%), cataract (21.7%), glaucoma (11.7%), maculopathy (8.8%), and dry eyes (8.8%). A previously undiagnosed eye disorder was detected in 34.3% (<i>n</i> = 82). Total scores of NEI VFQ-25 measured quality of life were highand significantly lower in Known Cases of eye diseases compared to patients with New or Without diagnosis (76.6 vs. 84.1 and 84.6, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.009). <b>Conclusions</b>: Our study highlighted the need for increased awareness of primary care in rural areas concerning eye disorders. Local policies should focus on implementing public health interventions and encouraging close cooperation with specialists to overcome accessibility issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144153018","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}
Salman Muslem, Mariam AlTurani, Muhammad Bilal Maqsood, Maryam Al Qaseer
{"title":"Cardiac Repair and Clinical Outcomes of Stem Cell Therapy in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Salman Muslem, Mariam AlTurani, Muhammad Bilal Maqsood, Maryam Al Qaseer","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050136","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a major global health burden, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a promising intervention designed to improve cardiac function and reduce morbidity among patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. MSC therapy has shown promise by targeting left ventricular pressure and improving wall thickness, contributing to reductions in HF-related morbidity and mortality rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis bridges a gap in current research through a focused examination of the most recent clinical trials to cohesively assess MSC therapy in HFrEF patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials published from 2018 onwards, which were obtained from multiple databases such as PUBMED, Scopus, EBSCO Medline, EBSCO CINAHL Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. This review investigates the efficacy and safety outcomes of MSC therapy in patients above 18 years of age with a known diagnosis of heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The primary outcome was the change in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Secondary outcomes encompassed several efficacy outcomes, such as Global Circumferential strain (GCS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Quality of Life (QoL), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). A PRISMA flow diagram was constructed to illustrate the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion of studies at each stage of the review process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 330 studies were initially identified, but only 12 met the inclusion criteria. MSC therapy resulted in a small, non-significant improvement in LVEF (Hedges' g = 0.096, <i>p</i> = 0.18) with low heterogeneity (I² = 0.5%). Only QoL showed significant improvement (Hedges' g = -0.518, <i>p</i> = 0.01). No significant changes in other efficacy outcomes were observed. The therapy was not associated with an increased risk of MACE.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While MSC therapy was safe and improved QoL for HFrEF patients, it did not significantly improve LVEF or other efficacy outcomes. Further large-scale, standardized trials are required to better understand the potential role of MSCs in heart failure (HF) therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109878/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152314","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}
Elisa Mikus, Mariafrancesca Fiorentino, Diego Sangiorgi, Antonino Costantino, Simone Calvi, Elena Tenti, Elena Tremoli, Alberto Tripodi, Carlo Savini
{"title":"Minimally Invasive Versus Full Sternotomy Approaches in Mitral Valve Surgery for Infective Endocarditis: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis.","authors":"Elisa Mikus, Mariafrancesca Fiorentino, Diego Sangiorgi, Antonino Costantino, Simone Calvi, Elena Tenti, Elena Tremoli, Alberto Tripodi, Carlo Savini","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050135","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study evaluates the outcomes of isolated mitral valve surgery for infective endocarditis performed via conventional full sternotomy or minimally invasive right minithoracotomy. While minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is well-established for elective mitral procedures, its role in infective endocarditis remains less explored due to the complexity of the disease. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective analysis of 134 patients who underwent isolated mitral valve surgery for infective endocarditis between January 2010 and March 2024 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: full sternotomy (n = 94) and MIS via right minithoracotomy (n = 40). Variables analyzed included preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes, such as mortality, complications, and hospital stay duration. Given significant baseline differences, inverse probability weighting was applied for comparability. <b>Results:</b> Mitral valve replacement was performed in 77% of cases. After adjustment, the MIS group demonstrated shorter intensive care unit stays (<i>p</i> = 0.018), with no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.145) or total hospitalization length (<i>p</i> = 0.151). <b>Conclusions:</b> Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is a safe and effective alternative to sternotomy in infective endocarditis, offering comparable outcomes with shorter ICU stays. Further research is needed to refine patient selection and validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109840/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152906","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}
Eleni C Pardali, Markos Klonizakis, Dimitrios G Goulis, Sousana K Papadopoulou, Christos Cholevas, Constantinos Giaginis, Christina Tsigalou, Dimitrios P Bogdanos, Maria G Grammatikopoulou
{"title":"Sarcopenia in Rheumatic Diseases: A Hidden Issue of Concern.","authors":"Eleni C Pardali, Markos Klonizakis, Dimitrios G Goulis, Sousana K Papadopoulou, Christos Cholevas, Constantinos Giaginis, Christina Tsigalou, Dimitrios P Bogdanos, Maria G Grammatikopoulou","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050134","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sarcopenia is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and function, with significant implications for the physical performance of the affected people. Although commonly associated with aging, disease-related sarcopenia is of great clinical importance, particularly as it impacts disease progression and outcomes. Individuals with rheumatic diseases (RDs), including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, spondyloarthritides, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia, myositis, or vasculitis, exhibit a high prevalence of sarcopenia, which exacerbates their clinical symptoms and contributes to poorer disease outcomes. Chronic inflammation influences muscle tissue degradation, causing a decline in physical performance. Apart from the apparent clinical manifestations, patients with RDs also use pharmacological treatments that negatively impact muscle mass further, increasing the risk of sarcopenia. Nutrition (diet and dietary supplements) and exercise interventions have been recommended as protective measures for sarcopenia as they may mitigate its adverse events. The present narrative review seeks to explore the methods used to assess sarcopenia in patients with RDs, its prevalence among them, and the challenges faced by the affected individuals, while critically assessing the appropriateness and limitations of current sarcopenia assessment tools in the context of RDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152941","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}
Ivan Taietti, Martina Votto, Riccardo Castagnoli, Mirko Bertozzi, Maria De Filippo, Antonio Di Sabatino, Ombretta Luinetti, Alessandro Raffaele, Alessandro Vanoli, Marco Vincenzo Lenti, Gian Luigi Marseglia, Amelia Licari
{"title":"Clinical Heterogeneity of Early-Onset Autoimmune Gastritis: From the Evidence to a Pediatric Tailored Algorithm.","authors":"Ivan Taietti, Martina Votto, Riccardo Castagnoli, Mirko Bertozzi, Maria De Filippo, Antonio Di Sabatino, Ombretta Luinetti, Alessandro Raffaele, Alessandro Vanoli, Marco Vincenzo Lenti, Gian Luigi Marseglia, Amelia Licari","doi":"10.3390/diseases13050133","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13050133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is an uncommon and often underestimated condition in children, characterized by chronic stomach inflammation leading to the destruction of oxyntic glands with subsequent atrophic and metaplastic changes. This condition is associated with hypo-/achlorhydria, impairing iron and vitamin B12 absorption. The pathogenesis involves the activation of helper type 1 CD4+/CD25-T-cells against parietal cells. Clinical manifestations in children are not specific and include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The disease is also linked to an increased risk of pernicious anemia, intestinal-type gastric cancer, and type I neuroendocrine tumors. AIG is often diagnosed through the presence of autoantibodies in the serum, such as parietal cell (APCA) and intrinsic factor (IF) antibodies. However, therapeutic recommendations for pediatric AIG are currently lacking. We aim to present two clinical cases of pediatric-onset AIG, highlighting the heterogeneous clinical manifestations and the challenges in diagnosis with the support of an updated literature review. A 9-year-old girl presented with refractory IDA, initial hypogammaglobulinemia, and a 12-year-old boy was initially diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. Both cases underline the importance of considering AIG in children with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric atrophy. Diagnostic workup, including endoscopy and serological tests, is crucial for accurate identification. A better understanding of this condition is imperative for timely intervention and regular monitoring, given the potential long-term complications, including the risk of malignancy. These cases contribute to expanding the clinical spectrum of pediatric AIG and highlight the necessity for comprehensive evaluation and management in affected children.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110656/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152498","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}
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}