Background: Ferula assa-foetida essential oil has demonstrated antimicrobial activity, making it a promising candidate for plant-derived antimicrobial formulations. However, poor aqueous solubility, volatility, and instability may limit the application of essential oils. Encapsulation in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) may help overcome these limitations and improve antimicrobial delivery. This study aimed to formulate and characterize SLNs containing F. assa-foetida essential oil and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. Objectives: This study aimed to design, fabricate, and evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles containing F. assa-foetida essential oil as an antimicrobial agent against foodborne pathogens. Methods: Lipids were heated to 5 - 10 °C above their melting point. Lipophilic substances were added to the lipid phase, and hydrophilic substances were added to the aqueous phase. Both phases were maintained at the same temperature in a water bath. The aqueous phase was added to the lipid phase to form a pre-emulsion, which was homogenized using an Ultratorex homogenizer and then reduced to fine particles using an ultrasound device. SLN formation at room temperature required approximately 4 - 12 hours and, in some cases, up to 24 hours. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses were then performed, and incubation rates were assessed. The antimicrobial properties of the SLNs were assessed using antibacterial methods. Results: The spectrum obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for SLNs containing F. assa-foetida essential oil showed functional groups associated with the lipid matrix and the active compounds of the essential oil, including phenolic and alcoholic compounds and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The differential thermal analysis (DTA) plot showed three main thermal events. A small change at approximately 25.5 °C, with a negative heat change, was attributed to the release of moisture or volatile compounds. The event at 262.2 °C could reflect the onset of decomposition of light organic compounds and plant components of the F. assa-foetida essential oil. The main broad peak began at 485.5 °C and peaked at approximately 560 - 570 °C, corresponding to major decomposition of organic compounds and the lipid matrix. Overall, DTA indicated relative stability up to intermediate temperatures and major degradation at high temperatures. The SLNs produced inhibition halos and showed good inhibitory activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Conclusions: Physicochemical evaluation of the nanosystem after loading F. assa-foetida essential oil into SLNs showed that the system was anionic and exhibited slow-release behavior. Its particle size, appropriate morphology, and acceptable essential oil uptake rate indicated its suitability as a carrier for F. assa-foetida essential oil, thereby increasing the essential oil’s stability and solubility and consequently improving its performance.
Background: Health literacy (HL) plays a key role in understanding illness, adhering to treatment, and achieving optimal health outcomes, particularly in patients undergoing complex procedures such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate HL status among candidates for CABG at a university hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Heshmat Hospital, an academic center in northern Iran, in 2024. HL was assessed using the Iranian Health Literacy Instrument for Adults questionnaire, which consists of 33 items across five components: reading, access, comprehension, evaluation, and decision-making/behavior, which is treated as a single combined domain. Total HL was categorized as follows: 0 - 50, inadequate; 50.1 - 66, borderline; 66.1 - 84, adequate; and 84.1 - 100, excellent. Results: A total of 591 patients undergoing CABG were enrolled, with a mean age of 60.36 ± 9.53 years. The mean total HL score was 47.2 ± 13.58. Based on the cutoff points, 60.2% of patients had inadequate HL, 31% had borderline HL, 8.3% had adequate HL, and only 0.5% had excellent HL. HL was positively associated with years of education (r = 0.433, P < 0.001) and negatively associated with age (r = -0.181, P < 0.001). Among the five HL domains, the lowest mean scores were in reading (41.79 ± 28.2) and evaluation (45.26 ± 16.42). The most common sources of health information were doctors and healthcare staff (28.6%) and friends and acquaintances (24.7%). Conclusions: HL was inadequate or borderline in the vast majority of patients undergoing CABG at this center. Lower HL was associated with older age and lower educational attainment. Targeted educational programs, HL screening, and effective communication by healthcare teams are recommended.
Background: Social determinants of health are important correlates of health inequalities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as female-headed households living in marginalized urban communities. Objectives: To examine associations between selected social determinants of health, access to essential resources, and psychological distress among female-headed households in Zahedan, southeastern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted from September 2025 to March 2026 among 104 women recruited through two local nongovernmental organizations. Data were collected using structured face-to-face interviews. Associations with psychological distress were examined using Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Conventional multivariable logistic regression estimates were not retained because of sparse outcome distributions and complete separation in key exposure categories. Results: Psychological distress was reported by 90 participants (86.5%). Lack of health insurance and lack of reliable access to sufficient healthy food were associated with distress in exact bivariate analyses (both Fisher’s exact P < 0.001). Distress was reported by all 72 uninsured participants, compared with 18 of 32 insured participants. Distress was reported by all 86 participants without reliable access to sufficient healthy food, compared with 4 of 18 participants with such access. Conclusions: Participants experienced substantial socioeconomic disadvantage and a high prevalence of self-reported psychological distress. The observed associations are exploratory and should not be interpreted as causal. Larger studies using methods suited to sparse binary outcomes are needed.
Background: Overweight and obesity are major global health concerns that increase the risk of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic and endocrine disorders among individuals with overweight or obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 916 adults with overweight or obesity who attended the obesity clinic at Shariati Hospital between 2014 and 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disorders, hyperlipidemia, vitamin D deficiency, and other endocrine abnormalities. Associations between obesity grades and these conditions were assessed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Results: Metabolic syndrome was present in 30.7% of participants, with prevalence increasing from 18.1% among participants with overweight to 38.7% among those with grade 3 obesity (P < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes increased significantly from 12.7% to 26.7% across these weight categories (P = 0.001). Hyperlipidemia affected 51.1% of participants, and vitamin D deficiency was observed in 60%, with a higher prevalence among women. Hypothyroidism was more common in women than in men (29.4% vs 13.6%), whereas hyperthyroidism affected 4.5% of women and 3.5% of men. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of metabolic and endocrine disorders among individuals with overweight or obesity, particularly metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and thyroid dysfunction. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening and management in obesity clinics. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of obesity on these disorders.
Background: Delayed childbearing is a critical demographic concern that is often exacerbated by anxiety about childbearing. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of emotionally focused training (EFT) on different dimensions of childbearing anxiety in couples. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a control group and pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments was conducted in Isfahan in 2025. Forty couples were recruited via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 20 couples) or a control group (n = 20 couples). The intervention group attended eight weekly 90-minute EFT sessions, whereas the control group received no concurrent intervention. Data were collected using the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Participants in the intervention group showed reductions in overall childbearing anxiety and in each assessed dimension: fear of childbirth, concerns about having a child with a physical or developmental disability, marital strain, emotional instability, and disruption of daily routines. These improvements persisted at follow-up, with large effect sizes suggesting that the benefits of EFT may be sustained. Conclusions: Emotionally focused training appears to be a promising relational intervention for reducing childbearing anxiety. Integrating this approach into family counseling may facilitate healthier reproductive decision-making and support couples facing fertility challenges. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess behavioral outcomes.
