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Article If Europe Lived the Same Lifestyle: Insights Into Cardiovascular Risk From the European Social Survey(KeAi Communications Co., 2025) Valko, M.; Walker, M.D.; Htoon, April; Dumlao, Jocelyn; Lane, H.; Lee, Isabella G.; Bursová, J.Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality across the European region. Despite marked regional variations, cross-national differences in underlying risk factors have received comparatively little attention. Objective: To use European Social Survey, a unique cross-European dataset, to examine regional patterns in prevalence and lifestyle risks. Methods: This study employs clustering analysis and nested logistic modelling. Counterfactual analysis was conducted to illustrate how lifestyle modifications could reduce risk. Results: The prevalence of heart problems was highest in Latvia (25.6 %, 95 % CI: 23.0 to 28.2), Lithuania (17.6 %, 95 % CI: 15.5 to 19.7), and Bulgaria (14.9 %, 95 % CI: 13.4 to 19.4). Regionally, heart problems were higher in Northern and Eastern Europe (15 % and 11.9 %) than Western and Southern Europe (10.8 % and 9.5 %). Among the risk factors, modelling emphasised the importance of modifiable factors including education, body mass index and physical activity. Conclusion: The results underline that cardiovascular disease is influenced by interrelated socioeconomic, environmental and lifestyle determinants. Public policy interventions could be targeted at those countries where greatest reductions are obtainable and concentrate on interventions on those lifestyle traits identified. The study utilised a social science dataset, thereby illustrating how multidisciplinary resources can benefit epidemiological research. © 2025Article Toxoplasma gondii Coinfection in HIV-Positive Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital(Bentham Science Publ Ltd, 2025) Kurkcu, Muhammed Furkan; Bakir, Ayfer; Kaba, Semiha Berra Topsakal; Kusabbi, Ilknur Alkan; Usluca, SelmaIntroduction: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can cause serious complications in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii among HIV-positive individuals and to investigate its association with age, sex, CD4+ T cell count, HIV RNA levels, and hematological parameters. Methods: This study included 247 HIV-positive individuals followed up at a tertiary care hospital between November 1, 2022, and November 30, 2024. We analyzed serum samples for T. gondii IgG antibodies using electrochemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Results: The prevalence of T. gondii IgG seropositivity was found to be 32.8% (n=81; 95% CI: 26.9-39). The median age of seropositive individuals was 52 years (IQR: 42-61), which was significantly higher compared to seronegative individuals (p<0.001). The highest IgG seropositivity rate (66.7%) was observed in the 61-80 age group. Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in IgG seropositive individuals (p=0.040). Logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of T. gondii infection with advancing age. The odds ratio for the 41-60 age group was 13.3 (95% CI: 1.6-106, p=0.02), while for the 61-80 age group, it was 28 (95% CI: 3.3-240, p=0.002). Discussion: The seroprevalence of T. gondii in HIV-positive individuals was lower than both global and regional averages. Age was identified as an independent risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity. Additionally, hematological alterations associated with anemia were observed in seropositive individuals. Further large-scale, multi-center, and regionally representative studies are required to optimize T. gondii infection management and screening strategies in people living with HIV. Conclusion: These findings suggest that T. gondii infection in HIV-positive individuals increases with age and may be associated with anemia, highlighting the need for age-focused screening and management strategies.Article Investigation of Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Hemodialysis Patients(Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Ozturk, Hakki; Ozsoy, Metin; Tuna, Aysegul; Varlibas, Artuner; Cesur, Salih; Aksoy, Altan; Demir, Mehmet EminBackground: Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection due to their immunocompromised status and frequent exposure to invasive medical procedures. HEV can lead to chronic infections and severe complications, particularly in high-risk populations. This study aimed to determine HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara, Turkey, and evaluate associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 160 hemodialysis patients from three private dialysis centers in Ankara were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Anti-HEV-IgG antibodies were detected using the ELISA method. Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors, including dialysis duration, comorbidities, blood transfusion history, drinking water source, dietary habits, and involvement in animal husbandry, were assessed via structured surveys. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22.0, with Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests applied to categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Results: HEV-IgG seropositivity was detected in 42 patients (26.25%). Seroprevalence increased significantly with age, rising from 6.7% in patients under 55 years to 47.4% in those over 65 years (p < 0.001). Extended dialysis duration (>5 years) was also significantly associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.02). However, no significant associations were found between HEV seropositivity and gender, blood transfusion history, source of drinking water, consumption of raw meat, or involvement in animal husbandry (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara was higher than previously reported rates in Turkey. Age and prolonged dialysis duration emerged as significant risk factors, underscoring the importance of screening and preventive strategies in this vulnerable population. Further multi-regional studies are needed to better understand HEV transmission dynamics and improve management strategies in hemodialysis patients.
