Ministry of Health and Medical Education

The clinical utility of doxorubicin (DOX) has been widely hampered by a dose-dependent systemic toxicity, in particular cardiotoxicity. While nanocarrier systems represent encouraging solutions, their optimization is not an easy task due to complex, nonlinear relationships between physicochemical properties and biological outcomes. This study presents a hybrid computational framework that incorporates both classical machine learning and physics-informed machine learning to predict and optimize DOX-loaded nanocarrier cytotoxicity toward normal cells. For this purpose, we compiled an extensive dataset of 77 unique nanocomposite systems with their detailed physicochemical characterizations and biological evaluations. Several ML models were trained and compared, whereas a Physics-Informed Neural Network implemented domain knowledge such as drug release kinetics, colloidal stability constraints, and diffusion limitations. The proposed PINN model showed better predictive capability (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 0.14) compared to conventional ML methods. SHAP analysis revealed that zeta potential and size are the most governing features on cytotoxicity. Bayesian optimization revealed an optimal design space: sizes of 120-150nm, zeta potentials between - 25 and - 35 mV, loading efficiency of 5-10%, and encapsulation efficiency > 85%. Experimental validation on independent studies confirmed the model's accuracy with prediction errors < 3%. The proposed PIML framework offers a robust yet interpretable method for rational nanocarrier design that significantly improves the development of safer chemotherapeutic delivery systems by reducing the reliance on empirical optimizations.

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality in Iran, driven largely by modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in delivering preventive lifestyle recommendations, yet the extent and effectiveness of these efforts remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the distribution of lifestyle counseling across sociodemographic and clinical subgroups and its association with health behavior status in Iran using data from the 2021 WHO STEPS survey. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 27,704 included adults participating in the nationally representative 2021 STEPS survey in Iran. Data on delivery of ten specific lifestyle recommendations within the past 12 months, covering diet, physical activity, weight management, and tobacco non-initiation/cessation, were collected. Associations between recommendation delivery and health behaviors were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results Only 33.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 32.8-34.0) of participants received all ten lifestyle recommendations, while 10.7% (10.2-11.1) received no recommendations. Recommendations were more frequently delivered to females, rural residents, and individuals with multiple comorbidities, indicating a risk-based response by healthcare providers. Notably, tobacco non-initiation/cessation advice was not more commonly offered to patients with multiple chronic conditions. Delivery of lifestyle counseling was associated with positive behavior status: individuals who received weight loss/ maintaining normal weight and physical activity advice were more likely to engage in sufficient physical activity (adjusted odds ratio 1.21(1.13-1.29)), and among current smokers, receiving tobacco cessation recommendation was associated with higher tobacco quitting attempt (aOR: 1.83(1.49-2.24)). A dose-response relationship was observed between the number of nutritional recommendations received and better diet quality (aOR for 6 vs. ≤2 recommendations: 1.32 (1.24-1.41)). Geographical disparities were evident, with eastern provinces receiving the least comprehensive counseling. Conclusion Delivery of lifestyle recommendations by healthcare providers in Iran shows variation by sociodemographic and clinical factors and is positively associated with behavior status. These findings highlight the effectiveness of provider-delivered lifestyle counseling and the need for more consistent, equitable, and targeted delivery, particularly for high-risk individuals and underserved regions, to strengthen national NCD prevention efforts.

Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved high immunisation coverage for routine childhood vaccines; however, gaps remain in the scope and alignment with global immunisation priorities. To assess the status of childhood immunisation programme in Islamic Republic of Iran and identify gaps and challenges. We reviewed and analysed secondary data from published literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar until 3 September 2024, including official reports and WHO and UNICEF immunisation databases. We compared the results with those of selected Eastern Mediterranean Region countries and the global immunisation priorities. Immunisation coverage in Islamic Republic of Iran exceeded 99% for several childhood vaccines, supported by established programme infrastructure and domestic vaccine production. Gaps were identified in the inclusion of vaccines such as human papillomavirus, varicella and hepatitis A. The national immunisation programme aligns with several WHO vaccination strategies but with limited coverage beyond the childhood years. Challenges affecting coverage included financial constraints, fragmented data systems and vaccine hesitancy. Despite remarkable achievements, systemic challenges remain in the national immunisation programme of Islamic Republic of Iran. Strengthening life-course immunisation through targeted investment, policy updates and stronger surveillance will help align the programme with the global immunisation goals.

In recent years, Iran has faced the phenomenon of population aging due to increased life expectancy and decreased fertility rates.The phenomenon of aging and its associated consequences, such as the increased need for care, make changes in Iran’s service delivery structure inevitable. This study aims to identify the gaps and requirements for establishing a long-term care system in the context of Iran. This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach, incorporating four focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 19 experts conducted in 2022, including members from the Ministry of Health and faculty specializing in geriatric care, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved the use of a structured interview guide, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to facilitate rich, detailed insights. The analysis of the collected data was performed using MAXQDA 10 software, following a rigorous content analysis methodology. The findings from the conducted interviews were classified into two main themes: insufficient responsiveness of the health care system and changing demographic/cultural trends, along with six sub-themes. The first main theme was further divided into three sub-themes including the need for a different pattern of geriatric care, increased hospital care burden, and the economic burden of aging. Moreover, he demographic/cultural trend is classified into three sub-themes: the epidemiological transition, changing societal culture and diminishing traditional family system, and socio-economic impacts of aging on families. The trends in Iran clearly indicate an increasing need for long-term care. Establishing a long-term care system can be expected to improve outcomes such as reducing healthcare and insurance costs, enhancing the quality of services, and providing financial protection for older adults and their caregivers.

Background Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising therapeutic-delivery agents for neuro-nanomedicine, but their cytotoxicity from conventional chemical synthesis remains a challenge. Green synthesis using ginger extract offers a safer, neuroprotective alternative. Methods PEGylated AuNPs were prepared through chemical (CS) and green (GS) methods with and without ginger extract. They were analyzed using SEM, TEM, DLS, and zeta potential. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), drug release profile (pH 7.4, 37 °C), and cytotoxicity in PC12 cells (MTT assay, IC₅₀) were measured. Results Spherical nanoparticles (14–19 nm) were confirmed. GS-PEG-Ginger-AuNPs exhibited superior EE (80.7% vs. 61.8%) and LC (90.7% vs. 77.9%) compared to the CS counterpart. The GS formulation also showed a significantly higher cumulative drug release (~ 85% vs. ~60% at 96 h), with release kinetics indicative of anomalous transport (n = 0.52) versus Fickian diffusion (CS, n = 0.45). Critically, GS formulations were highly biocompatible (IC₅₀ > 100 µg/mL; >70–80% cell viability at 100 µg/mL), whereas CS formulations were toxic (IC₅₀ ≈ 68.7–104.4 µg/mL). Conclusion The green-synthesized PEG-Ginger-AuNPs demonstrate enhanced drug loading, sustained release, and exceptional neuronal biocompatibility, underscoring their strong potential as a translatable and safe nanoplatform for clinical neuro-nanomedicine.