Folic acid has been identified to be integral in rapid tissue growth and cell division during fetal development. Different studies indicate folic acid’s importance in improving childhood behavioral outcomes and underline its role as a modifiable risk factor for autism spectrum disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to both elucidate the potential role of folic acid in autism spectrum disorders and to investigate the mechanisms involved. Studies have pointed out a potential beneficial effect of prenatal folic acid maternal supplementation (600 µg) on the risk of autism spectrum disorder onset, but opposite results have been reported as well. Folic acid and/or folinic acid supplementation in autism spectrum disorder diagnosed children has led to improvements, both in some neurologic and behavioral symptoms and in the concentration of one-carbon metabolites. Several authors report an increased frequency of serum auto-antibodies against folate receptor alpha (FRAA) in autism spectrum disorder children. Furthermore, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms showed a significant influence on ASD risk. More clinical trials, with a clear study design, with larger sample sizes and longer observation periods are necessary to be carried out to better evaluate the potential protective role of folic acid in autism spectrum disorder risk.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Despite efforts to reduce its incidence, it remains the fifth most frequent cancer among women in Albania. In November 2022, Albania included the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Program, targeting 13-year-old young women. Therefore, this study aims to assess HPV vaccine awareness among Albanian women and to delineate deficiencies in knowledge, accessibility, and attitudes within populations at higher risk of HPV exposure. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from September to December 2024, surveyed 398 Albanian women using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was pilot-tested for clarity and included sections covering socio-demographic information, HPV vaccination practices, and awareness of preventive health measures. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Knowledge about HPV vaccination practices varied significantly by age, education, marital and employment status. Married participants (67.3%), those employed in the healthcare sector (87.5%), and urban residents (68.2%) were significantly more informed about the intended recipients of the HPV vaccine (p = 0.045, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, 46.5% of participants would consider getting vaccinated with age (p = 0.007) and education level (p = 0.002) emerging as significant determinants. Discussion: The study demonstrated moderate awareness and vaccine acceptance among Albanian women following the recent introduction of the HPV vaccine. Consistent with global findings, education level was observed to influence attitudes significantly. Future targeted research that overcomes potential limitations, such as online sampling bias, is needed to address vaccine hesitancy and socio-cultural barriers. Conclusions: The HPV vaccine acceptance rate requires improvement, as more than one-third of participants remain undecided about receiving the vaccine. The study highlights the necessity of targeted educational interventions and comprehensive strategies to enhance HPV vaccine acceptance and coverage. In the Albanian context, achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of 90% immunization among adolescent girls by 2030 may require addressing specific socioeconomic barriers and increasing healthcare providers’ involvement.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been considered a risk factor for different diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), inflammation, neurological diseases, cancer, and many other pathological conditions. Likewise, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism is implicated in both vascular homeostasis and inflammation, as shown by the development of CVD, following the imbalance of its metabolites. This review summarizes how homocysteine (Hcy) can influence the metabolism of AA. In silico literature searches were performed on PubMed and Scopus as main sources. Several studies have shown that altered levels of Hcy, through AA release and metabolism, can influence the synthesis and the activity of prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI2), thromboxane (TXA), epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). It is believed that by targeting Hcy in the AA pathways, novel compounds with better pharmacological and pharmacodynamics benefits may be obtained and that this information is valuable for a dietician to manipulate diets to improve health.

Aim: The aim of the research is to evidence the potential role of lactoferrin (LF) and heparin in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, we discuss and underline the mechanisms involved in this possible association. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were used to conduct the literature search. Findings and Conclusion: Studies have widely proven the principal activity of LF, in the inflammatory process, as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory glycoprotein. Evidence shows that LF has important antibacterial and antiviral effects against human and animal pathogens. Heparin and LF could reduce viral entry by preventing the attachment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a result of competitive binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Clinical studies are necessary to specify LF and heparin mechanisms of action and the therapeutical dose in patient affected with COVID-19.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a widespread skin-to-skin transmitted infection that poses a global health concern. Although Albania faced prior challenges, it has recently introduced a quadrivalent recombinant HPV vaccine, a critical step in preventing cervical cancer among young women. This study aims to identify potential gaps in knowledge and attitudes among Albanian women regarding cervical cancer and HPV infection, as well as provide insights into the effectiveness of the national primary prevention program. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 473 Albanian women using an anonymous online questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information, awareness on HPV infection and cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination practices. The association between sociodemographic variables and outcome measures was explored using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS. Most of the participants fell within the age range of 18 to 30 years old (42.1 %). 71.7 % of the respondents lived in urban areas. According to the study findings, a considerable proportion of the participants demonstrated knowledge of cervical cancer, with 66.6 % correctly identifying HPV infection as a major cause of this disease. Additionally, the study uncovered that a substantial number of participants had an acceptable awareness (59.6 %) about the HPV vaccine. Nevertheless, 48.4 % of the participants expressed concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety. The study reveals knowledge gaps and misconceptions about HPV transmission, hereditary aspects, and its connection to various cancers. While a positive attitude towards preventive measures exists, concerns about HPV vaccination safety and efficacy underscore the need for targeted education campaigns to enhance awareness and accessibility, addressing misconceptions and promoting informed decision-making for effective cervical cancer prevention.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Despite efforts to reduce its incidence, it remains the fifth most frequent cancer among women in Albania. In November 2022, Albania included the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Program, targeting 13-year-old young women. Therefore, this study aims to assess HPV vaccine awareness among Albanian women and to delineate deficiencies in knowledge, accessibility, and attitudes within populations at higher risk of HPV exposure. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from September to December 2024, surveyed 398 Albanian women using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was pilot-tested for clarity and included sections covering socio-demographic information, HPV vaccination practices, and awareness of preventive health measures. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Knowledge about HPV vaccination practices varied significantly by age, education, marital and employment status. Married participants (67.3%), those employed in the healthcare sector (87.5%), and urban residents (68.2%) were significantly more informed about the intended recipients of the HPV vaccine (p = 0.045, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, 46.5% of participants would consider getting vaccinated with age (p = 0.007) and education level (p = 0.002) emerging as significant determinants. Discussion: The study demonstrated moderate awareness and vaccine acceptance among Albanian women following the recent introduction of the HPV vaccine. Consistent with global findings, education level was observed to influence attitudes significantly. Future targeted research that overcomes potential limitations, such as online sampling bias, is needed to address vaccine hesitancy and socio-cultural barriers. Conclusions: The HPV vaccine acceptance rate requires improvement, as more than one-third of participants remain undecided about receiving the vaccine. The study highlights the necessity of targeted educational interventions and comprehensive strategies to enhance HPV vaccine acceptance and coverage. In the Albanian context, achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of 90% immunization among adolescent girls by 2030 may require addressing specific socioeconomic barriers and increasing healthcare providers’ involvement.