Introduction Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are transformative lipid-lowering therapies, yet the structure of the research literature is strongly shaped by trial priorities. This study aimed to map global research trends on PCSK9 inhibitors using a bibliometric analysis of Scopus and PubMed. Methods Metadata on publication year, journal, citations, authorship, country, institution, and keywords were extracted. Annual output, mean citations, h-index correlations, and collaboration metrics were calculated, and networks were visualized using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Results Approximately 1,390 records published between 1994 and 2024 were identified, involving 7,601 authors and 51,555 citations, with a mean of 37.1 citations per document. Network mapping revealed eight collaboration clusters and an international collaboration index of 1.871. The United States contributed the largest share of corresponding-author articles, with 343 of 1,390 records (24.7%), while the top 10 countries accounted for approximately 65% of outputs. Publication volume increased sharply after 2013, with inclisiran emerging as a highly cited RNA-based therapeutic. However, annual publication volume was not significantly correlated with mean citations (r = 0.059, P = 0.832), indicating no proportional increase in per-article citation influence. Discussion Network analysis identified eight major collaboration clusters. International collaboration was modest, with limited contributions from low- and middle-income countries. Temporal trends showed a notable increase in publications after 2013. Emerging RNA therapeutics were visible in the dataset but had lower citation maturity compared with established monoclonal antibody studies. Conclusion Scopus and PubMed mapping reconstructs the translational progression of PCSK9 research and highlights collaboration patterns, country-level contributions, and the bibliometric visibility of emerging therapeutic modalities.
Introduction Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a low-grade inflammation of the vessels that underlies cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary factors significantly influence the development of ASCVD, as do traditional CVD risk factors. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a tool to evaluate diet-inflammation relationships and their impact on CVD incidence. We aimed to compare the DII, dietary macronutrient intake, and body mass index (BMI) between patients with ASCVD and healthy controls in Hamadan City, Iran, in 2024. Methods This case-control study included a total of 103 newly diagnosed ASCVD patients and an equal number of healthy controls. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DII was calculated based on 38 food items. Physical activity levels (PAL) were evaluated through two researcher-made questions. DII, PAL, and dietary factors were compared between patients and controls. Results ASCVD patients had higher DII and higher intakes of total fat (p<0.001), saturated fat (p=0.032), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p=0.023), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p<0.001) than controls. Each unit increase in the DII was associated with a 16.8% increase in ASCVD risk. Higher PAL was associated with a 50.2% reduced risk of ASCVD. Conclusion Based on the findings, diets high in proinflammatory foods, higher fat intake, and sedentary behavior are associated with an increased risk of ASCVD.
Background Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare malignant tumor originating from the pulmonary arterial wall, often mimicking pulmonary thromboembolism. Echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) are crucial for early detection. Case Presentation A 35-year-old man presented with dyspnea, signs of pulmonary embolism, and right ventricular (RV) strain. Echocardiography suggested pulmonary embolism with a suspected mass in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Despite thrombectomy and thrombolysis, the filling defect persisted. The initial biopsy was negative for malignancy. Further imaging with CT, cardiac MRI, and PET-CT revealed a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid mass extending from the RVOT into the main pulmonary artery, causing significant stenosis. Subsequent pleural and lung video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) biopsies were also negative. After four months, a third CT-guided biopsy confirmed a high-grade spindle cell neoplasm. Retrospective examination of the thrombectomy specimen revealed a small focus of atypical spindle cells with an identical immunohistochemical profile. The tumor was inoperable, and chemotherapy was not initiated due to severe cardiac symptoms. The patient ultimately developed circulatory shock and succumbed to his illness. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in PAS to prevent fatal outcomes. While histopathology remains the gold standard, initial negative biopsies delay treatment. In suspected cases, a thorough examination of thrombectomy specimens, along with ancillary studies, is critical. Advanced imaging techniques, including cardiac MRI and PET-CT, may provide sufficient diagnostic evidence to initiate treatment when biopsy results are delayed or inconclusive.
Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a prevalent contributing factor for cardiac complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), adversely affects their quality of life (QoL). The objective of the study was to assess the QoL and the occurrence of MetS among patients with Type 2 DM. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 191 inpatients aged 25-75 with Type 2 DM, diagnosed for over six months, and on diabetic medications. Patients with Type 1 DM, gestational DM, cognitive impairment, mental retardation, those on ventilator support, and outpatients were excluded. MetS and QoL were evaluated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) guidelines and the Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life Questionnaire (ADDQoL), respectively. Results: Among the enrolled participants, 44.0% had MetS, with a greater impact observed in females. Type of treatment (p=0.001), physical activity (p<0.00), body mass index (p<0.000), alcohol intake (p=0.007), eating habits (p=0.003), frequency of exercise (p<0.00), smoking (p=0.007), waist circumference (p<0.000), and hypertension (p<0.000) were statistically predominant in those with DM and MetS. Both genders reported a comparable negative impact on QoL domains, with no statistically significant difference in the Average Weighted Impact Score between males and females (p=0.644). Discussion: The high prevalence of MetS among hospitalized Type 2 DM patients highlights a significant yet often overlooked health burden. Its presence was significantly associated with various lifestyle and clinical risk factors. All QoL domains showed a decline, indicating that diabetes and its complications have a negative impact on quality of life. Conclusion: In conclusion, MetS appears to be very common in patients with DM, and it negatively affects QoL.
Background Guillain-Barr & eacute; syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis, which is characterized by ascending, rapid-onset, symmetrical limb weakness and sensory disturbances that are typically established 3-6 weeks after an antecedent infection, usually an upper respiratory tract infection.Case Report/Case Representation We present the case of a 19-year-old man who was acutely admitted to the emergency room due to the sudden onset and gradual worsening of symmetrical lower extremity paresis, sensory disturbance, and pain occurring 3 weeks after an upper respiratory tract infection.GBS was the initial diagnosis. However, this was ruled out after thorough neurological examination due to the rapid progression of neurological deficiency, intense pain, and the absence of a pulse in the lower extremity arteries. CT angiography revealed occlusion of the abdominal aorta, and an intracardiac thrombus was detected. The myocarditis complicated by intracardiac thrombus formation and subsequent embolization into the aorta was finally concluded as the actual reason for the patients' complaints, initially mimicking GBS.Conclusion This case report highlights a rare combination of two distinct, life-threatening conditions that together mimicked Guillain-Barr & eacute; syndrome. The initial physical examination played a crucial role in establishing the correct differential diagnosis.
