Current Insights into the Radiobiology of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and the Potential for Further Improving Biological Effectiveness.

Photon (X-ray) radiotherapy is the most common treatment used in cancer therapy. However, the exposure of normal tissues and organs at risk to ionising radiation often results in a significant incidence of low-grade adverse side effects, whilst high-grade toxicities also occur at concerningly high rates. As an alternative, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) aims to create densely ionising helium and lithium ions directly within cancer cells, thus sparing the surrounding normal cells and tissues but also leading to significantly more effective tumour control than X-rays.

Occupational Risk Factors for Burnout Syndrome Among Healthcare Professionals: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Health professionals are disproportionately affected by burnout compared to other occupational groups. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze thirteen occupational risk factors related to burnout syndrome among health professionals globally. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2023.

Novel Variant of New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase () Discovered in a Clinical Strain of from the United Arab Emirates: An Emerging Challenge in Antimicrobial Resistance.

Carbapenem resistance poses a significant health threat. This study reports the first detection and characterization of a novel variant of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase () in from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including its genetic context and relationship to global strains. NDM-60-producing was isolated from a rectal swab during routine screening.

Frequency of Osteoporosis-Related Fractures in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Background: Osteoporosis-related fragility fractures are increasing worldwide. An assessment of the prevalence of fragility fractures in Bahrain is needed to determine proper action and preventive strategies. The main objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence of fragility fractures in adult Bahraini patients.

Epstein-Barr virus, vitamin D and the immune response: connections with consequences for multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with no definitive trigger. However, epidemiological studies indicate that environmental factors, such as infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and low vitamin D (Vit D) levels in genetically predisposed individuals, are important risk factors. One leading proposal is that EBV triggers MS via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, where activated autoreactive B and T lymphocytes mistakenly target self-antigens.

Deciphering community-level knowledge of obstetric fistula and determinants: perspectives elucidated by ordinal logistic regression.

Background: Obstetric fistula is a significant cause of maternal morbidity in resource-limited settings, where women often suffer due to a lack of prompt access to skilled obstetric services. It is imperative to comprehend and identify the factors that shape community knowledge about obstetric fistula to enhance prevention strategies, enable early detection, and provide support and treatment to affected women. However, there is a substantial gap in the available evidence concerning the level of community knowledge regarding obstetric fistula and its influencing factors within the Ethiopian context.

Prevalence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and factors associated with emergency cesarean section: multicenter cross-sectional study in south central Ethiopia.

Background: Meconium is thick black-green fetal intestinal content starting from the early first trimester of gestation. Unfortunately, if it is released into the amniotic cavity due to any cause, it can be associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Objective: To identify the factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid among mothers undergoing emergency cesarean section in specialized hospitals cross-sectional study in south central Ethiopia from August 1, 2022, to 30, October 2022.

Alström syndrome: the journey to diagnosis.

Background: Alström syndrome (AS) is a recessively inherited genetic condition which is ultra-rare and extremely complex. Symptoms include retinal dystrophy, nystagmus, photophobia, hearing loss, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiomyopathy. The condition is progressive, but it is important to note that not all the complications associated with AS occur in everyone affected.

Implementation research logic model in the design and execution of eHealth innovations for maternal and newborn healthcare in Ethiopia.

Background: The use of eHealth innovations is becoming increasingly important in improving health outcomes, especially for maternal and newborn health. However, planning and executing these innovations can be challenging due to their complex nature. To provide guidance and clarity on implementation approaches, researchers need to use implementation research (IR) tools.

Technical efficiency of public hospitals in east Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Hospitals usually encounter human, capital, and financial resource constraints which alerts the efficient use of allocated resources more than ever. Health system managers are required to identify inefficient hospitals and the drivers of the inefficiencies. Although there are multiple studies examining the efficiency of public hospitals in East Africa, their findings are often variable and inconsistent.

The association of Helicobacter pylori infection with the risk of anemia in children: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Children are among the most vulnerable groups for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which was linked with an increased risk of anemia. H.

Dengue fever in Yemen: a five-year review, 2020-2024.

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has recently become a burden worldwide, particularly in low-income countries, such as Yemen. There have been no epidemiological studies on DF in recent years in Yemen. Therefore, based on secondary data, this study aimed to shed light on the epidemiology of DF in Yemen between 2020 and 2024.

Significance of location and extent of perineural invasion in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

Aims: Perineural invasion (PNI) is associated with survival in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). There is evidence to suggest that PNI location and extent may be of additional significance. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic ability of PNI, including location and extent, in early-stage OCSCC.

Diabetic foot: A systematic review and meta-analysis on its prevalence and associated factors among patients with diabetes mellitus in a sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Diabetes is one of the non-communicable diseases that represents the greatest public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where diabetes related needs are currently largely unmet, and the debilitating aspects of the foot are worsened by issues related to healthcare costs, self-care practices, and inadequate knowledge. To estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of diabetic foot ulcers among patients with Diabetes mellitus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Although studies on, diabetic foot ulcer among patients with diabetes mellitus have been available, the results have been inconsistent.

Mortality and predictors among HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: HIV-TB co-infection poses a significant public health threat, notably in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Despite this public health problem, studies in Ethiopia regarding the mortality of HIV-TB co-infection patients have been inconsistent, and the overall estimate of mortality was not determined. Accordingly, this meta-analysis aims to assess the magnitude of mortality and predictors among HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia.

Pain management practice and associated factors among nurses working in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pain management is a crucial component of patient care that promotes relaxation, lowers complications, improves quality of life, and shortens hospital stays. Several studies assessed the nurses' pain management practices in Ethiopia. However, the findings of these studies are highly variable and inconsistent.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among children living with HIV in Eastern and Southern Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Children living with HIV in low-income settings, such as in Eastern and Southern Africa, are at a high risk for poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy. However, various primary studies presented inconsistent and inconclusive estimates of adherence and its associated factors among children living with HIV in Eastern and Southern Africa. Therefore, we were aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adherence and its associated factors, and to guide interventions efforts to support adherence, this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.

Individual and community-level determinants of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among women in Southern Ethiopia: A multi-level mixed effect negative binomial analysis.

Introduction: One of the key strategies to achieve the sustainable development goal by reducing maternal deaths below 70 per 100,000 is improving knowledge of obstetric danger signs (ODS). However, mothers' knowledge of ODS is low in general and very low in rural settings, regardless of local and national efforts in Ethiopia. Further, there is significant variation of ODS knowledge among women from region to region and urban/rural settings.

A review on emerging pharmaceutical residues in Ethiopia: occurrence, ecotoxicological aspects, and regulatory concerns.

Background: Pharmaceuticals are expected to improve human and animal health, but improper management and regulation have led to adverse effects such as reproductive disorders, antibiotic resistance, and biodiversity loss in ecosystems. Their presence in the environment poses significant risks, including a reduction in biodiversity, reproductive issues, and the development of antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to examine the occurrence and sources of pharmaceuticals in the environment and their ecotoxicological and regulatory aspects, with a focus on Ethiopia.

Awareness and infection prevention practices of hepatitis B virus among informal caregivers in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge, leading to approximately 1.1 million deaths annually. Informal caregivers of HBV patients face an increased risk of exposure, yet there is limited research on their awareness and infection prevention practices.

Magnitude and associated factors of postpartum family planning uptake among postpartum women in Ethiopia: an umbrella review.

Background: The World Health Organization indicates that despite advancements, the rates of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity during the postpartum period continue to be alarmingly high. Furthermore, untapped opportunities to enhance maternal health and promote effective newborn care, including family planning services, have not been fully leveraged. Earlier meta-analyses and systematic reviews have addressed this subject; however, a thorough evidence synthesis has not been provided.

Outcomes in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A 14-Year Analysis.

Background Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy characterized by slow progression, local recurrence, and distant metastases. This study aims to evaluate the demographic patterns, clinical presentations, outcomes, and survival trends of patients with ACC. Methods A retrospective analysis of 14 patients diagnosed with ACC from 2010 to 2024 at a tertiary cancer center in the United Arab Emirates was conducted.

Dyslipidemia and associated factors among adult type two diabetes mellitus patients in Felege Hiywot Refral, Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2023.

Background: Dyslipidemia is a common condition in type two diabetic patients, and it is thought to have a significant role in moderating the cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes. Data on serum lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes patients from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia among adult type 2 diabetes patients and to explore potential contributing factors.

Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome among infertile women in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant contributor to female infertility and other various metabolic disorders. This systematic review estimates the prevalence of PCOS among infertile women in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Methods: The study searched five databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS), from their inception to 2022 for observational studies conducted in GCC countries.