Publications by authors named "Mahalaqua N Khatib"
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has re-emerged as a significant global health concern, particularly during the widespread outbreak of 2022. As an orthopoxvirus related to the eradicated smallpox virus, mpox has been primarily managed with smallpox vaccines and treatments, including the antiviral agent Tecovirimat. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tecovirimat in treating mpox, focusing on its use during the 2022 outbreak, especially among high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men and people living with HIV.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * The article reviews the historical spread, transmission, and various determinants (epidemiological, social, and climatic) affecting yellow fever outbreaks over time.
- * Despite the widespread distribution of yellow fever vectors, outbreaks are largely confined to endemic areas, influenced by complex interactions between the virus, host, and vector immune responses.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by transient constriction and dilation of cerebral arteries, leading to severe headaches and neurological deficits. This case report describes a 41-year-old woman with chronic anemia, acute chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis who developed RCVS following transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). She experienced sudden-onset seizures and a thunderclap headache 5 days post-transfusion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- People living with HIV (PLWH) face increased mortality risks from air pollution due to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, a link that has not been widely studied.
- A systematic review analyzed nine studies, primarily from China, revealing that long-term exposure to pollutants like particulate matter significantly correlates with higher AIDS-related and overall mortality rates in PLWH, with certain populations being more susceptible.
- The findings indicate that targeted interventions to lessen air pollution exposure could benefit vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
Article Synopsis
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious effects on maternal and neonatal health, prompting a systematic review to assess how it influences respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns from infected mothers.
- The review analyzed 22 studies and found that 11.5% of newborns from COVID-19-positive mothers experienced RDS, with a risk ratio of 2.69 indicating a significantly higher risk compared to newborns from non-infected mothers.
- The findings stress the importance of closely monitoring and managing pregnant women with COVID-19 to reduce potential health issues in their newborns.
Article Synopsis
- E-cigarettes are becoming popular as a way for people to quit smoking, but there are concerns about their use alongside traditional cigarettes, particularly among pregnant women, who may face increased health risks.
- A systematic review analyzed data from 18 studies involving nearly 6 million pregnant women, finding that 4.6% of them reported using both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco.
- The findings suggest that dual use is a significant health issue, highlighting the need for further research and public health measures to inform and protect pregnant women from the risks of tobacco.
Article Synopsis
- Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder linked to gluten intolerance that may affect cardiovascular health, with some studies suggesting a connection to myocardial infarction (MI), although results have been inconsistent.* -
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 studies were conducted to evaluate the risk of MI in adults with CD, using data from databases like PubMed and Web of Science, analyzed with R software.* -
- The analysis found no significant association between CD and MI, but indicated high variability in study results, suggesting a need for more research on larger, more uniform samples to clarify potential cardiovascular risks for CD patients.*
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with increased prevalence in individuals with chronic liver conditions and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown promise in diabetes management and may influence liver disease progression. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of GLP-1 RAs in reducing the risk of HCC in patients with T2DM.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The COVID-19 vaccination campaign has successfully reduced severe illness and mortality, but concerns about potential side effects like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) have emerged.
- A systematic review examined studies of POTS post-vaccination, with 10 out of 1,531 articles meeting inclusion criteria, involving nearly 285,000 participants.
- Results indicated that while the odds of developing POTS after vaccination are lower compared to post-infection, research is still limited and further studies are necessary.
Article Synopsis
- Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men, and this study investigates whether glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), usually used for treating type 2 diabetes, can reduce the risk of developing this cancer.
- The research included a systematic review of five studies from various countries, which found that GLP-1 RA use is associated with a significant 28% reduction in prostate cancer risk compared to other treatments.
- The study concludes that GLP-1 RAs could play a role in reducing prostate cancer risk, especially for men with diabetes, but further research is needed to understand how these drugs work in this context and to examine different patient variables.
Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes, is a growing public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally associated with febrile and hemorrhagic symptoms, recent research suggests a potential link between dengue and cognitive impairments. This systematic review assessed existing research to understand the association between dengue virus infection and cognitive impairments, including dementia, Alzheimer disease, memory loss, and confusion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Fistulas, abnormal connections between two anatomical structures, significantly impact the quality of life and can result from a variety of causes, including congenital defects, inflammatory conditions, and surgical complications. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative due to its potential for regenerative and immunomodulatory effects. This overview of systematic reviews aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in managing fistulas, drawing on the evidence available.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe recent global resurgence of Mpox (formerly monkeypox), primarily transmitted via close contact and respiratory droplets, highlights a significant shift in its epidemiology, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). This resurgence underscores the need for robust public health responses and improved surveillance. This comprehensive review of current literature focuses on recent outbreaks, virology, and available treatments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease that can severely impact oral and overall health, and while traditional smoking is a known risk factor, the effect of e-cigarettes on gum health is not well understood.
- This systematic review analyzed data from twelve studies comparing periodontal outcomes between e-cigarette users and non-users, noting that e-cigarette users had a significantly lower bleeding on probing (BOP) score.
- The research suggests no strong evidence linking e-cigarette use to major negative impacts on periodontal health, but further comprehensive studies are needed to assess long-term effects and clarify any potential risks.
Background: Crohn's disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease marked by severe gastrointestinal inflammation and a broad range of debilitating symptoms. Despite advances in medical treatments, achieving sustained remission remains challenging for many patients. This umbrella review aims to consolidate evidence from various systematic reviews to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapies in treating Crohn's disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Dengue fever is a serious disease that can lead to a problem called Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which can make people very sick and raise healthcare costs.
- This study looked at different research to find out what makes someone more likely to get AKI if they have dengue, so doctors can catch it early and help patients better.
- The researchers found that factors like severe dengue, being male, having diabetes, and other health issues increase the chances of getting AKI, showing the need for better screening and treatment for those at higher risk.
Background: Malaria in pregnancy is a critical public health issue that can lead to severe adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes in malaria-infected pregnancies and examines their association with the condition.
Method: We searched databases up to January 30, 2024, for observational studies on pregnant women with malaria.