Health Nexus

About the Journal

E-ISSN: 2981-2569
Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Hadi Nobari
Owner: KMAN Research Institute
Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB)
Contact emails: healthnexus@kmanpub.com / healthnexusjournal@gmail.com
Open access: YES
Peer-review: Yes (Open Peer-review)

Health Nexus is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing and disseminating groundbreaking research in human health. This journal uniquely focuses on the synergistic relationship among four key areas: sports sciences, psychology, public health, and emerging technologies in health. By embracing this diverse yet interconnected scope, Health Nexus serves as a dynamic platform for researchers to present their latest findings and contribute significantly to the enhancement of human health and well-being.

The journal invites a wide array of submissions, including original research articles, comprehensive reviews, insightful meta-analyses, theoretical explorations, and practical applications. These contributions are expected to advance knowledge and understanding in each of the journal's core areas: sports sciences' role in physical and mental health, psychological perspectives on wellness, public health strategies for community and global health improvement, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies in healthcare.

Health Nexus is committed to fostering the development of evidence-based practices and interventions. By integrating research from sports sciences, psychology, public health, and emerging technologies in health, the journal aims to offer a holistic view of human health. This approach ensures the promotion of well-being in all aspects of life, encouraging innovative solutions to health challenges in today's rapidly evolving world.

About the Publisher

Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc.

Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3

https://journals.kmanpub.com

Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com

Telegram: +1 (647) 656‑4401 | WhatsApp: +1 (437) 429‑3507

Germany Office: Dratelnstrasse, Wohnung A60, 21119 Hamburg, Germany (+4915207720487)

Current Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): Serial Number 15

Published: 2026-07-29

Emerging Technologies in Health

Latency-Aware Breast Cancer Detection in Mammography Images Using a Fog-Cloud Framework Based on Stacked Transfer Learning and PSO-Optimized XGBoost

Zahraa Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Al-Mohammed (Author); Esmaeil Bagheri (Corresponding Author); Ameer Hussein Mohammed Ali, Mehdi Hamidkhani (Author)

1-19
- PDF

View All Issues

Environment, Ecology, and Urban Plant Diversity: A Dose-Response Analysis of Residential Green Space on Self-Reported Mental Health Using BRFSS and Land Cover Data

Zahidul Islam ^* iD

Residential green space is an established determinant of population mental health, yet most studies employ binary or categorical exposure measures, obscuring whether the relationship is linear or exhibits threshold effects. To estimate the dose-response relationship between residential plant diversity and self-reported mentally unhealthy days in a nationally representative US adult sample. We linked 297,195 adults from the 2019 BRFSS to state-level Plant Diversity Index (PDI) values derived from NLCD 2019, comprising tree canopy, shrub/scrub, and herbaceous vegetation. Negative binomial regression with restricted cubic splines (5 knots) estimated non-linear dose-response curves, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, employment, income, physical health, and census region. VIF assessed multicollinearity. Component-wise analysis tested each vegetation class independently. Results: Mean mentally unhealthy days was 3.39 (SD = 7.41). The composite PDI was significantly associated with mentally unhealthy days (IRR = 1.111, 95% CI: 1.031–1.198, p = 0.006). Component analysis revealed opposing effects: shrub/scrub was associated with more unhealthy days (IRR = 2.263, p < 0.001) while herbaceous cover was protective (IRR = 0.578, p = 0.036). The dose-response curve was non-linear with a threshold near 30% PDI and contextual reversal at high rural vegetation density. The PDI association was significant in urban residents (IRR = 1.125, p = 0.004) and confirmed by hurdle modelling (OR = 1.077, p = 0.023). Residential plant diversity is associated with mental health burden. Ecological composition — not merely quantity — determines the mental health relevance of plant cover. Findings support targeted canopy investment in low-income urban areas.

Association of TNF-α Promoter Region (-308 G/A, rs1800629) Gene Polymorphism with Psoriasis Vulgaris in Northern Iran

Mona Zare Azematkhah iD , Somayeh Assadian Narenji ^* iD , Reza Goleyjani Moghadam iD

The present study aimed to investigate the association between the TNF-α promoter region polymorphism (-308 G/A, rs1800629) and psoriasis vulgaris in populations from western Mazandaran and eastern Guilan provinces in northern Iran. In this case–control study, whole blood samples were collected from 50 patients with psoriasis vulgaris residing in western Mazandaran and eastern Guilan, northern Iran, whose diagnosis had been confirmed by a dermatologist. Additionally, 30 whole blood samples were obtained from healthy individuals who met the inclusion criteria for the control group. Samples were collected from clinical laboratories located in the study regions. Genomic DNA was extracted from all samples, and genotyping of the TNF-α promoter region polymorphism (-308 G/A, rs1800629) was performed using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System–Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) method. To validate the genotyping results and ensure the accuracy of the analysis, selected samples were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. The results of the statistical analyses revealed that the GG genotype (homozygous dominant) was the only genotype detected in both the patient and control groups. No individuals carrying the AA (homozygous recessive) or GA (heterozygous) genotypes were identified in either group. Consequently, the frequency of the A allele was zero in the study population. Overall, the findings demonstrated no significant difference in genotype or allele distribution between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Therefore, no statistically significant association was observed between the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and susceptibility to psoriasis vulgaris in the studied population. Based on these results, this polymorphism cannot be considered a reliable genetic marker for the diagnosis or prediction of psoriasis in this region. Nevertheless, further studies involving larger sample sizes and broader populations are required to confirm these findings and clarify the potential role of this polymorphism in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Effects of a 12-Week School-Based Physical Education and Nutrition Education Intervention on Obesity Indices and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Upper Elementary School Boys: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Reza Omidi Ghanbari ^* iD , Mood Bonyadifard iD , Zahra Khorram iD , Fatemeh Mohajeri iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Childhood overweight, obesity, and declining physical activity are major public-health concerns, and schools provide a practical setting for preventive interventions. This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of a 12-week integrated school-based physical education, nutrition education, and energy-intake management program on body-composition indices and cardiorespiratory fitness in upper elementary school boys in District 5 of Tehran, Iran. One hundred eligible boys were selected by multistage cluster sampling and allocated to an intervention group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). The intervention group participated in a structured physical education program twice weekly for 12 weeks (45 min/session) and received six nutrition-education sessions with guidance designed to reduce habitual energy intake by approximately 200-300 kcal/day without severe dietary restriction. The control group continued usual school activities. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), body-fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), three-site skinfold thickness, 20-m shuttle-run performance, and estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t tests, independent-samples t tests, and analysis of covariance controlling for pretest values. After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed meaningful reductions in body mass (-6.0%), BMI (-6.8%), body-fat percentage (-15.7%), waist circumference (-7.4%), WHR (-5.6%), WHtR (-7.4%), and total skinfold thickness (-19.8%). Cardiorespiratory-fitness outcomes also improved, with increases in 20-m shuttle-run stages (+40.3%), shuttle-run laps (+45.1%), and estimated VO₂max (+18.7%). ANCOVA confirmed significant between-group differences for all outcomes, with the largest effects for VO₂max (partial η² = .41), 20-m shuttle-run performance (partial η² = .39), total skinfold thickness (partial η² = .34), and body-fat percentage (partial η² = .31). The findings indicate that combining school-based physical education with nutrition education and moderate energy-intake management can improve obesity-related indices and cardiorespiratory fitness in upper elementary school boys. Such integrated programs may represent a feasible and low-cost strategy for child-obesity prevention and health promotion in school settings.

Independent and Interactive Effects of Combined Aerobic–Resistance Training and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Amyloidogenic Pathway Markers and IDE-Dependent Amyloid Clearance in the Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats With Amyloid-β-Induced Alzheimer-Like Pathology

Parichehr Soleimani Naeini iD , Jamshid Banaei Borojeni ^* iD , Leila Sarrami iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Alzheimer-like pathology is associated with increased amyloid-β production and impaired peptide clearance. This study investigated the independent and interactive effects of combined aerobic-resistance training and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on hippocampal markers of amyloidogenic processing and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE)-dependent clearance. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were allocated to six groups (n = 8): healthy control, sham, Alzheimer-like pathology, Alzheimer-like pathology plus combined training, Alzheimer-like pathology plus coenzyme Q10, and Alzheimer-like pathology plus combined training and coenzyme Q10. Alzheimer-like pathology was induced by intracerebroventricular Aβ1-42 administration. The combined training protocol and a diet containing 0.4% coenzyme Q10 were applied for 12 weeks. Hippocampal APP, BACE1, PSEN1, and IDE gene expression was measured by real-time PCR; Aβ42 concentration was measured by ELISA; and IDE activity was determined enzymatically. One-way ANOVA with Tukey testing and 2 × 2 two-way ANOVA were used. Model induction significantly increased APP, BACE1, PSEN1, and Aβ42 and reduced IDE expression and activity. Training and coenzyme Q10 each significantly attenuated all alterations. The combined-intervention group showed the most favorable means across all outcomes. Significant training-by-supplementation interactions were observed for BACE1 and Aβ42, but not for APP, PSEN1, IDE expression, or IDE activity. Combined aerobic-resistance training and coenzyme Q10 supplementation improved the balance between markers related to amyloid production and IDE-dependent clearance in this rat model. The findings are limited to hippocampal molecular outcomes in an experimentally induced Alzheimer-like condition and require confirmation using protein-level, histological, cognitive, and translational assessments.

Aerobic Interval Training and Probiotic Supplementation Modulate Intrinsic Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in the Myocardium of Rats with Myocardial Infarction

Sayed Touraj Miri Reykandeh iD , ‌Elham Eftekhari Gheinani ^* iD , Jamshid Banaei Borojeni iD

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Myocardial infarction (MI) promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte loss, partly through activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Exercise training and probiotics may each influence these processes, but evidence concerning their combined effects is limited. This controlled animal study examined the effects of aerobic interval training (AIT), Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation, and their combination on myocardial expression of Apaf1, Bax, Bcl2, Casp9, and Casp3 and on the Bax/Bcl2 expression ratio. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (250 ± 30 g) were allocated to six groups (n = 8 each): healthy control, sham surgery, MI, MI + AIT, MI + probiotic, and MI + AIT + probiotic. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The interventions continued for 10 weeks; AIT was performed five sessions per week, and the probiotic was administered daily at 10^9 colony-forming units/mL. Left ventricular tissue was collected 48 h after the final intervention. Relative mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey testing. Significant group effects were detected for all outcomes (P < 0.001; η² = 0.79–0.89). Compared with healthy controls, MI increased Apaf1, Bax, Casp9, and Casp3 expression, reduced Bcl2 expression, and markedly increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Both interventions attenuated these changes. The combined intervention produced the values closest to control levels, reducing Apaf1, Bax, Casp9, Casp3, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio by approximately 62%, 63%, 62%, 63%, and 87%, respectively, relative to untreated MI, while increasing Bcl2 expression. These findings indicate that AIT and probiotic supplementation, particularly when combined, are associated with a less pro-apoptotic myocardial gene-expression profile after experimental MI. Because only mRNA outcomes were assessed, protein-level, functional, and clinical confirmation is required.

Structural Associations of Academic Engagement and Spiritual Vitality with Academic Buoyancy: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy among Female Upper-Secondary School Students

Masoumeh Vaygani iD , Arsalan Khanmmohammadi Otaghsara ^* iD , Rajabali Mohammadzadeh Admolaee iD

This study examined a cross-sectional structural model linking academic engagement and spiritual vitality with academic buoyancy, directly and indirectly through self-efficacy, among female upper-secondary school students. A descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 350 students aged 15–18 years in Babol, Iran, during the 2024 academic year. Participants were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Academic buoyancy, academic engagement, spiritual vitality, and self-efficacy were assessed using self-report instruments. Structural equation modeling was performed in SPSS and AMOS. The proposed model showed acceptable fit (χ²/df = 1.45, RMSEA = .03, CFI = .98, NFI = .96, GFI = .96, and AGFI = .94). Academic engagement (β = .12, p = .02), spiritual vitality (β = .26, p = .001), and self-efficacy (β = .32, p = .001) were positively associated with academic buoyancy. Self-efficacy showed statistically significant indirect associations linking academic engagement (indirect β = .138, z = 2.84, p = .001) and spiritual vitality (indirect β = .09, p = .02) with academic buoyancy. Because the data were cross-sectional and self-reported, the findings do not establish temporal or causal effects.

Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (Vinox) on Growth Performance, Immune Indices, Antioxidant Status, and Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chickens

Wahab Izadi ^* iD , Salahadin Khodamoradi iD

Natural polyphenolic antioxidants are increasingly investigated as alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and antibiotic growth promoters in poultry nutrition. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of dietary grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE; Vinox) on growth performance, antioxidant status, oxidative stress, and selected immune-related indices in Ross 308 broiler chickens. Birds were allocated to four dietary treatments: basal diet, basal diet plus 0.05% Vinox, basal diet plus 0.10% Vinox, and basal diet plus 0.15% Vinox. The experimental allocation was four treatments with three replicate pens and 10 birds per pen. Growth performance was recorded through 42 days. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed on days 28 and 42, together with relative bursa and spleen weights and peripheral lymphocyte percentage. Data were analyzed using a general linear model and Duncan's multiple-range test. Dietary 0.10% and 0.15% Vinox were associated with greater average daily gain and lower feed conversion ratio than the basal diet (p < .05), whereas feed intake did not differ significantly. Vinox supplementation increased SOD, GPx, and FRAP and decreased MDA. Relative bursa and spleen weights and lymphocyte percentage were also higher in supplemented groups. Under the reported experimental conditions, dietary GSPE was associated with improved growth efficiency, antioxidant status, and selected immune-related indices. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because the experimental protocol did not permit complete separation of dietary effects from the IBD vaccination procedure.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Emotional Forgiveness and Positive Feelings in Discordant Couples Referred to Psychological Counseling Centers in East Tehran

Ebrahim Bana iD , Homeira SoleimanNejad ^* iD , Vahid Ahmadi iD

Persistent marital conflict may reduce forgiveness and positive affect toward the spouse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) target different processes that may improve distressed relationships. This study compared the effects of CBT and ACT on emotional forgiveness and positive feelings toward the spouse among distressed couples attending psychological counseling centers in East Tehran. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest-follow-up design with two intervention groups and one no-treatment control group was used. From 80 eligible couples, 45 couples were selected using a random-number table and randomly allocated to CBT, ACT, or control groups (15 couples per group). The intervention groups received eight 90-minute sessions. Outcomes were assessed using the 15-item Rye Forgiveness Scale and the 17-item Positive Feelings Questionnaire. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine time, group, and time-by-group effects. Significant time, group, and time-by-group effects were reported for forgiveness and positive feelings toward the spouse (all p < .001). Both intervention groups improved relative to baseline, whereas the control group changed only modestly. The descriptive means were higher in the ACT group than in the CBT group at posttest and follow-up; however, direct adjusted CBT-versus-ACT contrasts were not reported. Both CBT and ACT were associated with improved emotional forgiveness and positive feelings toward the spouse. The available results do not establish the superiority of either intervention. Larger dyadic trials with complete treatment contrasts, fidelity assessment, and clearly specified follow-up intervals are required.

About the Journal

Current Issue

Sports Sciences

Psychology

Public Health

Emerging Technologies in Health

Indexing & Abstracting

Language

Issues

Browse Sections

Keywords

Latest publications

Information

Make a Submission

Editorial Board

Journal Statistics Summary