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14 pages, 409 KB  
Article
Elevated Parathyroid Hormone Levels Are Associated with Increased Risk of Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombosis in Hemodialysis Patients: Findings from a 5-Year Cohort Study
by Marcel Palamar, Iulia Dana Grosu, Adalbert Schiller, Ligia Petrica, Oana Stirbu, Madalina Bodea, Alexandru Sircuta, Maria Daniela Tanasescu and Flaviu Bob
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9654; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179654 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2025
Abstract
(1) Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis represents a major cause of vascular access failure in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Identifying early biochemical markers associated with thrombosis may facilitate timely intervention and improve vascular outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the association between baseline [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis represents a major cause of vascular access failure in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Identifying early biochemical markers associated with thrombosis may facilitate timely intervention and improve vascular outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the association between baseline biochemical markers and the risk of AVF thrombosis and mortality during long-term follow-up. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study involving 249 chronic hemodialysis patients with functional AVFs. Baseline data included intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), hemoglobin, phosphate, potassium, albumin, dialysis adequacy (Kt/V), age, diabetes status, and antivitamin K (AVK) therapy. Patients were followed for five years for the occurrence of AVF thrombosis and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Levene’s test and Scheffé post hoc comparisons. (3) Results: iPTH levels were significantly higher in patients who developed AVF thrombosis (mean 494.6 pg/mL) than in those without thrombosis (mean 381.5 pg/mL; p = 0.047). Other variables, including hemoglobin, phosphate, Kt/V, age, diabetes, and AVK therapy, were not significantly associated with thrombosis. Mortality was more frequent among patients with diabetes mellitus and those receiving antivitamin K therapy; however, only the association with diabetes reached statistical significance. (4) Conclusions: Elevated iPTH was associated with AVF thrombosis. Routine monitoring may help identify high-risk patients and guide timely interventions. Full article
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12 pages, 3524 KB  
Article
Is GDF15 a Feasible Biomarker in Sepsis?
by Ertugrul Yigit, Mehmet Akif Simsek, Merve Huner Yigit, Gorkem Akca, Berat Sonmez and Hakki Uzun
Diagnostics 2025, 15(17), 2224; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15172224 - 2 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sepsis is a high-mortality syndrome characterized by organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a stress-inducible cytokine, as a biomarker in patients diagnosed with urosepsis. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sepsis is a high-mortality syndrome characterized by organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a stress-inducible cytokine, as a biomarker in patients diagnosed with urosepsis. Methods: A total of 13 patients diagnosed with urosepsis, based on an increase of ≥2 points in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and positive urine culture, were included in the study. Daily blood samples were collected from patients for 10 days, and serum levels of GDF15, procalcitonin (PCT), and presepsin (P-SEP) were measured by ELISA. C-reactive protein (CRP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin, and neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts were determined using autoanalyzers. Temporal changes were analyzed using the Friedman test, and correlations were analyzed using Spearman’s test. Results: GDF15 levels began to decrease from Day 3, with a significant decline observed from Day 7 compared to Day 1 (p < 0.001). Similar decreasing trends were observed in CRP and PCT levels, whereas presepsin levels did not exhibit significant changes. Significant positive correlations were identified between GDF15 and CRP (r = 0.65, p = 0.015), BUN (r = 0.57, p = 0.041), and creatinine (r = 0.62, p = 0.024), and a significant negative correlation was observed with eGFR (r = −0.62, p = 0.024). No significant correlation was found between GDF15 and presepsin (p > 0.05). Conclusions: GDF15 is a biomarker sensitive to the resolution phase of inflammation and organ dysfunction in sepsis, demonstrating significant temporal changes. It holds potential as an indicator for monitoring clinical progression and assessing prognosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Prognosis of Sepsis)
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16 pages, 885 KB  
Article
Urinary Bisphenol Mixtures at Population-Exposure Levels Are Associated with Diabetes Prevalence: Evidence from Advanced Mixture Modeling
by Mónica Grande-Alonso, Clara Jabal-Uriel, Soledad Aguado-Henche, Manuel Flores-Sáenz, Irene Méndez-Mesón, Ana Rodríguez Slocker, Laura López González, Rafael Ramírez-Carracedo, Alba Sebastián-Martín and Rafael Moreno-Gómez-Toledano
Diabetology 2025, 6(9), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6090091 - 1 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There is a ubiquitous presence of plastics worldwide, and recent data highlight the continuous growth in their production and usage—a trend paralleled by the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes. The multifactorial nature of these diseases suggests that environmental exposure, notably to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: There is a ubiquitous presence of plastics worldwide, and recent data highlight the continuous growth in their production and usage—a trend paralleled by the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes. The multifactorial nature of these diseases suggests that environmental exposure, notably to bisphenol A (BPA), could be a contributing factor. This study investigates the potential correlation between emerging BPA substitutes, bisphenol S and F (BPS and BPF), and diabetes in a cohort of the general adult population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 cycles. Basic comparative analyses and Pearson correlation tests were performed, followed by logistic regression models. Advanced statistical approaches, including Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and quantile g-computation, were subsequently applied to evaluate the combined effects of bisphenol exposures. Results: Findings reveal a positive association between combined bisphenols (BPs) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), with binomial logistic regression demonstrating an odds ratio (OR) of 1.103 (1.002–1.214) between BP levels corrected for creatinine (crucial due to glomerular filtration variations) and diabetes. weighted quantile sum (WQS) and quantile G-computation analyses showed a combined positive effect on diabetes, glucose levels, and HbA1c. Individual effect analysis identifies BPS as a significant monomer warranting attention in future diabetes-related research. Conclusions: Replacing BPA with new molecules like BPS or BPF may pose a greater risk in the context of diabetes. Full article
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12 pages, 418 KB  
Article
Integrated Evaluation of CPAP Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Sleep Apnea: Quality of Life and Effects on Metabolic Function and Inflammation in Outpatient Care
by Petar Kalaydzhiev, Tsvetelina Velikova, Yanitsa Davidkova, Radostina Ilieva, Elena Kinova and Emilia Naseva
Diabetology 2025, 6(9), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6090087 - 1 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly coexist and exacerbate poor glycemic control, systemic inflammation, and diminished quality of life (QoL). Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has demonstrated metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits, its real-world [...] Read more.
Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly coexist and exacerbate poor glycemic control, systemic inflammation, and diminished quality of life (QoL). Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has demonstrated metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits, its real-world impact in Bulgarian outpatient settings—where CPAP costs are borne entirely by patients—has not been characterized. Objectives. To evaluate the effects of six months of CPAP therapy on glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), body mass index (BMI), lipid profile (low-density lipoprotein [LDL]), QoL (Short Form 36 Physical Component Summary [SF-36 PCS] and Mental Component Summary [SF-36 MCS]), and survival among Bulgarian outpatients with T2D and moderate-to-severe OSA. Methods. In this prospective, multicenter cohort study conducted from January 2022 to July 2023, 142 adults with established T2D and OSA (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 15) were enrolled at three outpatient centers in Bulgaria. Fifty-five patients elected to purchase and use home-based CPAP (intervention group), while 87 declined CPAP—either because of cost or personal preference—and continued standard medical care without CPAP (control group). All participants underwent thorough outpatient evaluations at baseline (month 0) and at six months, including measurement of HbA1c, hsCRP, BMI, fasting lipid profile (LDL), and patient-reported QoL, via the SF-36 Health Survey. Survival was tracked throughout follow-up. Results. After six months, the CPAP group experienced a significant reduction in HbA1c from a median of 8.2% (IQR 7.5–9.5%) to 7.7% (6.7–8.7%), p < 0.001, whereas the control group’s HbA1c decreased modestly from a median of 8.6% (IQR 7.9–9.4%) to 8.3% (7.6–9.1%); p < 0.001), with a significant between-group difference at follow-up (p = 0.005). High-sensitivity CRP in the CPAP arm fell from a median of 2.34 mg/L (IQR 1.81–3.41) to 1.45 mg/L (IQR 1.25–2.20), p < 0.001, while remaining unchanged in controls (p = 0.847). BMI in the CPAP group declined significantly from 28.6 kg/m2, IQR 26.6–30.6 to 28 kg/m2, IQR 25.6–29.2 (p < 0.001), compared to no significant change in controls (median 28.9 kg/m2), p = 0.599. LDL decreased in the CPAP group from a median of 3.60 mmol/L (IQR 3.03–3.89) to 3.22 mmol/L (IQR 2.68–3.48), p < 0.001, with no significant reduction in controls (p = 0.843). Within the CPAP arm, both SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS scores improved significantly from baseline (p < 0.001 for each), although between-group differences at six months did not reach statistical significance (PCS: 48 ± 10 vs. 46 ± 9, p = 0.098; MCS: 46, IQR 40–54 vs. 46, IQR 39–53, p = 0.291). All-cause mortality during follow-up included 2 events in the CPAP group and 11 events in the control group (log-rank p = 0.071). Conclusions. In Bulgarian outpatients with T2D and moderate-to-severe OSA, six months of CPAP therapy significantly improved glycemic control, reduced systemic inflammation, lowered BMI and LDL, and enhanced QoL, with a non-significant trend toward reduced mortality. These findings underscore the importance of integrating CPAP into multidisciplinary management despite financial barriers. Full article
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18 pages, 797 KB  
Review
Phytochemical Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Antidiabetic Potential of Four Medicinal Plants Native to the UAE: Capparis spinosa, Citrullus colocynthis, Morus alba, and Rhazya stricta
by Seham M. Al Raish, Razan S. Almasri, Alaa S. Bedir and Aya A. Elkahwagy
Biology 2025, 14(9), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14091146 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 419
Abstract
This review highlights the significant therapeutic properties of four indigenous plants in the United Arab Emirates. These include Capparis spinosa L. (family: Capparaceae), commonly known as caper and locally referred to as Kabir; Citrullus colocynthis (L) Schrad. (family: Cucurbitaceae), known in English as [...] Read more.
This review highlights the significant therapeutic properties of four indigenous plants in the United Arab Emirates. These include Capparis spinosa L. (family: Capparaceae), commonly known as caper and locally referred to as Kabir; Citrullus colocynthis (L) Schrad. (family: Cucurbitaceae), known in English as bitter apple and locally as Alhanzal; Morus alba L. (family: Moraceae), referred to as white mulberry and locally named Firsad; and Rhazya stricta Decne. (family: Apocynaceae), commonly called harmal-e-shami and known locally as Alhi-rimi. These species are traditionally used for various ethnobotanical purposes and are important components of the region’s flora, such as managing diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. These plants contain diverse bioactive compounds with notable pharmacological activities. For example, caper exhibits antidiabetic effects through flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which enhance insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Bitter apple is rich in cucurbitacins and alkaloids that lower glycated hemoglobin and support pancreatic β-cell function. White mulberry contains chlorogenic acid, rutin, and 1-deoxynojirimycin, which improve glucose uptake, inhibit α-glucosidase, and reduce oxidative stress. Harmal-e-shami exhibits variable antidiabetic activity, including dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition and enhancement of glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion, which is influenced by the type and dosage of the extract. Despite these promising effects, challenges remain in standardization, phytochemical variability, and clinical validation. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of these plants and recommends further research for their integration into sustainable, plant-based diabetes management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Natural Products: Mechanisms of Action for Promoting Health)
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10 pages, 1321 KB  
Article
Investigation of the Medium- and Long-Term Results of a Pioneering Method in the Treatment of Geriatric Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Osteosynthesis Using the WALANT Technique
by Yusuf Murat Altun, Mete Gedikbaş and Murat Aşçı
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6078; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176078 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Femoral neck and proximal femur fractures in the elderly can result from low-energy trauma due to osteoporotic changes and contribute significantly to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite various treatment options, closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) with intramedullary nails has become [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Femoral neck and proximal femur fractures in the elderly can result from low-energy trauma due to osteoporotic changes and contribute significantly to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite various treatment options, closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) with intramedullary nails has become the predominant approach. While a minimally invasive approach reduces complications and speeds recovery, this outcome is not always feasible in practice. The primary surgical goal remains achieving a stable and precise fracture reduction, favoring CRIF when possible. Our study aims to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of patients operated on using the Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique. Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for intertrochanteric femur fractures between June 2019 and June 2021 were analyzed. Patients who were between 75 and 90 years old and had undergone surgery with a proximal femoral nail (PFN) were included in the study. Patients were excluded if they required general anesthesia, if an acceptable reduction could not be achieved with the PFN, if they did not attend the last follow-up examination, or if the follow-up period was <4 years. Patients were functionally assessed using the Harris hip score at the 6th month and at the last follow-up and using the visual analog scale at the surgery, at the 4th hour after surgery, and at the time of discharge. For radiological assessment, the classification of reduction quality and the measurement of the tip–apex distance were used. Results: Forty patients (22F/18M) were included in the study. Their mean age was 83.0 ± 2.9 years. The mean time from trauma to surgery was 6.8 ± 2.3 h. Patients were mobilized on average 1.53 ± 0.8 h after surgery, and the mean hospitalization time was 27.4 ± 8.1 h. No statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin value was observed before or after surgery (p = 0.476). The Harris hip score was 73.3 ± 3.2 at the 6th month postoperatively and 74.9 ± 2.5 at the last follow-up (p = 0.296). The reduction quality was found to be poor in only two patients. Conclusions: The WALANT technique’s promising results in terms of pain management, blood loss control, and early mobilization show that it is a viable alternative to conventional anesthesia methods in geriatric hip fractures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)
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14 pages, 633 KB  
Review
A Systematic Review on Biomarkers for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Detection in Pregnancies Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technology: Current Trends and Future Directions
by Angeliki Gerede, Efthymios Oikonomou, Anastasios Potiris, Christos Chatzakis, Peter Drakakis, Ekaterini Domali, Nikolaos Nikolettos and Sofoklis Stavros
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178234 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequently encountered medical complication during pregnancy that is increasing at a rapid pace globally, posing significant public health concerns. Similarly, there is a rising trend in the number of women who have utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). [...] Read more.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequently encountered medical complication during pregnancy that is increasing at a rapid pace globally, posing significant public health concerns. Similarly, there is a rising trend in the number of women who have utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between GDM and ART. This comprehensive systematic review seeks to identify potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. We conducted a PubMed search covering the past five years to identify studies that explore biomarkers associated with the development of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. The outcome measures included human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the body mass index (BMI), the Follicle Stimulating Hormone to Luteinizing Hormone (FSH/LH) ratio, increased hemoglobin A1c levels, fasting insulin concentrations, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL), total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL), the estradiol/follicle ratio, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), Placental Growth Factor (PLGF), endometrial thickness, and psychological stress. Seventeen studies were included. The identification and development of serum or ultrasound biomarkers for the early detection of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART pose considerable challenges. These challenges arise from the multifactorial nature of GDM, the methodological variations in ART, and the limited availability of relevant studies. The most promising biomarker identified was the estradiol/follicle ratio. Women with a higher estradiol/follicle ratio exhibited significantly lower rates of GDM. There is a pressing necessity for biomarkers to enable the early detection of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. E2 levels, β-hCG, and the E2/F ratio, along with the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios, show potential as reliable biomarkers for identifying GDM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies)
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21 pages, 1692 KB  
Review
Unraveling the Mystery of Hemoglobin in Hypoxia-Accelerated Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Zhengming Tian, Feiyang Jin, Zhuowen Geng, Zirui Xu, Qianqian Shao, Guiyou Liu, Xunming Ji and Jia Liu
Biomolecules 2025, 15(9), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15091221 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
Hypoxic stress is increasingly recognized as a convergent pathological factor in various age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), encompassing both acute events such as stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). [...] Read more.
Hypoxic stress is increasingly recognized as a convergent pathological factor in various age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), encompassing both acute events such as stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have revealed that hemoglobin (Hb), beyond its classical oxygen-transport function, exhibits unexpected expression and functional relevance within the central nervous system. Notably, both cerebral and circulating Hb appear to be dysregulated under hypoxic and aging conditions, potentially influencing disease onset and progression of these diseases. However, Hb’s impact on neurodegeneration appears to be context-dependent: in acute NDDs, it may exert neuroprotective effects by stabilizing mitochondrial and iron homeostasis, whereas in chronic NDDs, aberrant Hb accumulation may contribute to toxic protein aggregation and neuronal dysfunction. This review provides an integrative overview of the emerging roles of Hb in hypoxia-related NDDs, highlighting both shared and distinct mechanisms across acute and chronic conditions. We further discuss potential therapeutic implications of targeting Hb-related pathways in NDDs and identify key gaps for future investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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18 pages, 1981 KB  
Article
Neural Correlates of Belief-Bias Reasoning as Predictors of Critical Thinking: Evidence from an fNIRS Study
by Juanjuan Ma, Wenyu Lv and Xuezhu Ren
J. Intell. 2025, 13(9), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13090106 - 24 Aug 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
This study examined the neural characteristics of belief-bias reasoning in order to reveal the neurocognitive basis of critical thinking. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was utilized to capture the real-time brain hemodynamic activity of 74 college students while they performed a belief-bias syllogistic reasoning task. [...] Read more.
This study examined the neural characteristics of belief-bias reasoning in order to reveal the neurocognitive basis of critical thinking. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was utilized to capture the real-time brain hemodynamic activity of 74 college students while they performed a belief-bias syllogistic reasoning task. Values of oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and deoxy-hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) in regions of interest were analyzed in relation to critical thinking skills assessed by established tests. The results reveal significant activation in both the opercular part of the right IFC and the left DLPFC when participants encountered situations where their prior beliefs contradicted logical validity during the completion of the belief-bias syllogistic reasoning task. Crucially, individuals with lower levels of critical thinking skills demonstrated heightened activation in the opercular part of the right IFC compared to those with higher levels of critical thinking skills. Furthermore, variations in hemodynamics, quantified by oxy-Hb and deoxy-Hb concentration values (area under the activity curve as absolute value), during the execution of belief-bias reasoning tasks accounted for a substantial proportion of the variability in critical thinking skills. Additionally, the hemodynamic data to a large extent explained the connection between belief-bias reasoning and critical thinking. These results provide a neural explanation for the relationship between belief-bias reasoning and critical thinking, and advance theoretical models of critical thinking by illuminating the brain’s mechanisms engaged in unbiased reasoning and metacognition. Full article
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12 pages, 893 KB  
Article
Unmasking Subclinical Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic Study
by Laura-Cătălina Benchea, Larisa Anghel, Nicoleta Dubei, Răzvan-Liviu Zanfirescu, Gavril-Silviu Bîrgoan, Radu Andy Sascău and Cristian Stătescu
Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091516 - 23 Aug 2025
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) substantially increases cardiovascular risk; beyond the well-recognized left-ventricular involvement in diabetic cardiomyopathy, emerging data indicate subclinical right-ventricular (RV) dysfunction may also be present. This study aimed to evaluate whether speckle-tracking echocardiography identifies subclinical right-ventricular systolic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) substantially increases cardiovascular risk; beyond the well-recognized left-ventricular involvement in diabetic cardiomyopathy, emerging data indicate subclinical right-ventricular (RV) dysfunction may also be present. This study aimed to evaluate whether speckle-tracking echocardiography identifies subclinical right-ventricular systolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, despite normal conventional indices and preserved global systolic function. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, single-center study in accordance with STROBE recommendations, enrolling 77 participants, 36 adults with T2DM, and 41 non-diabetic controls, between December 2024 and July 2025. All participants underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, including conventional parameters (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TV S’), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC)) and deformation imaging (right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV GLS), right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS)) using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Biochemical and clinical data, including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were recorded. Correlation and ROC curve analyses were performed to explore associations and predictive value. Results: The mean age was comparable between the two groups (62.08 ± 9.54 years vs. 60.22 ± 13.39 years; p = 0.480). While conventional RV parameters did not differ significantly between groups, diabetic patients had significantly lower RV GLS (−13.86 ± 6.07% vs. −18.59 ± 2.27%, p < 0.001) and RVFWS (−15.64 ± 4.30% vs. −19.03 ± 3.53%, p < 0.001). HbA1c levels correlated positively with RV strain impairment (RVFWS r = 0.41, p < 0.001). Both RV GLS and RVFWS were independent predictors of RV dysfunction in logistic regression analysis. ROC analysis showed good diagnostic performance for RV GLS, AUC = 0.84 with an optimal cut-off −17.2% (sensitivity 86.1% and specificity 80.5%) and RVFWS, AUC = 0.76 with cut-off −17.6% (sensitivity 77.8; specificity 80.5%) in identifying early myocardial involvement. Conclusions: RV systolic dysfunction may occur early in T2DM, even when traditional echocardiographic indices remain within normal limits. Speckle-tracking echocardiography, particularly RV GLS and RVFWS, offers sensitive detection of subclinical myocardial impairment, reinforcing its value in early cardiovascular risk stratification among diabetic patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes: 2nd Edition)
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5 pages, 369 KB  
Case Report
Heavy Increase in Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin IX During Treatment with Teriflunomide in a Patient with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria: A Case Report
by Hans Christian Wulf, Anne L. Christiansen and Ida M. Heerfordt
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2025, 5(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm5030041 - 23 Aug 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) have a decreased activity of the ferrochelatase enzyme which converts protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) into heme, causing PpIX to accumulate in erythrocytes. The ensuing release of PpIX to the skin when exposed to visible light causes a phototoxic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) have a decreased activity of the ferrochelatase enzyme which converts protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) into heme, causing PpIX to accumulate in erythrocytes. The ensuing release of PpIX to the skin when exposed to visible light causes a phototoxic reaction with severe pain, erythema, and edema. Erythrocyte PpIX levels in adult EPP patients are rather stable and largely unaffected by pharmaceutical treatments. It is important to be aware of drugs causing an increase in PpIX as this may increase the risk of liver toxicity. Method: The patient had blood samples taken regularly for analyses of PpIX, znPpIX, ALT, ALP, iron, leucocytes, C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin before, during, and after treatment with teriflunomide. Additionally, we tested if teriflunomide increased PpIX in vitro. Results: A female EPP patient was treated for 7 years with teriflunomide for multiple sclerosis attacks. During treatment, her natural PpIX level increased from about 30 µmol/L to about 200 µmol/L, without significant simultaneous changes in hemoglobin, iron levels, alanine transaminase (ALT), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The patient experienced no increase in photosensitivity. In vitro addition of teriflunomide did not affect PpIX levels. Discussion: In patients with lead intoxication, the release of PpIX from erythrocytes is very slow. The increase in PpIX during treatment with teriflunomide compared to periods with no medication could be caused by a similar slow PpIX release from the erythrocytes. This theory is supported by the patient’s unchanged light sensitivity and stable levels of hemoglobin, iron, and liver enzymes. Full article
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15 pages, 1284 KB  
Systematic Review
Hypoglycemic Effects of Sechium edule (Chayote) in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Preclinical Trials
by Taide Laurita Arista-Ugalde, Sebastián Delgado-Arroyo, Graciela Gavia-García, David Hernández-Álvarez, Itzen Aguiñiga-Sánchez, Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio, Juana Rosado-Pérez and Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez
Foods 2025, 14(17), 2937; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14172937 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are chronic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. Sechium edule (S. edule) has emerged as a complementary option due to its bioactive compounds. A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies was carried out [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are chronic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. Sechium edule (S. edule) has emerged as a complementary option due to its bioactive compounds. A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies was carried out until 25 May 2025 in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and TESIUNAM. The keywords were “diabetes mellitus”, “Sechium edule”, “Squash”, “Chayote”, “hypoglycemic effect”, and “Older adults”. A total of 110 articles were found; 11 met eligibility criteria (six clinical trials and five preclinical trials). Three clinical trials met the requirements for meta-analysis. The mean difference (MD) was calculated, and data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in serum glucose after three months (MD = −20.56, 95% CI −29.35 to −11.77, p < 0.0001) and six months after intervention (MD = −12.96, 95% CI = −21.90 to −4.02, p = 0.004). Likewise, there was a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) after three months (MD = −1.12, 95% CI = −1.45, −0.78, p < 0.0001) and after six months of intervention (MD = −0.92, 95% CI = −1.13, −0.25, p = 0.002). Our findings showed that S. edule intake has a statistically significant hypoglycemic effect in older adults with T2DM or MS by decreasing serum glucose and HbA1c levels. However, the magnitude of the decrease is clinically modest, so it cannot be a substitute for pharmacological treatment. For this reason, the intake of S. edule can only be considered as a complement to pharmacological treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioavailability and Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds in Foods)
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13 pages, 329 KB  
Article
Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Metabolic Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Julia Bauer, Fernanda Oliveira Ayala, Aline Marcadenti, Rachel Helena Vieira Machado, Ângela Cristina Bersch-Ferreira, Maria Fernanda Souza Moreira, Mileni Vanti Beretta, Ana Maria Pandolfo Feoli and Fernanda Michielin Busnello
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081275 - 14 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background: Understanding how food processing impacts type 2 diabetes (T2DM) control is essential for disease management. This study aimed to assess the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, as defined by the NOVA classification, and metabolic parameters in T2DM patients. Methods: This was [...] Read more.
Background: Understanding how food processing impacts type 2 diabetes (T2DM) control is essential for disease management. This study aimed to assess the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, as defined by the NOVA classification, and metabolic parameters in T2DM patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from the NUGLIC study, a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Multiple linear and Poisson regressions were used to evaluate associations between quintiles of processed and ultra-processed food consumption and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Results: This study included 326 participants. UPF consumption accounted for approximately 16.4% of total daily energy intake. No significant linear associations were observed between higher consumption of industrialized foods and anthropometric or glycemic markers. However, intermediate and high consumption levels were associated with an increased total cholesterol (Q3: β = 26.6; Q4: β = 26.7) and LDL-cholesterol (Q4: β = 19.8; Q5: β = 17.5). Conclusion: In T2DM patients, a higher intake of processed and ultra-processed foods was linked to elevated cholesterol and LDL levels. These findings highlight potential cardiovascular risks but do not support causality due to the study’s cross-sectional design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diabetes: Advances in Prevention and Management)
9 pages, 471 KB  
Article
Distribution of Hemoglobinopathy Disorders in Al-Kharj Province Based on Data from the Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling Program
by Noura Al-Dayan
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081458 - 14 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders of hemoglobin and are among the most common inherited diseases. The prevalence rates of sickle cell disease and thalassemia in Saudi Arabia are higher than those in other countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders of hemoglobin and are among the most common inherited diseases. The prevalence rates of sickle cell disease and thalassemia in Saudi Arabia are higher than those in other countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has launched many prevention programs such as a premarital screening program, genetic counseling programs, and neonatal screening in order to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases. The former program includes the most common genetic diseases: sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Many studies conducted since the premarital program started have reported a decrease in the prevalence of sickle cell disease and thalassemia. However, all studies focus on large cities, including their subdivisions, but there is a lack of studies on subdivisions specifically. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, 5-year time trend, and distribution of β-thalassemia and sickle cell traits in Al-Kharj province using the data of the PMSGC program during the period from January 2017 to February 2021. Results: A total of 21,150 individuals were screened, and 508 were diagnosed with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Also, we showed that thalassemia was more prevalent than sickle cell disease (66% and 34%, respectively), and there was an increase in β-thalassemia and α-thalassemia. Conclusions: Riyadh city’s prevalence rate of β-thalassemia was reported as 7 per 1000, while the current study found a prevalence rate of 5.6 per 1000 in Al-Kharj, which suggests a possible increase as a result of population growth in Al-Kharj province as part of Riyadh city. This study recommends further improvement in preventive measures in high-risk regions, as well as enhanced community awareness, to provide the highest rate of reduction for disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Public Health and Healthcare Management for Chronic Care)
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12 pages, 471 KB  
Article
Predictive Value of the Cally Score in Determining Surgical Strategy for Complicated Left-Sided Colonic Diverticulitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Feyyaz Gungor, Huseyin Kılavuz, Muhammed Furkan Arslan, Murat Demir, Yusuf Yunus Korkmaz, Ali Bekraki and Idris Kurtulus
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081455 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Complicated left-sided colonic diverticulitis is one of the important causes of hospital admissions and emergency surgery in industrialized societies and requires serious clinical decision-making processes for patient management. This study aims to evaluate the predictive role of albumin-based nutritional [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Complicated left-sided colonic diverticulitis is one of the important causes of hospital admissions and emergency surgery in industrialized societies and requires serious clinical decision-making processes for patient management. This study aims to evaluate the predictive role of albumin-based nutritional indices in deciding on surgical strategy (primary anastomosis vs. Hartmann procedure) in patients treated operatively for complicated left-sided colonic diverticulitis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 57 patients who were operatively treated for Hinchey stage III–IV diverticulitis between 2021 and 2024. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical method: Hartmann procedure (n = 40) and primary anastomosis (n = 17). Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Hemoglobin–Albumin–Lymphocyte–Platelet Score (HALP), CRP–Albumin–Lymphocyte (CALLY) Index, and Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) were evaluated as albumin-based nutritional indices in the preoperative period. Predictive parameters were determined using ROC analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Albumin level, PNI, HALP, and CALLY scores were found to be significantly lower in the Hartmann procedure group. Additionally, the proportion of patients with mGPS score 2 was significantly higher in the Hartmann procedure group (57.5% vs. 5.9%; p < 0.001). In the ROC analysis, the cut-off value for the CALLY index was determined as 0.45 (AUC: 0.826). In multivariate analysis, albumin < 38.5 g/L (OR: 16.53), CALLY index < 0.45 (OR: 6.40), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) detection (OR: 12.98) were determined as independent factors predicting the Hartmann procedure. Conclusions: A low CALLY index was found to be independent predictors for the Hartmann procedure. The CALLY index, which reflects the inflammatory response, immune capacity and nutritional status, can assist surgeons in making objective, and individualized decisions by holistically evaluating the patient’s physiological status. Multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm the clinical validity of the findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surgery)
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