Maria Qadri

Purpose: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors have significantly transformed the management of chronic inflammatory diseases. Given the rapid expansion of literature in this field, a bibliometric analysis is essential to identify influential research, key contributors, and evolving trends. This study aimed to analyze the top 100 most-cited articles on TNF-α inhibitors to provide insights into global research patterns and thematic developments. Materials and methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on the 100 most-cited articles related to TNF-α inhibitors, published between 2002 and 2022. Data were extracted and analyzed for citation counts, annual citation rates, authorship patterns, contributing countries, institutions, journals, and research themes. Quantitative indicators such as total citations and citations per year were assessed alongside qualitative evaluation of study focus and disease distribution. Results: The top 100 articles accumulated a total of 74,115 citations, with citation counts ranging from 135 to 4,017. Research output peaked in the early 2000s, particularly between 2002 and 2006. The United States emerged as the leading contributor, followed by European countries including Belgium and Germany. Prominent authors included Rutgeerts PJ and Sandborn WJ. The majority of studies focused on inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis, with an emphasis on biologic therapy comparisons. Citation trends showed an early surge followed by a gradual decline, reflecting either maturation of the field or a shift toward newer therapeutic approaches. Conclusion: This study highlights the foundational contributions and evolving trends in TNF-α inhibitor research. The findings provide valuable insight into influential work and emerging directions supporting future research, collaborations, and evidence-based clinical applications.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite the rising clinical burden, there are currently no approved pharmacologic therapies. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with established metabolic and weight-loss benefits, is being evaluated for potential disease-modifying effects in NAFLD/NASH. Objective: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous semaglutide versus placebo in adults with NAFLD or NASH, focusing on biochemical, histologic, metabolic, and safety outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials evaluating subcutaneous semaglutide in adults (≥18 years) with NAFLD or NASH diagnosed by imaging, histology, and/or biochemical markers. PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 15, 2025 using predefined terms related to semaglutide and fatty liver disease. Two independent assessors extracted data and evaluated risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, while certainty of evidence was appraised with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using a random-effects model and reported as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Semaglutide significantly reduced liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (MD = −6.72 U/L, 95% CI = −11.79 to −1.64; P = .009). Histologically, semaglutide more than doubled the likelihood of NASH resolution without fibrosis progression (RR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.44–3.17; P = .0002). Improvement in fibrosis stage was not statistically significant (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.63–2.05; P = .67), though the direction of effect favored semaglutide. Metabolic outcomes showed substantial benefits, including weight loss (MD = −6.99%, 95% CI = −13.92 to −0.06; P = .05) and improved glycated hemoglobin (MD = −1.29%, 95% CI = −1.46 to −1.13; P < .00001). Gastrointestinal adverse events and treatment discontinuation occurred more frequently with semaglutide, while serious adverse events were comparable to placebo (95% CI = 0.81–1.41; P = .64; P = .65). Conclusion: Semaglutide demonstrates promising efficacy for NASH resolution and meaningful metabolic improvement with an overall acceptable safety profile. Its effect on fibrosis remains uncertain, and longer-term, adequately powered trials are needed to clarify its role in NAFLD/NASH treatment.

Background and objective: The global rise in the incidence of diabetes mellitus necessitates innovative management strategies to mitigate the severity of the disease. The mainstay of diabetes treatment is still insulin therapy, although there are drawbacks, such as the need to maintain ideal glycemic control while lowering the risk of hypoglycemia and user fatigue. The development, clinical usefulness, and constraints of insulin delivery systems are examined in this narrative review, with particular attention to sensor-augmented and closed-loop technologies. Methods: A thorough electronic database search was conducted to obtain pertinent data on major insulin delivery devices, including sensor-augmented and closed-loop systems. We studied advancements in insulin delivery systems over time and their impact on the management of diabetes mellitus. We thoroughly examined both qualitative and quantitative data to summarize our conclusions. Key content and findings: Closed-loop insulin delivery systems, which combine insulin pumps, advanced control algorithms, and continuous glucose monitoring, are the next step forward in the treatment of diabetes. These systems autonomously regulate blood glucose levels, reducing the need for user intervention. Closed-loop devices outperform sensor-augmented pump (SAP) treatment in reducing hypoglycemia, extending the time-in-range, and lowering self-management responsibilities. In order to provide real-time control, closed-loop systems dynamically modify insulin delivery in response to glucose variations by using algorithms powered by artificial intelligence. Because SAP therapy depends more on user input and may not be as successful in providing consistent glycemic control, this capability helps overcome its drawbacks. Further improving overall safety and efficacy, the closed-loop technique decreases blood glucose variability. Conclusion: The two primary developments in diabetes care are sensor-augmented and closed-loop insulin devices, which offer better glucose control and lower hypoglycemia rates compared to traditional therapies. Closed-loop insulin delivery systems seem to be a more clinically successful option for controlling diabetes mellitus than SAP therapy.

Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition has emerged as an effective lipid-lowering strategy, particularly for patients with hypercholesterolemia not adequately managed with statins. Ongericimab is a novel monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9. In this meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ongericimab in Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 2025, to identify studies assessing the lipid-lowering effects of ongericimab. Effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results Five RCTs (n = 1415; mean age 57.65 ± 10.94 years; 55.7% male) were included. Ongericimab significantly reduced LDL-C by approximately 71%, Lp(a) by 48%, ApoB by 60%, total cholesterol by 47%, and non-HDL-C by 65%. Subgroup analysis revealed dose-dependent effects for LDL-C, ApoB, TC, and non-HDL-C (p < 0.05), while Lp(a) reduction remained consistent across doses (p = 0.75). At the 150 mg dose, ongericimab also increased HDL-C by 10% and ApoA1 by 8%, and reduced triglycerides (TGs) by 23%. Adverse events were comparable between ongericimab and placebo groups. Conclusions Ongericimab reduces LDL-C and other atherogenic lipoproteins in Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia, with a tolerability profile comparable to placebo. These findings support its potential role as an adjunct therapy for patients who do not meet LDL-C targets with statins. Registration PROSPERO identifier no. CRD420251086724. Graphical Abstract The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

Neurolathyrism is a progressive motor neuron disease due to the consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) over long periods. The disease is still a major public health problem in the drought regions of sub‐Saharan Africa, where it continues to be used as a food source when other crops collapse because of the lack of water. Grass pea β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) toxin may be reduced through indigenous detoxification techniques of soaking, boiling, and fermentation. However, during long droughts, such measures are often infrequent or ineffectual. The excessive reliance on grass peas highlights the precarious symmetry between nutritional survival and neurotoxic risk. Neurolathyrism has been variably associated with long‐term exposure among famine populations, particularly socioeconomically deprived groups. Low‐ODAP cultivar use and improved detoxification techniques continue to be restricted by cultural preference, low exposure, and resource constraints. This review examines the intersection of food security, neurotoxic risk, and One Health policy considerations and highlights the imperative for holistic agricultural innovation, public health education, and adaptive policy frameworks to protect vulnerable communities.