The Effectiveness of Exercise in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the major causes of sickness and death in the world. However, lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of this disease. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various forms of physical activity in reducing CVD risk factors among adults. A comprehensive search of the databases PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) databases was conducted between January 1, 2014, and May 31, 2024, as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and observational studies on the impact of aerobic, resistance, or combined training on cardiovascular risk factors in adults (≥18 years) were considered for inclusion. Data relating to primary outcomes, including stroke and myocardial infarction rates, BP, cholesterol levels, and BMI were collected. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist were used for quality and bias assessment. Meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan software, with heterogeneity evaluated by I² statistics; 17 studies, including 11 RCTs and six cohort studies, met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant reduction in the mean systolic BP (SBP) by 3.32 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-5.78 mmHg; p<0.0001] and mean diastolic BP (DBP) by 2.99 mmHg (95% CI: 2.34-3.64 mmHg; p < 0.00001) after exercise interventions. Moreover, cholesterol levels and BMI values improved with exercise. Those who exercised had a lower risk of stroke or heart attack compared with the controls [odds ratio (OR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.28-1.14; p >0.0001], although there was substantial heterogeneity in effect size across the studies (I²â€Š= 98%). Different types of physical activity (i.e., aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise) can effectively reduce key cardiovascular risk factors, including BP, cholesterol levels, and BMI values. Regular physical activity is still regarded as the most effective preventive measure against CVD, despite inconsistencies in research findings. Future studies should aim to identify optimal exercise programs and their long-term effects on diverse populations.

A one-pot successive cyclization-alkylation strategy for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes.

In this study, a new environmentally benign iodine-mediated one-pot iodocyclization/alkylation strategy for the synthesis of benzo[b]thiophene derivatives starting from 2-alkynylthioanisoles was developed. The synthesis of a diverse population of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes was achieved in high yields by employing moderate reaction conditions using 1,3-dicarbonyl substrates as the nucleophile and various substituted propargyl alcohols as both the cyclization precursor and the alkylating agent. This method resulted in the formation of a series of complex structures obtained in a single step. Additionally, a strategy was devised for the one pot iodocyclization/oxidation of propargyl alcohols into carbonyl functionalized benzo[b]thiophene structures. These green one-pot reaction processes were designed to reduce wastes and byproducts while generating a complex substitution pattern on the benzo[b]thiophene structure. The reported methodologies may be used to synthesize more functionalized benzo[b]thiophene structures that can be used in both biomedical and organic electronic applications.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with unilateral facial nerve palsy and nasal septum perforation.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotising vasculitis of unknown cause that has several systemic manifestations. The disease is characterised by the classical triad involving acute inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts with renal involvement. However, the disease pathology can involve the central nervous system. This case report presents a case of GPA with facial nerve palsy as the first manifestation of the disease, which has been rarely reported in the medical literature.

Transient Periictal Brain Imaging Abnormality in a Saudi Patient with Probable Celiac Disease Epilepsy and Occipital Calcification Syndrome.

Celiac disease epilepsy and occipital calcification (CEC) syndrome is a rare, emerging disease first described in 1992. To date, fewer than 200 cases have been reported worldwide. CEC syndrome is generally thought to be a genetic, noninherited, and ethnically and geographically restricted disease in Mediterranean countries. However, we report the first ever case of probable CEC in a Saudi patient. Furthermore, the patient manifested a magnitude of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal abnormalities during the periictal period which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been described in CEC. The brain MRI revealed diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) restriction with a concordant area of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) hypointensity around bilateral occipital area of calcification. An imbalance between the heightened energy demand during ictal phase of the seizure and unadjusted blood supply may have caused an electric pump failure and cytotoxic edema, which then led to DWI/ADC signal alteration.