Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: In 2023, there were 8.2 million Tuberculosis (TB) cases, primarily in South-East Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for increased funding, enhanced diagnostics, and improved healthcare to eradicate TB by 2035. Wealthy nations exhibit lower relapse rates, while poorer countries face higher risks. The challenges of drug-resistant TB and COVID-19 are complicating treatment efforts.
Objectives: This study aims to examine TB recurrence rates in Iran and neighboring countries using data from the WHO. The objective is to comprehend the rate of disease recurrence and the correlations among the results of the studied countries from 2010 to 2023.
Methods: Data on TB relapse cases from 2010 to 2023 in Iran and neighboring countries were analyzed using SPSS v27. Correlations were assessed using Pearson and Spearman tests.
Results: The study highlights TB relapse trends per 100,000 people in the Middle East and Central Asia from 2010-2023. The UAE and Jordan witnessed significant decreases in cases, while Oman and Egypt reported modest declines. Iran initially showed improvement in rates but later experienced an increase, indicating treatment challenges. Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also achieved lower rates, but Iraq's rates remain high. Yemen and Qatar saw increases, prompting concerns about control. Turkey and Azerbaijan showed improvement, whereas Afghanistan and Pakistan experienced rising cases, suggesting a need for improved strategies. Accordingly, socioeconomic and healthcare factors play a critical role in effectively managing TB.
Conclusion: Enhancing diagnostic and treatment infrastructure in remote, high-incidence areas is crucial for addressing TB recurrence. Training healthcare workers, implementing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), monitoring drug resistance, addressing social determinants, and conducting awareness campaigns are essential strategies for enhancing community education and treatment adherence.

Abstract Background: Cucurbitacins are important compounds in the Cucurbitaceae family. They are known for their potential in cancer treatment. Cucurbitacins have a complex structure with over 200 variants, each exhibiting different biological activities. Ongoing research aims to enhance their effectiveness in medicine
Objectives: The study aimed to identify compounds with the potential to be used in chemotherapy by examining the structure of Cucurbitacins found in plants of the Cucurbitaceae family.
Methods: In this review study, we analyzed the biological and anticancer activities of plant compounds known as Cucurbitacins. We searched for keywords such as "Cucurbitacins", "Cucurbitaceae family", "Antioxidants", and "Anticancer" in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. We gathered information about Cucurbitacins from PubChem, searched for Cucurbitacin, and refined results using advanced options.
Results: The anticancer potential of Cucurbitacins has been extensively researched. Specific Cucurbitacins, such as D, E, I, and IIa, have been found to induce cell death and autophagy in cancer cells, inhibit their migration and invasion, arrest the cell cycle, and impede their proliferation and survival. These compounds also inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which is implicated in various cancers, including breast, pancreatic, colon, ovarian, and osteosarcoma. Recent interest in Cucurbitacins has surged for their potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Some studies suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables rich in Cucurbitacins may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Furthermore, they hold promise as chemotherapeutic agents in combination with conventional treatments.
Conclusion: The ability of Cucurbitacins to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy, inhibit cell migration and invasion, and block the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway make them potential candidates for cancer prevention and treatment.