TNFAIP3 Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Thrombocytopenia: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Iranian Population

ABSTRACT Introduction Thrombocytopenia, particularly immune thrombocytopenic purpura, is a prevalent hematological disorder characterized by low platelet counts, leading to increased bleeding risks. Genetic factors, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, are implicated in its pathogenesis. The TNFAIP3 gene, which encodes a negative regulator of inflammation, has been associated with various autoimmune diseases. This study investigates the association between TNFAIP3 polymorphisms (rs10499194 and rs2230926) and thrombocytopenia in an Iranian population. Methods This cross‐sectional study enrolled a total of 156 participants, including 40 patients diagnosed with non‐immune thrombocytopenia, 38 patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia, and 78 healthy controls. Genotyping of the TNFAIP3 rs10499194 and rs2230926 polymorphisms was done by employing the Tetra‐primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR technique. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups. Results The frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes of the rs10499194 polymorphism in immune thrombocytopenia, non‐immune thrombocytopenia, and healthy individuals were 63.2% ( n  = 24), 21.1% ( n  = 8), 15.8% ( n  = 6) for immune thrombocytopenia; 52.5% ( n  = 21), 27.5% ( n  = 11), and 20% ( n  = 8) for non‐immune thrombocytopenia; and 76.9% ( n  = 60), 10.3% ( n  = 8), and 12.8% ( n  = 10) for healthy individuals, respectively. The CT and TT genotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.5, p  = 0.02 for CT; OR = 1.8, p  = 0.04 for TT). For rs2230926, all participants exhibited the TT genotype, with no variation observed. The lack of variation in rs2230926 is consistent with population databases, indicating low minor allele frequency in this region. Conclusions The rs10499194 polymorphism is significantly associated with thrombocytopenia, particularly in non‐immune cases, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition. The absence of variation in rs2230926 may reflect population‐specific genetic homogeneity. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and explore clinical implications.

Association of IL28B Polymorphisms With Hepatitis C Susceptibility in Southern Iran's β‐Thalassemia Population: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Thalassemia is a hereditary hematological condition which interferes with the production of hemoglobin (Hb). Patients with thalassemia require regular blood transfusion, which makes them highly susceptible to pathogens, and especially viral pathogens. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is also a big threat in that it is hepatotropic in nature and has the potential of causing hepatic injury. Host genetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFN λ3 (IL28B) gene, influence the ability to clear the virus and respond to therapy. In this research, we aimed to determine the frequency of the rs8099917 and rs12979860 polymorphisms of the IL28B gene in HCV‐infected thalassemia patients from southern Iran. Methods Sixty‐five people with β‐thalassemia were recruited, including 25 people who are HCV positive and 40 people who are HCV negative. The genotyping of the locus at the rs8099917 and rs12979860 sites was done using the tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (T‐ARMS‐PCR). Results On analyzing the locus at rs8099917, we noted that the TT genotype was common among patients who had HCV, with the proportion of 72% versus 12.5% among HCV‐negative individuals. The GG genotype was also rare in the HCV‐positive group and not present in the HCV‐negative group. On the other hand, TG genotype were found in 20% of the HCV‐positive patients with 87.5% of the HCV‐negative subjects, presenting a very significant difference ( p  < 0.001). On the other hand, the distribution of the rs12979860 genotype was not significantly different in the two groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the rs8099917 SNP of the IL28B gene may serve as a useful baseline predictor of antiviral responses in thalassemia patients infected with HCV.

Exploring the Experiences and Reproductive Health Needs of Young Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Qualitative Content Analysis

ABSTRACT Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the loss of ovarian activity before age 40, resulting in hypoestrogenism, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, amenorrhea, and infertility, significantly impacting women's reproductive and emotional health. This study explores the experiences and reproductive health needs of women with POI in Iran. Methods A qualitative study using conventional content analysis was conducted. Data were collected through semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with 20 participants (14 women with POI, 3 specialists, and 3 healthcare providers) from infertility and health care centers in Tehran and Ahvaz, Iran, via purposeful sampling until data saturation. The participants were informed that the interview will be recorded, transcribed verbatim in Persian, and analyzed using MAXQDA 2024 software. Results Six themes emerged from the data analysis: Psychological Distress and Identity Loss, Compromised Physical and Systemic Health, Deprivation of Reproductive Autonomy, The Experience of Premature Aging, Barriers to Integrated Healthcare, and Lack of Comprehensive Social Support. Conclusion The findings of this study reveal that the experience of Iranian women with premature ovarian insufficiency extends beyond purely medical dimensions, encompassing deep psychological, social, and legal challenges. These women grapple with feelings such as psychological failure stemming from the loss of fertility and the sensation of aging prematurely. Furthermore, the analysis highlights their “Deprivation of Reproductive Autonomy” and a critical need for comprehensive supportive systems that are not currently accessible, a finding tied directly to the themes of “Barriers to Integrated Healthcare” and “Lack of Comprehensive Social Support.”

A Narrative Review on Integrative Bioinformatics Approaches for microRNA Research in Familial Mediterranean Fever: Current Insights and Future Directions

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, resulting in recurrent inflammatory episodes and a risk of developing amyloidosis. Although its pathophysiology is well described, FMF still lacks specific biomarkers and personalized treatment strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally, have emerged as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. Given their complex expression patterns, bioinformatics approaches are essential for their identification and interpretation. Hence, this review aims to summarize current bioinformatics tools used in FMF‐related miRNA research and highlight additional platforms employed in other inflammatory diseases that may advance FMF research. Methods A narrative review was conducted by examining published FMF studies that applied miRNA‐focused bioinformatics analyses, including miRWalk, TargetScan, and machine learning pipelines. To identify tools with potential relevance to FMF, platforms widely used in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis, such as miRDeep2, miRTarBase, DIANA‐miRPath, miEAA, and MAGPIE, were evaluated for their analytical strengths and applicability to autoinflammatory pathways. Results Most FMF studies rely on a narrow set of tools, primarily miRWalk or TargetScan for target prediction. Emerging machine learning approaches have also been utilized to classify patients and explore candidate biomarkers. Other inflammatory diseases use more advanced platforms enabling miRNA discovery, validated interaction mapping, pathway enrichment, and multi‐omics integration. Tools such as miRDeep2, miRTarBase, DIANA‐miRPath, miEAA, and MAGPIE remain underutilized in FMF. Key limitations include small cohorts, patient heterogeneity, and limited experimental validation. Conclusion Broadening the bioinformatics toolkit for FMF miRNA research could significantly enhance biomarker identification and mechanistic insight. Larger datasets, integrated analysis pipelines, and cross‐disciplinary collaboration are essential to advancing precision diagnostics and targeted therapies for FMF.

Letter to the editor: Postpartum hemorrhage: Findings of a global survey by the World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology ( WATOG )

Letter to the editor: Is pathologic fetal Doppler cerebroplacental ratio associated with adverse delivery outcomes in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction undergoing labor induction? A retrospective cohort study

Letter to the Editor: Knowledge, attitude, practice, self‐efficacy and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices among women in a middle eastern country: A prospective cohort study

Vaccinia Virus Capping Enzyme Subunit D12 Is Differentially Required for Viral Replication in Different Cell Lines and Gastrointestinal Organoids

ABSTRACT Vaccinia virus (VACV) encodes a heterodimeric mRNA capping enzyme consisting of the catalytic large subunit D1 and the stimulatory small subunit D12. This is different from many other nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, which encode the tripartite capping activities in one protein. In vitro studies indicate that while D12 lacks catalytic activity, it enhances D1's methyltransferase function. To define the functional requirement of D12 in VACV replication in infected cells, we generated a D12L (ORF encoding the D12 gene)‐deleted virus (vΔD12) using rabbit RK13 cells stably expressing D12. While vΔD12 replication was reduced and associated with impaired viral intermediate and late gene expression and altered plaque morphology, it remained permissive in RK13 cells even without D12 complementation. We further revealed that viral early gene expression was preserved in vΔD12‐infected cells, whereas viral DNA replication, intermediate and late gene expression was reduced. Interestingly, vΔD12 infection was unpermissive in monkey BS‐C‐1 cells, with little intermediate and late gene expression. Furthermore, vΔD12 was unpermissive in rhesus macaque gastrointestinal organoids (enteroids), but remained permissive in human enteroids. These findings reveal differential requirements of D12 for VACV replication in host‐specific cells and enteroids.

Development of the AHLI Toolkit: An Evidence‐Based Framework for Athlete Healthy Lifestyle Assessment and Behavior Change

ABSTRACT Background Athletes face multifaceted challenges across physical, psychological, and social domains that impact both performance and well‐being. Although a healthy lifestyle is a key factor in athletic success and recovery, current lifestyle assessment tools fall short in capturing the complete scope of interconnected domains of an athlete's health. Objective This study aimed to develop and validate the Athletes’ Healthy Lifestyle Index (AHLI) as a multidimensional toolkit integrating lifestyle medicine and athlete well‐being frameworks to assess and enhance athlete lifestyle behaviors comprehensively. Methods The AHLI was developed through a rigorous five‐stage process: theoretical model development, module selection via Delphi rounds, precise definition of toolkit components, design and structural planning, and comprehensive user evaluation. Additionally, both the external and concurrent validity of the toolkit were confirmed through comprehensive expert reviews and a pilot study involving 95 female taekwondo athletes. Results The tool exhibited robust content validity, as indicated by strong content validity ratio/content validity index metrics, alongside moderate external validity ( r = 0.368, p = 0.007). Moreover, a significant inverse correlation with stress ( r = –0.249, p = 0.015) reinforces its empirical soundness. In pilot testing, 74.7% of participants scored in the moderate lifestyle range, and the tool was deemed comprehensive, intuitive, and actionable. Conclusion The AHLI provides a holistic, validated framework for evaluating lifestyle behaviors. It might support performance optimization, injury prevention, and mental well‐being through structured assessment and feedback.

Innovative Biopesticides: Nanoformulation of  Mentha Piperita L. and Satureja Montana L. Essential Oils for Controlling the Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hub.

ABSTRACT Helicoverpa armigera Hubner, a major agricultural pest, is traditionally controlled by chemical insecticides, which pose environmental and health risks. Eco‐friendly alternatives, such as plant essential oils, are promising but face challenges like volatility and rapid oxidation. Nanoencapsulation offers a novel solution to enhance their stability and efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the insecticidal effects of chitosan (CS) nanocapsules loaded with Mentha piperita L. (M.EO@NPs) and Satureja montana L. (S.EO@NPs) essential oils (EOs) against H. armigera . Bioassay experiments were conducted on third instar larvae using the fumigation method. After 48 h of exposure, the LC 50 values for Mentha piperita essential oil (M.EO) and Satureja montana essential oil (S.EO) were 185 and 30 µL/L air, respectively, while for the nanoencapsulated forms, the LC 50 values were 296 and 44.2 µL/L air, respectively. Sublethal effects were assessed by exposing larvae to the LC 30 concentration of each EOs and EO@NPs. The LC 30 of both EOs and EO@NPs caused adverse effects on the biological parameters of surviving insects. The loaded nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape, with average particle sizes of 45.5 nm (PDI = 0.544) for M.EO@NPs and 102 nm (PDI = 0.944) for S.EO@NPs. Fumigation toxicity studies of the nanoformulated essential oils demonstrated a slow and persistent release of the active ingredients from the nanomaterials, highlighting the effectiveness of CS nanoencapsulation in prolonging the insecticidal effect. These nanoencapsulated essential oils, with their high biological activity and insecticidal properties, offer an alternative strategy for protecting greenhouse plants against H. armigera and show great potential as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.