{"title":"Catheter Ablation vs. Standard Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy in Symptomatic Brugada Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Studies.","authors":"Paschalis Karakasis, Panagiotis Theofilis, Konstantinos Pamporis, Antonios P Antoniadis, Nikolaos Fragakis","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Catheter ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for symptomatic Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, high-quality comparative evidence against conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)-based management remains limited. <b>Objectives</b>: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of catheter ablation in reducing ventricular fibrillation (VF) recurrence in symptomatic BrS compared to standard therapy. <b>Methods</b>: Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched through 1 June 2025. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently conducted by three reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool risk estimates. <b>Results</b>: Three studies (two randomized controlled trials, one observational cohort; 130 symptomatic BrS patients) were included. Over a median follow-up of 3.9 years, catheter ablation was associated with a significantly lower risk of VF recurrence compared to standard therapy [risk ratio (RR) = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.06, 0.60); I<sup>2</sup> = 36%, p for heterogeneity = 0.21], with no deaths reported in any group. A sensitivity analysis restricted to randomized trials confirmed similar findings in favor of ablation. <b>Conclusions</b>: Catheter ablation was associated with reduced VF recurrence compared to ICD therapy alone, supporting its potential role as first-line treatment in symptomatic BrS or as an alternative for patients who decline ICD implantation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371945/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981382","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}
José Guzmán-Esquivel, Brando S Becerra-Galindo, Gustavo A Hernández-Fuentes, Marco A Ramos-Rojas, Osiris G Delgado-Enciso, Hannah P Guzmán-Solórzano, Janet Diaz-Martinez, Verónica M Guzmán-Sandoval, Carmen A Sanchez-Ramirez, Valery Melnikov, Héctor Ochoa-Diaz-Lopez, Daniel Montes-Galindo, Fabian Rojas-Larios, Iván Delgado-Enciso
{"title":"Depression and Hypomagnesemia as Independent and Synergistic Predictors of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults Post-COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"José Guzmán-Esquivel, Brando S Becerra-Galindo, Gustavo A Hernández-Fuentes, Marco A Ramos-Rojas, Osiris G Delgado-Enciso, Hannah P Guzmán-Solórzano, Janet Diaz-Martinez, Verónica M Guzmán-Sandoval, Carmen A Sanchez-Ramirez, Valery Melnikov, Héctor Ochoa-Diaz-Lopez, Daniel Montes-Galindo, Fabian Rojas-Larios, Iván Delgado-Enciso","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Cognitive impairment in older adults has emerged as a growing public health concern, particularly in relation to COVID-19 infection and its associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. The identification of modifiable risk factors may contribute to the development of targeted preventive strategies. This study aimed to assess predictors of cognitive impairment in older adults with and without recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. <b>Methods:</b> A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024 at a tertiary hospital in western Mexico. Adults aged 65 years or older with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within the previous six months, along with uninfected controls, were enrolled. Cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), functional status (Katz Index and Lawton-Brody Scale), and laboratory markers were evaluated at baseline, three months, and six months. The primary outcome was cognitive impairment at six months. Independent predictors were identified using a multivariable generalized linear mixed-effects model. <b>Results:</b> Among the 111 participants, 20 (18.8%) developed cognitive impairment within six months. Low serum magnesium (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 2.73; 95% CI 1.04-7.17; <i>p</i> = 0.041) and depression (aRR 5.57; 95% CI 1.88-16.48; <i>p</i> = 0.002) were independently associated with a higher risk. A significant synergistic among COVID-19, depression, and hypomagnesemia was observed (RR 44.30; 95% CI 9.52-206.21; <i>p</i> < 0.001), corresponding to the group with simultaneous presence of all three factors compared to the group with none. <b>Conclusions:</b> Depression and hypomagnesemia appear to be independent predictors of cognitive impairment in older adults with recent COVID-19 infection. These findings suggest potential targets for prevention and support the implementation of routine neuropsychiatric and biochemical assessments in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981349","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}
Isfahan Shah Lubis, Kusnandar Anggadiredja, Aluicia Anita Artarini, Nur Melani Sari, Nur Suryawan, Zulfan Zazuli
{"title":"<i>NUDT15</i> Pharmacogenetics in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Synthesizing Progress for Personalized Thiopurine Therapy.","authors":"Isfahan Shah Lubis, Kusnandar Anggadiredja, Aluicia Anita Artarini, Nur Melani Sari, Nur Suryawan, Zulfan Zazuli","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common pediatric malignancy, critically relies on thiopurine therapy, such as 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), during the maintenance phase. However, significant inter-individual response variety and high risk of myelosuppression often disrupt therapy efficacy. Pharmacogenetics offer crucial strategies to personalized therapy. While thiopurine methyltransferase (<i>TPMT</i>) was initially the primary focus, the discovery of <i>nudix hydrolase 15</i> (<i>NUDT15</i>) appears as a more comprehensive determinant of thiopurine intolerance. This review aims to consolidate and critically evaluate the advancement achieved in unraveling the biological mechanism and clinical significance of <i>NUDT15</i> pharmacogenetics in thiopurine therapy. Foundational studies showed the vital role of <i>NUDT15</i> in the detoxification of active thiopurines, with common genetic variants (for instance, p. Arg139Cys) significantly disrupting its activity, leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites. Observational studies consistently associated <i>NUDT15</i> variants with severe myelosuppression, notably in Asian populations. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirmed that <i>NUDT15</i> genotype-guided dosing effectively reduces thiopurine-induced toxicity without interfering with the therapeutic outcome. Despite these advancements, challenges remain present, including the incomplete characterization of rare variants, limited data in the diverse Asian populations, and the need for standardized integration with metabolite monitoring. In conclusion, <i>NUDT15</i> pharmacogenetics is essential for improving patient safety and thiopurine dosage optimization in the treatment of ALL. For thiopurine tailored medicine to be widely and fairly implemented, future research should focus on increasing genetic data across different populations, improving the dose adjustment algorithm, and harmonizing therapeutic guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981461","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}
Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Ibrahim Khalil, Mohamad Taha, Justin Chen, Reem Sayad, Ana Letícia Fornari Caprara
{"title":"Sleep Disorders and Stroke: Pathophysiological Links, Clinical Implications, and Management Strategies.","authors":"Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Ibrahim Khalil, Mohamad Taha, Justin Chen, Reem Sayad, Ana Letícia Fornari Caprara","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sleep disorders and stroke are intricately linked through a complex, bidirectional relationship. Sleep disturbances such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) not only increase the risk of stroke but also frequently emerge as consequences of cerebrovascular events. OSA, in particular, is associated with a two- to three-fold increased risk of incident stroke, primarily through mechanisms involving intermittent hypoxia, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and autonomic dysregulation. Conversely, stroke can disrupt sleep architecture and trigger or exacerbate sleep disorders, including insomnia, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances, and breathing-related sleep disorders. These post-stroke sleep disturbances are common and significantly impair rehabilitation, cognitive recovery, and quality of life, yet they remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Early identification and management of sleep disorders in stroke patients are essential to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Therapeutic strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and emerging alternatives for CPAP-intolerant individuals. Despite growing awareness, significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding non-OSA sleep disorders and their impact on stroke outcomes. Improved diagnostic tools, broader screening protocols, and greater integration of sleep assessments into stroke care are urgently needed. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the interplay between sleep and stroke, emphasizing the importance of personalized, multidisciplinary approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Advancing research in this field holds promise for reducing the global burden of stroke and improving long-term outcomes through targeted sleep interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981544","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":"Assessing Quality of Life in Genital Lichen Sclerosus: The Role of Disease Severity and Localization-A Swedish Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Filippa Lundin, Cassandra Jeppsson, Oliver Seifert, Georgios Kravvas, Sandra Jerkovic Gulin","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Lichen sclerosus (LSc) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the anogenital region in both sexes and across all age groups.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and disease severity, as measured by a newly developed Lichen Sclerosus Score (LSc score), with respect to anatomical site before and after 12 weeks of treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 136 patients diagnosed with LSc (88 men, 48 women) were enrolled between March and September 2022. Patients were clinically evaluated using the LSc score and completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Treatment was individualized based on clinical findings and history. At 12 weeks, both clinical assessment and DLQI were repeated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LSc scores significantly decreased following treatment (<i>p</i> < 0.001), except in the female subgroup. In men, LSc scores were strongly correlated with DLQI scores both before (r = 0.709; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and after (r = 0.492; <i>p</i> < 0.001) treatment. Among women, a significant correlation was found only before treatment (r = 0.457; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Significant associations were identified between LSc score and DLQI items 1, 8, and 9 in men and the overall cohort. No statistically significant differences in LSc scores or DLQI were observed across anatomical sites after correction for multiple comparisons.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Disease severity in genital LSc is closely associated with QoL impairment. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to examine the correlation between a clinical severity score and DLQI. While anatomical site did not significantly affect scores, certain sites may have a disproportionate impact, underscoring the complex ways in which LSc affects patients' lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371901/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981183","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 Vermisso, Effrosyni Stamou, Garyfallia Tsichli, Ioanna Foteinou, Anna Christakou
{"title":"Examining the Relationship Between Balance and Functional Status in the Geriatric Population.","authors":"Eleni Vermisso, Effrosyni Stamou, Garyfallia Tsichli, Ioanna Foteinou, Anna Christakou","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Aging is associated with a gradual decline in physical capabilities, often leading to impaired balance and reduced functional status, which are major contributors to falls in older adults. Although many studies have assessed these variables independently, a limited amount of research has explored the direct relationship between balance and functional status in a healthy geriatric population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between balance and functional capacity and to assess the influence of demographic factors such as age, comorbidities, smoking status, and history of falls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A sample of community-dwelling older adults (19 women, 16 men) (<i>n</i> = 35), aged 60 years and above (M = 78 years; SD = 9.23) from Sparta, Greece, took part in the present study. Participants were assessed using three validated tools: (a) the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, (b) the Timed Up-and-Go test, and (c) the Berg Balance Scale. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age was positively correlated with poorer performance in the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (r = 0.40; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and the Timed Up-and-Go test (r = 0.47; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and negatively correlated with Berg Balance Scale scores (r = -0.51; <i>p</i> < 0.01). Comorbidities and smoking were also associated with the Berg Balance Scale. A strong negative correlation was observed between balance and the other two functional tests (Five Times Sit-to-Stand: r = -0.51; Timed Up-and-Go: r = -0.66; both <i>p</i> < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings highlight the importance of evaluating both balance and functional capacity in older adults as interrelated factors that can significantly influence quality of life and fall risk. Future research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to confirm the present findings and to use exercise programs to prevent falls in the geriatric population.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981543","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}
Irene Cappadona, Anna Anselmo, Davide Cardile, Giuseppe Micali, Fabio Mauro Giambò, Francesco Speciale, Daniela Costanzo, Piercataldo D'Aleo, Antonio Duca, Alessia Bramanti, Marina Garofano, Placido Bramanti, Francesco Corallo, Maria Pagano
{"title":"Psychic and Cognitive Impacts of Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence from an Observational Study and Comparison by a Systematic Literature Review.","authors":"Irene Cappadona, Anna Anselmo, Davide Cardile, Giuseppe Micali, Fabio Mauro Giambò, Francesco Speciale, Daniela Costanzo, Piercataldo D'Aleo, Antonio Duca, Alessia Bramanti, Marina Garofano, Placido Bramanti, Francesco Corallo, Maria Pagano","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are frequently associated with psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities. These conditions have been shown to significantly impact quality of life and clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits in patients with CVD and to compare the results with existing evidence in the literature. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 74 patients were assessed using the following standardized screening tools: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A systematic review was then conducted to compare the findings with those reported in the literature. <b>Results</b>: Most previous studies using the MoCA reported an over 70% absence of cognitive impairment, whereas this study shows a balanced distribution between the absence of (32.4%) and mild (35%) or moderate (32%) impairment. Studies with the MMSE indicated high rates of absence of cognitive deficits (74-79%), but here, the rate of absence was lower (58%), with an increase in mild impairment (42%). Regarding depression, compared with studies showing only absence or moderate/severe forms, this study reveals a more balanced profile, with 57% without depression and with varying severity levels (22% mild, 19% moderate, and 3% severe). Finally, for anxiety, unlike previous asymmetric distributions, greater variability was observed, with 58% without anxiety and significant percentages of mild (26%), moderate (12%), and severe (4%) anxiety. <b>Conclusions</b>: The results highlight a significant and varied prevalence of anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits, emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional assessment to improve clinical management and therapeutic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372051/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981498","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}
Zoltan Herold, Magdolna Herold, Gyongyver Szentmartoni, Reka Szalasy, Julia Lohinszky, Aniko Somogyi, Attila Marcell Szasz, Magdolna Dank
{"title":"Are Calculated Immune Markers with or Without Comorbidities Good Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Survival? The Results of a Longitudinal Study.","authors":"Zoltan Herold, Magdolna Herold, Gyongyver Szentmartoni, Reka Szalasy, Julia Lohinszky, Aniko Somogyi, Attila Marcell Szasz, Magdolna Dank","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Although numerous prognostic biomarkers have been proposed for colorectal cancer (CRC), their longitudinal evaluation remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes in biomarkers calculated from routinely used laboratory markers and their relationships to common chronic diseases (comorbidities).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective longitudinal observational study was completed with the inclusion of 817 CRC patients and a total of 4542 measurement points. Pan-immune inflammation value (PIV), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated based on complete blood count and albumin measurement data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Longitudinal data analyses confirmed the different values and slopes of the parameters tested at the different endpoints. Survivors had the lowest and most constant PIVs and SII values, and the highest and most slowly decreasing PNI values. Those patients with non-cancerous death had similar values to the previous cohort, but an increase/decrease occurred towards the death event. Patients with CRC-related death had significantly higher PIVs and SII values and significantly lower PNI values (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), and a significant increase/decrease was observed at the early observational periods. The presence of lymph node and/or distant metastases, adjuvant chemotherapy, and hypertension significantly affected PIVs and SII and/or PNI values. The changes in PIVs and SII and PNI values toward pathological values are poor prognostic signs (<i>p</i> < 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Each of the three calculated markers demonstrates suitability for longitudinal patient follow-up, and their pathological alterations over time serve as valuable prognostic indicators. They may also be useful to detect certain clinicopathological parameters early.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371976/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981244","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":"Biological Macromolecule-Based Dressings for Combat Wounds: From Collagen to Growth Factors-A Review.","authors":"Wojciech Kamysz, Patrycja Kleczkowska","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wound care in military and combat environments poses distinct challenges that set it apart from conventional medical practice in civilian settings. The nature of injuries sustained on the battlefield-often complex, contaminated, and involving extensive tissue damage-combined with limited access to immediate medical intervention, significantly increases the risk of infection, delayed healing, and adverse outcomes. Traditional wound dressings frequently prove inadequate under such extreme conditions, as they have not been designed to address the specific physiological and logistical constraints present during armed conflicts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the development of advanced wound dressings tailored for use in military scenarios. Special attention has been given to multifunctional dressings that go beyond basic wound coverage by incorporating biologically active macromolecules such as collagen, chitosan, thrombin, alginate, therapeutic peptides, and growth factors. These compounds contribute to properties including moisture balance control, exudate absorption, microbial entrapment, and protection against secondary infection. This review highlights the critical role of advanced wound dressings in improving medical outcomes for injured military personnel. The potential of these technologies to reduce complications, enhance healing rates, and ultimately save lives underscores their growing importance in modern battlefield medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371929/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981427","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}
Fatina W Dahadhah, Mohanad Odeh, Heba A Ali, Jihad A M Alzyoud, Manal Issam Abu Alarjah
{"title":"Exploring Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Primary and Secondary Male Infertility.","authors":"Fatina W Dahadhah, Mohanad Odeh, Heba A Ali, Jihad A M Alzyoud, Manal Issam Abu Alarjah","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Infertility, defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, represents a significant global health challenge, with male factors contributing to approximately 50% of cases. In this epidemiological context, both primary male infertility (the inability to conceive a first child) and secondary male infertility (which occurs when a man who has already fathered a child faces difficulty conceiving again) remain poorly understood at the genetic level. This study explored the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial genes (<i>MT-ND3</i>, <i>MT-ND4L</i>, and <i>MT-ND4</i>) in primary and secondary male infertility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analyzed the genotype distributions of SNPs in 68 infertile males (49 with primary infertility and 19 with secondary infertility) using Sanger sequencing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key findings revealed that studied SNPs were significantly associated with infertility type. Specifically, rs2857285 (T>C,G) in the ND4 gene showed a significant correlation (<i>p</i> = 0.023) with the TT genotype, which is prominent in primary infertility. Another SNP, rs28358279 (T>A,C) in the ND4L gene, also demonstrated a significant correlation (<i>p</i> = 0.046) with the TT genotype, being more common in primary infertility. In addition, rs869096886 (A>G) in the ND4 gene had a borderline correlation (<i>p</i> = 0.051), indicating a possible association between this SNP and reproductive duration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study emphasizes the potential relevance of mitochondrial malfunction in male infertility, specifically the effects of studied SNPs on sperm survival and function over time. These findings suggest that certain mitochondrial SNPs might be potential biomarkers for infertility risk. Larger studies are needed to confirm these associations and examine the functional effects of these SNPs. Combining genetic analysis with environmental and lifestyle factors could enhance our understanding of male infertility and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12371913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981513","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}