BioMed Research International最新文献

{"title":"Smokers' Behavior and Perceptions in the Face of Increased Availability of Tobacco Harm Reduction Products in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.","authors":"Abdul Hameed, Daud Malik","doi":"10.1155/bmri/3735027","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/3735027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global tobacco crisis claims between 8 million lives annually with most of the 1.3 billion tobacco smokers being from low- and middle-income countries, further emphasizing health disparities. Pakistan has a high burden of tobacco-related illnesses, and it is among the 15 countries. Nonetheless, no national survey has been conducted in Pakistan to monitor the use of tobacco among adults since 2014 to measure tobacco reduction efforts. As a response to the harm reduction demand across the country, the cross-sectional survey was carried out on 405 adult smokers within Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Data was collected using a structured and validated questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression, respectively. The research identifies the essential variables affecting smoking cessation and adoption of THR, the importance of such demographic factors as age, education, and smoking intensity. The age factor was very significant since every extra year was combined with a 6.2% reduction of the probability of using THR (<i>β</i> = -0.062, 95% CI: -0.091 to -0.032, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Education was also positively influential in such a way that every next higher degree of education would raise the likelihood of using THR by 8.7% (<i>β</i> = 0.087, 95% CI: -0.013 to 0.161, <i>p</i> < 0.002). The employment status had a slight, but significant impact with the employed status raising the chances of using THR product usage by 43.3% (<i>β</i> = 0.433, 95% CI: -0.069 to 0.935, <i>p</i> < 0.009). The cigarette per day consumption became a significant predictor as an extra cigarette smoked raised the chances of using THR product by 6.8% (<i>β</i> = 0.068, 95% CI: -0.030 to 0.105, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Yet, one of the most significant information deficiencies between users of THR products is the reason why they often relapse into the habit of smoking once again. There is no difference in the age groups in terms of the perception of the safety of THR products, which makes it necessary to implement even more complex educational and awareness programs. Although age, education, and the intensity of smoking are all predictors of THR use and adoption, smoking duration and THR adoption showed no statistically significant correlation. On the whole, the paper is valuable in understanding the factors that will contribute to smoking cessation and adoption of harm reduction products in Pakistan.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3735027"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12949362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pyroptosis Plays a Key Role Through Macrophages in Primary Biliary Cholangitis of Mice.","authors":"Lin-Xiang Huang, Zi-Long Wang, Xiao-Xiao Wang, Zi-Xuan Qiu, Jia-Rui Zheng, Rui Jin, Bo Feng","doi":"10.1155/bmri/5563223","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/5563223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune intrahepatic cholestatic disease with both environmental and genetic participation. In this study, we aim to investigate the involvement of pyroptosis in PBC mice based on prior bioinformatic analysis of PBC patients and explore the immune cell populations potentially involved.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the GSE119600 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which includes whole-blood samples from PBC patients (<i>n</i> = 90) and non-liver disease CTRs (<i>n</i> = 47). The bioinformatic analysis was conducted prior to and in guidance of the subsequent animal experiments. A total of 20 female C57BL/6 mice aged 4-6 months were randomly divided into the PBC group and the control (CTR) group. The PBC model was induced by two doses of 2-nonynoic acid (2OA-BSA) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I: C) for a total of 12 weeks. The pyroptosis pathway was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescent (IF) staining and flow cytometry were performed on liver samples from PBC mice to assess the pyroptosis pathway and distinct immune cell populations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Toll-like receptor and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways were identified in blood samples of PBC patients in KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In the PBC mouse model, the pyroptosis pathway was found to be upregulated by qRT-PCR (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and Western blotting (0.7786 ± 0.1371, <i>p</i> < 0.001). IHC staining revealed increased GSDMD and Casp1 expression in PBC mice, and macrophages were identified as the main cell type expressing gasdermin D (GSDMD) by IF staining. Flow cytometry showed a decrease in the percentage of M2 macrophages (6.10 ± 2.12 vs. 3.24 ± 0.93, <i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pyroptosis plays a key role in PBC patients and 2OA-BSA induced PBC mice, with macrophages possibly serving as important executors. Inhibition of the pyroptosis pathway might be a potential target for the future treatment of PBC.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5563223"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12942079/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Biofilms in Cystic Fibrosis: Interactions, Methods, and Therapeutic Strategies.","authors":"Luis Ángel Núñez-García, Carlos Córdova-Fletes, María Carmen Barboza-Cerda, Elvira Garza-González","doi":"10.1155/bmri/5328382","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/5328382","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review explores the role of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> biofilms in cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogenesis. Biofilms, the main bacterial lifestyle in CF lungs, are key in therapy failure, immune evasion, and chronic infection persistence. This review examines biofilm structure, emphasizing extracellular polymeric substances (Psl, Pel, alginate, eDNA) and their roles in structural stability, resistance to antibiotics, and immune modulation. Regulatory mechanisms, including c-di-GMP signaling and quorum-sensing systems, are detailed as key drivers of biofilm formation and maintenance. The review also highlights polymicrobial interactions, particularly with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Candida</i> spp., and <i>Aspergillus</i> spp., and commensal bacteria, illustrating how interaction dynamics shape microbial behavior, virulence, and treatment outcomes. Methods for studying biofilms in CF-like conditions, such as advanced in vitro models and transcriptomic analyses, are outlined for their relevance in replicating the complex lung environment. Emerging antibiofilm strategies, including matrix-disrupting enzymes, quorum-sensing inhibitors, bacteriophage therapies, and nanomedicine, are discussed as promising tools to combat biofilm resilience. The review underscores the need for innovative therapeutic approaches and a deeper understanding of microbial and host interactions to improve clinical outcomes in CF patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5328382"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12942083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 (NOS2) Gene Polymorphisms Association With Risk of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB): A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Ebrahim Alijani, Mahboobeh Sabeti Akbar-Abad, Hossein Shahriari, Fatemeh Keykha, Mahdi Majidpour, Michael Faqih, Mohsen Taheri, Mahdi Atabaki","doi":"10.1155/bmri/6656158","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/6656158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating a deeper understanding of genetic factors influencing susceptibility. This study investigates the association between five specific polymorphisms in the nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) genes (rs7215373, rs2297518, rs2274894, rs1800482, and rs9282799) and the risk of developing PTB.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Utilizing a case-control design, we analyzed genetic samples from 150 PTB patients and 150 matched healthy controls. Genotyping was conducted using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) methods. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests, were performed to assess the associations between NOS2 polymorphisms and PTB risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings indicate that the rs7215373 and rs2274894 polymorphisms had no significant association with the risk of PTB. rs2297518 in the allelic model significantly reduced the risk by 0.50 against the occurrence of PTB (<i>p</i> = 0.041). rs1800482 polymorphism in the Codominant 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.041), recessive (<i>p</i> = 0.043), and allelic (<i>p</i> = 0.007) models reduced the risk of PTB by 0.85, 0.80, and 0.75, respectively. However, our results in examining the rs9282799 polymorphism showed that, contrary to previous results, the Codominant 1 (<i>p</i> = 0.009), dominant (<i>p</i> = 0.005), overdominant (<i>p</i> = 0.012), and allelic (<i>p</i> = 0.004) models increased the risk of PTB by 3.80, 3.75, 3.78, and 3.49, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results suggest that specific NOS2 gene polymorphisms may play a role in modulating the immune response to <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for PTB risk assessment. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore the implications for targeted prevention strategies in high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6656158"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12935765/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Schoolchildren at Mikara Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Gebre Ayanaw Alula, Yideg Abinew","doi":"10.1155/bmri/8017454","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/8017454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems with a wide global distribution and are associated with significant diseases and death, especially in preschool-aged and school-aged children. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of IPIs and at identifying related risk factors among schoolchildren enrolled at Mikara Primary School in Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024. A total of 363 schoolchildren participated in the study, selected through stratified random sampling. Data on risk factors for IPIs were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were obtained and analyzed by direct wet mounting and sedimentation methods. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess possible relationships between the dependent and independent variables. In this study, the overall prevalence of IPIs was 40.5% (147 out of 363 participants), and seven different species of intestinal parasites were identified. <i>Entamoeba histolytica/disar</i> was the most common species, with a prevalence of 10.7%, followed by <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (8.8%), <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> (8.5%), hookworm (7.2%), <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> (4.1%), and Taenia spp. (2.8%) and <i>Enterobius vermicularis</i> (1.7%). The probability of having an IPI was higher in men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR = 2.02]), children under 9 years of age (AOR = 3.22), individuals practicing open defecation (AOR = 3.2), those who relied on stream or river water as their main source of drinking water (AOR = 4.2), and participants who did not wash their hands before eating (AOR = 3.65). The occurrence of IPIs among study participants was notably high. Therefore, relevant stakeholders should design and implement evidence-based intervention measures to effectively prevent and control IPIs throughout the study area, placing a particular focus on targeted health education and awareness campaigns for schoolchildren and their parents.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8017454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12935759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Scannable Healing Abutment Type on the Accuracy of Implant Impression.","authors":"Han Na Lee, Yeon-Kyung Park, Ji Suk Shim, Jeong-Yol Lee","doi":"10.1155/bmri/1061741","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/1061741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objectives of this study are to determine whether scannable healing abutment (SHA) geometry affects implant-impression accuracy compared with conventional scan bodies (SBs) and to assess the effect of a detachable cap on SHA accuracy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Three partially edentulous mandibular models were fabricated, each with two implants at the right second premolar and first molar, corresponding to three implant systems: IS-III active (Neobiotech), TS-III (Osstem), and Bright tissue level (Dentium). For each system, scans were obtained with SBs and SHAs; in the Bright system, a detachable-cap SHA (SHAC-B) was additionally tested. The seven groups were SB-I, SB-T, SB-B, SHA-I, SHA-T, SHA-B, and SHAC-B (<i>n</i> = 10 scans per group). Reference datasets were acquired with a laboratory scanner (inEos X5), and intraoral scans were obtained with an intraoral scanner (Primescan, Dentsply Sirona). Implants were reconstructed in exocad Dental CAD 2.2 and analyzed in Geomagic Control X after best fit alignment to adjacent teeth. Outcomes were 3D linear and implant angular deviations. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared SBs with SHAs within each system and SHA-B with SHAC-B; differences among SHA-I, SHA-T, and SHA-B were assessed with Kruskal-Wallis tests and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons (<i>α</i> = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>3D linear deviations were < 70 <i>μ</i>m for all groups except SHAC-B. For 3D linear deviation, <i>p</i> values (second premolar, first molar) were 0.017, 0.139 (SB-I vs. SHA-I); 0.005, 0.013 (SB-T vs. SHA-T); and 0.241, 0.169 (SB-B vs. SHA-B). Corresponding angular <i>p</i> values were 0.005, 0.005; 0.005, 0.005; and 0.074, 0.017, respectively. In the Bright system, adding a cap (SHA-B vs. SHAC-B) reduced accuracy (linear 0.009, 0.037; angular 0.005, 0.005). Among SHA groups, differences occurred only at the second premolar, where SHA-B differed from SHA-I and SHA-T; no differences were observed at the first molar.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SHA geometry influenced implant-impression accuracy, yet deviations were generally within clinically acceptable ranges. Cap application reduced accuracy, highlighting the need to optimize cap design and connection.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1061741"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12936411/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utilization of Information Communication Technology and Its Associated Factors Among Healthcare Professionals: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, in the Resource-Limited Setting.","authors":"Adamu Ambachew Shibabaw, Fikadu Wake Butta, Alex Ayenew Chereka, Yosef Haile Gebreariam, Gemeda Wakgari Kitil, Daniel Niguse Mamo","doi":"10.1155/bmri/1329276","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/1329276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The term \"information and communication technologies\" encompasses a broad array of digital and electronic devices that facilitate the sharing, processing, transmission, and communication of health information and knowledge.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A search of the literature was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, HINARI, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journal Online, and Global Health. Search engines were used to locate studies that adhered to the PRISMA Protocols. STATA Version 11 was used for analysis, with heterogeneity assessed using the Cochrane Qtest, <i>p</i> values, and <i>I</i> ² statistics. The meta-analysis showed no significant heterogeneity for pooled information and communication technologies utilization prevalence, prompting the use of a fixed-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using forest plots, and funnel plot asymmetry and the Egger regression test were used to evaluate publication bias.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 18,924 publications reviewed, 10 studies with 4,171 health workers met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Informationprevalence was found to be 41.92% (95% CI: 33.47, 50.37). Knowledge of ICT 4.47 times (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 2.69, 7.42), ICT training 3.43 times (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI: 2.11, 5.57), educational status 2.84 times (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.80, 4.47), basic computer skills 2.99 times (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.89, 17.11), attitudes 7.07 times (AOR = 7.07, 95% CI: 2.89, 17.11), computer access 7.15 times (AOR = 7.15, 95% CI: 4.66, 10.97), and urban residents 10 times (AOR = 10.00, 0.29, 347.80) were found to be associated with information and communication technology utilization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The utilization of Ethiopia is low, highlighting the necessity for government investment in training for the effective use of these technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1329276"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12930299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147301202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Utilization and Predictors of Surgical Site Infections at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Yared Andargie Ferede, Muluken Adela Alemu, Samuel Berihun Dagnew, Tilaye Arega Moges, Achenef Bogale Kassie, Woretaw Sisay Zewdu, Andebet Birhan Mebratie","doi":"10.1155/bmri/6612112","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/6612112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major postoperative complication, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia. Despite evidence-based guidelines, inappropriate surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) remains common. This study is aimed at assessing SAP utilization patterns, SSI prevalence, and associated factors at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cohort study was conducted among 342 surgical patients from February 1 to May 30, 2025. Adherence of SAP was assessed based on standard national and international guidelines. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS software Version 27. Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preoperative prophylaxis was administered to 69.3% of patients, although 83.1% received inappropriate antibiotics. Ceftriaxone (50.2%) and its combination with metronidazole (27.4%) were the most commonly used antibiotics. The overall magnitude of SSI was 10.8% (95% CI: 7.5-14.1). Elective surgery (AOR = 0.57), absence of comorbidities (AOR = 0.13), and appropriate SAP use (AOR = 0.67) were associated with reduced odds of developing SSI. In contrast, procedures lasting 2-3 h (AOR = 4.21) or more than 3 h (AOR = 5.26), contaminated (AOR = 3.42) or dirty wounds (AOR = 9.35), antibiotic prophylaxis administered more than 1-2 h before incision (AOR = 5.34), and postoperative SAP duration exceeding 72 h (AOR = 5.63) were linked to an increased risk of SSIs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SSIs are still a significant burden at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Strengthening adherence to SAP guidelines is essential to reduce infections and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6612112"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12932327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147302099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Link Between <i>VDR</i> Gene rs7975232 Polymorphism and Benign Proliferative Breast Disease in Ukrainian Population.","authors":"Olha Obukhova, Mykola Kyrychenko, Ivan Lukavenko, Viktoriia Yu Harbuzova","doi":"10.1155/bmri/5536121","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/5536121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>The aim: </strong>We are aimed at examining the potential link between the <i>VDR</i> gene polymorphism rs7975232 and the occurrence of benign breast disease in the Ukrainian population.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>One hundred and six patients with BBD and 221 control subjects were enrolled in this case-control study. PCR-RFLP was used for <i>VDR</i> gene rs7975232 genotyping. SPSS software package (Version 25.0, IBM, USA) was used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a research relationship between the rs7975232 polymorphism and BPBD and other influencing factors as family history burden, predisposing factors, and blood estradiol levels, smoking, gynecological pathology, hormone intake, goiter, or mastodynia. In individuals younger than 40, heterozygotes have a higher BPBD risk compared with both homozygotes (<i>p</i> = 0.04), but this risk is not statistically significant after adjusting for BMI (<i>p</i> = 0.16). Conversely, for those aged 40 and above, heterozygotes have a lower BPBD risk compared with both homozygotes (<i>p</i> = 0.036), and this significant association remains after BMI adjustment (<i>p</i> = 0.012); additionally, recessive allele homozygotes have a higher BPBD risk compared wiht major allele carriers post-BMI adjustment (<i>p</i> = 0.033).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Obtained data suggested that rs7975232 polymorphism of the <i>VDR</i> gene can be a possible genetic marker for the development of benign proliferative breast disease in the Ukrainian population.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5536121"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12927896/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147281975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence and Determinants of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections Among Pregnant Women Attending Debark General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Gebre Ayanaw Alula, Shegasew Tesema","doi":"10.1155/bmri/6510690","DOIUrl":"10.1155/bmri/6510690","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viral hepatitis, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV), remains a major public health concern among pregnant women due to the risk of vertical transmission and severe maternal and neonatal complications. HBV and HCV infections are characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence and identifying determinants of HBV, HCV, and HBV-HCV coinfection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Debark General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of venous blood were obtained from each participant to detect HBV antigens and HCV antibodies. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive and logistic regression models. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, and logistic regression identified independent infection predictors. Variables with <i>p</i> ≤ 0.25 in univariate analysis entered the multivariate model, and <i>p</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total seroprevalence of HBV infection was 5.9%, HCV infection 2.3%, and coinfection with HBV-HCV 1.2%. HBV infection was significantly associated with a history of sharp object injuries, contact with a person infected with HBV, and prior receipt of blood transfusions. HCV infection was significantly associated with sharp object injuries, having multiple sexual partners, and a history of blood transfusion, while HBV-HCV coinfection was associated with multiple sexual partnerships and contact with infected individuals. These results indicate that HBV and HCV remain major public health concerns among pregnant women in Debark. To reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity, routine antenatal screening, expanded coverage of HBV vaccination, adherence to safe medical and injection practices, and targeted evidence-based health education are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":9007,"journal":{"name":"BioMed Research International","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6510690"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12929633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147302175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}