Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017

A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administrative units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic

Evaluation of Cell-mediated Immune Response in PBMCs of Calves Vaccinated by Capri Pox Vaccines Using ELISA and Real-time RT-PCR

Background: The analysis of antigen-specific cytokine expression has been considered to evaluate the immune responses and vaccines efficacy in recent years. The aim of this study was to compare the cell-mediated immune response characteristics of two Capri pox virus (CaPV) vaccines against lumpy skin disease in cattle. Materials and Methods: Two Capri pox virus vaccines were administered to dairy cows of two farms and followed up to 5 weeks post vaccination. These vaccines were live attenuated Goat pox virus (GTP) Gorgan strain (n=20) and Sheep pox virus (SPP) Romanian strain (n=20). Cell-mediated immune response of vaccinated calves was evaluated using in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-g and IL-4 release assay after stimulation with recall vaccine strains, and in vivo cytokine expression in PBMCs by real-time PCR. Results: Lymphocyte proliferation in GTP- and SPP-vaccinated groups began to increase till reached to its peak at third week post vaccination and then decreased in the weeks thereafter. Stimulation index in stimulated PBMCs in GTP-vaccinated calves was higher than SPP-vaccinated calves in all weeks, which indicated higher levels of immunogenicity produced by the GTP-vaccine in cattle. Also, in both vaccinated groups the peak release of IFN-g and IL-4 proteins in cultured PBMCs in response to recall antigen was detected at week 3 post vaccination. Although the mean of the cytokine release in GTP-vaccinated calves was higher than SPP-vaccinated calves in all weeks of experiment, a significant difference was only observed at week 3 post vaccination (P<0.05). In contrast, the IFN-g mRNA expression in PBMCs of vaccinated groups was induced early, peaked at week 1 post vaccination and decreased in the weeks thereafter, and this rate was higher in GTP-vaccinated calves compared with SPP-vaccinated calves in all weeks, but the significant difference was only found at week 3 post vaccination (P<0.05). However, the IL-4 mRNA expression showed delayed induction and peaked at week 3, and unlike the SPP group, it remained at this level in GTP group, until the end of experiment. Also this rate of expression in GTP-vaccinated calves was higher than SPP-vaccinated calves in all weeks and had a significant increase at week 5 post vaccination (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings show that due to induction of high level cell-mediated immune response in live attenuated GTP vaccine compared to SPP vaccine, GTP vaccine has a good immunogenic response, and therefore can be a better choice for vaccination against lumpy skin disease

Trait mindfulness, reasons for living and general symptom severity as predictors of suicide probability in males with substance abuse or dependence.

The aim of this study was to evaluate suicide probability in Iranian males with substance abuse or dependence disorder and to investigate the predictors of suicide probability based on trait mindfulness, reasons for living and severity of general psychiatric symptoms.Participants were 324 individuals with substance abuse or dependence in an outpatient setting and prison. Reasons for living questionnaire, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale and Suicide probability Scale were used as instruments. Sample was selected based on convenience sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS.The life-time prevalence of suicide attempt in the outpatient setting was35% and it was 42% in the prison setting. Suicide probability in the prison setting was significantly higher than in the outpatient setting (

Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors in South Khorasan province in 2016 and 2021

Background and Aims: Nowadays, considering lifestyle changes and epidemiological transitions, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and related risk factors have become one of the most important health priorities. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its related risk factors in South Khorasan province in 2016 and 2021. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study which was a part of the national Stepwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) plan of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, adults >18 years old living in South Khorasan province were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the National Survey questionnaire on risk factors for non-communicable diseases (ecological information, behavioral, physical, and biological assessments) by the questioning team under the supervision of the authors of the Health Department of the Birjand University of Medical Sciences and were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (Chi-square test) in SPSS software (version 16). Results: The prevalence of hypertension in 2016 was 25.4%, and in 2021 it increased to 36.4%. Although the percentage increased in patients' awareness, the percentage of coverage of effective treatment has decreased from 39.8% to 27.4%. The prevalence of behavioral risk factors has decreased over a 5-year period, and the prevalence of physical risk factors (except overweight) has increased. The percentage of using salt has decreased; however, it is still higher than the national average, and the proper consumption of fruits and vegetables is lower than the national average. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in South Khorasan province is increasing, resulting from a gradual increase in physical risk factors and a lack of a healthy diet. Therefore, considering the common risk factors, it seems necessary to adopt preventive policies and interventions and follow the required treatments

Evaluation of cell proliferation and interleukine-4 and interferon γ level measurement in Balb/c mice with experimental fibrosarcoma tumor by combination of Gp96-tumor peptide and naloxon

(Received 22 Aug, 2008; Accepted 24 Sep, 2008) Abstract Background and purpose: In spite of the increasing progress in tumor treatment by current methods like surgery, chemotherapy and etc, medical sciences are unable to treat tumors. In this respect, immunology has opened a new window for tumor treatment; nowadays tumor immunotherapy is an accepted strategy for treatment of some tumors at least in some animal models. The goal of this study is the evaluation of immunotherapy using gp96- tumor peptide complex and its combination with naloxon as an opioid receptor antagonist to achieve of cellular immunity against tumorsMaterials and methods: In this study firstly, gp96 – tumor peptide complexes were purified from WEHI164 cells line using srivastava method. In the next stage, the mice, made tumoric befor by the injection of tumor cells, then were divided in to four groups. Control group were injected by PBS, test group1 were injected by naloxon, test group2 were injected by gp96 – tumor peptide complex and test group3 were injected by combination of naloxon and gp96 – tumor peptide complex. To evaluation the efficacy of vaccination, after several days, tumor volume was recorded; then the mice were killed and the spleanic cells were extracted in sterile condition. MTT test was done for cells proliferation study. Supernatant of cultured cells were collected and assayed by ELISA kits for measuring IL-4 and IFN-γ.Results: Result of protein purification had showen , purified gp96 Isoform has Molecular Weight of 66 kilo dalton.Results of tumor volume had shown that, there is no significant difference between test and control groups. Results of MTT test had shown that, there is no significant difference between test and control groups. IL-4 assay study had showed that, there is no significant difference between test group1, group2 and control group but test group3 has significantly decreased in IL-4 amount when compared with control group. Results of IFN-γ assay showed that, there is no significant difference between test group1 and control group, but test group2 and group3 has significantly increased in IFN-γ amount when compared with control group.Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study is that, prophylactic immunotherapy of tumor by combination of gp96-tumor peptide complex and naloxon, can increase IFN-γ, and, probably in a higher dosage, it may stimulate immune system more to become more potent to even decrease tumor volume. J Mazand Univ Med Sci 2008; 18(66): 1-9 (Persian

The Iranian blood pressure measurement campaign, 2019: study protocol and preliminary results

Purpose Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for premature mortality and morbidity in Iran. The objective of the Iranian blood pressure (BP) measurement campaign was to identify individuals with raised blood pressure and providing appropriate care and increase the awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of tackling hypertension. Methods The campaign was conducted in two phases. The first (communication) phase started on May 17th (International Hypertension Day). The second phase started on June 8th, 2019, and lasted up to July 7th during which, blood pressures were measured. The target population was Iranians aged >= 30 years. Participants voluntarily referred to health houses in rural and health posts and comprehensive health centers in urban areas in the setting of the Primary Health Care network. Additionally, over 13,700 temporary stations were set up in highly visited places in urban areas. Volunteer healthcare staff interviewed the participants, measured their BP, and provided them with lifestyle advice and knowledge of the risks and consequences of high blood pressure. They referred participants to physicians in case their BP was high. Participants immediately received a text message containing the relevant advice based on their measured BP and their past history. Results Blood pressure was measured for a total of 26,678,394 participants in the campaign. A total of 13,722,148 participants (51.4%) were female. The mean age was 46 +/- 14.1 years. Among total participants, 15,012,693 adults (56.3%) with no past history of hypertension had normal BP, 7,959,288 participants had BP in the prehypertension range (29.8%), and finally, 3,706,413 participants (13.9%) had either past medical history of hypertension, used medications, or had high BP measured in the campaign. Conclusion The campaign was feasible with the objective to increase the awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of tackling hypertension in Iran

Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1–4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5–8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 × 5-km2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children

MAPPING LOCAL PATTERNS OF CHILDHOOD OVERWEIGHT AND WASTING IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES BETWEEN 2000 AND 2017

A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administrative units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic