Background: Individuals deprived of liberty exhibit high health vulnerability due to limited access to medical services and insufficient health promotion efforts. Implementing education and self-care programs constitutes an essential strategy to improve their wellbeing. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in clinical parameters following the implementation of health promotion programs among incarcerated individuals. Methods: A prospective pre–post intervention study was conducted between February 2023 and July 2024 at the Male Social Reintegration Center No. 1 in Aquiles Serdán, Chihuahua, Mexico. Fifteen male inmates with type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension participated in a structured health promotion program that included educational workshops on nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease self-management. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis included paired Student’s t -test and McNemar’s test ( P < 0.05). Results: Significant reductions were observed in blood glucose (174.1 ± 123.2 vs. 111.1 ± 57.4 mg/dL; P = 0.0017), systolic blood pressure (140.7 ± 18.3 vs. 117.3 ± 9.6 mmHg; P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (92.0 ± 10.8 vs. 84.0 ± 7.4 mmHg; P = 0.0013), and waist circumference (83.6 ± 37.6 vs. 80.3 ± 35.7 cm; P = 0.0005), with a favorable trend in body mass index ( P = 0.065). Conclusions: Health promotion programs had a positive impact on the control of chronic diseases among the incarcerated population studied. These findings highlight the need to strengthen sustainable interdisciplinary strategies that uphold the right to health in prison settings.
Background: Observational studies are often used for assessing the causal effect of an exposure on the outcome though they suffer from several validity threats such as confounding, selection bias, measurement bias, over-adjustment bias, model misspecification/failure bias, and cognitive bias. Methods: We illustrate how to appraise causality studies through a recently published paper assessing the effect of tattoo on malignant lymphoma. Results: We argue how the study results should be cautiously interpreted in terms of bias in the design and analysis as well as the magnitude of the effect/impact measure values compatible with data. Also we show how a better understanding of the study results can be achieved by calculating some useful indices. Conclusions: Even with sophisticated analytic methods, causal inference from observational studies is a risky business, and so their results should be critically appraised.
Background: Lenacapavir, an HIV capsid inhibitor, has shown powerful promise for HIV treatment and prevention purposes. Its new mechanism of action, and other abilities to inhibit viral replication have shown a significant advance, especially in treatment-resistant cases. This bibliometric analysis aimed to assess the scientific literature that relates to lenacapavir particularly around HIV treatment and prevention efforts. Methods: Following the RAMIBS guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted on January 8, 2025, using Scopus. The search included documents mentioning “lenacapavir” or its synonyms combined with HIV-related terms published between 2019 and 2025. Documents not meeting these criteria or unavailable in full text were excluded. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer for keyword co-occurrence, Bibliometrix for descriptive and network analysis, and SciVal for advanced impact metrics. Results: A total of 156 documents from 101 sources were analyzed, showing an annual growth rate of 89.86%. The average document age was 2.03 years, with 12.29 citations per document. The study involved 990 authors, with an average of 8.36 co-authors per document and 24.36% international co-authorship. Gilead Sciences, Inc., and the University of Washington were the prominent contributors. Key journals included “Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS” and “Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.” The USA led the international collaboration. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant scientific output and collaboration in the field of lenacapavir and HIV research. The findings are useful for identifying key sources and authors, facilitating future research and collaboration. The findings highlight how crucial international collaboration is for driving progress in scientific research and tackling worldwide health issues.
Background: We aimed to compare performance of three cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk estimation tools; the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk prediction tool, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ACC/AHA ASCVD) Risk Estimator, and Framingham risk score (FRS) in estimating the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational, hospital-based study involving 200 high-risk study participants, who visited a non-communicable disease clinic in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. The 10-year CVD risk was estimated using the ACC/AHA ASCVD Risk Estimator, FRS, and the WHO/ISH risk prediction tool. We used kappa statistics to determine agreement among these CVD risk estimators. Results: The mean (SD) age of study participants was 54.07 (9.15) years, and the majority (63.5%) were males. About 96% of the participants were diabetic, 33.5% were hypertensive, and 16% were current smokers. About 18%, 20.5%, and 0.5% were classified as high-risk using the ACC/AHA ASCVD Risk Estimator, FRS, and WHO/ISH risk tools, respectively. The agreement was moderate between the ASCVD risk estimator and FRS (Kappa 0.541, P < 0.001) and fair between the ASCVD risk Estimator and WHO/ISH (Kappa 0.305, P < 0.001) and between FRS and WHO/ISH (Kappa 0.314, P < 0.001). Conclusions: A higher level of agreement was found between FRS and ASCVD risk scores compared to the WHO-ISH risk score. The WHO-ISH risk score identified most study participants in the lower-risk category, contrary to the FRS and ASCVD risk scores.
Turmeric is a well-known compound in traditional medicine and its derivatives, such as curcumin, have been used for years to prevent, treat, and improve symptoms of various diseases due to their beneficial properties. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Many studies have investigated the effects of curcumin as a dietary supplement on human health, and positive results have been reported. However, curcumin has low bioavailability, so several new derivatives have been produced to overcome this limitation. Most studies conducted so far have not reported any serious toxic effects from consuming turmeric, curcumin, and its derivatives. However, side effects have been associated with the consumption of these supplements in some human studies. There are also concerns regarding the use of higher doses of curcumin and its long-term use. Our review of the published human studies suggests that consuming turmeric, curcumin, and its derivatives has no major side effects. However, a few adverse effects have been reported in some studies, such as gastrointestinal complications like flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Side effects are more commonly reported in studies conducted on patients. Due to the specific physical conditions of patients and drug treatments, it is better to consult a health expert before consuming turmeric or curcumin. According to studies, it appears that consuming 6000 mg/day of curcumin is safe in the short term. However, further studies, especially on forms of curcumin with improved bioavailability, are needed.
Background: Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) represents a significant health concern among children. Given the influence of childhood health on adult well-being, the high levels of salt intake prevalent in the Iranian population, and the immediate and long-term effects of hypercalciuria, we have decided to assess the incidence of IH in children who are beginning their primary education, along with various related factors. Methods: This survey was conducted on 653 children of first-degree primary school age (5–7 years old) in Isfahan, Iran from January 2018 to June 2019. A questionnaire containing demographic and laboratory data was filled out for all participants. The measurement of the fasting spot urine calcium-to-creatinine ratio was used to assess hypercalciuria. Results: A total of 295 out of 653 participants were male. About 56% of the pupils belonging to families who had more than 1–3 times of fast food per week, were hypercalciuric. After two times evaluation of abnormal results, 40.2% had hypercalciuria and 28.6% had hyperuricosuria. The mean values of mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio, all serving as indicators of endothelial dysfunction, were slightly elevated in hypercalciuric pupils compared to their non-hypercalciuric counterparts, P < 0.05. The average of three blood pressure measurements, ages of bladder control, and also bladder indices were not different between these two groups. Conclusions: In the countries on the stone belt, hypercalciuria is a common laboratory finding in children at the age of entering primary school. In patients with not only isolated microscopic hematuria but also with lower urinary tract symptoms, hypercalciuria should be kept in mind. However, the role of hypercalciuria and its risk factors in inducing endothelial dysfunction must be investigated.
Background: Suicide is a major global public health challenge, claiming over 700,000 lives annually. India has one of the highest burdens, with a suicide rate of 12.5 per 100,000 population. Yet, the contribution of medical causes, including chronic illness, substance abuse, and infertility to suicide, in India remains poorly characterized. Methods: We analyzed suicide trends in India from 1966 to 2022 using data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was applied to forecast suicide rates and medical causes for 2023–2032. Statistical analyses were performed using Python 3.7 and STATA 14.0, with trends stratified by age, gender, and cause. Model fit was assessed with Akaike Information Criterion and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Suicide mortality in India increased steadily from 1966 to 2022, rising from 360,553 deaths in 1964–1972 to 1,422,631 deaths in 2013–2022. Males constituted nearly 70% of all deaths (989,178 male vs. 433,294 female deaths in 2013–2022), with the 18–30-year age group being the most affected (34.3%). Among medical causes, illness and drug addiction were the predominant contributors, with 68.3% of illness-related suicides occurring in males during 2013–2022. The NCRB classifies “illness” as a composite category that includes chronic physical diseases, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and neurological conditions, without providing a disease-wise breakdown. Infertility-related suicides remained comparatively low. ARIMA (0, 2, 1) forecasting indicated that suicide rates will rise from 12.8 per 100,000 in 2023 to 13.1 per 100,000 by 2032. Conclusions: Suicide in India is projected to continue rising, with young men disproportionately affected. Urgent, gender-sensitive interventions are needed, targeting chronic illness, substance abuse, and mental health support in underserved areas. Policy frameworks should prioritize integrating suicide prevention into primary care and chronic disease programs to mitigate future burden.
Background: This study investigates the associations between certain maternal and neonatal factors and neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Understanding these associations may contribute to strategies for reducing the risk of congenital hypothyroidism. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran in 2023 and included 1914 newborns. Data were collected from electronic health records. Peripheral blood samples were taken from the heel and placed on special filter paper for analysis. The data was analyzed using independent t-tests and unadjusted and adjusted linear regression at a 95% significance level using Stata software version 17. Results: The study included 1914 newborns, with 47.8% female and 81.4% having Iranian parents. Sixty percent were delivered via cesarean section, and 6.4% had a birth weight of less than 2500 grams. Additionally, 15% had mothers over 35 years old, and 38.7% reported parental consanguinity. neonates born via cesarean section had lower mean TSH levels, while those with a low birth weight (<2,500 grams) and those born to mothers over 35 years old had higher TSH levels. The crude linear regression analysis showed that older maternal age, low birth weight, and cesarean section delivery were significantly associated with neonatal TSH levels. After adjusting for covariates, multiple linear regression analysis confirmed the association between higher TSH levels and maternal age over 35 years, low birth weight, and cesarean section delivery. Conclusions: Our study has identified certain maternal and neonatal factors associated with neonatal TSH levels. Low birth weight, maternal age over 35 years, and mode of delivery emerged as significant variables in this association.
Background: This study assesses the impact of vitamin D supplementation on serum cholecalciferol levels and some cytokines in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: We conducted a thorough search for relevant RCTs in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords until December 2024. We calculated weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through random-effects analysis. Results: Five studies were included. Combining data from four studies showed a significant increase in serum 25 (OH) cholecalciferol levels after supplementation (WMD: 23.72; 95% CI: 12.92, 34.52). However, results from two studies indicated no significant changes in serum CRP (WMD: -2.48; 95% CI: -7.42, 2.46) and IL-6 (WMD: -2.49; 95% CI: -6.89, 1.92) levels. Conversely, TNF-α significantly decreased after administration (WMD: -0.81; 95% CI: -1.18, -0.45). There were no significant changes in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels (WMD: 0.29; 95% CI: -0.43, 1.01). Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant rise in serum 25 (OH) cholecalciferol and a significant decrease in TNF-α, with no notable changes in serum CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in CRC patients after vitamin D treatment.
Background: Membranous nephropathy is one of the most common glomerulonephritis types in adults. Various treatment methods are applied for this disease. Establishing a patient registry system and analyzing the collected data can help identify the strengths and limitations of current treatment approaches. This enables the adoption of more effective therapies, preventing disease progression to end-stage renal disease. Furthermore, consolidating patient information into a unified electronic system has diverse applications. Methods: This action research study utilized patient medical records (including hospital files, clinic cards, test reports, and prescriptions) as the primary data sources. In cases of incomplete information, data were collected from patients or their close relatives. Patient information was gathered using a checklist. Data analysis employed tests as necessary, depending on the objectives. Results: The final version of the checklist consisted of three sections: demographic variables (age, gender, education level, residence, date of birth, occupation, and contact information), laboratory tests, pharmaceutical variables, and treatment protocols used for patients. This information was systematically collected for all patients. Conclusions: Establishing a registry for membranous nephropathy in Isfahan is critical in improving treatment and control of this disease within the Iranian population. Comparing this data with similar studies from other regions can reveal epidemiological and clinical differences, which can be leveraged to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Background: Toxic compounds such as carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) can cause acute hepato-renal injury by producing free radicals and inflammatory mediators. Therefore, we examined the impact of glutamine (Gln) on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in blood and tissue homogenates, as well as hepato-renal dysfunction markers and histopathological parameters in an oxidative stress rat model induced by CCl4. Methods: The study included four groups, each comprising nine rats: control (C), oxidative stress rat model (OSRM), and those treated with Gln (1,000 mg/L in drinking water for 2 weeks). Oxidative stress was induced by administering CCl4 (1 ml/kg) on the 15th day. The hepatic NF-kβ expression was analyzed, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed. Additionally, biochemical markers of hepatic and renal functions were measured, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues were examined. Results: The findings indicated that Gln treatment significantly reduced liver and kidney histopathological changes caused by oxidative stress induction. The treatment lowered hepatic NF-kβ expression, liver and renal dysfunction parameters, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, it notably improved systemic, renal, and hepatic antioxidant potential (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The hepato-renoprotective effects of Gln included the prevention of liver necrosis and renal tubule disturbance. Gln enhanced liver and kidney functions by reducing NF-kβ signaling and boosting systemic, hepatic, and renal antioxidant potential through elevating the glutathione (GSH)/GSSG ratio and antioxidant enzyme activities. It is likely that the enhancement of the glutamine-glutathione axis is the primary mechanism behind its hepato-renoprotective effects.
Background: The effectiveness of different levels of government in generating compliance with public health initiatives during pandemics is not currently known. As public health is administered at both local and national levels, this study aimed to determine which government level is most effective in motivating the public so that resources can be efficiently allocated. Methods: The usage rates and subsequent vaccine uptake of the Japanese national government’s main COVID-19 vaccination website, “Vaccine Navi,” were compared to Japanese local governments’ websites and mailed paper flyers. Data were collected through an online survey of 1088 participants matched to national demographic data asking about their experience with Vaccine Navi and local resources in receiving information about the COVID-19 vaccine. T-tests and ordinary least squares regression modeling were used for statistical analysis. Results: The information resources created by local Japanese governments to aid in vaccine rollout were used significantly more than the national government’s Vaccine Navi. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of vaccines received after a local and national information source was used. Conclusions: Local health resources are beneficial to distributing information during health crises, and utilizing local public health offices is advantageous for public health guidance during pandemics.
Background: The consumption of commercial enteral formulas (CEFs) is increasing worldwide. Given the possibility of contamination of these formulas during preparation and consumption, it is crucial to utilize antimicrobial substances to enhance the safety and quality of them. This study aims to assess the (i) microbiological quality of CEFs and (ii) antibacterial and antioxidant effects of thyme, saffron, and turmeric extract mixture on CEFs. Methods: First, 50 samples were collected and analyzed to determine the growth of total viable microorganisms (TVC), coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts was determined by the microdilution method, and the antibacterial effects of the mixed extracts were measured on 26 samples by TVC at the time of sampling, 2, 4, and 24 hours after preparation. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the mixed extracts was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Results: In the microbial analysis of food formulas, S. aureus and E. coli were not observed, but the coliforms contamination (3.67 ± 0.18 CFU/mL) and TVC (4.29 ± 0.10 CFU/mL) were higher than the standard of U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the mixture of aqueous extract of saffron, turmeric, and thyme demonstrated a significant reduction in microbial load within 24 hours. The DPPH analysis indicated that the aqueous extract mixture increased antioxidant activity (38.7%) significantly in comparison to CEFs without extract (19.59%) (P value < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that CEFs exhibit high levels of microbial contamination. The extracts of thyme, saffron, and turmeric, however, have the potential to reduce microbial load and enhance antioxidant activity.
Background: Maternal diet during pregnancy may influence childhood allergy risk. Our objective is to study the relationship between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood’s allergy onset. Methods: We systematically search SCOPUS and PubMed (2014 to 2024) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case control, and cohorts investigating maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood allergy outcomes. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42024570531). The evidence was critically appraised using Newcastle Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies and Revised Cochrane risk of bias for cluster randomized trials (RoB2) tool for RCTs by two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to pool effect estimates, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results: A total of 41 studies (37 cohorts, 1 case-control, and 3 RCTs) were analyzed. Meta-analyses suggest that maternal egg intake during pregnancy has a protective role on childhood eczema (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.80) and food allergy (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.96), and vitamin D has a negative association with childhood rhinitis (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.97). No significant association was found between maternal vitamin D intake on childhood asthma and fish oil supplementation on childhood hay fever and asthma. Variability in methodology, dietary assessment methods, and follow-up duration contributed to heterogeneity and becomes the limitation in our study. Conclusions: specific maternal diet patterns, such as egg and vitamin D consumption during pregnancy, may have help preventing childhood eczema, food allergy, and rhinitis. Further RCTs are needed to explore the effects of other dietary components on allergy outcomes.
Background: Since the emergence of family medicine in the world, different approaches to training family physicians have been utilized. However, there are no united criteria or processes defined for the field. Therefore, this study intends to gather and use the worldwide experience in training family physicians. Methods: This protocol uses the 2020 updated version of Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) scoping review and the PCC framework (population, concept, context). The study will review databases and use search engines and related websites by considering the entrance criteria. Resources will be entered into EndNote. The study will use PRISMA for the selection process and content analysis to analyze the studies. Results: As this is a protocol, no empirical data are presented. The anticipated findings will systematically map family physician training programs worldwide, summarizing extracted data via tables and narrative synthesis across key dimensions: admission criteria, curriculum, core competencies, training duration, teaching/assessment methods, accreditation standards, and career pathways. The synthesis will also highlight contextual variations, knowledge gaps, thematic convergences, and barriers across different health systems. The mapped evidence will inform policymakers on transferable models and contextual adaptations, while acknowledging limitations such as publication and language bias. Conclusions: It seems that the study results could help policymakers familiarize themselves with different dimensions of different methods of training family physicians in the world and create training plans adoptable by healthcare systems.
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasms in Iran. The objectives of this study were to determine the factors affecting the screening of new colon cancer cases in Isfahan province. Methods: This present study is a cross-sectional study that was conducted within the framework of the Cardio Vascular Events in Breast and Colorectal Cancers (CIBC) study. CIBC is a multicenter prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed BC and CRC patients that has been started in Iran since 2019 and will be continued until 2024. In this study, all patients who were diagnosed with CRC were considered between January 2020 and January 2022. Information was collected through a questionnaire. Results: In total, 78 cases in our study had colon cancer, and 69 had rectal cancer. The majority of patients in our study were between ages of 45-75 (74.4%), married (97%), educated (77%), urban-based (89.4%), nonsmoker (79.5%) and nondrinker (97%), had insurance coverage (96.3%) and had normal levels of depression (52.5%), anxiety (54.4%) and stress (77.5%). Higher age (P = 0.034), higher anxiety score (P = 0.00) and history of colorectal surgery (P = 0.018) was associated with higher rates of screening behaviors especially colonoscopy. Conclusions: Understanding the importance of CRC screening is critical to improve population health. According to the results, higher age, higher anxiety, and a history of colorectal surgery were the main factors affecting participation in the CRC screening programs.
Background: The separate relationship between dietary food intake and psychiatric illnesses on individuals’ sleep has been discovered in previous investigations. However, it is yet unknown how these variables combine to affect the quantity and quality of sleep. Therefore, the purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to assess the possible interaction between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and modified Mediterranean (mMED) dietary patterns (DPs) and psychological ailments (PAs) on sleep quality and duration among Iranian adults, Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: Baseline data from a large Iranian cohort study (Yazd Health Study (YaHS)-Taghzieh Mardom-e-Yazd (TAMYZ)) were used in the current investigation. A validated food frequency questionnaire was utilized to obtain participants’ dietary consumption. The adherence level of the study DPs was calculated according to the earlier scientific literature. The depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 questionnaire was employed to assess PAs. Additionally, gathering information regarding the individuals’ sleep quality and duration was done via a validated nocturnal sleep questionnaire and a short version of the Pittsburgh questionnaire. Finally, the multivariable adjusted binary logistic regression test was used to examine the interaction between DPs and PAs on sleep quality and duration. Results: Participants with the greatest adherence to the mMED DP and with severe depression had significantly lower odds of “low sleep quality” than those without depression signs and with the lowest adherence to the diet (P for interaction: 0.039). Conclusion: A mMED DP might help those with severe depression by improving sleep quality. Prospective investigations are needed to confirm this finding.
