Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)最新文献

{"title":"Diagnostic Accuracy of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Peritoneal Effluent and Ascitic Fluid for Early Detection of Peritonitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Manuel Luis Prieto-Magallanes, José David González-Barajas, Violeta Aidee Camarena-Arteaga, Bladimir Díaz-Villavicencio, Juan Alberto Gómez-Fregoso, Ana María López-Yáñez, Ruth Rodríguez-Montaño, Judith Carolina De Arcos-Jiménez, Jaime Briseno-Ramírez","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030175","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis and cirrhosis remains common and leads to morbidity. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been evaluated as a rapid adjunctive biomarker.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA-DTA and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251105563), we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 31 December 2024, and ran an update on 30 June 2025 (no additional eligible studies). Diagnostic accuracy studies measuring NGAL in peritoneal/ascitic fluid against guideline reference standards were included. When 2 × 2 data were not reported, we reconstructed cell counts from published metrics using a prespecified, tolerance-bounded algorithm (two studies). Accuracy was synthesized with a bivariate random effects (Reitsma) model; 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were used to express heterogeneity; small-study effects were assessed by Deeks' test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen studies were included qualitatively and ten were entered into a meta-analysis (573 cases; 833 controls). The pooled sensitivity was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97) and specificity was 0.86 (0.70-0.94); likelihood ratios were LR+ ≈7.0 and LR- 0.06. Between-study variability was concentrated on specificity: the PI for a new setting was 0.75-0.98 for sensitivity and 0.23-0.99 for specificity. Deeks' test showed evidence of small-study effects in the primary analysis; assay/platform and thresholding contributed materially to heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>NGAL in peritoneal/ascitic fluid demonstrates high pooled sensitivity but variable specificity across settings. Given the wide prediction intervals and the signal for small-study effects, NGAL should be interpreted as an adjunct to guideline-based criteria-not as a stand-alone rule-out test. Standardization of pre-analytics and assay-specific, locally verified thresholds, together with prospective multicenter validations and impact/economic evaluations, are needed to define its clinical role.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452612/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115290","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":"Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Pregnancy.","authors":"Angeliki Gerede, Efthymios Oikonomou, Sofoklis Stavros, Anastasios Potiris, Panagiota Papasozomenou, Menelaos Zafrakas, Ekaterini Domali, Nikolaos Nikolettos, Makarios Eleutheriades","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030174","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The reciprocal relationship between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and pregnancy continues to elude the scientific community's approaches for a clear understanding. Multiple studies have reached dissimilar results regarding the impact that SLE exerts on pregnancy, whilst the potential risks of lupus pregnancies continue to encumber women of childbearing age. Whether SLE predisposes to a complicated pregnancy and conversely whether pregnancy impacts the progression of the disease is aimed to be assessed by this systematic review.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A thorough search of original research articles was conducted using online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), initially identifying 877 potential studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Upon further assessment for relevance and eligibility, 65 articles were selected for detailed analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We concluded that, even though advanced approaches have optimized SLE prognosis and treatment, the complexity of the disease requires further extensive study in order to grasp the mechanism behind the susceptibility to adverse complications. SLE pregnancy cannot be considered without risk. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and continuous monitoring of the disease course prior to, during, and after pregnancy is necessary to ensure optimal recovery and minimal maternal and fetal complications. Tailored treatments and novel biomarkers would move us towards precise patient-centered care that addresses each patient's unique disease profile and pregnancy needs, ultimately improving both maternal and fetal outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452753/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115213","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":"Beyond Obesity.","authors":"George A Bray, Donna H Ryan","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030176","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diagnosis of clinical obesity has been highlighted by the recent publication from a Commission Report in <i>The Lancet</i>, suggesting the addition of a new diagnostic category, \"Preclinical Obesity,\" to the already existing ones. Diagnostic criteria for obesity began in the first half of the 20th century, when life insurance companies provided information tables of ideal body weight levels and/or desirable body weight levels based on actuarial associations with mortality. This was replaced by the body mass index or BMI in the third quarter of the 20th century. This tool documented the epidemic of obesity in the US in the last three decades of the 20th century. The recognition of the importance of fat distribution, pioneered by the work of Jean Vague in France, provided a new understanding of obesity. The limitations of BMI and the availability of effective new treatments have heightened the need for new diagnostic guidelines. Obesity represents an increase in body fat and an alteration in its distribution and function. But at the same time, obesity is a stigmatized word and a pejorative term. This communication discusses ways to better diagnose the increase in body fat and its abnormal distribution. We ask whether there is an alternative word to replace obesity and suggest that adiposity or healthy weight could be options.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452745/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115292","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":"Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of a Novel Palmitoylethanolamide-<i>Equisetum arvense</i> Supplement for the Management of Chronic Pain: Findings from a Prospective Clinical Trial.","authors":"Marco Invernizzi, Simone Mulè, Lorenzo Lippi, Rebecca Galla, Arianna Folli, Sara Ferrari, Domenico Tiso, Francesca Uberti","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030169","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Chronic pain represents a major therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy and tolerability of conventional pharmacological treatments. <i>Equisetum arvense</i> L., a medicinal plant with potent antioxidant properties, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide with well-established anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, are increasingly recognised as promising nutraceutical agents. <b>Methods</b>: This prospective, single-centre clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel oral supplement (Assonal^®PEA) combining 600 mg of PEA and 300 mg of <i>Equisetum arvense</i> L. in improving the reduction of pain and quality of life in patients with chronic pain, also obtaining information on the patient's state of satisfaction after the treatment. Fifty patients suffering from chronic pain (low back pain and radiculopathy) for two months were enrolled and received the supplement over eight weeks in a tapered regimen (two tablets daily for two weeks, followed by one tablet daily). <b>Results</b>: Clinical outcomes were evaluated using validated instruments, including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Global Perceived Effect (GPE), and EuroQol-5D-5L. Results showed a significant decrease in pain intensity (NPRS: -3.8 points; VRS: -2.1 points; <i>p</i> < 0.0001), along with meaningful improvements in patient-perceived benefit, pain descriptors, and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L: +35%; <i>p</i> < 0.0001). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings endorse the use of this novel PEA-<i>Equisetum arvense</i> formulation as a safe, well-tolerated, and potentially effective supplementary intervention for managing chronic pain. No adverse events were reported, and the overall response rate reached 94%.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115332","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":"Sociodemographic, Lifestyle, and Social Isolation Correlates of TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR Scores in a Large Spanish Working Population.","authors":"Pere Riutord-Sbert, Pedro Juan Tárraga López, Ángel Arturo López-González, Irene Coll Campayo, Carla Busquets-Cortés, José Ignacio Ramírez Manent","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030171","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Insulin resistance (IR) is a central feature in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and a major determinant of cardiovascular morbidity. While sociodemographic and lifestyle factors are established contributors, the role of social isolation as a potential determinant of IR remains underexplored in working populations. <b>Objectives:</b> To assess the association between sociodemographic variables, lifestyle habits, and social isolation with three validated insulin resistance indexes-Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG), Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), and Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE-IR)-in a large cohort of Spanish workers. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 117,298 workers from occupational health centers across Spain. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle factors (Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, and smoking), and social support levels (ENRICHD Social Support Instrument) were recorded. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were obtained through standardized protocols. Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for high IR risk across the three indexes, adjusting for potential confounders. <b>Results:</b> Male sex, older age, lower social class, smoking, low Mediterranean diet adherence, physical inactivity, and low social support were independently associated with higher odds of IR in all three indexes. The strongest associations were observed for physical inactivity (OR range 6.21-9.95) and low social support (OR range 1.98-3.76). Although effect sizes varied by index, patterns of association were consistent. <b>Conclusions:</b> Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors, including social isolation, are strongly associated with insulin resistance in working populations. Integrating social support assessment into occupational health strategies may enhance early detection and prevention of IR and related cardiometabolic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115226","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 and Paraclinical Predictors of Survival in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Results from a Three-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study.","authors":"Anca Motataianu, Laura Barcutean, Ioana Ormenisan, Medeea Roman, Rodica Balasa, Zoltan Bajko, Mihai Dumitreasa","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030170","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with highly variable progression and survival. Identifying early prognostic indicators is essential for patient stratification and management.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate clinical, respiratory, and functional predictors of survival in a prospective cohort of ALS patients over a three-year period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cohort of 44 ALS patients was followed from 2022 to 2025. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics, clinical data including ALS subtypes and phenotypes, site of onset, revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) and subscores, ALSFRS-R progression rate, time to diffusion and generalization, spirometric parameters, and progression patterns were assessed. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall median survival time was 53 months. Univariate Cox regression revealed that older age at onset, shorter diagnostic delay, lower respiratory function, lower vitamin D levels, and rapid vertical progression were associated with reduced survival. Bulbar-onset phenotype and rapid disease progression rate (ΔPR) were significant predictors of mortality. Specific ALSFRS-R subscores also showed prognostic relevance. A longer time to diffusion as well as a longer time to generalization were significantly associated with prolonged survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent prognostic value of ΔPR, time to diagnosis, and ALSFRS-R swallowing and handwriting subscores.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study supports the prognostic value of previously studied clinical and paraclinical markers in ALS and proposes novel predictors, ALSFRS-R handwriting, and time to diffusion, which require further validation in larger prospective cohorts.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115297","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 Association of MicroRNA-21 with Carotid Artery Disease and Ischemic Stroke: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Implications and Potential Therapy.","authors":"Aleksandar Sič, Marko Atanasković, Alyan Ahmed, Ivan Petrović, Filip Simović, Boris Burnjaković, Una Tonković, Aarish Manzar, Simra Shadab, Selena Gajić, Danka Bjelić, Vidna Karadžić Ristanović, Marko Baralić","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030172","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with carotid atherosclerosis being its key etiological factor. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) regulates intracellular signal pathways responsible for vascular changes and ischemic brain injury, and is recognized as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. It modifies the activity of macrophages (MΦ) and vascular smooth muscle cells, causing inflammation and affecting the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. A deficiency of miR-21 in macrophages stimulates the inflammatory response and plaque growth. It promotes both the synthesis of extracellular matrix, stabilizing the plaque, and the degradation of the fibrin cap, which leads to plaque instability. The effect of miR-21 on endothelial cells differs: it stimulates both NO· synthesis and inflammation. During ischemic stroke, miR-21 demonstrates neuroprotective effects by modulating post-ischemic inflammation and protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Therapy targeting miR-21 shows potential in experimental models, but it requires cell-specific delivery and precise timing. Further research efforts should focus on the effects of miR-21 on different cell types, as well as the development of new technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452513/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115205","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":"Comparison of HyFoSy, HyCoSy and X-Ray Hysterosalpingography in the Assessment of Tubal Patency in Women with Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Emmanouil M Xydias, Vasileios Emmanouil, Maria Koutini, Anna Ntanika, Elias Tsakos, Matthew Prior, Ippokratis Sarris, Ioannis Thanasas, Alexandros Daponte, Apostolos C Ziogas","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030168","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Tubal dysfunction may be a contributing factor in up to 35% of infertility cases, rendering tubal patency assessment a vital component of the infertility workup. In this review we examined the diagnostic efficacy and tolerability of hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) and compared it to hysterosalpingography (HSG) and hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy). <b>Methods</b>: Online databases were systematically searched and evaluated according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and inter-method agreement were evaluated, along with mean pain scores. <b>Results</b>: This analysis included data from 9 studies and 1354 patients with conclusive diagnostic data from 2422 tubes and 1294 patients with data on intra-procedural pain. With regard to HyFoSy and HyCoSy comparison, pooled sensitivity was 87% and 69%, respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.074), while pooled specificity was 95% and 85%, respectively, favoring HyFoSy (<i>p</i> < 0.001). HyFoSy was more tolerable with regard to pain, but this was not statistically significant. Regarding the HyFoSy and HSG comparison, pooled Cohen's k was 0.38, indicating fair-moderate agreement. In subsequent analysis, with HSG as a reference standard, HyFoSy demonstrated low sensitivity (61%) but high specificity (87%). With regard to experienced pain, HyFoSy and HSG had a difference of 2.4 units on a 10-point scale, favoring HyFoSy (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: HyFoSy was superior to HyCoSy and may be used as a first-line tubal assessment method, with HSG being utilized in inconclusive cases. However, further research is still required due to the small number of available studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115263","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":"Is Basic Training in Palliative Care Sufficient to Guarantee the Improvement of Knowledge and Skills in This Area?-A Medical Knowledge Assessment Study.","authors":"Rita Monteiro, Hugo Ribeiro, César Vinicius José, Joana Brandão Silva, Ricardo Marinho, João Rocha Neves, Marília Dourado","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030167","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: With the growing population requiring palliative care (PC), it is essential to enhance and expand the availability of this care in Portugal. Throughout both pre-graduate and post-graduate training for doctors, there are limited learning opportunities in this area, necessitating further training to improve the knowledge and skills needed to support patients at the end of their lives. Studies conducted on doctors and medical students have demonstrated a clear need for improved training. Additionally, others have noted significant benefits for residents who underwent post-graduate training in this field while caring for patients nearing the end of life. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a basic training program on improving palliative care knowledge among medical doctors. <b>Methods</b>: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out by sharing a questionnaire with the participants enrolled in the \"Intensive Palliative Medicine Course\" organized by a group of doctors in November 2021. The questionnaire was completed by participants at three moments of training (before, immediately after the course, and 6 months after the course), and it contained questions to assess the theoretical knowledge, skills, and abilities obtained. <b>Results</b>: In total, 93 out of 204 (45.58%) doctors responded before training, 80 (39.21%) immediately after training, and 36 (17.64%) six months after training. After training, an improvement in knowledge was observed (<i>p</i> = 0.014), which did not appear to persist six months after the course (<i>p</i> = 0.574). However, six months after training, an increase in doctors' confidence in referring patients to Palliative Care Teams or Units (<i>p</i> = 0.009) and medicating patients who may be in the last months of their lives (<i>p</i> = 0.005) was observed. <b>Conclusions</b>: The results regarding theoretical medical knowledge did not seem to stabilize over time, so it may be necessary to create more specific training opportunities for the medical profession. An increase in doctors' self-confidence in referring and medicating patients with palliative care needs was observed, which may be associated with better medical care provided. It is necessary to carry out more studies to evaluate the impact of combined theoretical and practical training on the knowledge and confidence of doctors in PC.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115266","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":"Impact of Nutritional Status on Pulmonary Function in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Study from Upper Egypt.","authors":"Khaled Saad, Eman F Gad, Samaher F Taha, Sherin A Taha, Hamada K Fayed, Mahmoud Elsaeed, Thamer A M Alruwaili, Mohamed Fahmy M Ibrahim, Amira Elhoufey, Ahmed M Esmat Mansour, Amir M Aboelgheet","doi":"10.3390/medsci13030165","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13030165","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and investigate the correlation between malnutrition and the decline of pulmonary function in this population. <b>Methods:</b> We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children with CF admitted to four large tertiary centers in Upper Egypt. We compared clinical characteristics among children with different nutritional statuses and evaluated the correlation between malnutrition and pulmonary functions. <b>Results:</b> A total of 104 children with CF, including 54 males (52%), aged 3 to 18 years, were analyzed. Respiratory symptoms were present in all cases (100%). Malnutrition was observed in 72% (75/104) of the participants, with affected children exhibiting significantly lower body weight and serum albumin levels. Pulmonary function tests showed that vital capacity (VC) and the predicted values for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC, and expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% of FVC were all lower in the malnourished group compared to children with normal nutrition. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the body mass index (BMI) Z-score was positively correlated with these pulmonary function indicators. <b>Conclusions:</b> Malnutrition is highly prevalent among Egyptian children with CF and is associated with decreased pulmonary function. Improving nutritional status may enhance lung function in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452741/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145115329","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}