This study aims to compare dose-volume histograms of three whole breast radiotherapy regimes there are: conventional radiotherapy (CRT), normal hypofractionation (NHRT) and FAST-FORWARD hypofractionation radiotherapy (FFRT).

This retrospective single-center study was conducted in the radiotherapy department of Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran in 2024. The therapeutic dose for the chest/whole breast and regional lymph nodes was administered using CRT (50Gy/2Gy/25Fx), NHRT (42.56Gy/2.66Gy/16Fx), and FFRT (26Gy/5.2Gy/5Fx) regimens.

The results of this study showed no statistically significant difference in the average scores of PTV V95%, PTV V107-110%, conformity index, and homogeneity index among the CRT, NHRT and FFRT treatment regimens. However, the average scores of PTV Dmean, lung Vmean, and heart Vmean were significantly higher for CRT and NHRT relative to FFRT group.

The CRT is not superior to the NHRT and FFRT regimes, and in some cases, especially NHRT, they can be used interchangeably in the unique conditions and crowded government medical centers to provide more treatment services to patients and lower financial burden to the healthcare system.

Chronic renal failure is projected to be one of the fastest-growing causes of death among non-communicable diseases by 2040. TikTok has emerged as a major platform for disseminating health-related videos. However, the reliability and quality of Chinese videos related to chronic renal failure on TikTok remain unclear. We systematically searched and screened videos related to chronic renal failure from the Chinese version of TikTok. Two independent raters assessed the reliability and quality of the videos using two validated evaluation tools: the DISCERN instrument and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Moreover, the correlation between the reliability and quality of the videos and their characteristics (duration, likes, comments, shares, and number of followers) was further investigated.

After searching and screening, a total of 78 eligible videos were ultimately included for analysis. According to their sources, 94.87% were uploaded by medical professionals. The median DISCERN and GQS scores were 39 (IQR 37-46.25) and 3 (IQR 2.75-4), respectively, indicating that videos related to chronic renal failure on TikTok were unreliable and of mediocre quality, mainly at poor (42.31%) and moderate (44.87%) categories. The reliability and quality of the videos were positively correlated with video duration (r = 0.384, p = 0.001; r = 0.469, p < 0.01) and showed no statistically significant correlation with popularity or number of followers. Consequently, due to their unreliability and low quality, these Chinese videos related to chronic renal failure on TikTok cannot provide patients with accurate assessments and are unsuitable as a source of medical knowledge.

The burden of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases in Southeast Asian (SEA) nations is substantial and evolving. Understanding contemporary trends is crucial for targeted public health interventions in this heterogeneous region.

To analyze disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for major GI and liver diseases across 11 SEA nations from 1990 to 2021.

Age-standardized DALY rates per 100,000 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. We analyzed overall trends, causes with the highest relative DALY rate increases per country (1990-2021), and countries with the highest DALY rates per cause (2021).

Although infectious GI DALYs such as diarrheal diseases declined, non-communicable disease, particularly GI cancers and chronic liver diseases, showed increasing prominence. Pancreatic cancer DALYs exhibited major relative increases in Indonesia (+61.7%) and Vietnam (+51.6%). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related DALYs (including cirrhosis) surged in Malaysia (+65.3%) and Thailand (+59.7%). In 2021, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Indonesia faced the highest DALY burdens from chronic hepatitis B and C. Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Thailand led in colorectal cancer DALYs, while Brunei Darussalam also had high pancreatic cancer rates.

SEA nations confront a complex and evolving burden of transitioning GI and liver diseases. The persistent high impact of viral hepatitis, coupled with the alarming rise of NAFLD and GI cancers such as pancreatic cancer, underscores the urgent need for tailored national strategies focused on prevention, early detection, and enhanced treatment access.

Raising taxes on tobacco is considered the most effective measure for reducing tobacco consumption. Although Uganda ratified WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco control which recommends levying taxes on tobacco products by up to 75% of their retail price, in Uganda taxes on tobacco stagnated at 35% between 2017 and 2024. There is little in-depth research interrogating the political economy underpinning tobacco tax policy in Uganda. The aim of this study is to apply political economy analysis in exploring barriers to implementing WHO's recommended tobacco tax rates in Uganda. Our qualitative study entailed key informant and in-depth interviews with 34 purposively selected participants. Data were analyzed by thematic approach. Tobacco industry narratives are dominant among policy elite with a strongly entrenched notion that raising taxes will bring economic harm such as 'killing off' the tobacco industry and by implication diminish government tax revenue. Participants identified tobacco industry interference in tobacco tax policy in Uganda through both 'soft' tactics such as sustained lobbying of policy elite in the executive and legislative arms of government and 'hard' tactics through litigation. Contrary to recommendations of having a 'single spine' or uniform tax on tobacco, Uganda continues to implement a differential tax structure for tobacco products. The paucity of non-industry-funded - research on effects of raising tobacco taxes was observed while the attrition of civil society champions in advocacy campaigns for raising taxes ensured that there was no sustained counterbalance to the tobacco industry in Uganda which the later exploited to promote the narrative that taxes needed to be maintained at a low level where they would not cause 'economic harm'. Our findings highlight the need for strengthening civil society advocacy in order to sustain the momentum on raising tobacco taxes in Uganda.

Most persistent ground glass nodules (GGNs) are eventually diagnosed as early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Delving into the molecular underpinnings of malignant transformation of GGNs will aid in the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies to interrupt the occurrence and progression of early-stage LUAD. Macrophages (Macs) are critical in the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). However, its role in triggering the advancement of early-stage LUAD with mixed ground glass nodule (mGGN) is yet to be clarified. Utilizing scRNA-seq analysis on normal lung tissues, ground glass regions, and solid regions of mGGNs, complemented by multicolor immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and flow cytometry, we found an increase and peri-tumoral aggregation of immunosuppressive SPP1⁺ alveolar Macs and monocyte-derived Macs (Mo-Macs), with a particular emphasis on the Mo-Macs. This accumulation at the tumor margin could obstruct the penetration of immune cells into the tumor's core, thereby promoting the malignant transformation of GGNs. SPP1⁺ Macs not only display a senescent phenotype but also harbor the potential capacity to foster tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Clinical data from LUAD tissue array and TCGA-LUAD database revealed a positive association between the tumoral SPP1⁺ Macs percentage and poor prognosis. Furthermore, SPP1⁺ Macs could reshape the TME into an immunosuppressive state through interactions with other immune cells. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed SPP1 knockout inhibited the immunosuppressive polarization and senescence of Macs, reversed the immunosuppressive status of TME and reduced the growth of LUAD xenograft tumors. Our findings propose an emerging therapeutic strategy aimed at suppressing SPP1⁺ Macs, which could potentially decelerate or halt the malignant conversion of GGNs to early-stage LUAD.

People experiencing marginalisation tend to be systematically excluded from policy decisions. Engaging people with lived experiences of marginalisation is increasingly considered critical for developing equitable and effective noncommunicable disease (NCD) policies. It remains unclear how the voices and experiences of people who are harmed by systems of marginalisation due to gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and social position have been included in NCD prevention policies.

We conducted a systematic scoping review, grounded in constructivist epistemology and critical theory. Five overarching search terms were applied across Medline, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, and Global Health to describe priority populations, lived experience, participatory research, NCDs and policy. Articles were included if they involved research engaging the lived experiences of local communities and people experiencing marginalisation in high-income countries to inform equitable NCD prevention policies. Factors affecting the inclusion of lived experience were meta-analysed thematically across included studies.

In total, 49 articles met the eligibility criteria - focused on NCD prevention related to nutrition (35% of studies), NCDs in general (20%), physical activity (12%), tobacco (10%), obesity (10%), mental health (8%) and alcohol (4%). The majority (67%) of research was conducted in the United States, followed by Canada (14%), Australia (6%), Europe (8%), and the United Kingdom (4%). Study participants included Black, Hispanic, and other multicultural communities (52% of studies), people in regional or rural areas (37%), First Nations peoples (22%), residents in low-income areas (28%), people receiving a low income (20%), women only (9%) and people experiencing disability (2%). Studies typically involved policy advocacy to local governments (79%), often supported by local coalitions (22%). Factors underpinning inclusive NCD prevention policymaking included having a strong purpose for engaging with lived experiences of marginalisation, fostering a deep understanding of culturally safe practices, addressing institutional tensions and power imbalances, and co-creating mechanisms for impact (e.g. policy networks and safe spaces).

Best practice approaches for including people with lived experiences of marginalisation in NCD prevention policies and research are lacking and should continue to be developed. National-level leadership, genuinely supporting communities, and being aware of one's own role in social change are necessary to improve institutional practices that systemically exclude diverse experiences.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, particularly in rural areas where there may be limited access to healthcare services and health education. The increasing prevalence of these diseases in rural communities underscores the importance of effective prevention strategies, such as community health education programs.

This study aimed to assess the role of community health education programs in improving knowledge, behaviors, and health indicators related to the prevention of NCDs in rural populations.

Data were collected from 108 participants in rural areas to evaluate the impact of a community health education program. Surveys focused on health knowledge, lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, diet, tobacco and alcohol use), and health indicators (blood pressure, BMI, and fasting blood glucose). Data were collected at two points: before the community health education program was conducted and after an 8-week period.

The study found notable improvements in health knowledge, lifestyle behaviors, and reductions in health indicators associated with NCD risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and elevated blood glucose levels.

The results suggest that community health education can play a key role in improving health knowledge, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, and reducing risk factors for NCDs in rural populations.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) shoulder a disproportionately high amount of death and disability caused by both communicable and non-communicable diseases. As a result, there is a higher occurrence of serious illness in these countries. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) have emerged in the past twenty years in LMICs. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines lacks many common medicines used in critical care, and the lack of necessary medications to treat critical illnesses has hindered the function of these ICUs. This study aimed to develop a list of commonly used essential medications in the ICU to serve as the foundation for a multi-phase project.

This was an observational cross-sectional survey of all the program directors of all the Critical Care fellowship training programs in the United States of America. The study surveyed a multidisciplinary group of critical care providers to assess the first, second, and third-line preferred medication use in 10 categories of medications: sedatives, vasopressors, inotropes, antiarrhythmics, intravenous antihypertensives, neuromuscular blocking agents, medications for the management of ICU delirium, stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP), deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and analgesics, to create a list of 26 commonly used critical care medicines.

Of the 588 contacted programs, 133 completed the survey questionnaire, representing a 23% response rate with an over-representation from the East Coast and the Midwest. Seven medication categories had a clear first-line preference, while only three had clear second-line preference respondents.

This survey successfully identified the 26 most commonly used medications in the ICU grouped into 10 categories. This list will serve as a foundational reference for future phases of the research project, which will include engagement with stakeholders from LMICs to refine and adapt the list to regional realities.

Obesity is a major global health challenge, with Eastern Europe standing out for rapid nutrition transitions and persistent social and economic inequalities. Despite its high prevalence, longitudinal ecological evidence on the structural determinants of obesity in this region remains limited.

To examine population-level associations between dietary energy availability, dietary fiber intake, macronutrient composition, and insufficient physical activity with obesity and overweight prevalence in Eastern Europe during 2010-2022.

Data from FAOSTAT and the World Health Organization were assembled into a balanced panel of 130 country-year observations. Analyses combined descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations with two-way fixed-effects regressions (country and year), using robust standard errors and one-year lagged predictors to test for robustness.

Higher energy availability was positively associated with both obesity and overweight, while dietary fiber consistently showed a protective effect. Marginal estimates indicated that an additional 100 kcal/day predicted an increase of nearly one percentage point in obesity, whereas +5 g/day of fiber corresponded to an approximate two-percentage-point reduction. Neither macronutrient shares nor insufficient physical activity showed significant associations.

Dietary energy and fiber emerge as the primary structural correlates of obesity in Eastern Europe. These findings underscore the need for region-specific, data-driven nutrition and public health policies to address obesogenic environments and reduce socio-economic disparities in diet quality.

Rapid urbanisation and lifestyle shift in Africa have contributed to rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. While physical activity is a proven preventive measure, many interventions lack cultural resonance and affordability. Indigenous African games may offer a culturally relevant strategy to promote physical activity and reduce NCD risks. This paper discusses the possibility of applying such games across cultures and age categories and the pathway for knowledge transfer.

A qualitative narrative review was conducted, synthesising peer-reviewed literature, public health data, and contextual case studies. The analysis focused on traditional games Ingqathu, Kgati, Diketo, and Morabaraba examining their physical, cognitive, and social benefits.

Evidence shows that these games naturally incorporate movement, coordination, and community engagement, supporting cardiovascular health, enhancing metabolism, and reducing sedentary behaviour. Beyond physical benefits, they foster cultural identity, intergenerational interaction, and psychosocial well-being often overlooked in conventional exercise programmes. However, barriers such as erosion of traditional knowledge, lack of institutional support, and limited policy integration impede widespread implementation.

Indigenous African games present a culturally grounded, cost-effective approach to increasing physical activity and mitigating NCD risk across diverse age groups. To maximise impact, revitalisation efforts should integrate these games into schools, community programmes, and public health policies to facilitate application and knowledge transfer. Future research should include intervention trials and scalability studies to confirm effectiveness and guide policy adoption.