ObjectiveThis study explored hospital managers’ lived experiences with peer learning as a constructivist educational approach in healthcare management. It aimed to elucidate how peer learning contributes to managerial development and to identify contextual factors that either facilitate or hinder its effectiveness in healthcare organizations.Results descriptionPeer learning significantly improved decision-making, managerial performance, inter-organizational interactions, and continuous updating of specialized knowledge. Exchanging real-world experiences enhanced critical thinking, professional attitudes, and self-efficacy among managers. Facilitating factors included strong organizational support, sharing successful practices, and benchmarking against high-performing hospitals. However, effectiveness was limited by weak teamwork culture, the absence of systematic management development strategies, restricted structured interactions, and organizational/structural barriers. Additional obstacles included limited managerial authority, deficiencies in succession planning, and inadequate coordination of directors’ assemblies by upstream institutions. Overall, peer learning proved highly valuable for developing managerial competencies, yet realizing its full potential requires eliminating structural obstacles and implementing targeted participatory policies and mechanisms (e.g., learning communities and succession planning programs).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-025-07616-2.

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and types of tumor markers (CEA and CA19-9) among Yemeni gastric cancer patients, comparing the frequency of these markers in patients with and without H. pylori infection.ResultsSerum CEA and CA19-9 levels were measured among 85 patients with H. pylori infection (cases) and 85 without (controls). The median CEA levels were 7.05 ng/mL in H. pylori positive group and 7.14 ng/mL in negative group. The median CA19-9 levels were 33 U/mL in H. pylori positive group and 32 U/mL in negative group. No significant differences were found in the serum levels of CEA (p = 0.44) or CA19-9 (p = 0.94) between the two groups. However, a significant association was observed between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer site in cardia and fundus regions (p = 0.047). This study found no significant association between H. pylori infection and types of tumor markers (CEA and CA19-9) among Yemeni gastric cancer patients. However, the significant association between H. pylori infection and site of gastric cancer in cardia and fundus regions needs further investigations to reveal the associated mechanisms.

The Osteopaths' Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) has demonstrated content, construct, and face validity across multiple jurisdictions but required cognitive validation for use in the United Kingdom (UK). To assess the cognitive content and face validity of the Australian-adapted Osteo-TAQ (Osteo-TAQ(Aus)) with practising UK osteopaths, and to determine whether any revisions were necessary. Cognitive interviews were conducted with six (n = 6) UK osteopaths using a combination of think-aloud and verbal probing techniques, informed by the Cognitive Interview Reporting Framework (CIRF). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using team-based content analysis to identify issues of item interpretation, clarity and relevance to UK practice. Strong alignment with UK practice was demonstrated across all 36 items. No items required modification, providing positive validation evidence for cross-jurisdictional stability. Participants reported that the Osteo-TAQ(Aus) items were relevant, understandable and reflective of their day-to-day clinical practice. This study provides the first evidence of cross-jurisdictional cognitive stability for the Osteo-TAQ(Aus), demonstrating robust content validity in its country of origin and suitability for use in a UK setting. These findings support its continued use in UK-based research and professional development initiatives aimed at exploring therapeutic approaches and conceptions of practice.

ObjectiveObesity and poor sleep quality are rising concerns in health discussions today, especially among young adults. Young adults may be more vulnerable to weight gain due to academic pressures and lifestyle choices, making this research particularly relevant. The goal of this study is to examine how body mass index (BMI) relates to various aspects of sleep quality in young adults in Bangladesh. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 445 participants aged 18 to 25, who were mostly students. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality.ResultsMore than half of our participants (56.4%) reported having poor sleep quality. Those with poor sleep had a higher average BMI of 24.11 kg/m2 compared to 22.36 kg/m2 for participants with good sleep. There was a notable inverse relationship between BMI and sleep duration, while correlations were positive with sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and the overall PSQI score. Individuals who were overweight and obese faced significantly greater odds of poor sleep quality. Additionally, being female and sleeping less than 6 h a night were also significant predictors. This study reveals a troubling prevalence of poor sleep quality among young adults in Bangladesh and is associated with higher BMI, which has important implications for public health. Integrating sleep health promotion within obesity prevention initiatives could foster healthier futures for young adults.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-025-07544-1.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine demographic patterns, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic outcomes of achalasia patients in a tertiary hospital in Tehran, Iran. We conducted a retrospective study of patients aged < 18 years with a diagnosis confirmed by barium swallow and endoscopy; those with other diagnoses or incomplete data were excluded.ResultsWe included 100 patients (59 boys, 41 girls; mean age: 7.45 ± 4.58 years, range: 4 months − 16 years) diagnosed between 2013 and 2022. The most common symptoms were dysphagia (83%), nausea/vomiting (78%), and weight loss (49%). The mean diagnostic delay was 22.04 ± 32.75 months. Comorbid conditions were present in 23% of the patients, most commonly esophageal atresia and Allgrove syndrome. The classic bird’s beak sign was seen in 61% of the barium images. 95% of the patients went through pneumatic dilatation (PD), and a successful response to PD was defined as clinical improvement and resolution of dysphagia. 31.6% of them responded to a single PD session, while 68.4% required multiple PD sessions or Heller myotomy. Younger age was significantly associated with the need for multiple PD sessions (p = 0.001). No major complication was seen.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to isolate lytic bacteriophage to control EHEC and ETEC, characterize, and apply their ability to control these two bacteria in food.ResultsOne of the bacteria that contaminate the food is Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) which was consist of Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli and Enteropathogenic E. coli. Preservation methods were used to improve shelf-life to reduce microbial growth but it might have side effect to the nutrition and human health. Therefore, it is required to explore an alternative method that can be used to be a biocontrol agent for food, including the bacteriophage approach. Our study showed that these two phages are promising to be used as biocontrol agent in food. Genomic DNA sequencing performed that this phage being exclusively lytic.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-025-07525-4.

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) for all-cause mortality in the high-risk population with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Over a median 26-month follow-up among 442 patients, 194 deaths occurred. The highest CVAI tertile (T3) exhibited a significantly elevated mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.806, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.848-4.261, P < 0.001), demonstrating a linear dose-response relationship. CVAI provided significant incremental predictive value beyond left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association in patients with LVEF < 40% but not in those with LVEF ≥ 40% (P for interaction = 0.049).

ObjectiveIdentifying patients at high risk of mortality is crucial for emergency physicians to allocate hospital resources effectively, particularly in regions with limited medical services. This need becomes even more pressing during global health crises that lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of deep neural decision forests and deep neural decision trees in predicting mortality among COVID-19 patients. To achieve this, we utilized patient data encompassing COVID-19 diagnosis, demographics, health indicators, and occupational risk factors to analyze disease severity and outcomes. The dataset was partitioned using a stratified sampling method. Nine machine learning and deep learning methods were employed to build predictive models.ResultsAmong the models, the deep neural decision forest outperformed others. Results indicated that using only clinical data yielded an accuracy of 80.7%, recall of 80.7%, precision of 75.7%, and F1-score of 74.8% by deep neural decision forest, demonstrating it as a reliable predictor of patient mortality. The model differs from other machine learning approaches for COVID-19 mortality prediction by combining the representational power of deep neural networks with the structured decision-making of decision forests, enhancing interpretability and performance using only clinical data without reliance on imaging or laboratory tests.

ObjectiveThe growing trend of induced demand for medicine negatively impacts health system performance and imposes significant financial burdens on both individuals and society. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze the management of induced demand for medicine in Iranian hospitals.ResultsThis applied qualitative research, using grounded theory, achieved data saturation after interviewing 20 experts. Key factors creating induced demand were identified as social, structural-organizational, economic, and stakeholder factors. Effective management strategies include planning, organizing, monitoring, and securing financial resources. These findings underscore the importance of payment system reform and enhanced physician education.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-025-07194-3.

Pregnancy coercion is a public health issue that affects the mental, sexual, and reproductive health of women and one of the significant factors unintended pregnancies globally, remains understudied in Iran due to the lack of culturally validated assessment tools. This study aimed to psychometrically validate the Persian version of the Pregnancy Coercion Scale (PCS) to address this gap and enhance reproductive health equity in Persian-speaking populations. The Persian PCS demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.85). EFA revealed a two-factor structure—pregnancy coercion and condom manipulation—explaining 57.53% of the variance and these two factors are aligned with the original scale. Content validity indices were robust (CVI: 0.80–1.00; CVR: 0.62–1.00), with no floor/ceiling effects. Significant associations were observed between coercion and lower education, unemployment, and having 1–3 children (p < 0.05), though no links emerged with age or income.