Mahdi Mohammed Alnajai

Background and Objectives: Low-grade systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis (OA), yet the effects of joint mobilization on inflammatory biomarkers remain unclear. This randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) compared with sham MWM on inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in individuals with knee OA. Materials and Methods: Forty participants with mild-to-moderate knee OA were randomly assigned to either a mobilization group receiving standardized care plus MWM (n = 20) or a sham mobilization group receiving standardized care plus sham MWM (n = 20). Interventions were delivered twice weekly for four weeks. Primary outcomes were inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Secondary outcomes included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), knee range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the 4-week intervention. This study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07166068) on 28 November 2024. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in one inflammatory biomarker, namely CRP, and all secondary outcomes following treatment (all p < 0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were observed for CRP, ESR, pain, function, or muscle strength (all p ≥ 0.256). Participants in the MWM group showed greater improvement in knee flexion ROM compared with the sham MWM group (adjusted mean difference = 6.56°, 95% CI: 0.14–13.00, p = 0.046), with a moderate effect size. Conclusions: MWM combined with standardized care did not produce superior improvements in inflammatory biomarkers or most clinical outcomes compared with sham MWM over four weeks.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common gastric pathogen that is linked to peptic ulcers, gastric cancer and systemic disorders. There is emerging evidence of an association between infection with H. pylori and chronic kidney disease and non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis, and possible renal and hepatic involvement. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between H. pylori and kidney and liver function changes in Saudi Arabian people. Blood samples were collected from 82 participants divided into two groups, namely H. pylori-infected and non-infected. Biochemical analyses were done to determine kidney (creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium) and liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein and albumin). A total of 82 participants were included in the study, of whom 42 (51.2%) tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection, while 40 (48.8%) were non-infected and served as the control group. Liver enzyme levels (ALP (64.00), AST (21.40), ALT (21.26) and GGT (20.78)) were normal and did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between H. pylori infection and high creatinine (OR = 6.38, p = 0.018). Borderline correlations were found for GGT (OR = 1.179, p = 0.092), uric acid (OR = 2.661, p = 0.061), and the electrolytes and lipid profiles showed no significant variation. H. pylori infection was significantly related to elevated creatinine levels, and may be affecting renal function. Most liver and electrolyte parameters were not affected. Further studies with larger cohorts are required in order to confirm these findings.

Impact of Fresh Khat Extract on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Hepatic and Renal Responses - Article abstract #946108

Vaccination is a groundbreaking approach in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. However, the effectiveness of vaccines can be greatly enhanced by the inclusion of adjuvants, which are substances that potentiate and modulate the immune response. This review is based on extensive searches in reputable databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The goal of this review is to provide a thorough analysis of the advances in the field of adjuvant research, to trace the evolution, and to understand the effects of the various adjuvants. Historically, alum was the pioneer in the field of adjuvants because it was the first to be approved for use in humans. It served as the foundation for subsequent research and innovation in the field. As science progressed, research shifted to identifying and exploiting the potential of newer adjuvants. One important area of interest is nano formulations. These advanced adjuvants have special properties that can be tailored to enhance the immune response to vaccines. The transition from traditional alum-based adjuvants to nano formulations is indicative of the dynamism and potential of vaccine research. Innovations in adjuvant research, particularly the development of nano formulations, are a promising step toward improving vaccine efficacy and safety. These advances have the potential to redefine the boundaries of vaccination and potentially expand the range of diseases that can be addressed with this approach. There is an optimistic view of the future in which improved vaccine formulations will contribute significantly to improving global health outcomes.