Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (678)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = overdose

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
33 pages, 2637 KB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence for Opioid Safety Surveillance from Clinical Text: A Clinically Focused Review
by Md Muntasir Zitu, Dwight Owen, Ashish Manne, Yuxi Zhu, Samar Binkheder and Lang Li
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(4), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15041649 (registering DOI) - 22 Feb 2026
Abstract
Opioid-related iatrogenic harms, including opioid use disorder, overdose, and opioid-induced respiratory depression, constitute a major patient safety challenge. Although clinicians document key safety signals in unstructured clinical narratives, many of these indicators are not readily captured by conventional surveillance approaches that rely on [...] Read more.
Opioid-related iatrogenic harms, including opioid use disorder, overdose, and opioid-induced respiratory depression, constitute a major patient safety challenge. Although clinicians document key safety signals in unstructured clinical narratives, many of these indicators are not readily captured by conventional surveillance approaches that rely on structured administrative data. This clinically focused narrative review synthesizes 47 empirical studies published between 2009 and 2025 that applied artificial intelligence (AI) methods to identify opioid-related harms from clinical text and to address the resulting ascertainment gap. Across studies, administrative coding systems, including ICD-10, often under-ascertain opioid-related events, whereas text-based AI can identify additional cases and contextual details often documented primarily in narrative records, such as fluctuating mental status, suspected drug causality, and responses to naloxone. Methodologically, the literature has progressed from interpretable rule-based lexicons to machine learning and deep learning models and, more recently, to transformer-based approaches, including large language models (LLMs) for classification and schema-driven extraction. Rule-based systems established the feasibility of transparent surveillance and frequently recovered clinically documented cases missed by billing codes. Subsequent supervised and deep learning approaches expanded scalability and, in a smaller subset of studies, were integrated into electronic health record workflows with operational metrics reported. More recent transformer- and LLM-based studies emphasize richer extraction schemas and benchmark development, including characterization of overdose context and intentionality and identification of potential prodromal neurocognitive signals, although external validation, calibration, and prospective outcome evaluation remain inconsistently reported. Given that the evidence base is predominantly retrospective and that clinical workflow studies remain comparatively few, a pragmatic near-term clinical role is to provide detection-to-triage decision support rather than autonomous diagnosis, in which systems surface candidate cases with reviewable evidence for clinician adjudication. Future progress will require greater standardization of phenotype definitions, routine equity auditing and subgroup reporting, stronger external validation and calibration at operational thresholds, and a shift from retrospective discrimination metrics toward prospective assessments of the clinical workflow impact, clinical utility, and patient-centered outcomes. Full article
13 pages, 568 KB  
Review
Melatonin as an Integrative Adjunct in Multimodal Analgesia: Linking Circadian Regulation, Anti-Inflammatory Modulation, and Opioid-Sparing Mechanisms
by Nian-Cih Huang and Chih-Shung Wong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27042046 (registering DOI) - 22 Feb 2026
Abstract
Purpose of Review—sleep disturbance is the main complaint associated with patients who suffer acute postoperative pain. Sleep disturbance may also increase the pain sensitivity and contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain. The pathophysiology of pain is complex; management of perioperative [...] Read more.
Purpose of Review—sleep disturbance is the main complaint associated with patients who suffer acute postoperative pain. Sleep disturbance may also increase the pain sensitivity and contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain. The pathophysiology of pain is complex; management of perioperative pain and preventing chronic pain are challenges in clinical. Use of opioids for pain management are still a therapeutic mainstay and generally safe when taken, in a short time, for severe postoperative pain relief. For long-term use tolerance may be developed, and for their euphoric property, addiction, overdose incidents, and even death may be the social problems. Therefore, the opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia (MMA) for pain management is recommended in current postoperative pain management. The successful MMA for pain management will enhance patient recovery after surgery with less chronic CPSP and long-term opioid use disorder (OUD). The present review discusses all currently used analgesics actions and interactions, and opioid-sparing or opioid-free analgesia in perioperative pain management. Acute pain following major trauma or surgery may originate from both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms. Approximately 10–50% of surgical patients develop chronic postoperative pain, which not only causes persistent discomfort but also leads to functional limitations and psychological distress. Growing evidence highlights a close and bidirectional relationship between sleep and pain: pain disrupts sleep architecture, while sleep deprivation intensifies pain sensitivity and impairs recovery. This reciprocal interaction forms a vicious cycle that poses challenges for effective pain management. Melatonin—a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland—plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythm and sleep–wake cycles. Beyond its chronobiotic action, melatonin exhibits anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and opioid-sparing properties. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated that exogenous melatonin can attenuate nociceptive responses to noxious stimuli and enhance morphine analgesia while attenuating morphine tolerance. Moreover, environmental light manipulation preserving the circadian rhythm has been shown to synergistically maintain melatonin secretion, improve sleep quality, and modulate neuroimmune responses involved in pain regulation. Together, these findings suggest that circadian alignment and melatonin supplementation may represent a promising integrative approach for improving both pain control and sleep health in perioperative and chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain patients frequently experience opioid tolerance during long-term therapy, resulting in diminished analgesic efficacy and a need for escalating doses. Our recent work revealed that constant light exposure suppresses endogenous melatonin, heightens pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), reduces IL-10, and accelerates morphine tolerance in a neuropathic pain model. In contrast, maintaining circadian light–dark cycles or supplementing melatonin preserves melatonin rhythm, reduces glial activation, and sustains morphine antinociception. Melatonin’s co-administration not only attenuates morphine tolerance but also enhances morphine efficacy through the modulation of inflammatory and glial pathways. These findings underscore melatonin’s multifaceted role as both a chronotherapeutic and neuroprotective agent, integrating circadian regulation with pain modulation. Clinically, the application of melatonin or circadian-aligned strategies could guide personalized pain and sleep management, offering safer and more effective multimodal analgesic protocols with reduced opioid dependence and improved quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pharmacology)
16 pages, 582 KB  
Review
Postmortem Redistribution of Drugs Commonly Used in Rapid Sequence Induction for Anesthesia: A Review
by Sofia Gkarmiri, Sofia-Chrysovalantou Zagalioti, Efstratios Karagiannidis, Panagiotis Zagaliotis, Panagiotis Stachteas, Aikaterini Apostolopoulou, Sotirios Charalampos Diamantoudis, Marios G. Bantidos, Christos Kofos, Katerina Kotzampassi, Vasileios Grosomanidis, Nikolaos Raikos and Barbara Fyntanidou
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(4), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15041622 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 68
Abstract
Background: Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) is a widely used method for emergency airway management in critically ill and clinically unstable patients. Beyond the risks inherent to the procedure itself, RSI is almost exclusively performed in emergency settings where patients present with severe physiological [...] Read more.
Background: Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) is a widely used method for emergency airway management in critically ill and clinically unstable patients. Beyond the risks inherent to the procedure itself, RSI is almost exclusively performed in emergency settings where patients present with severe physiological derangement and a high risk of aspiration. In postmortem examinations, forensic toxicology results may be influenced by the patient’s clinical condition, the sampling site, the postmortem interval (PMI), and postmortem drug redistribution (PMR). This review aims to evaluate the existing literature regarding PMR of drugs commonly used during RSI. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on PMR of drugs used in intravenous (IV) RSI (up to November 2025). Human and animal studies, patient populations comparable to critically ill individuals requiring RSI, and forensic case reports of exclusively IV drug administration were included. Studies on recreational use, overdose and non-IV administration were excluded. Results: Data on the PMR of IV-administered RSI drugs remain limited. Most available studies involve Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients or individuals who underwent RSI in emergency settings. Fentanyl and midazolam appear to demonstrate notable PMR. Several factors influencing postmortem drug concentrations were identified. Although these findings are consistent with the existing literature, the small number of studies and the heterogeneity of data preclude definitive conclusions. Conclusions: Critical patient condition, including frailty due to advanced age, hemodynamic instability (particularly in ICU patients), hypoalbuminemia, body mass index (BMI), and injury and/or trauma, as well as the interval between IV drug administration and death, appear to affect postmortem concentrations of drugs used during RSI. The potential for PMR of certain agents, such as fentanyl and midazolam, adds further complexity. Given the scarcity of consolidated evidence and until further research provides more robust data, postmortem drug levels should not be interpreted as directly reflective of antemortem concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 929 KB  
Review
Incretin-Based Therapies: A Novel Pathway in Addiction Treatment
by Rosiejka Dawid, Michałowska Joanna, Marcickiewicz Justyna, Adela Bogdańska, Wiktoria Błażejewska and Monika Szulińska
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(4), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15041613 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Addiction poses a major global public health challenge. It is characterized by high prevalence, chronic relapse and limited efficacy of available pharmacotherapies across different substance use disorders. Increasing evidence demonstrates that incretin-based therapies directly modulate metabolic signaling pathways that intercross with central reward [...] Read more.
Addiction poses a major global public health challenge. It is characterized by high prevalence, chronic relapse and limited efficacy of available pharmacotherapies across different substance use disorders. Increasing evidence demonstrates that incretin-based therapies directly modulate metabolic signaling pathways that intercross with central reward and motivational circuits, including hypothalamic-mesolimbic networks and dopaminergic neurotransmission. As a result, agents such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, are now being actively investigated for their role in addiction treatment. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of incretin-based therapies in the neurobiology of addiction. Evidence from preclinical models and human studies supports the potential therapeutic effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, nicotine dependence, and the administration of other psychoactive substances, including psychostimulants, opioids, and cannabinoids. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists reduce substance intake, attenuate reward-related behaviors, and suppress relapse-like responding. So far, human evidence remains limited and is largely derived from observational studies. Preliminary research suggests potential reductions in substance use severity and overdose risk among individuals treated with incretin-based agents. While these findings highlight incretin signaling as a promising therapeutic option in addiction, the current evidence is insufficient to support their routine clinical use in the treatment of substance dependence. Therefore, further research is required to clarify underlying mechanisms and establish clinical efficacy. In particular, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to determine safety, tolerance and effectiveness of incretin-based therapies across different substance use disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 837 KB  
Review
The Emergence of Fentanyl + Medetomidine Overdose: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Need for Poly-Drug Reversal Therapeutics
by Robert B. Raffa, Eugene Vortsman, Joseph V. Pergolizzi, Krista Casazza and Morgan King
Future Pharmacol. 2026, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol6010011 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 196
Abstract
The overdose mortality landscape has shifted from predominantly opioid exposures to a polysubstance epidemic increasingly driven by illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogs combined with other centrally active agents. Among the co-intoxicants, veterinary α2-adrenoceptor (α2AR) agonists such as xylazine have [...] Read more.
The overdose mortality landscape has shifted from predominantly opioid exposures to a polysubstance epidemic increasingly driven by illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogs combined with other centrally active agents. Among the co-intoxicants, veterinary α2-adrenoceptor (α2AR) agonists such as xylazine have emerged as clinically confounding adulterants. Recent reports from forensic toxicology, medical examiners, and border/interdiction agencies indicate that medetomidine, a veterinary sedative racemate with the highly selective α2AR agonist enantiomer dexmedetomidine, is increasingly being detected together with fentanyl and its analogs in seized materials and postmortem assays. Prior reviews have covered these aspects. The current review synthesizes current evidence and clinical experience relevant to fentanyl + medetomidine co-exposure-induced respiratory depression—a primary cause of death. We focus on convergent µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and α2AR signaling within key physiological substrates, including respiratory rhythm-generating networks, ascending arousal pathways, chemosensory reflex control of ventilation, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation, integrating mechanistic pharmacology, respiratory and cardiovascular toxicology, emergency-room treatment, and emerging public-health implications. Available evidence supports a model in which combined MOR and α2AR activation produces additive-to-synergistic suppression of ventilation and consciousness, attenuation of hypoxic ventilatory drive and CO2 responsiveness, with marked sympatholysis manifested as bradycardia and hypotension, all of which can persist beyond presumptive opioid reversal with a MOR antagonist. We discuss the implications for prehospital and emergency care. In sum, the increasing detection of medetomidine in the illicit fentanyl supply represents an emerging and potentially high-risk co-exposure pattern that may be only partially naloxone-responsive. Lastly, we highlight potential future pharmacologic countermeasures for polysubstance overdose, such as the BK-channel antagonist ENA-001, which may address naloxone-insensitive ventilatory suppression in opioid-dominant polysubstance overdose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2026)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 321 KB  
Article
The Significance of Social Context and Implications for Social Work: An Integrative Summary of the Results from a Large Norwegian Study on Bereavement After Drug-Related Death
by Monika Alvestad Reime, Kristine Berg Titlestad, Øyvind Reehorst Kalsås, Sari Kaarina Lindeman and Lillian Bruland Selseng
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15020114 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 111
Abstract
Social factors profoundly shape the bereavement process for individuals who have lost someone to a drug-related death. In this study, we integrate qualitative (n = 19), quantitative (n = 5), and mixed-methods (n = 2) results from a large research [...] Read more.
Social factors profoundly shape the bereavement process for individuals who have lost someone to a drug-related death. In this study, we integrate qualitative (n = 19), quantitative (n = 5), and mixed-methods (n = 2) results from a large research project on drug-related bereavement and utilise Bronfenbrenner and Morris’s bioecological model as an analytical framework. The results of the project demonstrate that bereavement following a drug-related death is deeply rooted in social context, and they highlight that the process of grieving a drug-related death requires the navigation of complex personal, familial, and societal challenges. Sociocultural understandings of addiction and societal stigma must be addressed to create a more supportive environment for bereaved individuals. A more cohesive and responsive support system can be developed by understanding and acting at all levels of Bronfenbrenner and Morris’s model, encompassing individual competencies, organisational structures, broader social environments, and systemic policies. Focusing on a family and compassionate community approach, our research promotes an inclusive and empathetic societal response to these multifaceted losses. Furthermore, the importance of enhanced professional competencies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the implementation of organisational change is emphasised in order to meet the needs of those affected by a drug-related death. Ultimately, social work can play a pivotal role in this context. Full article
19 pages, 3447 KB  
Article
Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids Alleviate Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Regulating GSH Metabolism and the TNF Signaling Pathway
by Xiaoyao Ma, Jiali Rao, Xuefei Li, Zibin Li, Xuan Lu, Yujie Lu, Juan Guo and Baomin Feng
Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020223 - 8 Feb 2026
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major global cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and the rising incidence of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity has raised substantial concern in the medical community, highlighting an urgent need for effective therapeutic approaches. Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids (CRAs) have shown hepatoprotective [...] Read more.
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major global cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and the rising incidence of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity has raised substantial concern in the medical community, highlighting an urgent need for effective therapeutic approaches. Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids (CRAs) have shown hepatoprotective effects in multiple hepatic disease models. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and the underlying mechanisms of CRA in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury. After identifying 18 alkaloid components in CRA, we employed an integrated strategy of untargeted metabolomics and network pharmacological analysis to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The potential mechanisms were subsequently validated through histopathological examination and molecular biology assays. Our results showed that CRA exerted dose-dependent protection against APAP-induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo. This protective effect was mediated by enhanced hepatic glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis via increased intracellular cysteine (Cys) availability. In the mouse model, hepatic Cys and GSH levels were increased by 2.2-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, relative to the model group, which consequently attenuated oxidative stress damage. Furthermore, CRA suppressed APAP-induced activation of ERK and NF-κB, reducing the phosphorylation levels by 39.2% and 38.0%, respectively. Accordingly, it also downregulated the subsequent expression of inflammatory mediators in the TNF signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial mechanistic insights into the hepatoprotective role of CRA against APAP-induced toxicity, establishing a valuable foundation for developing novel therapeutic or preventive strategies for APAP-induced liver injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3167 KB  
Article
Overdosing a Commercial Inoculant with Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, and Lentilactobacillus hilgardii Does Not Improve Acetic Acid Synthesis or Alfalfa Silage Aerobic Stability
by Vida Vertuš, Kristina Kljak, Mirna Mrkonjić Fuka, Manuela Zadravec and Marija Duvnjak
Agriculture 2026, 16(3), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16030379 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 257
Abstract
During feedout, silage is exposed to air, promoting the growth of aerobic microorganisms that degrade its quality. Obligate heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce acetic acid, which enhances aerobic stability. Higher inoculation rates may further increase acid production. The goal of this [...] Read more.
During feedout, silage is exposed to air, promoting the growth of aerobic microorganisms that degrade its quality. Obligate heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce acetic acid, which enhances aerobic stability. Higher inoculation rates may further increase acid production. The goal of this study was to evaluate the aerobic stability of alfalfa silage (Medicago sativa L.) with increasing inoculant rates. Treatments included a control without inoculant (CON), the standard inoculation rate (SIC 1.0), 1.5× the standard rate (SIC 1.5), and 2.0× the standard rate (SIC 2.0). The inoculant contained Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, and Lentilactobacillus hilgardii with xylanase and beta-glucanase enzymes. Silages were prepared in five replicates per treatment (four for SIC 1.0) and aerated for seven days, during which fermentation characteristics and microbial populations were evaluated. Lactic acid was threefold higher in CON and SIC 2.0 than in SIC 1.0 and SIC 1.5 (p = 0.004), indicating unexpected homofermentative activity in SIC 2.0. All inoculated silages had greater acetic acid (38–51 g/kg DM) and propionic acid (0.83–4.05 g/kg DM) than CON (p < 0.001), but the highest acetic acid concentrations were observed in SIC 1.0 rather than at higher inoculant rates. Inoculation resulted in higher LAB counts (p < 0.001) and stable aerobic conditions; however, increasing the inoculant rate above the manufacturer’s recommendation did not enhance aerobic stability or acetic acid production. These results highlight that optimal inoculant dosing, rather than higher application rates, is critical for effective alfalfa silage preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Nutritional Value of Animal Feed Resources)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1827 KB  
Article
Nephroprotective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen Against Acetaminophen Overdose in Rats
by Elisaveta Apostolova, Vesela Kokova, Ivica Dimov, Mariya Choneva, Delyan Delev, Ilia Kostadinov, Ilia Bivolarski, Maria Koleva, Tsvetelina Mladenova, Krasimir Todorov and Anelia Bivolarska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031547 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can induce potentially fatal nephrotoxicity. Micromeria frivaldszkyana (M. frivaldszkyana), an endemic plant to Bulgaria, has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. This study represents the first evaluation of the nephroprotective effects of a methanolic extract of M. frivaldszkyana in an APAP-induced rat [...] Read more.
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can induce potentially fatal nephrotoxicity. Micromeria frivaldszkyana (M. frivaldszkyana), an endemic plant to Bulgaria, has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. This study represents the first evaluation of the nephroprotective effects of a methanolic extract of M. frivaldszkyana in an APAP-induced rat model of kidney injury. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective potential of orally administered M. frivaldszkyana methanolic extract against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity. Male Wistar rats received a one-week treatment with saline, M. frivaldszkyana extract (250, 400, or 500 mg/kg), rosmarinic acid (100 mg/kg), or silymarin (125 mg/kg). On day 7, renal injury was induced by oral administration of APAP (2000 mg/kg). Forty-eight hours later, blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. The extract at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum urea (1.83 ± 0.24 vs. 3.49 ± 0.75, p < 0.05), creatinine (59.51 ± 2.30 vs. 72.27 ± 3.92, p < 0.05), and uric acid (477.55 ± 52.48 vs. 898.33 ± 65.30, p < 0.001), while restoring renal glutathione (GSH) levels (4.43 ± 0.19 vs. 2.64 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) and catalase activity (3802.78 ± 142.05 vs. 2485.03 ± 143.23, p < 0.01), compared with APAP-treated rats. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced by the extract (25.19 ± 0.95 vs. 69.66 ± 4.11, p < 0.001), with similar effects observed across all tested doses. In conclusion, M. frivaldszkyana methanolic extract confers significant protection against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity, likely through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms, enhanced GSH restoration, and attenuation of lipid peroxidation, highlighting its potential as a nephroprotective agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Natural Products for Human Health and Disease)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 722 KB  
Article
Enhancing Hemophilia A Care Through Home-Based Prophylaxis: Real-World Outcomes of a National Patient Support Program in Mexico
by Israel Rico-Alba, Alberto Retana Guzmán, Horacio Marquez-Gonzalez and Jessie Nallely Zurita-Cruz
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031217 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patient Support Programs (PSPs) are increasingly used to support treatment adherence and continuity of care in chronic, high-cost conditions. In hemophilia A, consistent prophylaxis is essential to prevent bleeding episodes and long-term joint damage. In Mexico, disparities in access to treatment have [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patient Support Programs (PSPs) are increasingly used to support treatment adherence and continuity of care in chronic, high-cost conditions. In hemophilia A, consistent prophylaxis is essential to prevent bleeding episodes and long-term joint damage. In Mexico, disparities in access to treatment have encouraged the development of public–industry collaborative models. The objective of this study was to describe the structure, implementation, and operational characteristics of a PSP delivering home-based prophylactic treatment for individuals with hemophilia A in Mexico, and to compare annual bleeding rates according to factor VIII dosing adequacy. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis was conducted using fully anonymized operational data from the PSP registry between January 2023 and March 2024. Variables included infusion location and administrator, prescribed and used doses, weekly infusion frequency, program incorporation and discontinuation, geographic coverage, and bleeding events. Annual bleeding rates were compared across dosing categories using Poisson regression models with patient-years as an offset. Results: A total of 1173 patients contributed 16,331 infusion records. Participants were predominantly male (99.8%), with a median age of 26 years; 71.8% had severe hemophilia. Home infusion accounted for 92.0% of administrations, primarily self-administered or caregiver-delivered. The median prescribed and used monthly doses were 18,000 IU and 16,000 IU, respectively, with dose concordance observed in 66.8% of records. Only 40.7% of patients achieved the recommended prophylactic frequency of three infusions per week. Geographic coverage increased from 62.5% to 71.9% of states. The overall annualized bleeding rate was 2.24 bleeds per patient-year. When stratified by dosing adequacy, patients receiving doses consistent with clinical recommendations showed the lowest bleeding rate (0.18 bleeds per patient-year), compared with those with overdosing (3.84) and underdosing (6.68), with statistically significant differences between groups. Knees, elbows, and ankles were the most frequently affected sites. Conclusions: This PSP achieved broad national reach and high adoption of home-based infusion. The observed dose-dependent differences in bleeding rates underscore the clinical relevance of appropriate prophylactic dosing within structured support programs and support the value of PSPs in strengthening treatment continuity in middle-income settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hemophilia: Current Trends and Future Directions)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 491 KB  
Review
Chemsex: Venereological Consequences, Psychiatric and Somatic Complications, and Potential Intervention Strategies
by Hasan Selcuk Ozkan, Stefania-Cristina Rogoveanu and Damla Isman-Haznedaroglu
Venereology 2026, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/venereology5010006 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 349
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chemsex is defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance or prolong sexual activity, predominantly observed among men who have sex with men. It has emerged as a notable behavioral and public health concern due to its association with high-risk [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chemsex is defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance or prolong sexual activity, predominantly observed among men who have sex with men. It has emerged as a notable behavioral and public health concern due to its association with high-risk sexual practices, psychiatric morbidity, and somatic complications. Despite increasing recognition, global prevalence estimates vary widely (3–52.5%) due to differences in study populations and methodology. Commonly used substances include synthetic cathinones, amphetamines/methamphetamines, MDMA, GHB/GBL, ketamine, alkyl nitrites, and PDE-5 inhibitors. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed through 11 December 2025. Search terms combined chemsex-related terminology, substance names, and health outcomes. Recent English-language publications (2020–2025) were prioritized. Evidence was synthesized thematically across epidemiology, health complications, motivations, and interventions. Results: Chemsex is strongly associated with unprotected sex, multipartner encounters, and prolonged intercourse, leading to significantly increased rates of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. Psychiatric complications include depression, anxiety, compulsive sexual behavior, and psychosis, with higher risks in individuals engaging in slamming or polysubstance use. Somatic complications vary by substance and include cardiovascular disease, hyponatremia, rhabdomyolysis, ulcerative cystitis, methemoglobinemia, and overdose. Motivational factors extend beyond sexual enhancement and include minority stress, internalized and externalized stigma, and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Integrated interventions combining harm reduction, cognitive–behavioral therapy, peer-led services, and pharmacotherapy, alongside digital health tools to support PrEP adherence and risk reduction, show promise in mitigating these harms. Conclusions: Chemsex represents a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to elevated STI risk and psychiatric and somatic morbidity. Addressing chemsex requires destigmatized, multidisciplinary approaches that integrate behavioral, pharmacological, and community-based interventions. Digital health innovations can further enhance engagement, risk reduction, and access to timely care. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 536 KB  
Article
Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Suicide Attempts by Drug Overdose: A Comparative Study with a Comparison Group
by Süleyman Baş, Betül Danapınar, Büşra Çetintulum Aydın, Murat Yeniçeri, Mustafa Can Şenoymak and Kadem Arslan
Medicina 2026, 62(2), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020285 - 31 Jan 2026
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The relationship between psychiatric disorders and systemic inflammation remains incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory processes may play a role in the biological mechanisms underlying suicidal behavior. This study aimed to investigate the association between classical inflammatory markers [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The relationship between psychiatric disorders and systemic inflammation remains incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory processes may play a role in the biological mechanisms underlying suicidal behavior. This study aimed to investigate the association between classical inflammatory markers and hemogram-derived inflammatory indices in patients who attempted suicide by oral drug overdose. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational comparative study included 343 patients hospitalized following a suicide attempt by oral medication overdose and 421 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin levels, complete blood count parameters, and derived inflammatory indices, including the CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune–inflammation index (SIII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), were analyzed. Results: Patients with suicide attempts had significantly higher CRP, leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte levels compared to the comparison group. CAR, NLR, SIII, and MLR values were also significantly elevated, whereas PLR did not differ between groups. ROC analysis demonstrated that CAR showed the highest discriminative ability for suicide attempt, with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Hemogram-derived inflammatory indices, particularly CAR, were significantly associated with suicide attempts. These easily accessible and low-cost biomarkers may provide additional biological insight into suicide risk assessment. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology and Immunology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4760 KB  
Article
Experimentally Informed Numerical Simulations of Spray Deposition and Runoff Doses in a 10-Day-Old Nose Model
by Jack Yongfeng Zhang, Mary Ziping Luo, Ray Lameng Lei, Sung-An Lin, Xiuhua Si and Jinxiang Xi
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020217 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Background: Intranasal drug delivery is a preferred route for emergency administration of naloxone in opioid overdose due to its rapid onset of action and ease of use. However, limited knowledge exists on the delivery efficiency and safety of nasal sprays in neonates, particularly [...] Read more.
Background: Intranasal drug delivery is a preferred route for emergency administration of naloxone in opioid overdose due to its rapid onset of action and ease of use. However, limited knowledge exists on the delivery efficiency and safety of nasal sprays in neonates, particularly in life-threatening situations such as coma states where breathing is compromised. This study presents a physiology-based simulation of spray deposition and runoff loss in a 10-day-old infant nose model. Methods: Spray characteristics, including droplet size distribution, exiting velocity, and plume angle, were measured and implemented in ANSYS Fluent droplet tracking model. Naloxone film thickness was measured on ex vivo porcine nasal mucosa at varying angles and used in the Eulerian Wall-Film model. Simulations were conducted in a 10-day-old nose geometry across multiple doses (0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 mL) in supine and 45° inclined postures to quantify regional deposition, liquid film translocation, and pharyngeal runoff. Results: While a 0.25 mL spray was fully retained in the nasal passages, higher doses exceeded the mucosal holding capacity and caused significant runoff. Runoff into the pharynx was 18.5% and 10.1% for the spray volume of 0.50 mL in the 45° back tilt and supine positions, respectively. The 1.0 mL spray caused 55.1% and 53.5% runoff in the 45° back tilt and supine positions, while the 2.0 mL spray caused 77.5% and 76.8% runoff in the 45° back tilt and supine positions, respectively. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical influence of spray volume on drug delivery outcomes in neonates and provide quantitative guidance for optimizing intranasal naloxone administration in emergency pediatric care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

53 pages, 2103 KB  
Review
An Overview of Anticoagulant Drugs Pharmacology, Therapeutic Approaches, Limitations and Perspectives
by Claudiu Morgovan, Adina Frum, Laurentiu Stoicescu, Anca Butuca, Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea, Anca Maria Arseniu, Adriana Aurelia Chis, Maria Lucia Muresan, Felicia Gabriela Gligor, Ioana Rada Popa Ilie and Steliana Ghibu
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020163 - 26 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Coagulation is a physiological process necessary to achieve homeostasis. Many pathologies lead to spontaneous activation of the coagulation pathways and increase the risk of venous thrombosis (e.g., atrial fibrillation, orthopaedic surgery, cancer). Therefore, a lot of patients need anticoagulant drugs as preventive or [...] Read more.
Coagulation is a physiological process necessary to achieve homeostasis. Many pathologies lead to spontaneous activation of the coagulation pathways and increase the risk of venous thrombosis (e.g., atrial fibrillation, orthopaedic surgery, cancer). Therefore, a lot of patients need anticoagulant drugs as preventive or curative treatment. In general, older molecules (unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins, vitamin K antagonists) have good efficacy. Still, their adverse reactions, increased risk of bleeding, or difficult administration led to low adherence to treatment and had even limited their use. Recently, new molecules were authorised to improve patient adherence to treatment, mainly formulated for oral administration (e.g., dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, etc.). This therapeutic approach has a low risk of bleeding and does not require special monitoring by laboratory tests. Also, new anticoagulants for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (e.g., argatroban, lepirudin, bivalirudin, etc.) were obtained. Moreover, reversal agents for the new anticoagulant molecules used in overdoses or in situations where immediate cessation of the anticoagulant effect is required (e.g., emergency surgery) were studied, some of them being authorised on the pharmaceutical market. This narrative review aims to provide a pharmacological and therapeutic overview of anticoagulant drugs, underlining their implementation and limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Applications of Biologic Drugs)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2588 KB  
Review
GFR Evaluation Among Patients with Cancer: Insights and Clinical Implications
by Alok Arora, Parnika Shukla, Vinay Srinivasan, Leyre Zubiri Oteiza, Zachary LeMense, Ginseng Vang and Paul E. Hanna
Cancers 2026, 18(3), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030351 - 23 Jan 2026
Viewed by 957
Abstract
Accurately assessing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is critical in patients with cancer for acute kidney injury diagnosis, chemotherapy selection, drug dosing, and clinical trial eligibility. Yet, traditional equations such as Cockcroft–Gault and MDRD fail due to multiple physiological changes specific to this [...] Read more.
Accurately assessing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is critical in patients with cancer for acute kidney injury diagnosis, chemotherapy selection, drug dosing, and clinical trial eligibility. Yet, traditional equations such as Cockcroft–Gault and MDRD fail due to multiple physiological changes specific to this vulnerable population. Cancer-related sarcopenia, creatinine secretion blockade, and total body volume fluctuations may lead to inaccurate GFR estimations. This ultimately leads to undertreatment of underlying malignancy, overdosing of nephrotoxic therapies with adverse effects, and excluding patients from clinical trials unnecessarily. The 2024 KDIGO guidelines as well as the American Society of Onconephrology position statement recommend the use of combined GFR equation such as CKD-EPI 2021 that utilizes both cystatin C and creatinine to improve GFR estimation accuracy. Direct GFR measurement via exogenous filtration markers should be pursued in high-risk patients when precise values are warranted. This review highlights current challenges associated with GFR evaluation in patients with cancer and outlines clinical implications as well as recent recommendations for optimal clinical practice. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop