Health Science Reports最新文献

Background and Aims

Necrotizing periodontal diseases (NPDs) represent a significant yet neglected burden in sub-Saharan Africa, often exacerbated by poverty, malnutrition, HIV, and limited access to oral healthcare. Despite their public health relevance, financing mechanisms supporting their prevention and control in African settings are limited. This scoping review aimed to identify and map existing literature on the financing of NPD prevention and control in Africa and to highlight implications for global oral health policy, research, and practice.

Methods

This scoping review adhered to the step-by-step approach of Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, AMED, CINAHL Ultimate, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, APA PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Regional Business News, and APA PsycInfo. Keywords related to the financing of NPD prevention and control in Africa were used. Articles were imported into Rayyan for deduplication and screened through title and abstract review based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 63 studies were identified, and 25 duplicate records were removed on Rayyan. Following the deduplication process, the remaining 38 studies were subjected to title/abstract screening, and no study was selected for full-text review or subsequent analysis since the inclusion requirements were not fulfilled.

Conclusion

This empty scoping review provides valuable insights into the current state of global oral health financing by highlighting a critical gap in the literature related to the prevention and control of NPDs in Africa. The absence of eligible studies underscores the lack of focused research and policy attention on financing strategies for NPD-related interventions in low-resource settings. This gap presents a missed opportunity to inform effective, context-specific, and sustainable approaches to managing a neglected yet burdensome group of oral diseases.

Background

Mosquito-borne viruses represent a significant public health concern globally, with rising incidence rates leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding mosquito-borne viruses, focusing on their geographic distribution, clinical impact, diagnostic challenges, treatment options, and existing research gaps.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 2000 to the present were included, focusing on peer-reviewed articles related to mosquito-borne viruses. Data extraction and synthesis followed a structured methodology, assessing both the quality of included studies and the themes relevant to mosquito-borne viruses.

Results

The review revealed significant geographic expansion of mosquito-borne viruses, facilitated by climate change and urbanization, affecting regions previously considered low risk. Clinical manifestations varied widely, with vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, being at higher risk for severe outcomes. Diagnostic methods, while improving, faced limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Treatment primarily focused on symptomatic relief, with limited antiviral options currently available. Notable gaps in research were identified, particularly in the development of effective vaccines and rapid diagnostic tools.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated public health strategies to combat mosquito-borne viruses. Enhancing surveillance systems, improving diagnostic capabilities, expanding treatment options, and fostering vaccine development are critical steps. Addressing the identified research gaps will help mitigate the impacts of mosquito-borne viruses on global health.

Background and Aims

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common concern in pediatric healthcare. Although extensive literature exists on the use of herbal medicine for pediatric RTIs, no bibliometric analysis has been conducted to date. This study aims to employ bibliometric methods to evaluate the current research landscape in this field and to guide future investigations.

Methods

We systematically retrieved literature on herbal medicine for pediatric RTIs from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). After screening according to predefined eligibility criteria, 108 articles published between January 2002 and December 2024 were included in the bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace.

Results

Publications in this field have shown fluctuating growth over time. China and Germany emerged as the top contributing countries, with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Wolfgang Kamin being the most productive institution and author, respectively. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published the highest number of papers, while the Journal of Ethnopharmacology received the most citations. Research themes primarily focused on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of herbal medicine for pediatric RTIs. Key findings highlighted Pelargonium sidoides as the most extensively studied herb, acute bronchitis as the predominant condition, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the main pathogen, and the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling pathway as a pivotal therapeutic target. Recent studies have identified network pharmacology and nanoparticle biosynthesis as promising areas for future research in this field.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of herbal medicine for pediatric RTIs. Research in this field is still in its developmental stage. There is a pressing need for enhanced international collaboration to facilitate high-quality research that can further uncover the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine.

Background and Aims

Wound healing is a crucial aspect of clinical outcomes following surgical procedures. Various physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors impact healing time and quality.

Methods

This review is based on the latest experimental findings pertaining to surgical wound management and healing, based on a PubMed search of experiments from the last 5 years. Topics of interest were infection control, nutrition, radiation-induced skin injury (RSI), and closed-incisional negative pressure wound therapy (CiNPWT). The study mainly assesses wound healing by primary intention and focuses on easily implemented therapies.

Results

403 articles were screened regarding infection prevention with 336 excluded based on title and preview of content. 67 abstracts were further reviewed which yielded 32 articles for analysis. Overall, povidone-iodine is shown to improve the rate of wound healing and helps minimize complications such as infections or wound dehiscence while creating a sterile field due to its antimicrobial properties. It remains a standard of comparison for other anti-infectives. Nutritional factors such as veganism may impair surgical wound healing, whereas maintaining appropriate albumin levels may be protective. Employment of nutritional screenings may improve overall outcomes post-operatively, and oral probiotics improve soft tissue healing after incision, in at least one study. Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® may have applications to improve surgical site healing, since supplementation demonstrates improved perfusion and other favorable metrics. Management of RSI is a field of much exploration, with many topicals shown effective. Recently, hydrogels and even injection of stromal vascular factor show promising results. CiNPWT is found to improve overall surgical outcomes in diverse wounds, and sponge width is an important consideration.

Conclusion

Consideration of the findings discussed, along with their potential combinations and applications, may serve to improve surgical wound healing.

Background and Aims

To investigate the relationship between chronic stress and telomere shortening among individuals experiencing homelessness compared to those in stable housing.

Methods

This pilot study analyzed a nested sample of 13 participants (8 males, 5 females) from a larger cohort of 90 individuals (65 unhoused, 25 housed). Standardized questionnaires assessed health status, while saliva and blood samples measured cortisol levels and telomere length. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between telomere length and predictors such as chronic illnesses, housing stability, and cortisol levels.

Result

Telomere length decreased with age, showing a significant negative correlation with the number of chronic illnesses (r = −0.707, p = 0.007). Obesity also correlated negatively with telomere length (r = −0.543, p = 0.055). Regression analysis revealed that chronic illnesses significantly predicted telomere length (unstandardized coefficient = −9.360, p = 0.015), explaining about 35% of the variance. No significant differences were found in anxiety or cortisol levels between unhoused and housed participants.

Conclusion

Chronic illnesses significantly impact telomere shortening in individuals experiencing homelessness, indicating that chronic stress may accelerate biological aging.

Background and Aims

Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot, venous, and pressure ulcers, remain a major unmet medical challenge due to their prevalence, severity, and the limited efficacy of current treatments. These wounds are inherently multifactorial, requiring simultaneous intervention across all chronicity-inducing factors. Neither medical devices nor single pharmacological agents are sufficient, as they cannot comprehensively address the multiple therapeutic needs. This review aims to propose an integrative therapeutic approach capable of targeting all relevant mechanisms.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was conducted, analyzing over 100 peer-reviewed articles on chronic wound pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies. Sources were identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by manual reference screening. Studies discussing the mechanisms of wound chronicity, as well as drugs and biologics with potential therapeutic activity, were included.

Results

The analysis revealed that current therapeutic options, including devices, drugs, and biologics, address only isolated aspects of chronic wound pathophysiology. No single agent or device is capable of comprehensively targeting all relevant mechanisms. However, evidence suggests that combining already-approved drugs and/or biologics may provide a synergistic effect, simultaneously targeting inflammation, infection, impaired angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and defective tissue remodeling. Importantly, the use of approved components leverages established pharmacological and safety profiles, potentially streamlining development and regulatory approval.

Conclusion

A topical combination product integrating multiple agents offers a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of current treatments. Advances in the understanding of wound pathophysiology and the availability of diverse active molecules create new opportunities to design effective and holistic therapies. Such combination products could transform the management of chronic wounds and represent the next generation of treatment approaches.

Background

Kidney diseases in children present significant health challenges, often leading to complications and reduced quality of life. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy shows promise for pediatric kidney disorders. This review evaluates current evidence on MSC applications in pediatric nephrology, focusing on mechanisms, delivery methods, and outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed preclinical and clinical studies of MSC therapy for pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), glomerular disorders, and Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT), comparing pediatric and adult applications.

Results

MSCs exert therapeutic effects through immunomodulation, tissue regeneration, anti-fibrotic activity, and paracrine mechanisms. Different sources (bone marrow, umbilical cord, adipose) show varying efficacy. Delivery methods significantly impact outcomes: intravenous administration is well-tolerated but limited (2%–5% kidney delivery), while local infusion enhances targeting (10%–20%). Clinical studies show improved renal function: decreased creatinine in AKI, reduced albumin-to-creatinine ratio in CKD, and decreased proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. Pediatric applications differ from adult ones in disease etiology, physiological considerations, therapeutic goals, and safety requirements.

Conclusion

MSC therapy shows promising potential for pediatric kidney disorders, with preliminary evidence supporting safety and efficacy. Challenges remain in optimizing cell sources, standardizing protocols, and establishing long-term safety. Future research should focus on biomarker identification, pediatric-specific models, and protocol standardization.

Background and Aims

Fertility and child mortality are critical public health indicators in India, directly influencing health policy, planning, and intervention effectiveness. The relationship between declining fertility and decreasing child mortality has been widely debated. This study aims to estimate and compare fertility and child mortality rates at the district level using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) rounds 4 and 5, with a focus on understanding regional trends and their implications for health interventions.

Methods

The study investigates four key demographic indicators: Total Fertility Rate (TFR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR). Fertility and child mortality rates were estimated using Bayesian methods, aligned with Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) standards. Fertility rates were computed in two stages: first, birth history data were transformed into table of birth, followed by the calculation of fertility rates through Poisson regression models at the district level.

Results

Between 2015–16 and 2019–21, the number of districts with a TFR below 1.6 increased from 21 to 166, while number of districts with a TFR between 1.6 and 2.1 remained stable at 328. Additionally, the number of districts with an NMR under 10 per 1,000 live births grew from 79 to 140. The study found a strong association between the reduction in child mortality and the decline in fertility rates.

Conclusion

This study suggests that addressing regional variations in fertility and child mortality rates could enhance the effectiveness of health interventions in India. Policymakers should prioritize expanding access to family planning and maternal-child health services. The availability of district-level data will support more targeted and effective health policies tailored to local needs.

Background and Aims

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical, pathological, and imaging features of 471 cases of pilomatrixoma, aiming to enhance clinicians' understanding of pilomatrixoma.

Methods

A total of 471 cases of pilomatrixoma diagnosed and surgically treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 1999 to July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Some cases were also diagnosed through preoperative fine needle aspiration, as well as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Of these 471 patients, 224 (47.6%) were male, and 247 (52.4%) were female. Their ages ranged from 8 months to 90 years, with an average age of 18.2 years. The highest incidence of pilomatrixoma was observed in patients aged between 0 and 10 years, accounting for 46.5% (219/471). The most common site of pilomatrixoma is the face, followed by the neck. The most common area of the face is the parotid gland region, accounting for 24.8% (61/246) of facial cases. Histology and cytopathology revealed that the tumor cells usually consisted of basaloid cells and eosinophilic shadow cells, and inflammatory cells, foreign body giant cells, and calcifications were seen. Additionally, the ultrasonography showed a mass with calcification, a strong echo band, and parenchyma without calcification. The pilomatrixoma should be considered when the tumor presents as soft-tissue density with varying degrees of calcification, well-defined oval or circular nodules on CT, and characteristic reticular and annular hypersignal on T2WI and T2WI + FS on MRI.

Conclusion

Pilomatrixoma is commonly found on the face and neck of adolescent females. Cytopathology, ultrasound, and imaging features can provide clinical clues, and histopathology can make the final diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the preferred treatment.

Background

Pregnancy-related anxiety and fear of childbirth are common in primiparous women and contribute to high cesarean section rates. Few interventions specifically target emotion regulation skills.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a brief, midwife-led, group-based counseling program grounded in Gross's emotion regulation model in reducing pregnancy-related anxiety and fear of childbirth.

Methods

Pragmatic randomized controlled trial in Hamadan, Iran, 2023. Seventy primiparous women (28–33 weeks gestation) were allocated (1:1) to 6 weekly emotion regulation counseling sessions or routine prenatal care. Primary outcomes were post-intervention scores on the Persian Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ) and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire (CAQ), analyzed by ANCOVA adjusting for baseline scores.

Results

Adjusted mean PRAQ scores were 36.65 (SE 2.74) vs. 66.41 (SE 2.74) (adjusted difference –29.76, 95% CI −37.28 to −22.24, Cohen's d = 1.95, p < 0.001). Adjusted mean CAQ scores were 25.51 (SE 1.07) vs. 35.99 (SE 1.07) (adjusted difference −10.48, 95% CI −13.48 to –7.48, Cohen's d = 1.71, p < 0.001). Effects remained robust after adjustment for insurance status.

Conclusion

This brief emotion regulation intervention produced large reductions in pregnancy-related anxiety and fear of childbirth. Findings are preliminary due to single-center design, lack of blinding, and subjective outcomes. Larger multicenter trials with attention controls and long-term follow-up are needed before routine implementation.

Trial Registration: IRCT20230115054147N1.