Preferences and Feasibility of Long-Acting Technologies for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus: A Survey of Patients in Diverse Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Despite available curative treatments, global rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection persist with significant burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Long-acting (LA) antiviral products are in development. This study explored the challenges and opportunities in LA-HCV treatment across three LMICs: Egypt, Ethiopia and India.

Valorization of Potato Peels () Using Infrared-Assisted Extraction: A Novel Sprouting Suppressant and Antibacterial Agent.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in reducing waste to promote environmental sustainability, with particular focus on agricultural by-products, especially fruits and vegetables. Potato, a widely used crop across various industries, generates a significant amount of peel waste. This study aims to valorize potato peels using water bath extraction (WBE) and infrared-assisted extraction (IRAE), both with distilled water as the solvent, followed by assessments of antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-sprouting activities.

Innovative Microencapsulation of Polymyxin B for Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy via Coated Spray Drying.

This study aims to develop an innovative microencapsulation method for coated Polymyxin B, utilizing various polysaccharides such as hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin, alginate, and chitosan, implemented through a three-fluid nozzle (3FN) spray drying process. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that formulations with a high ratio of sugar cage, hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), and sodium alginate (coded as ALGCDP) resulted in a notable 16-fold increase in Polymyxin B recovery compared to chitosan microparticles. Morphological assessments using fluorescence labeling confirmed successful microparticle formation with core/shell structures.

Correction: Al Khatib et al. Inhaled Medicines for Targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. 2024, , 2777.

In the original publication [...

A bibliometric analysis of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a multisystem disease primarily affecting the lungs, arises due to pathogenic mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This study embarked on a bibliometric analysis to survey the use of CFTR modulators in CF treatment. Utilizing the Scopus database, a comprehensive search was executed, incorporating terms related to CF and CFTR modulators.

Prevalence and Severity of Periodontal Disease in Diabetic Patients in South Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Poorly managed diabetes mellitus can elevate oral glucose levels, fostering gum disease. Conversely, untreated periodontal disease may worsen diabetes control. This study aims to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease and its association with diabetes characteristics in South Jordan.

Spray-Dried Nanolipid Powders for Pulmonary Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Mini Review.

Lung diseases have received great attention in the past years because they contribute approximately one-third of the total global mortality. Pulmonary drug delivery is regarded as one of the most appealing routes to treat lung diseases. It addresses numerous drawbacks linked to traditional dosage forms.

Using Prompting and Modeling to Teach Imitation Skills and Eye Contact to Syrian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Lack of eye contact and imitation deficits are frequently targeted in behavioral interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we examined the effects of prompting and modeling on the imitation skills and eye contact of three Arabic-speaking young children with ASD in Syria. A multiple baseline design with a withdrawal component was used to evaluate the effects of the intervention in a clinical setting, at a center for children with special needs, and in follow-up sessions conducted in the participants' homes.

Identifying Services Provided in Community Pharmacy Practice Settings.

To better address their patients' needs, community pharmacists are expanding from their traditional role of dispensing to managing medications and providing other care. This study characterized services reported by pharmacists practicing in community pharmacy settings in the 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Study (NPWS). The 2019 NPWS was conducted via an online survey.

The Knowledge and Practices Toward Food Safety Measures at Home in the Lebanese Community.

Hygienic measures practiced at home are highly related to the occurrence of food-borne diseases during food production, storage, and handling. Contaminated food remains a major cause of several diarrheal diseases, hospitalizations, and spikes in medical expenses. In our current study, we aimed to assess the knowledge of food safety and the food safety and hygiene practices at home among the Lebanese population.

Understanding Trust Drivers of S-commerce.

Trust has emerged as a pillar in the acceptance and use of new technologies in the ever-changing digital landscape, notably in the booming field of social commerce. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it explores in-depth the aspects of customer trust in Instashopping using new constructs that have yet to be explored in s-commerce literature. Focusing on Instashopping, the research proposed a multi-dimensional model of trust to examine the dynamics of user trust in social commerce platforms and analyses the effects of various factors, including institution-based trust, disposition to trust, personal inventiveness, perceived page quality, and overall web experience.

Inhaled Medicines for Targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Throughout the years, considerable progress has been made in methods for delivering drugs directly to the lungs, which offers enhanced precision in targeting specific lung regions. Currently, for treatment of lung cancer, the prevalent routes for drug administration are oral and parenteral. These methods, while effective, often come with side effects including hair loss, nausea, vomiting, susceptibility to infections, and bleeding.

The complexity of financial development and economic growth nexus in Syria: A nonlinear modelling approach with artificial neural networks and NARDL model.

This study investigates the complex interaction between financial development (FD) and economic growth (EG) in Syria from 1980 to 2018 using advanced nonlinear modeling techniques including artificial neural network VAR models, nonlinear causality tests, and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) models. The results indicate that linear models are inadequate to capture the data patterns, necessitating nonlinear approaches. The artificial neural network VAR model reveals a nonlinear connection between FD and EG.

Prevalence and mortality rate of healthcare-associated infections among COVID-19 patients: a retrospective cohort community-based approach.

Background: The prevalence of HAI among COVID-19 patients ranged between 4.8% and 42.8% with the highest occurrence observed in critically ill patients.

Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Tea Sold in Lebanon: Effects of Type, Packaging, and Origin.

Tea is among the oldest and most-known beverages around the world, and it has many flavors and types. Tea can be easily contaminated in any of its production steps, especially with mycotoxins that are produced particularly in humid and warm environments. This study aims to examine the level of ochratoxin A (OTA) and total aflatoxin (AF) contamination in black and green tea sold in Lebanon, evaluate its safety compared to international standards, and assess the effect of different variables on the levels of OTA and AFs.

Preparation, characterization and wound-healing effect of PEGylated nanoliposomes loaded with oleuropein.

Chronic wounds have become a major concern for healthcare systems, as they have been related to diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and pressure ulcers. Oleuropein is an active compound that is extracted from olive leaves and it has the ability to reduce injury to tissues owing to its antioxidant effect, hence improving wound healing. The poor pharmacokinetics of oleuropein have limited its use clinically.