International Journal of Preventive Medicine最新文献

Background: Notice to the importance of BK virus infection in kidney transplant patients, the present study aimed to present a protocol related to design aspects and implement a registration system for kidney transplant patients with BK virus infection in Isfahan Province, Iran.

Method: The design process and different aspects of implementation and preparation of the platform for the registration of kidney transplant patients with BK virus infection were presented in this study. Indices related to the diagnosis, monitoring of the course of the disease, and the most important criteria related to the disease caused by BK virus and treatment of BK virus infection in kidney transplant patients were searched in reliable scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Up-To-Date, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. A team consisting of experts in nephrology, biostatistics, and epidemiology evaluated the specified variables as an expert panel and evaluated the content validity of the checklists designed quantitatively and qualitatively to finalize them.

Results: The checklist was finalized in three sections: 1) demographic variables (age, gender, education,…), 2) clinical variables (primary cause of kidney failure, disease history, history of kidney disease in the family, laboratory and diagnostic parameters, clinical manifestations…), and 3) microbiologic information of BK virus infection. This information can be used for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of the patient.

Conclusions: Our registry for kidney transplant patients with BK virus infection among the few ones in the world can provide a comprehensive valuable information collection about the risk factors and the course of changes in various indices in these patients and may improve the treatment process.

Background: Studies show that caveolin genes are associated with metabolic disorders, so we aimed to systematically review the association between caveolin genes and metabolic syndrome in human studies. This systematic review is conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist.

Methods: A systematic literature search was done on electronic databases including Embase, Scopus, Medline (PubMed), and Web of Science until September 2023 and updated until June 2024. Human studies that were published in English were included without restricting other variables such as time, age, and gender.

Results: At the first step, 10313 papers were found, and at the final step, nine studies were included in the systematic review, and four studies entered the quantitative analysis. The result showed that metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with minor alleles in the following genes: CAV-1 rs1997623 (OR = 1.44 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.86)), CAV-1 rs11773845, 22375-22375 del AC, and CAV-1 rs3807992. No significant association was found for CAV-1 rs926198 (OR = 1.61 (95% CI: 0.89-2.92)), and 22285 C>T. Caveolin mRNA level was increased in the cases of metabolic syndrome. CAV-1 rs1997623 A allele changes the transcription factor binding site to increase the attachment of EBF1.

Conclusions: This results in the enhancement of promoter activity and further transcription of the caveolin-1 gene. In conclusion, individuals carrying minor alleles for the CAV-1 gene might have an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. With future studies focusing on the matter, this gene can be used as a screening tool for metabolic health to detect individuals with a higher genetic susceptibility to metabolic syndrome.

Background: Many studies have investigated the effects of exercise and chlorogenic acid in controlling and improving diabetes and reducing inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance exercise and chlorogenic acid on oxidative and nitrosative stress indicators in skeletal muscle tissue of male C57BL/6 mice.

Methods: A total of 35 mice were randomly divided into two groups: a high-fat diet group to induce pre-diabetes and a normal diet group. After inducing pre-diabetes, mice in the high-fat diet group were further divided into control, chlorogenic acid, endurance training, and endurance training + chlorogenic acid groups (n = 7). The exercise protocol was performed incrementally (speed 15-23 m/min) for 10 weeks (three sessions per week for 45 min) on a treadmill. Chlorogenic acid was administered at a rate of 110 mg/kg of body weight three times a week via gavage. Next, 24 hours after the last intervention, tissue samples were taken from the quadriceps femoris muscles and analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett's post-hoc test at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results: Endurance training significantly decreased glutathione (P = 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.026). Chlorogenic acid consumption also significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.007) and significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.011).

Conclusion: Endurance training and chlorogenic acid supplementation may be used as therapeutic strategies to improve antioxidant capacity and prevent or reduce diabetes-related complications.

Background: Fampridine is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to improve their movement and has exhibited a clinically significant improvement in gait function in a subset of MS patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (ESDSS) from 4 to 7. Nevertheless, this drug has been reported to possess some adverse effects (AEs) like seizure because of its pharmacological features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of post-medication side effects (SEs) of fampridine in MS patients.

Methods: This prospective cohort study includes MS patients aged between 18 and 65 years, referred to the neurology clinic of Kashani Hospital from April 2022 to October 2022, all with administration of fampridine (10 mg tablet twice daily according to the product specifications). Safety in these patients was monitored through monthly SEs checklist questions during 6 months of screening. SPSS version 18 was used to analyze the data of this study.

Results: From 319 participants screened at baseline, 254 patients with MS, including 127 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), 101 secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), and 26 primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), were included in the study. The most observed AEs in SPMS and RRMS patients were dry mouth (13.9% vs. 15%) and insomnia (12.9% vs. 11%), respectively. Urinary tract infection (UTI) (11.5%) and stomachache (11.5%) were the most common SEs in PPMS patients. The most severe complication of the patients was back pain, while digestive complications were less severe. Also, insomnia and UTI were the patients' most persistent SEs.

Conclusions: The drug seems to be safe and well tolerated, as the SEs were mild and transient and they were consistent with most of the previous studies focusing on this medication.

Background: The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption on male sex hormones in humans.

Methods: We conducted searches on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar from June 2020 to June 2022. We included observational studies (cohorts, case-controls, and cross-sectional studies) comparing FSH, LH, or testosterone levels in alcohol consumers versus non-consumers. Subgroup analysis based on alcohol intake levels was conducted to explore potential heterogeneity sources. The meta-analysis was done by STATA version 11. Seventeen studies met the criteria.

Results: Combining data from these studies, the standardized mean differences for FSH, LH, and testosterone in alcohol-exposed versus non-exposed groups were -0.00 (95% CI: -0.099-0.099), 0.04 (95% CI: 0.00-0.12), and 0.03 (95% CI: -0.11-0.16), respectively, showing no statistical significance. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant difference in FSH levels between moderate/high and low alcohol consumption groups (-0.04, 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.00). Similarly, compared to non-exposed individuals, testosterone levels differed significantly in groups with moderate (0.22, 95% CI: 0.12-0.32) and low (0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.35) alcohol intake. Given the notable alterations observed in testosterone levels among individuals with alcohol use disorder and the associated feedback changes in LH levels, it has been concluded that alcohol overuse should be recognized as a factor with destructive effects.

Conclusions: It is suggested that future research includes comprehensive studies to investigate the changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis induced by alcohol consumption.

Background: An accurate assessment of food intake is necessary to monitor nutritional status. However, differences in cultures and dietary habits between communities make it necessary to create culturally specific tools to evaluate food intake. This study aimed to develop and validate a short food frequency questionnaire (SH-FFQ) in Iranian adults.

Methods: This perspective longitudinal study was conducted during four months. A total of 135 healthy adults over 18 years (both of sex) were included. The 24-hour dietary recalls (24-HDRs) (three times per month: A total of 12 numbers) were collected as reference for validation of SH-FFQ. Participants completed two SH-FFQ, once at the end of the fourth month for validity, and the second one week after the first administration for reliability assessing.

Results: Reliability analysis showed that the mean difference between the two SH-FFQs was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). None of the correlation coefficients (r_s) were less than 0.4. There was a substantial or perfect correlation (r > 0.6) in 85.1% and a moderate correlation (r = 0.4-0.6) in 14.9% of food items. For validity assessment, the average values of two SH-FFQ1 and SH-FFQ2 (SH-FFQ) were compared with the average values of 24-HDRs. All of the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of between SH-FFQ and 24-HDRs were equal to or greater than 0.4 (except one item). Moderate correlation (ICC = 0.4-0.6) and substantial or perfect correlation (ICC > 0.6) were observed in 38.3% and 59.6% of food items, respectively.

Conclusions: The current study showed that the developed SH-FFQ is reliable and valid in Iranian adults. This developed SH-FFQ can be used in nutritional assessments.

Background: Work-family balance has emerged as one of the influencing factors for the physical and mental health of working mothers and their children.

Aims: The present study aimed to understand the experiences and perspectives of working mothers on maternity leave and return to work after childbirth. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in three major cities in southeastern Iran.

Methods: Working mothers who had at least one live birth during the 3 years prior to the survey, aged between 18 and 49 years, and living with their husbands were enrolled using a consecutive sampling method. The sampling framework consisted of all government workplaces that had at least 30 female employees. Using a validated anonymous questionnaire consisting of demographic and attitude variables, we assessed the working mothers' experiences and perspectives regarding the quantity and nature of the last maternity leave and how supportive their workplace was. Descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages were used. To compare categorical variables between groups, the Chi-square test was used. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.

Results: A total of 900 female employees were invited to participate in the study, and finally, 741 valid questionnaires were analyzed. More than 21% of them reported that the office had changed their position or type of work after returning to work. Women with higher position jobs reported a higher husband's support for baby care (P = 0.03). Almost 51% of mothers agreed their workplace allowed them to use breastfeeding breaks, which was less evident in nurses (P = 0.001). Nearly 86% of them stated that mothering duties are much more important than job-related responsibilities.

Conclusions: Our study identified areas of consideration for investing in family-friendly workplace policies in Iran.

Background: Aging is caused by the progressive accumulation of various changes in the body, which is associated with an increase in free radicals and oxidative stress (OS). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of caloric restriction (CR) and quercetin (QUER) in alleviating OS in aging and the involvement of the NAD (P) H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)/SIRT1 signaling pathway in these effects.

Methods: Two age groups of male Wistar rats (eight and 20 weeks of age) were included in the study and subdivided into normal diet (ND), ND with QUER (15 mg Kg^-1, IP), ND with CR, and ND with QUER and CR groups. The activities of catalase (CAT), paraoxonase (PON1), liver enzymes and lipid profiles, and the expression of SIRT1 and NQO1 genes were analyzed using the desired methods.

Results: We showed higher liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]), increased atherogenic lipids, and reduced PON1 activity in 20-week-old rats compared with eight-week-old rats, and the administration of QUER and CR restored these values to the normal range. The expression of NQO1 and SIRT1 is also affected by CR and QUER. CR alone and in combination with QUER significantly raised the expression of the NQO1 and SIRT1 genes. This effect was notable in SIRT1.

Conclusions: QUER and CR together improved the detrimental effects of aging by modulating antioxidant signaling pathways, suggesting this combination is a complementary therapeutic regime for aging and age-related diseases.

Background: Climate change poses significant threats to the health and safety of communities worldwide. Extreme weather events can disrupt critical infrastructure and overwhelm emergency medical services (EMS) systems. As the frequency and intensity of these climate-related disasters continue to increase, it is essential that EMS organizations develop robust strategies to enhance their resilience. One important step in building climate-resilient EMS systems is the development of comprehensive assessment tools. Developing a comprehensive tool for assessing the resilience of EMS in the face of climate change.

Methods: This research employs an applied, mixed-methods approach to investigate the development and validation of the Emergency Medical Services Resilience Assessment (EMSRA) tool. The study will be executed across four key phases: (a) A scoping review will be conducted to identify the global dimensions and components of EMS systems that demonstrate resilience to the impacts of climate change. (b) A qualitative study, involving semistructured interviews, will be undertaken to explore the specific dimensions and components of EMS resilience within the Iranian context. (c) Based on the findings from the scoping review and qualitative inquiry, assessment items related to EMS resilience in climate change will be extracted and synthesized to develop a pilot version of the EMSRA tool. (d) The pilot EMSRA tool will undergo a rigorous process of quantitative and qualitative validation, including an evaluation of its psychometric properties, to assess the resilience of EMS systems in the face of climate-related challenges.

Conclusions: The development of EMSRA tool will enable the assessment and enhancement of climate change resilience within the national and provincial EMS systems, providing critical data to inform evidence-based strategies and plans for strengthening EMS against the impacts of severe climate changes.