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13 pages, 537 KB  
Article
Impact of COVID-19 on Social, Economic, and Health Interventions for Tuberculosis and Leprosy
by Lissa Aoki, Juliana de Carvalho Rodrigues, Ingrid Bertollini Lamy, Glaucia Luciano da Veiga, Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves, Edimar Cristiano Pereira, Luiz Vinicius de Alcantara Sousa and Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca
Hygiene 2025, 5(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene5040053 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social interactions, family dynamics, and economic stability, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Tuberculosis and leprosy perpetuate poverty and, once manifested, hinder socioeconomic development due to their high potential for disability. Methodology: This study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social interactions, family dynamics, and economic stability, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Tuberculosis and leprosy perpetuate poverty and, once manifested, hinder socioeconomic development due to their high potential for disability. Methodology: This study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using DATASUS health data and assessed the influence of socioeconomic interventions (SAGICAD data) on tuberculosis and leprosy case notifications in Brazil. A correlation analysis was performed between regional diagnoses and variables such as Bolsa Família (a national social welfare program), BCG vaccination coverage, and COVID-19 immunization rates, applying Pearson’s correlation test. Results: No significant correlations were found between COVID-19 vaccination rates and tuberculosis/leprosy diagnoses. However, a strong negative correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccination coverage and leprosy incidence in the Northern region. The findings also suggest that social assistance programs such as Bolsa Família play a pivotal role in preventing infectious diseases in vulnerable areas. Conclusions: Understanding the complex interplay between socioeconomic determinants and public health outcomes is essential for guiding future research and informing health policies, including potential revisions to social programs and vaccination protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Determinants)
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13 pages, 283 KB  
Article
Optimization of Postoperative Antimicrobial Therapy in Surgical Patients Using a Clinical Decision Support System: Use Patterns and Clinical Outcomes
by Miguel Ángel Amor García, Irene Orozco Cifuentes, Raquel Moreno Díaz, José Antonio Martínez Consuegra and Carmen de Cáceres Velasco
Medicina 2025, 61(11), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61112043 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial stewardship plays a key role in the surgical setting by reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections and limiting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs), when integrated into routine practice, are valuable tools for optimizing [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial stewardship plays a key role in the surgical setting by reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections and limiting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs), when integrated into routine practice, are valuable tools for optimizing antimicrobial prescribing. However, evidence regarding their impact on surgical patients, particularly across different specialties, remains limited. Materials and Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental time series study in surgical patients at a primary-level hospital, evaluating the effect of a CDSS on postoperative antimicrobial therapy. The pre-intervention period included patients admitted from April 2017 to September 2020, and the post-intervention period included those admitted from October 2020 to March 2024. Antimicrobial consumption and expenditures were measured as defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1000 patient-days and euros (€) per 1000 patient-days, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed by the surgical service. Clinical outcomes included mortality and length of stay (LOS). Results: Following CDSS implementation, overall antimicrobial consumption decreased by 4.4%. Significant reductions were observed in aminoglycosides (−52.0%), macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (−40.6%), and fluoroquinolones (−32.3%). Reductions were heterogeneous across surgical services, with significant reductions in Traumatology (−21.3%) and Urology (−14.3%). Expenditures decreased from 3185.4 to 2733.9€/1000 patient-days (−14.2%; p = 0.17). Mortality remained stable, whereas significant reductions in LOS were observed in Urology (5 to 4 days, p = 0.03) and traumatology (16 to 8.5 days, p < 0.01). During the post-intervention period, 476 stewardship recommendations were issued for 330 patients, with an acceptance rate of 76.1%. The most frequent interventions were discontinuation of antimicrobials (25.8%), transition to oral therapy (21.0%), and de-escalation (18.7%). Conclusions: Implementation of a CDSS in the surgical setting was associated with reduced antimicrobial consumption, a downward trend in expenditures, and high acceptance of stewardship recommendations. Mortality remained unchanged, while reductions in LOS in selected services support the safety and potential efficiency of this approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation, Management, and Outcomes in Perioperative Medicine)
21 pages, 3544 KB  
Article
Biomechanical Analysis and Mid-Term Clinical Outcomes of the Dynamic-Transitional Optima Hybrid Lumbar Device
by Shih-Hao Chen, Shang-Chih Lin, Chi-Ruei Li, Zheng-Cheng Zhong, Chih-Ming Kao, Mao-Shih Lin and Hsi-Kai Tsou
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8087; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228087 - 14 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Spinal fusion with static fixation—surgically joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion—is commonly employed to treat degenerative spinal disease. However, the rigidity imposed by static constructs and the increased load on the adjacent segments frequently result in complications such as [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Spinal fusion with static fixation—surgically joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion—is commonly employed to treat degenerative spinal disease. However, the rigidity imposed by static constructs and the increased load on the adjacent segments frequently result in complications such as disc or facet degeneration, spinal stenosis (SS), and segmental instability. This study investigates the effectiveness of pedicle-based dynamic stabilization using the Dynesys system, particularly in a dynamic-transitional optima (DTO) hybrid configuration, in mitigating adjacent segment disease (ASD) and improving clinical outcomes. In this work, we analyzed the mechanical performance and intermediate-term clinical effects of the DTO hybrid lumbar device, focusing on how the load-sharing properties of the Dynesys cord–spacer stabilizers may contribute to junctional complications in individuals with diverse grades of intervertebral disc degeneration. Study Design/Setting: We designed a combined biomechanical finite element (FE) and experimental analysis to predict the clinical outcomes. Patient Sample: Among 115 patients with lumbar SS enrolled for analysis, 31 patients (mean age: 68.5 ± 7.5 years), with or without grade I spondylolisthesis (18/13), underwent a two-level DTO hybrid procedure—L4–L5 static fixation and L3–L4 dynamic stabilization—with minimal decompression to preserve the posterior tension band. Post-surgical follow-ups were conducted for over 48 months (range: 49–82). Outcome Measures: Radiological assessments were performed by two neurosurgeons, one orthopedic surgeon, and one neuroradiologist. The posterior disc height, listhesis distance, and dynamic angular changes were measured pre- and postoperatively to evaluate ASD progression. Methods: Dynamic instrumentation was assigned to the L3–L4 motion segment with lesser disc deterioration, in contrast to the L4–L5 segment, where static fixation was applied due to its greater degree of degeneration. FE analysis was performed under displacement-controlled conditions. Intersegmental motion analysis was conducted under load-controlled conditions in a synthetic model. Results: The DTO hybrid devices reduced stress and motion at the transition segment. However, compensatory biomechanical effects were more pronounced at the adjacent cephalad than the caudal segments. In the biomechanical trade-off zone—where balance between motion preservation and stabilization is critical—the flexible Dynesys cord significantly mitigated stiffness-related issues during flexion. At the L3–L4 transition level, the cord–spacer configuration enhanced dynamic function, increasing motion by 2.7% (rotation) and 12.7% (flexion), reducing disc stress by 4.1% (flexion) and 12.9% (extension), and decreasing the facet contact forces by 4.9% (rotation) and 15.6% (extension). The optimal cord stiffness (50–200 N/mm) aligned with the demands of mild disc degeneration, whereas stiffer cords were more effective for segments with higher degeneration. The pedicle screw motion in dynamic Dynesys systems—primarily caused by axial translation rather than vertical displacement—contributed to screw–vertebra interface stress, influenced by the underlying disc or bone degeneration. Conclusions: Modulating the cord pretension in DTO instrumentation effectively lessened the interface stress occurring at the screw–vertebra junction and adjacent facet joints, contributing to a reduced incidence of pedicle screw loosening, ASD, and revision rates. The modified DTO system, incorporating minimal decompression and preserving the posterior complex at the dynamic level, may be biomechanically favourable and clinically effective for managing transitional degeneration over the mid-term. Full article
23 pages, 978 KB  
Article
The Epidemiological and Clinical Profiling of Heart Failure—A Retrospective and Comparative Analysis of Cases Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Romanian Emergency County Clinical Hospital
by Maria Cristina Tătar, Martin Manole, Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz and Alexandru-Constantin Ioniță
Medicina 2025, 61(11), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61112037 - 14 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) represents a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs such as fatigue, dyspnea, edema of the lower limb, or pulmonary rales. It usually occurs in elderly individuals due to decreased cardiac pumping function and/or increased diastolic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) represents a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs such as fatigue, dyspnea, edema of the lower limb, or pulmonary rales. It usually occurs in elderly individuals due to decreased cardiac pumping function and/or increased diastolic ventricular filling pressures. The COVID-19 pandemic deeply altered many daily life habits, and one of the most affected groups of people were those with chronic diseases because of their need for regular medical follow-up. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection itself has been shown to exacerbate cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational, and comparative study aimed to characterize and compare patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized in the Cardiology Department of Medical Clinic II, Mureș County Emergency Clinical Hospital, in Târgu Mureș, Romania, between January and December 2019 (pre-pandemic), January and December 2021 (pandemic), and January and December 2023 (post-pandemic). Results: A total of 406 patients were analyzed: 202 patients hospitalized in 2019, 101 patients hospitalized in 2021, and 103 patients hospitalized in 2023. Women with HF were significantly older (median age 72 years) than men (median age 65 years; p < 0.001). During the pandemic, the median length of hospitalization increased (8 days vs. 7 days in the other periods). The pandemic period was also associated with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as reflected by a higher incidence of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (42% during the pandemic; p < 0.01). Conclusions: During and after the pandemic, men exhibited significantly higher rates of right and left bundle branch blocks, as well as chronic obliterating artery disease of the lower limb. Left ventricular function declined during the pandemic in both men and women. Throughout the years, we observed distinct patterns between male and female patients regarding associated diseases or behaviours, suggesting lifestyle and psychological changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Heart Failure)
12 pages, 792 KB  
Article
Redo-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (Redo-TAVI)—Pilot Study from Multicentre Nationwide Registry
by Szymon Jonik, Maciej Mazurek, Bartosz Rymuza, Jan Jankowski, Maciej Dąbrowski, Rafał Wolny, Piotr Chodór, Krzysztof Wilczek, Wojciech Fil, Krzysztof Milewski, Marcin Protasiewicz, Krzysztof Ściborski, Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka, Alicja Skrobucha, Michał Hawranek, Piotr Scisło, Radosław Wilimski, Janusz Kochman, Marcin Grabowski, Marek Grygier, Adam Witkowski and Zenon Huczekadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8078; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228078 - 14 Nov 2025
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeat transcatheter aortic valve implantation (redo-TAVI) in the polish population. Methods: In this multicentre nationwide registry (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03361046), we provide characteristics, periprocedural variables and long-term outcomes [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeat transcatheter aortic valve implantation (redo-TAVI) in the polish population. Methods: In this multicentre nationwide registry (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03361046), we provide characteristics, periprocedural variables and long-term outcomes of high-risk patients who underwent redo-TAVI. Results: The mean age among 32 individuals who underwent redo-TAVI was 75 ± 13 years, and 62.5% were male. The mean time from index TAVI to redo-TAVI was 4.7 ± 3.5 years, with failed procedures (up to 1 year) occurring in 7 (21.9%) and failed transcatheter heart valve (THV, beyond 1 year) in the remaining majority of the 25 (78.1%) patients. Computed tomography-based native bicuspid aortic anatomy was found frequently in 37.5% of cases (58.3% in failed procedures and 41.7% in failed THV). The mean failed THV size was large (27.7 ± 3 mm) and predominantly presenting with pure regurgitation (59.4%). In more than two-thirds (68.7%), balloon-expandable or self-expandable THV was the most common strategy of redo-TAVI. None or mild regurgitation was found in 90.6%, and the mean transvalvular gradient was 13.1 ± 5.5 mmHg, with only three cases with >20 mmHg of the residual gradient (9.4%). Peri-procedural and 30-day complications were low, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality at 1 year was 9.4 and 15.6%, respectively. There was a relatively high incidence of non-procedural stroke after redo-TAVI (n = 5, 15.6%), with all cases observed after 30 days. Conclusions: Initial data of redo-TAVI in Poland suggest that the procedure is safe and characterized by favourable efficacy and low rates of short-term adverse outcomes. A high frequency of baseline native bicuspid anatomy and late stroke occurrence after the redo-procedure warrants further investigation in larger cohorts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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25 pages, 1717 KB  
Article
Fungicide Preharvest Application Strategies and Their Effects on Crop Yield, Quality, and Sprouting of Dried Onion Bulbs
by Ana Avilés-Quezada, Martín Fuentes-López, Alberto Guirao, Ander Solana-Guilabert, Huertas M. Díaz-Mula, Juan M. Valverde, María E. García-Pastor and Domingo Martínez-Romero
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2616; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112616 - 14 Nov 2025
Abstract
Postharvest losses in onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs constitute a major economic challenge globally, primarily driven by fungal pathogens and premature sprouting during long-term storage. Addressing these issues with effective preharvest strategies is critical for market stability and supply chain integrity. This [...] Read more.
Postharvest losses in onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs constitute a major economic challenge globally, primarily driven by fungal pathogens and premature sprouting during long-term storage. Addressing these issues with effective preharvest strategies is critical for market stability and supply chain integrity. This study evaluated the effects of two preharvest fungicide strategies, i.e., T1 (dimethomorph + pyraclostrobin) and T2 (metalaxyl + mancozeb + copper oxychloride), on the crop yield, postharvest quality, and sprouting behavior of dried onion bulbs. Both treatments significantly reduced the incidence of foliar disease in the field and improved the crop yield of commercial bulbs compared to the control in two consecutive seasons. T1 achieved the highest yield (~76 and 88 t ha−1 in ‘Mata Hari’ and ’Recas’ onions). During storage at 20 °C for 84 days, in the ‘Mata Hari’ cultivar, the T1 bulbs exhibited the lowest weight loss and respiration rate, the lowest sprouting incidence (1%), and superior firmness retention and higher total soluble solids. In contrast, control bulbs exhibited accelerated weight loss and tissue degradation, with up to 95% sprouting. Pyruvic acid content, an indicator of pungency, was highest in T1 bulbs and increased significantly in sprouted controls, likely due to internal enzymatic activation and tissue senescence. The fungicides indirectly delayed dormancy release by delaying sprouting and internal stem axis formation. Overall, T1 was the most effective strategy for preserving onion quality during storage without using synthetic sprout inhibitors. These findings support the integration of specific fungicide programs into preharvest management to improve onion storability, reduce postharvest losses, and maintain commercial value in intermediate-dormancy dried onion cultivars, such as ‘Mata Hari’. Full article
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10 pages, 371 KB  
Article
Clinical Impact of Treating Versus Not Treating Asymptomatic Bacteriuria/Candiduria in the First Two Months After Kidney Transplantation
by Biagio Pinchera, Rosa Carrano, Isabella Di Filippo, Vincenzo Fotticchia, Mariangela Petrone, Francesco Antimo Alfè, Gianmarco Borriello, Amerigo Piccione, Fabrizio Salemi and Ivan Gentile
Antibiotics 2025, 14(11), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14111155 - 14 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and candiduria (ASC) in kidney transplant recipients during the early post-transplant period is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether treating, versus not treating, ASB and ASC episodes in the first two months after kidney transplantation [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and candiduria (ASC) in kidney transplant recipients during the early post-transplant period is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether treating, versus not treating, ASB and ASC episodes in the first two months after kidney transplantation influences clinical outcomes and the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study enrolling patients with ASB or ASC occurring in the first two months after kidney transplantation between January 2019 and July 2024. Patients were classified into treated and untreated groups. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included mortality at 90, 180 and 360 days; incidence of sepsis or septic shock; bacteremia/candidemia, hospitalization, graft loss; decline in renal function, urinary tract infections (UTIs), recurrent UTI and rate of MDR colonization/infection. Results: We enrolled 59 kidney transplant recipients and observed 147 episodes of ASB/ASC. Of the 147 episodes, 95 were untreated and 52 were treated. No significant differences were observed between treated and untreated patients in 30-day (2.1% vs. 3.8%) or 90-day mortality (2.1% vs. 1.9%), nor in any of the secondary clinical outcomes. However, patients who received treatment tended to have a higher rate of MDR colonization/infection (63% vs. 46%). MDR pathogen isolation was significantly associated with increased risks of septic shock (OR 4.639, p = 0.04), bacteremia/candidemia (OR 3.734, p = 0.01), hospitalization (OR 2.183, p = 0.03) and renal function deterioration (OR 3.93, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Antimicrobial treatment of ASB and ASC in the early post-transplant period would seem not to confer clinical benefit and may be associated with the risk of MDR colonization/infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Tract Infections and Antibiotic Intervention, 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1102 KB  
Article
Long-Term Trends in Human Parainfluenza Virus Types 1, 2, and 3 Infection in Korea (2007–2024)
by Yu Jeong Kim, Jeong Su Han, Jae-Sik Jeon, Sung Hun Jang, Qianwen Wang and Jae Kyung Kim
Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111159 - 14 Nov 2025
Abstract
This study investigated the long-term trends in human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) types 1, 2, and 3 in Korea by year, age group, and season. A total of 23,284 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients with respiratory symptoms at a tertiary hospital in Korea between [...] Read more.
This study investigated the long-term trends in human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) types 1, 2, and 3 in Korea by year, age group, and season. A total of 23,284 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients with respiratory symptoms at a tertiary hospital in Korea between 2007 and 2024 were tested for HPIV using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of the 23,284 specimens tested, 481 were positive for HPIV-1, 164 for HPIV-2, and 1102 for HPIV-3. HPIV-3 showed the highest incidence between 2010 and 2016, a decline after 2018, a sharp decline during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and a resurgence in 2021. HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 incidence fluctuated between 2007 and 2019, followed by a sharp decline in 2020. HPIV-3 activity peaked in spring and summer, whereas HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 peaked in autumn. For all three types, infection rates were generally highest among children aged 1–12 years, followed by those in infants, but infection rates varied significantly by type, year, season, and age group. These findings emphasize targeted pediatric prevention, predictive modeling of seasonal peaks, and continued molecular surveillance to clarify the genetic and antigenic diversity of HPIV types after the pandemic, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 for Good Health and Well-Being). Full article
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18 pages, 2496 KB  
Article
Cyber-Sexual Crime and Social Inequality: Exploring Socioeconomic and Technological Determinants
by Carlos J. Mármol, Aurelio Luna and Isabel Legaz
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111547 - 13 Nov 2025
Abstract
Cyber-sexual crimes have become a growing concern in the digital age, as rapid technological progress continues to create new forms of violence and victimization. These offenses affect society unevenly, striking more intensely among minors, women, and other vulnerable groups. Their prevalence is shaped [...] Read more.
Cyber-sexual crimes have become a growing concern in the digital age, as rapid technological progress continues to create new forms of violence and victimization. These offenses affect society unevenly, striking more intensely among minors, women, and other vulnerable groups. Their prevalence is shaped by structural inequalities, educational, economic, and technological, that condition both exposure to digital risks and the capacity for protection. Although international research has connected these disparities with digital victimization, evidence from Spain remains limited. The aim was to analyze the regional distribution of cyber-sexual crimes in Spain between 2011 and 2022 and to explore how education, income, and digital access relate to their incidence. To this end, official data from the Spanish Statistical Crime Portal (PEC) were combined with structural indicators provided by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. The analysis encompassed reported cases of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, corruption of minors, online grooming, exhibitionism, pornography, and sexual provocation, using standardized incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants. Statistical methods included ANOVA with post hoc comparisons, correlation analyses, and K-means clustering to identify territorial patterns. Results revealed a sustained national increase in cyber-sexual crimes, with grooming and sexual harassment showing the most pronounced growth. The Balearic Islands (mean 4.9), Canary Islands (4.0), and Andalusia (3.9) registered the highest incidence rates, well above the national average (3.0). Educational disadvantages and low income were linked to sexual abuse and corruption of minors, whereas greater digital connectivity, expressed through higher mobile phone use, broadband access, and computer ownership, was strongly associated with grooming and other technology-facilitated offenses. Cluster analysis identified three distinct territorial profiles: high-incidence regions (Balearic and Canary Islands, Andalusia), intermediate (Murcia, Madrid, Navarre, Valencian Community), and low-incidence (Galicia, Catalonia, Castile and León, among others). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that cyber-sexual crimes in Spain are unevenly distributed and closely linked to persistent structural vulnerabilities that shape digital exposure. These results underscore the need for territorially sensitive prevention strategies that reduce educational and economic inequalities, foster sexual and digital literacy, and promote safer online environments. Without addressing these underlying structural dimensions, public policies risk overlooking the conditions that sustain regional disparities and limit adequate protection against technology-driven sexual crimes. Full article
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12 pages, 603 KB  
Article
Human Herpes Virus—Six Related Clinical and Functional Implications in Lung Transplant Patients: Bronco Alveolar Lavage Analysis, Coinfections, Rejection, and Survival
by Paolo Solidoro, Antonio Curtoni, Costanza Perotti, Camilla Perotti, Nour Shbaklo, Francesca Sidoti, Mauro Mangiapia, Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa, Silvia Corcione, Massimo Boffini, Matteo Marro, Cristina Costa and Rocco Francesco Rinaldo
Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111157 - 13 Nov 2025
Abstract
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a common virus that can reactivate in immunocompromised patients, including lung transplant (LT) recipients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional implications of HHV-6 infection in LT patients through a retrospective analysis of 175 individuals who [...] Read more.
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a common virus that can reactivate in immunocompromised patients, including lung transplant (LT) recipients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional implications of HHV-6 infection in LT patients through a retrospective analysis of 175 individuals who underwent lung transplantation at the City of Health and Sciences of Turin between 2014 and 2023. Surveillance bronchoscopies—including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial biopsies—were performed at scheduled intervals over a two-year period to detect HHV-6 and other pathogens, and to assess acute rejection. Spirometries were performed to evaluate graft function. Among the cohort, 33% of 822 BAL samples tested were positive for HHV-6, with a notable association between high viral load (≥500 copies/mL) and the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) (13% vs. 1%, p = 0.02) at 1 month and (9% vs. 1%, p = 0.026) at 12 months. Co-infection with CMV (78% in positives vs. 55% in negatives; p = 0.006), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) (35% vs. 16%; p = 0.010), and bacterial and fungal infection (specifically, a higher rate of isolation of Achromobacter xylosoxidans (13%), p = 0.010) was frequently observed in conjunction with HHV-6 positivity. Notably, patients with at least one HHV-6 positive BAL exhibited a significant reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) at multiple follow-up points, FVC 82% in positives vs. 92% in negatives (p = 0.038) at 4 months and 87% vs. 98% p = 0.033 at 8 months and 87% vs. 99% p = 0.038 at 24 months. No direct associations with acute rejection or overall survival were found. By means of this study, we provide a wide overview of HHV-6 in lung transplant recipients, filling in a gap of evidence in the field. We report a remarkable incidence and a significant association with acknowledged clinically relevant viral infections, PTLD, and functional tests decline, with no association with mortality. Full article
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24 pages, 2693 KB  
Systematic Review
Comparative Efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Conventional Treatments in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Celia Villalba-Aguilar, José Alberto Laredo-Aguilera, Lucía Villalba-Aguilar, Matilde Isabel Castillo-Hermoso, Ángel López-Fernández-Roldán and Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8051; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228051 - 13 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: Diabetic foot syndrome is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, and its incidence is increasing due to increasing rates of overweight and an aging population. Negative pressure wound therapy has been shown to improve wound healing. This study aimed to analyze the [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetic foot syndrome is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, and its incidence is increasing due to increasing rates of overweight and an aging population. Negative pressure wound therapy has been shown to improve wound healing. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of this therapy compared with conventional treatments in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Rob2 scale. This meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 11 clinical trials involving 1117 subjects. The primary outcome was efficacy, which was measured by the complete healing rate, wound size, time to granulation tissue formation, adverse effects, amputations, hospital stay, and cost. This study demonstrated that this therapy improves healing (OR= −10.39, 95% CI [−14.22, −6.57]) and reduces wound size (OR = −4.11, 95% CI [−7.83, −0.39]) while potentially lowering overall costs. Conclusions: Limitations include heterogeneity and different variables measured in studies. Additionally, there were differences among the trials due to the lack of blinding. Although no significant differences were found in amputations or infections, this therapy reduces pain and decreases the use of antibiotics and analgesics. Its use requires individual and expert assessment to maximize its benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)
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19 pages, 1167 KB  
Review
mRNA-Based Neoantigen Vaccines in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)—A Promising Avenue in Cancer Immunotherapy
by Jacek Kabut, Małgorzata Stopyra, Natalia Nafalska, Grzegorz J. Stępień, Michał Miciak, Marcin Jezierzański, Tomasz Furgoł, Krzysztof Feret and Iwona Gisterek-Grocholska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 10988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210988 - 13 Nov 2025
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive malignancies, with 5-year survival rates consistently below 5% despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Worldwide, PDAC remains highly lethal, with 458,918 new cases and 432,242 deaths in 2018—about a 94% mortality-to-incidence [...] Read more.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive malignancies, with 5-year survival rates consistently below 5% despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Worldwide, PDAC remains highly lethal, with 458,918 new cases and 432,242 deaths in 2018—about a 94% mortality-to-incidence ratio. The limited therapeutic efficacy is largely attributed to the pronounced heterogeneity of the disease, late clinical presentation, and the strongly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, mRNA-based vaccines encoding patient-specific neoantigens have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic modality. By delivering tailored antigenic sequences, these vaccines are capable of eliciting potent cytotoxic T-cell responses against tumor-restricted epitopes, thereby enhancing tumor immunogenicity while minimizing off-target effects. This review summarizes the biological rationale underlying mRNA vaccination in PDAC, recent progress in preclinical and early clinical trials, and key obstacles related to antigen selection, delivery platforms, and the immunosuppressive stroma. The potential integration of neoantigen mRNA vaccines into multimodal therapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibition and chemotherapy, is also discussed, underscoring their prospective role in overcoming resistance mechanisms and improving clinical outcomes in PDAC. However, most current data come from early-phase trials, with long-term benefits yet unproven. Definitive conclusions on efficacy and survival await results from ongoing randomized studies expected by 2028–2029. Further progress in neoantigen identification, delivery systems, and combination strategies is crucial to fully harness mRNA vaccine potential in PDAC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cancer Immunotherapy)
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17 pages, 5063 KB  
Article
Endovascular Treatment Outcomes for TASC C and D Lesions in Chronic Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review
by Manfredi Agostino La Marca, Salvatore Bruno, Giovanni Gagliardo, Ettore Dinoto, Rosa Federico, Felice Pecoraro and Domenico Mirabella
Biomedicines 2025, 13(11), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13112771 - 13 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) of the lower extremities is a prevalent manifestation of atherosclerotic disease, significantly affecting individuals aged 55–70, with a global incidence of 4–12%. Major risk factors include smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease, all contributing [...] Read more.
Background: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) of the lower extremities is a prevalent manifestation of atherosclerotic disease, significantly affecting individuals aged 55–70, with a global incidence of 4–12%. Major risk factors include smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease, all contributing to endothelial damage and subsequent plaque progression. This retrospective study examines the outcomes of endovascular treatment for TASC C and D lesions, which are complex cases that have historically required surgical intervention. Methods: From June 2022 to September 2023, 48 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 67.48 years; 37.5% were female. Statins were administered to 64.6% of patients, and 93.8% received antiplatelet therapy. Endovascular procedures included balloon angioplasty, stenting, and the use of drug-eluting balloons (DEB), employing varying access routes, primarily via percutaneous approaches. Results: The study revealed a 12-month primary patency rate of 75.8% and a secondary patency rate of 95.5%, highlighting the effectiveness of follow-up interventions. Complications occurred in 10.4% of cases, with a perioperative mortality rate of 0%. Notably, 29.2% of patients required amputation, reflecting the severity of PAD. Conclusions: The outcomes demonstrate that endovascular treatment may be a viable alternative for managing TASC C and D lesions, offering satisfactory clinical outcomes and an acceptable safety profile. Continuous monitoring and interdisciplinary evaluations are essential for optimizing patient care and minimizing complications. As endovascular technologies advance, their role in treating severe peripheral arterial disease is likely to expand. Full article
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15 pages, 2866 KB  
Article
Sinus Bradycardia and Long QT Syndrome: Double Heterozygosity for Variants in KCNH2 and HCN4
by Jaël S. Copier, Fenna Tuijnenburg, Karolina Andrzejczyk, Alex V. Postma, Saskia N. van der Crabben, Oussama Najih, Caroline Pham, Leander Beekman, Arie O. Verkerk, Ahmad S. Amin and Elisabeth M. Lodder
Cardiogenetics 2025, 15(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiogenetics15040031 - 13 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Clinical variability within families harbouring disease-causing genetic variants hampers clinical care and risk stratification. We studied a multigenerational family presenting with sinus bradycardia and long QT syndrome type 2 (LQTS2). The family harboured a pathogenic variant in KCNH2, which co-segregated [...] Read more.
Introduction: Clinical variability within families harbouring disease-causing genetic variants hampers clinical care and risk stratification. We studied a multigenerational family presenting with sinus bradycardia and long QT syndrome type 2 (LQTS2). The family harboured a pathogenic variant in KCNH2, which co-segregated with the observed LQTS2. We studied the genetic cause of the high occurrence of sinus bradycardia in this family. Methods: Clinical data was collected, including heart rate, QT-interval, symptoms, and echocardiographic parameters. QTc was calculated using the Bazett and the Fridericia formula. Sanger sequencing of HCN4 was performed, followed by segregation analysis of the identified variant with sinus bradycardia. The biophysiological consequences of two variants, KCNH2-p.L69P (c.206T>C) and HCN4-p.R666W (c.1996C>T), were assessed by patch-clamp experiments. Therefore, a heterologous model was generated by transfection of HEK293A or CHO-k1 cells, respectively. Results: Sanger sequencing of HCN4 identified HCN4-p.R666W (c.1996C>T), which has a stronger segregation with the observed sinus bradycardia than KCNH2-p.L69P. Patch-clamp experiments revealed that KCNH2-p.L69P and HCN4-p.R666W lead to a decrease in the corresponding current densities, which explains the LQTS and sinus bradycardia observed in the patients. Carriers of both genetic variants have a more severe LQTS2 phenotype, reflected in longer QT and higher incidence of syncope. Conclusions: We identified two (likely) pathogenic variants, KCNH2-p.L69P and HCN4-p.R666W, co-segregating with LQTS2 and sinus bradycardia, respectively. Patients carrying both variants showed a more severe phenotype. These findings highlight the importance of additional genetic testing when discordant features are present, thereby enabling more accurate diagnosis, risk prediction, and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics)
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10 pages, 687 KB  
Review
Testicular Torsion in Inguinal Cryptorchidism: Report on Two Patients and Literature Review
by Fabio Baldanza, Francesco Grasso, Maria Sergio, Maria Patti, Valentina Maggiore, Gregorio Serra, Mario Giuffré, Giovanni Corsello, Maria Rita Di Pace and Marco Pensabene
Children 2025, 12(11), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12111531 - 13 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Undescended testis (UT) is a common congenital urological condition in boys, with an incidence of 2–8%. Orchiopexy is the recommended surgical treatment for UT, ideally performed before 12 months of age, with a latest window of 18 months. Testicular torsion (TT) is [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Undescended testis (UT) is a common congenital urological condition in boys, with an incidence of 2–8%. Orchiopexy is the recommended surgical treatment for UT, ideally performed before 12 months of age, with a latest window of 18 months. Testicular torsion (TT) is a pediatric urological emergency, occurring in 3.8 per 100,000 boys. While both UT and TT are common conditions individually, their co-occurrence in children under 18 months is rare and represents a challenging clinical scenario, especially when diagnosis and treatment are delayed, increasing the risk of testicular necrosis. Methods: This report describes two cases of testicular torsion in undescended testes in infants under 1 year of age. Both patients were presented to the hospital more than 24 h after symptom onset. Such delay led to the possibility of testicular salvage being lost due to necrosis. The first case involved a 10-month-old infant with bilateral undescended testis, who underwent orchiectomy after 36 h of torsion. The second case involved a 7-month-old baby, where a delayed diagnosis led to orchiectomy following 36 h of torsion. Both children were previously on the waiting list for orchiopexy, and in both cases contralateral orchiopexy was performed. A review of the literature on PubMed using the key-words “cryptorchid”, “undescended testis”, and “testicular torsion” revealed 36 cases of UT complicated by TT in children under 18 months, showing a high incidence of orchiectomies due to delayed diagnosis. Conclusions: Testicular torsion in undescended testis in children under 18 months is rare but associated with a high risk of gonadal necrosis. The key to improving testicular salvage rates is timely diagnosis and intervention, ideally within 6 h of symptom onset. Delayed presentation due to atypical clinical signs, such as inguinal swelling or nonspecific symptoms, complicates early detection and thus testicular salvage. Therefore, it is crucial for both parents and pediatricians to recognize the potential for torsion in cryptorchidic patients, emphasizing the importance of early surgical intervention, including orchiopexy, to prevent torsion and its associated complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Surgery)
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