Publications by authors named "Wael Hafez"
Background: The adoption of generic and biosimilar medications is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility and cost savings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Understanding the factors that influence their acceptance is crucial for developing effective strategies for promoting their use.
Purpose: This systematic review aimed to examine the facilitators and barriers identified by healthcare professionals while prescribing and dispensing generic and biosimilar medications in the MENA region, focusing on their perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes.
Introduction: Many patients struggle to control glucose without side effects. Due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might treat Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The authors employed this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord MSCs (UCMSCs) for DM management.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Leukemia is the 11 most prevalent type of cancer worldwide, with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being the most frequent malignant blood malignancy in adults. Microscopic blood tests are the most common methods for identifying leukemia subtypes. An automated optical image-processing system using artificial intelligence (AI) has recently been applied to facilitate clinical decision-making.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Globally, hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) ranks seventh in women's cancer and fifth in men's cancer. Early identification can minimize mortality and morbidity. MicroRNAs and Toll-like receptors have been suggested as potential new biomarkers for HCC; Therefore, we explored Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and miRNA 15b-5p as new non-invasive HCC biomarkers and early detection approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClosed (Verres needle) vs. open (Hasson cannula) approach to creating pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with no previous abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Curr Probl Surg
December 2024
Article Synopsis
- c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), part of the MAPK family, are crucial for how cells react to stress and inflammation, and play a significant role in cancer development and progression.
- Abnormal activation of JNKs can lead to tumor growth, resistance to treatments, and influences the tumor microenvironment by regulating inflammation and immune responses.
- The review highlights both the complexity of JNK functions in cancer biology and the potential for developing targeted therapies, including promising JNK inhibitors, to enhance cancer treatment outcomes.
Background: Techniques in endovascular therapy have evolved to offer a promising alternative to medical therapy alone for Type B aortic dissections (TBADs).
Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare mortality and overall complications between thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and best medical therapy (BMT) in patients with TBADs.
Methods: We included randomized control trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies that compared TEVAR and BMT for the treatment of type B aortic dissection.
Article Synopsis
- Pulmonary injuries from urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy are uncommon but can lead to serious complications like respiratory issues and pulmonary edema, making early detection vital for the health of both mother and fetus.
- A review of 15 articles identified 7 relevant studies, showing that 1-2% of pregnant women may experience acute pyelonephritis linked to UTIs, which can negatively impact lung function and increase inflammation in the lungs.
- Although more research is needed, raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the potential pulmonary risks associated with UTIs in pregnant women is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.*
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver cancer that requires early diagnosis due to its poor prognosis. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have facilitated hepatocellular carcinoma detection using multiple AI models; however, their performance is still uncertain.
Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of different AI models with that of clinicians in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Background: Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic autoimmune diseases worldwide. miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that have been linked to immune system functions, β-cell metabolism, proliferation, and death, all of which contribute to pathogenesis of TIDM. Dysregulated miRNAs have been identified in Egyptian TIDM patients.
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- The study focuses on Syrian people's understanding and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and STIs to promote safe sex practices.
- Conducted online between September and November 2022 with over 1,000 participants, it assessed knowledge through a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge and practice, and attitudes towards these infections.
- Results indicated moderate knowledge levels about STIs and HIV, but negative attitudes remained prevalent, emphasizing the need to address these gaps in lower-income countries like Syria.
Article Synopsis
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health issue, and this study explored the link between the TyG index and various heart-related risks in non-diabetic patients in the U.S.
- Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants from the NHANES survey (2001-2020) to assess how the TyG index relates to conditions like coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and hypertension.
- While a higher TyG index was associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, it was found to be a poor predictor of actual cardiovascular diseases in the studied population.
Mitochondrial dynamics have pillar roles in several diseases including cancer. Cancer cell survival is monitored by mitochondria which impacts several cellular functions such as cell metabolism, calcium signaling, and ROS production. The equilibrium of death and survival rate of mitochondria is important for healthy cellular processes.
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- Alpha thalassemia, especially from nondeletional mutations, often leads to severe clinical outcomes, making DNA testing essential for diagnosing carriers, especially if they show minor hematological issues.* -
- A case study highlights a 1-year-old girl with a rare alpha-thalassemia genotype featuring both Hb Adana and Hb SEA, showing the importance of understanding these uncommon combinations.* -
- The authors emphasize the need for genetic evaluations and awareness of genotype-phenotype correlations to aid in managing alpha thalassemia, and they advocate for increased research and early screening to improve patient outcomes.*
Background: Several genetic and metabolic variables, most notably the variation in the adipokine gene rs1501298, have been linked to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease etiopathogenesis (MAFLD). Liver biopsy, the gold standard for diagnosing MAFLD, is an invasive procedure; therefore, alternative diagnostic methods are required. Consequently, the integration of these metabolic variables with some of the patients' characteristics may facilitate the development of noninvasive diagnostic methods that aid in the early detection of MAFLD, identification of at-risk individuals and planning of management strategies.
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- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, but there's limited awareness of it among Syrian women.
- A survey conducted with 1840 Syrian women found that 27.4% had confirmed PCOS diagnoses, with higher knowledge scores among those with a degree and those previously diagnosed.
- The study highlights a moderate understanding of PCOS among participants and calls for enhanced awareness and regular screening programs to better educate women about the disorder.
Obesity and low enzyme A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif-13 (ADAMTS13) activity have been linked to poor coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given that obesity may influence ADAMTS13 activity, it is feasible; however, it remains unclear whether ADAMTS13 activity acts as a mediator between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes. We investigated the link between body mass index (BMI) and COVID-19 outcomes, using ADAMTS13 activity as a mediator.
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- Asthma is a common respiratory condition in the U.S., impacting 8.7% of the population, with significant implications for public health and policy decisions.
- The study analyzed data from 64,222 participants (20 years and older) and found notable risk factors, including higher prevalence among females, individuals aged 60 and older, and non-Hispanic whites.
- Key risk factors associated with asthma include being female, having low income, being obese, and smoking, suggesting that public health efforts should focus on these areas for better prevention and management.
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is an importance preventable problem in the global and associates with lack levels of awareness about vitamin D. According to prior studies, in the Arab world, there is low of knowledge and awareness toward vitamin D deficiency. The target of our study is evaluating the knowledge level about vitamin D deficiency and determining the associated factors with levels of awareness of its.
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- Palliative care aims to relieve pain and improve the quality of life for patients with severe illnesses, but there's a lack of trained healthcare professionals in Syria to provide this care effectively.
- An online study conducted among 602 Syrian healthcare workers, mainly medical students, assessed their knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care, revealing that while many understood pain treatment, only a small number had comprehensive knowledge of palliative practices.
- The results highlighted a significant gap in palliative care awareness, with most respondents agreeing that pain relief is crucial for terminally ill patients, yet only a few demonstrated a thorough understanding of palliative care principles.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of liver health among the adult Syrian population, emphasizing the importance of public health awareness regarding liver diseases to help prevent and manage these conditions effectively.!* -
- Conducted from August 25 to September 29, 2023, with 941 participants, the study utilized a validated questionnaire covering participants' understanding of liver diseases, health attitudes, and treatment awareness, analyzing results using SPSS software.!* -
- Findings revealed that while a majority were aware of hepatitis B and C, a significant portion lacked knowledge about the serious complications like chronic liver inflammation; many avoided health screenings because they felt healthy.!*
Background: The wound-healing process in diabetic foot is affected by pro and anti-inflammatory markers, and any disruption in the inflammatory reaction interferes with tissue homeostasis, leading to chronic non-wound healing.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value and effect of CRP, IL-6, TNF, and HbA1c on initiation the and progression of diabetic foot ulcers.
Method: ELISA was used to quantify IL-6, TNF, CRP, and HbA1c in 205 patients with diabetes, and 105 were diabetic foot free.
Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in mothers worldwide. Adequate understanding of this condition improves treatment, control, and prevention. This study evaluated preeclampsia awareness among pregnant women in Syria, and the characteristics related to awareness adequacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer chemoresistance is a problematic dilemma that significantly restrains numerous cancer management protocols. It can promote cancer recurrence, spreading of cancer, and finally, mortality. Accordingly, enhancing the responsiveness of cancer cells towards chemotherapies could be a vital approach to overcoming cancer chemoresistance.
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