Iranian Journal of Public Health

Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents in Kyrgyzstan: The Impact of Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: A Narrative Review

2025-05-10T11:32:22+00:00

This review examined the prevalence and possible causes of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Kyrgyzstan. According to a national survey in Kyrgyzstan, the prevalence of overweight among adolescent girls is classified as “high” according to the WHO thresholds (14.5 %). The prevalence of overweight shows a slight upward trend with age and is classified as “very high” among adolescents aged 16-18 years (20.8 %). The review explores dietary habits, physical activity, socioeconomic consequences, and the impact of advertising unhealthy products.

Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Severe Vomiting: A Meta-Analysis

2025-05-10T11:32:20+00:00

Background: We aimed to systematically evaluate the risk of negative effect for newborns born to expectant mothers with severe vomiting in terms of birth weight, premature delivery, low Apgar score, and NICU hospitalization.

Methods: We conducted a systematically search for relevant studies on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases, using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate research quality, and RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis from 2009 to 2022. The main outcome measures were: Low-birth weight, preterm delivery, low Apgar score and growth restriction.

Results: In 9 studies, the risk of Low birth weight in hyperemesis pregnant women was increased, and the random effect model was OR 2.38 (95% CI 0.43 to 13.13). The heterogeneity of the study was high (I²=100%). Four studies showed an increased risk of low Apgar scores, with an OR of 2.69 (95% CI 0.30 to 24.48), and high heterogeneity (I²=95%). The risk of premature birth in 5 papers is equivalent, with an OR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.22) and low heterogeneity (I²=6%). The risk of growth restriction was higher in 7 papers, with an OR of 1.31 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.85) and lower heterogeneity (I²=29%). Subgroup analysis showed that heterogeneity mainly stemmed from differences in the definition of hyperemesis.

Conclusion: Pregnant women with severe vomiting have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight and low Apgar scores, and a higher risk of giving birth to babies with growth restriction, but the risk of premature birth is comparable

Assessing Global Nursing Interventions in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections: A Meta-Analysis

2025-05-10T11:32:19+00:00

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) raise worldwide morbidity, death, and healthcare expenditures. Preventing and managing HAIs requires nursing interventions such hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship. This meta-analysis examined how nursing interventions reduced HAIs in different hospital settings.

Methods: A complete PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science search was undertaken for January 2000–December 2023 research. Studies on HAI-reducing nursing interventions were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The random-effects model was used to construct pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs in meta-analysis. We also performed subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses.

Results: Fourteen trials with 2540 individuals were included. In the pooled study, nursing interventions significantly reduced HAI incidence (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.35-0.50, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that hand hygiene, PPE usage, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship reduced HAIs. Sensitivity analysis verified these results' reliability. Egger's test showed no publication bias (P = 0.78). Over time, cumulative meta-analysis showed constant effect sizes.

Conclusion: Nursing interventions significantly reduce HAIs. Hand hygiene, PPE, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to infection control. Healthcare institutions should prioritise these actions and resolve compliance hurdles to enhance patient outcomes and minimise HAIs. Research is needed to explore innovative approaches and identify factors influencing compliance.

The Impact of Neuromuscular Stimulation on the Rehabilitation Outcomes of Patients Following Joint Replacement Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2025-05-10T11:32:18+00:00

Background: We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on rehabilitation outcomes in patients following joint replacement surgery.

Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis performed a computerized search of six databases—PubMed, Wiley Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and PEDro—from 2009-2024, for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias according to predefined criteria. The primary outcome measures included range of Motion (ROM), pain scores, muscle strength, and functional recovery scores.

Results: Ten RCTs involving 549 participants were included in the analysis, all of which met the inclusion criteria and had a moderate to low risk of bias. NMES significantly reduced pain scores in patients following joint replacement surgery (Standardized mean differences, with high heterogeneity (I² = 82%). NMES had no significant effect on flexion range of motion (I² = 33%) and a limited impact on extension range of motion (P=0.04). NMES positively affected quadriceps strength (I² = 95%). For the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, NMES had a small positive effect (P < 0.01), but after standardizing TUG test scores based on baseline levels, NMES had a significant positive effect (P < 0.01). NMES had a significant positive effect on the stairs climb test (P < 0.01) and on function score (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: NMES is an effective adjunctive therapy for improving joint range of motion, reducing pain, and enhancing functional recovery after joint replacement surgery, but further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Serum YKL-40 Levels as a Non-Invasive Potential Biomarker for Liver Fibrosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2025-05-10T11:32:16+00:00

Background: This research’s comprehensive review and meta-analysis seek to offer additional non-invasive techniques for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis, thereby serving as a dependable resource for clinical practice and scientific investigation.

Methods: To find pertinent research on the use of serum YKL-40 levels in liver fibrosis patients, databases including PubMed, Web of Science, WILEY ONLINE LIBRARY, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP Information, and the China Biology Medicine Library System were searched. The search was conducted up to May 2024.

Results: In studies comparing serum YKL-40 levels in patients with hepatic fibrosis and controls, the overall combined difference was 1.37 (0.66, 2.08), with the Chinese subgroup showing high heterogeneity, while the Egyptian study did not show heterogeneity. A total of 17 studies, including 2554 patients, were included. The combined sensitivity for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and severe fibrosis was 0.80 and 0.78 respectively, with specificities of 0.88 and 0.82. The AUC for advanced fibrosis and severe fibrosis were 0.91 and 0.87 respectively.

Conclusion: Serum YKL-40 shows potential value in diagnosis of liver fibrosis, but further clinical research is needed to confirm and improve its utility.

Assessing Discharge Readiness and Factors in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Carriers with Malignant Tumors: A Meta-Analysis

2025-05-10T11:32:15+00:00

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the readiness for discharge of patients with malignancy when carrying a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) as well as to explore the associated factors affecting readiness for discharge.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang and VIP databases from inception to Mar 2024 were systematically searched to collect relevant cross-sectional studies. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used for effect size synthesis, and the stability of the results was assessed by heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias detection.

Results: Eight cross-sectional studies comprising 748 participants were included, and the mean score for patients' readiness to discharge was 146.98 (95% CI: 127.17, 166.79) under a random-effects model, but the analysis showed a very high degree of heterogeneity (I²=100%, P<0.01). In our in-depth analysis of factors influencing discharge readiness, we found that literacy level (OR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.59) and income level (OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.78) were significantly associated with better readiness for discharge, and that age had a non-significant effect on readiness for discharge, with a combined effect size (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.08).

Conclusion: Among patients with malignant tumours, self-efficacy, distance from home to the hospital, and income level have a significant impact on discharge readiness in their PICC carriers. Optimising discharge instructions and patient education strategies for these factors may improve patients' readiness for discharge, reduce the risk of PICC-related complications, and improve outcomes.

Influence of Direct Supervisors’ Attitude on Depression among Nurses: Analysis of the Korean Working Conditions Survey

2025-05-10T11:32:14+00:00

Background: We aimed to examine the influence of a direct supervisor’s attitude on depression among nurses.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, which collected information from 467 registered nurses in Seoul, South Korea. Descriptive statistics and the Rao–Scott test were performed to determine the difference between general and work-related characteristics according to whether the nurses were depressed or not. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed by adjusting for covariates to analyze the association between the attitude of the direct supervisor’s behavior and depression among nurses.

Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the direct supervisor’s attitude and depressive symptoms in nurses. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the group with the most positive supervisor attitudes, the odds ratios for depressive symptoms in groups with increasingly negative perceptions of supervisor attitudes were 2.615 (95% CI: 0.96–7.12), 2.921 (95% CI: 1.64–13.29), and 4.844 (95% CI: 1.46–12.18), respectively. The results showed that the direct supervisor’s negative attitude was positively associated with the nurse’s depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Negative supervisor attitudes are significantly associated with depression in nurses. Effective strategies and policies, such as a zero-tolerance policy against negative disrespectful attitudes and behavior in the hospital and proper management of the direct supervisor’s attitude, are needed to reduce the risk of depression among nurses. Interventions aimed at reducing nurses’ depressive symptoms are suggested as an effective way to prevent and manage their depressive symptoms.

School-Based Program for Improving Disaster Preparedness among Indonesian Adolescents in Earthquake Risk Area: A Randomized Control Trial

2025-05-10T11:32:13+00:00

Background: Indonesia is known as the home of disasters and this condition threatens the safety of the Indonesian people. Strengthening community capacity is still not optimal and school-based programs need to be carried out to prepare the younger generation to face earthquakes. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the school-based program on improving disaster preparedness (SBPIDP) among Indonesian adolescents in the earthquake risk area.

Methods: A randomized control trial was performed among 140 (INT=70; CON=70) adolescents in Indonesia in 2022. The SBPIDP lasted for 10 wk providing eight sessions of education and training activities. Data collection tools included a three-part questionnaire that consisted of demographics, knowledge, and self-efficacy for earthquake preparedness. The inter-group and intra-group differences were evaluated using paired t-test analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) used to assess intervention effectiveness.

Results: There were significant differences in disaster preparedness among adolescents after the SBPIDP program was implemented after follow-up in the 10^th week (knowledge (P=0.001) and self-efficacy (P=0.001)). The intervention group showed better preparedness than the control group during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: The SBPIDP program can significantly improve disaster preparedness among Indonesian adolescents in earthquake-risk areas.

The Influence of Family Functioning on College Students' Achievement Goals: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem

2025-05-10T11:32:11+00:00

Background: We aimed to look into the associations between family interaction patterns, achievement goals, and self-esteem among college students, to provide references for promoting university-family interactions and jointly safeguarding college students' mental health.

Methods: Overall, 492 college students from Qiqihar Medical University, Heilongjiang Province, China were randomly selected as participants. The Family Assessment Device (FAD), Achievement Goals Scale (AGS), and Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) were used to conduct assessments.

Results: Performance avoidance goals were directly linked to family dysfunction (r= 0.358) and inversely linked to self-esteem (r=-0.438). Mastery goals were inversely linked to family dysfunction (r=-0.34) and directly linked to self-esteem (r=0.304). Family dysfunction and self-esteem were negatively correlated (r=-0.465). Family dysfunction significantly indicated performance avoidance goals (β = 0.358, P<0.01) and mastery goals (β = -0.340, P<0.01). Mediation analysis revealed self-esteem served as a partial intermediary in the relationships between family dysfunction and performance avoidance goals, in addition to family dysfunction and mastery goals, with the mediating effects accounting for 45% and 25.6% of the total effects, respectively.

Conclusion: Self-esteem partially mediates the influence of family functioning on college students’ achievement goals.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Chromosomal Microarray and Karyotype Analysis with Different Clinical Biomarkers for Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Genetic Diseases

2025-05-10T11:32:10+00:00

Background: We compared the diagnostic accuracy and application value of chromosome microarray (CMA) technique and karyotype analysis for prenatal diagnosis of fetal genetic diseases using different clinical markers.

Methods: This is a prospective clinical study involving 1587 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis due to various abnormal clinical indications in China between May 2018 and Nov 2021. Both chromosome microarray and karyotype analysis were applied. Participants were categorized into six groups based on different indications for prenatal diagnosis. The detection rates of chromosome microarray and karyotype analysis were compared. The study utilized SPSS version 20 for data analysis, employing descriptive statistics for count data results and chi-square statistics for statistical associations between outcomes and predictors.

Results: Chromosome microarray and karyotype analysis detected more abnormal chromosomes in the group with abnormal NIPT, with positive detection rates of 59.68% and the group in other situation with positive detection rates of 39.22%. Overall, 343 chromosome abnormalities were detected among participants. Overall, 101 cases chose induced labor, 240 cases gave birth, 1 newborn died after delivery, 1 case of twin chose selective reduction, another fetus gave birth, and 1 case lost to follow-up. The detection rate of chromosome abnormality in high-risk population was more than 1/5, highlighting the importance of reducing the incidence of birth defects through interventional prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusion: Clinically, Down's screening, NIPT and prenatal ultrasound screening can be conducted initially, followed by karyotype analysis and CMA detection for those with abnormal findings.

An Analysis of Hand Size and Grip Strength in a Working Population in Bogotá, Colombia

2025-05-10T11:32:09+00:00

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) has been extensively studied for its clinical and industrial significance, often linked to anthropometric measures like height, weight, and hand dimensions. In Colombia, research on these correlations exists but is fragmented and methodologically varied, limiting the ability to generalize findings. This lack of standardization highlights the need for a unified approach. This study aimed to address this gap by analyzing HGS in the Colombian context.

Methods: Overall, 678 subjects (48.9% female and 51.1% male) were enrolled in 2022. They were aged between 18 and 63 yr old, apparently healthy, and were from Bogota, Colombia. It was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. To determine the seven variables of the hand, the posture recommended by the ASHT was followed.

Results: Men had significantly higher HGS than women. The dominant hand represents 94.6% of females and 90.5% of males. However, dominance does not have a negative impact on gender when it is analyzed alone. The use of predictive models with cubic regressions permitted us to establish significant variables such as gender and hand width for the right hand and gender, age, hand thickness, and maximum palmar length for the left hand.

Conclusion: The predictive models, the HGS relationship and the dimensions of the hand are evidenced, but in future studies it will be necessary to include the arm, forearm, and wrist sections to the methodology.

Association of Serum Vitamin A and D Status with Neuropsychological Development Outcomes in Children Aged 4 to 24 Months: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

2025-05-10T11:32:08+00:00

Background: We aimed to assess the prevalence of serum Vitamin A and D status and their potential association with neuropsychological development outcomes in Southern China.

Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, with 4,206 children aged 4 to 24 months between 2018 and 2020. Data from the hospital’s electronic database included serum levels of Vitamin A and D, along with neuropsychological outcomes. Linear regression model was used to assess the association between serum Vitamin A and D status and neuropsychological outcomes, while multiple binary logistic regression model was applied to determine the association of these Vitamins’ levels with different neuropsychological developmental delays, adjusting for age, gender, and other potential confounders.

Results: Overall, 12.7% of children were found to be deficient in Vitamin A, while 2.5% were deficient in Vitamin D. Marginal Vitamin A deficiency (MVAD) was prevalent in 58.5% of the children, and 19.4% exhibited Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI). Neuropsychological developmental delays were observed in 7.7% to 16.8% of the children across various domains. However, there were no significant differences in neuropsychological outcomes among children with varying Vitamin A and D statuses (P-value>0.05). Even after adjusting for potential confounders, the association between Vitamin A and D levels and neuropsychological development outcomes remained statistically non-significant.

Conclusion: Significant correlation between HRF level and MetS criteria revealed that field-based tests HRF components, can be used to recognize MetS criteria among adolescents with obesity.

The Prevalence and Predictive Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome Based on Health-Related Fitness Components in Omani Adolescents with Obesity

2025-05-10T11:32:07+00:00

Background: Significant linear trends indicate that rising adolescent obesity rates will increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated health risks. We aimed to initially determine the prevalence of MetS among adolescents (aged 13-16 yr) with obesity in the South Al Batinah governorate in Oman (n=3404) based on data collected in 2024. Then to predict the risk factors of MetS criteria based on health-related fitness (HRF) components to identify the most significant risk factors among them (n= 512, with BMIile% ≥95%).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the MetS prevalence. MetS criteria and HRF components were measured to examine key risk factors. Then, the predictive value of HRF variables for MetS incidence was assessed using multiple regression analysis.

Results: The descriptive results from screening adolescents with obesity indicated that 10.7% of them exhibited MetS. A notable correlation between fast blood glucose (FBG) and cardiorespiratory fitness; CRF (r=0.28, P=0.001), waist circumference; WC (r=0.39, P<0.0001), and BMI (r=0.46, P<0.0001) were revealed. There was a robust correlation between blood pressure; BP and CRF (r=0.19, P=0.025), WC (r=0.24, P=0.007), and BMI (r=0.43, P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant model for the high FBG prediction using the HRF variables, while the models predicted for BP were not significant.

Conclusion: Significant correlation between HRF level and MetS criteria revealed that field-based tests HRF components, can be used to recognize MetS criteria among adolescents with obesity.

Effects of Parenting Stress and Work Environment on Female Nurses’ Job Embeddedness: Does Job Engagement Play a Mediating Role?

2025-05-10T11:32:06+00:00

Background: We explored practical strategies to improve nursing staff retention in Korea, addressing the challenges posed by nursing shortages.

Methods: We examined the influence of parental stress, the nursing work environment, and job engagement (a sense of connection and commitment to work) on job embeddedness. Data were collected from 216 female nurses with children aged 1–12 years working at hospitals in Korea from August 23 to October 13, 2024. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and mediating effect.

Results: Job embeddedness showed a negative correlation with parenting stress (r=-0.360, P<0.001) and positive correlation with nursing work environment (r=0.653, P<0.001) and job engagement (r=0.540, P<0.001). Job engagement was also negatively correlated with parenting stress (r=-0.265, P<0.001) and positively correlated with the nursing work environment (r=0.472, P<0.001). Nurses with higher job satisfaction also reported higher job embeddedness (β=0.36, P<0.001). Improvements in the nursing work environment were associated with increase in both job embeddedness (β=0.36, P<0.001) and job engagement (β=0.18, P=0.002). Mediation analysis confirmed that job engagement partially mediated the relationships between parenting stress, the nursing work environment, and job embeddedness (F=75.76, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Parenting stress and the nursing work environment significantly influence job engagement, which, in turn, contributes to higher job embeddedness among nurses. To improve job embeddedness for female nurses, organizations should implement support programs to reduce parenting stress, foster family-friendly work environments, and establish institutional measures to promote job engagement.

Sustainable Development Goals and Health in Islamic Countries

2025-05-10T11:32:05+00:00

Background: We aimed to reveal the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and health indicators in Organization Islamic Countries (OIC).

Methods: The panel data method was used in the analyses, health indicators as independent variables belonging to 16 Islamic countries with regular data from 2008-2021, and the SDG score as the dependent variable was considered.

Results: A one-unit increase in maternal mortality reduced the SDG score by 0.0047 units, a one-unit increase in neonatal mortality reduced the SDG score by 0.27 units, besides these results no significant relationships were found between U5mort, NCD mort, TB, VAC variables, and SDG score (P>0.05). Granger causality analysis results showed different causal relationships and variance decomposition results show that the long-term explanatory effect of health indicators on the SDG score by approximately 23%.

Conclusion: According to the empirical evidence obtained from the research, improvements in health indicators especially focused on mother and child health positively affect the SDG score in the countries examined.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Chronic Liver Disease: Investigating Predictive Factors and Their Implications for Patient Care in Pakistan

2025-05-10T11:32:04+00:00

Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) and its end-stage manifestation, cirrhosis, present significant global health challenges, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite its impact on various organ systems, the musculoskeletal effects of CLD, particularly vitamin D deficiency remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency among CLD patients.

Methods: Overall, 177 CLD patients of either gender, aged 18 yr and above were included using the non-probability consecutive sampling technique. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical units of Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from Jan to Jun 2023. Various markers of hepatic function including bilirubin, albumin, and International normalised ratio (INR), were analyzed, along with a complete blood count and each patient was assigned a Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. The relationship of vitamin D with different variables was assessed through Chi-Square tests. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were carried out to identify predictors of vitamin D deficiency.

Results: Mean age of patients was 51.76±5.77 yr and the majority were male (68.4%). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 28.24%, particularly among those with cirrhosis. Vitamin D levels correlated negatively with disease severity, as indicated by CTP (P<0.05) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) (P<0.05) scores, and positively with albumin levels (P<0.05). Increasing age, male gender, and higher CTP and MELD scores were significant predictors (P<0.05) of vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion: Vitamin D levels correlate with hepatic dysfunction and are negatively associated with disease progression. Significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency identified include increasing age, male gender, and higher MELD and CTP Score.

Population Forecasting with Alzheimer's Disease in Iran Using a System Dynamic Model

2025-05-10T11:32:02+00:00

Background: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in Iran, attributed to the demographic shift towards an aging population, holds considerable importance. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and number of Alzheimer's disease in Iran by 2029.

Methods: Dynamic modeling techniques were employed to project the number of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among the elderly population in Iran by the year 2029. Two interconnected models were developed to facilitate this estimation. The initial model is a demographic model that captures the aging population's growth dynamics. The subsequent model, an AD evaluation model, that assess potential impacts on disease. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing AD trends within the context of Iran's aging demographic.

Results: The results show the number of individuals aged over 60 is expected to rise from approximately 9.1 million in 2020 to around 13.7 million in 2029. As the older adult population grows, the number of AD is also anticipated to increase. The number of Alzheimer's patients is predicted to grow from about 464,400 in 2020 to roughly 729,900 by 2029.

Conclusion: Forecasting future trends in AD, especially in developing countries, is crucial for policymakers because of its growing impact on healthcare systems and economies globally. The findings of this study can aid in assessing the economic burdens associated with treating Alzheimer's patients, providing valuable insights for planning and resource allocation.

Increased Expression of RCN1P2, TPM3P9, and HSP90AB3P as Non-Coding RNA in Gastric Cancer Linked to Proliferative, Inflammatory and Metastatic Pathways through a Competing Endogenous RNAs Network

2025-05-10T11:32:01+00:00

Background: This study aimed to find pseudogenes with significant expression alterations in gastric cancer (GC) that could be implicated in the disease's development via the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network.

Methods: Pseudogenes, mRNAs, and microRNAs, whose expression changes considerably in GC specimens, were identified using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data from 2006 to 2017 (USA). The ceRNAs network was constructed using the miRWalk, miRTarBase, and DIANA-LncBase. The cox regression test was performed to assess the correlation between candidate genes and patient prognosis. Finally, using the RT-qPCR method, the in-silico results were evaluated using GC samples and adjacent normal. Samples were collected from Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran (Iran) between 2020 and 2021.

Results: In the cancer samples compared to the normal ones, there were 86 miRNAs, 1985 mRNAs, and 33 pseudogenes showing expression alterations, either more than or less than a twofold difference. Constructed ceRNA network demonstrated that pseudogenes such as RCN1P2, TPM3P9, and HSP90AB3P were most connected to changed mRNAs and microRNAs in GC. The analysis of the ceRNA network for each of the mentioned pseudogenes indicated that the associated mRNAs play roles in cell proliferation, inflammation, and metastatic pathways. Furthermore, elevated expression of several mRNAs linked to potential pseudogenes was linked to a poor prognosis. RT-qPCR revealed a significant increase in the expression levels of RCN1P2, TPM3P9, and HSP90AB3P in GC samples.

Conclusion: The expression of RCN1P2, TPM3P9, and HSP90AB3P is dramatically enhanced in GC. They can also influence the survival rate of GC patients by regulating pathways involved in cell proliferation, inflammation, and metastasis via the ceRNAs network.

Genetic Investigation of Inherited Variants in a Multiplex Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Family Using Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS)

2025-05-10T11:32:00+00:00

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early-onset challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and clinical diversity. ASD is a highly heritable disorder, however, the exact mechanism by which inherited variants contribute to ASD in multiplex families, where more than one affected individual within a family is presented, remains unclear. We aimed to identify inherited genes in patients with ASD in a family with two affected siblings using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

Methods: We performed WGS on two patients from a single family diagnosed with ASD. All of the patients were diagnosed with ASD using the gold-standard Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). We used various bioinformatics approaches to identify a list of prioritized candidate genes that may be associated with ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorders in this family.

Results: Our WGS analysis identified three potential candidate genes (EVI5:c.-82+866C>T, RAPGEF1:c.668C>T;p. Thr223Ile and PDZD4:c.-457G>A)) associated with ASD shared by the two patients. Additionally, utilizing various in-silico prediction tools and analysis of bioinformatics databases revealed that these rare variants are predicted to be deleterious and may contribute to ASDs. The identified variants are the first variants reported in ASD patients in the Iranian population that could be subjected to further validation studies.

Conclusion: These findings shed light on the genetic diversity of ASD within multiplex families and emphasize the complexity of genetic basis of ASD. Understanding the underlying genetic architecture of ASD is pivotal for advancing precise diagnostics and tailored therapeutic strategies

Anthropometric Features of Head and Face in Iran's Multi-Ethnic Workforce: A Framework for Future Studies on Respirator Design and Sizing

2025-05-10T11:31:58+00:00

Background: Head and facial anthropometric data play a crucial role in designing and properly sizing respirators. Previous anthropometric studies on respirator design have primarily focused on the head and facial dimensions of American and Chinese individuals. However, there is a lack of research for multi-ethnic countries like Iran. We aimed to establish a comprehensive head and facial anthropometric database for Iranian workers. Specifically, we sought to identify differences among gender, age, and ethnicity, as well as determine the predictors that may influence head and facial dimensions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among workers who underwent health assessments at Occupational Health and Medical Examination Centers affiliated with the medical universities of Shiraz, Tehran, and Karaj. A total of 1,000 workers (837 males and 163 females) participated in the study in 2022. Nineteen head and facial anthropometric dimensions were measured across six major Iranian ethnic groups. The effects of gender, age, ethnicity, occupation, and BMI on facial dimensions were analyzed using linear regression.

Results: The results revealed a difference between the head and face dimensions of males and females, which indicated that the facial dimensions of males were larger. Linear regression analysis showed gender, ethnicity, occupation, age, and BMI were significant predictors of the facial dimensions.

Conclusion: When designing and sizing respirators, it is crucial to consider the variations in facial anthropometric dimensions. By doing so, we can ensure that the respirators fit well on the face, thus minimizing the chances of injuries and occupational diseases.

An Analysis of the Actual Status of Doping Attitude in South Korean Female Bodybuilders in Bodybuilding Bikini

2025-05-10T11:31:57+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease among Hypertensive Patients in Gaza

2025-05-10T11:31:56+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available.

Prediction of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Based on Emotional Granularity among Adolescents

2025-05-10T11:31:55+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available.

NETosis in Autoimmunity: Cell-Mediated vs. Ab-Mediated

2025-05-10T11:31:54+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available

Topology of Opsonization: A Cancer Geometry Hypothesis

2025-05-10T11:31:53+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available