Exploring food safety knowledge and practices in Lebanon.

Background: Lebanon's economic and financial crises have affected the quality-of-life, including food safety and food security.

Aim: To assess food safety knowledge and practices among a sample Lebanese population and the association with the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of participants.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data online from 412 Lebanese adults aged ≥ 18 years [mostly female (77.

Enhanced safety and efficacy profile of CD40 antibody upon encapsulation in pHe-triggered membrane-adhesive nanoliposomes.

Aim: To develop pH (pHe)-triggered membrane adhesive nanoliposome (pHTANL) of CD40a to enhance anti-tumor activity in pancreatic cancer while reducing systemic toxicity.

Materials And Methods: A small library of nanoliposomes (NL) with various lipid compositions were synthesized to prepare pH (pHe)-triggered membrane adhesive nanoliposome (pHTANL). Physical and functional characterization of pHTANL-CD40a was performed via dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry.

NGR-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-cholesteryl methyl carbonate enhances the antitumor effect of quercetin liposomes in triple-negative breast cancer.

In this paper, the pH-sensitive targeting functional material NGR-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-cholesteryl methyl carbonate (NGR-PEtOz-CHMC, NPC) modified quercetin (QUE) liposomes (NPC-QUE-L) was constructed. The structure of NPC was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum (H-NMR). Pharmacokinetic results showed that the accumulation of QUE in plasma of the NPC-QUE-L group was 1.

Optimising Pirfenidone Dosage Regimens in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Toward a Guide for Personalised Treatment.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic respiratory disorder for which pirfenidone is the recommended first-line anti-fibrotic treatment. While pirfenidone has demonstrated efficacy in slowing the progression of IPF, its use is associated with several challenges and unresolved issues that impact patient outcomes. Pirfenidone administration can result in gastrointestinal side effects, photosensitivity reactions, and significant drug interactions, particularly in patients with hepatic impairment.

Technological advances in clinical individualized medication for cancer therapy: from genes to whole organism.

Efforts have been made to leverage technology to accurately identify tumor characteristics and predict how each cancer patient may respond to medications. This involves collecting data from various sources such as genomic data, histological information, functional drug profiling, and drug metabolism using techniques like polymerase chain reaction, sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry staining, patient-derived tumor xenograft models, patient-derived organoid models, and therapeutic drug monitoring. The utilization of diverse detection technologies in clinical practice has made "individualized treatment" possible, but the desired level of accuracy has not been fully attained yet.

Association of smartphone overuse and neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Smartphone overuse is associated with both psychological and physical health problems, including depression and musculoskeletal disorders. However, the association between smartphone overuse and neck pain remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the relation between smartphone overuse and neck pain, and to identify high-risk usage patterns.

Effect of digital health applications with or without gamification on physical activity and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Use of health applications (apps) to support healthy lifestyles has intensified. Different app features may support effectiveness, including gamification defined as the use of game elements in a non-game situation. Whether health apps with gamification can impact behaviour change and cardiometabolic risk factors remains unknown.

HIV interventions across the care continuum for adolescents in high-burden countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Adolescents (10-19 years old) have poor outcomes across the prevention-to-treatment HIV care continuum, leading to significant mortality and morbidity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions that documented HIV outcomes among adolescents in HIV high-burden countries.

Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2015 and September 2024, assessing at least one HIV outcome along the prevention-to-care cascade, including PrEP uptake, HIV testing, awareness of HIV infections, ARV adherence, retention, and virological suppression.

Can gut microbiota explain acute diverticulitis occurrence in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease?

Why patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) may develop acute diverticulitis (AD) is still unknown. We analyzed the gut microbiota (GM) in two SUDD patients, one who did experience SUDD recurrence but not AD occurrence (case 1) and one who did experience AD occurrence during follow-up (case 2). The GM of these patients showed differences in terms of phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in case 1; Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria in case 2) and subgenera ( and in case 1 and , , , , group, and in case 2).

Vitiligo: are microbes to blame?

Vitiligo is a prevalent acquired depigmenting disease that is distinguished by the depletion of functional melanocytes and epidermal melanin. Despite significant advancements in comprehending vitiligo, the precise etiology and pathogenesis of the condition remain elusive. So far, the treatment of vitiligo is still one of the most difficult dermatological challenges.

Exosomal communication: a pivotal regulator of bone homeostasis and a potential therapeutic target.

Bone homeostasis encompasses two interrelated aspects: bone remodeling and cartilage metabolism. Disruption of bone homeostasis can lead to the development of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The maintenance of bone homeostasis is a complex process that does not solely rely on the functions of the bone tissue itself.

A supercritical oil extract of seeds ameliorates Huntington's disease-like symptoms and neuropathology: the potential role of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Background: Huntington disease (HD), a neurodegenerative autosomal dominant disorder, is characterized by involuntary choreatic movements with cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Up to now, no therapeutic strategies are available to completely ameliorate the progression of HD. has various pharmacologic effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Medication non-adherence: reflecting on two decades since WHO adherence report and setting goals for the next twenty years.

Background: Non-adherence to medication remains a persistent and significant challenge, with profound implications for patient outcomes and the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. Two decades ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) dedicated its seminal report to adherence to long-term therapies, catalysing notable changes that advanced both research and practice in medication adherence. The aim of this paper was to identify the most important progress made over the last 2 decades in medication adherence management and to initiate a discussion on future objectives, suggesting priority targets for the next 20 years.

Cell-free supernatant of (RAMULAB51) from coconut inflorescence sap (Neera) enhances glucose uptake and PPAR-γ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and inhibits α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

Introduction: Lactic acid bacteria are prized for their probiotic benefits and gut health improvements. This study assessed five LAB isolates from Neera, with RAMULAB51 (, GenBank ON171686.1) standing out for its high hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, antimicrobial activity, and enzyme inhibition.

Inhibitory Effect of Human Anti-CA I Autoantibodies and Development of Monoclonal Antibody mAb 2B8 Targeting Carbonic Anhydrase I.

Spontaneous tumor regression is a recognized phenomenon across various cancer types. Recent research emphasizes the alterations in autoantibodies against carbonic anhydrase I (CA I) (anti-CA I) levels as potential prognostic markers for various malignancies. Particularly, autoantibodies targeting CA I and II appear to induce cellular damage by inhibiting their respective protein's catalytic functions.

Nigerian medicinal plants with potential anticancer activity-a review.

Despite the fact that life expectancies are increasing and the burden of infectious diseases is decreasing, global cancer incidence rates are on the rise. Cancer outcome metrics are dismal for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including sub-Saharan Africa, where adequate resources and infrastructure for cancer care and control are lacking. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, exemplifies the miserable situation.

Investigation of and in Pakistan, with notes on the detection of tickborne Rickettsiales.

There is limited information on the occurrence of and ticks, as well as associated and species in Pakistan. Addressing this knowledge gap, the current study aimed at morphomolecular confirmation of these ticks and molecular assessment of associated Rickettsiales bacteria (, and spp.) in Balochistan, Pakistan.

From Outbreaks to Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Review of Monkeypox Virus Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Vaccination, and Deep Learning Applications.

After the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns over virus transmission have risen. A state of health emergency was declared in 2022 due to Clade 2 of the monkeypox (MPOX) virus. In August 2024, another emergency was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of the widespread Clade 1b, which caused a more severe and lethal disease.

The right drug for the right patient at the right time with the right test in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Thanks to the identification of crucial molecular pathways, the therapeutic landscape for advanced differentiated thyroid tumors (DTCs) has significantly improved during the last ten years. The therapeutic scenario has been greatly impacted by the discovery of mutually exclusive gene changes in the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, such as or fusions and pathogenic mutations of the and genes. Indeed, multi-kinase inhibitors and selective inhibitors have demonstrated outstanding efficacy for radioactive iodine-refractory (RAI-R) drug treatment, with overall response rates reaching up to 86%.

Prevalence and risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: This study aims to explore the risk factors in the progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Material And Methods: Relevant studies were comprehensively searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase up to March 12. Data extraction was performed.

Modulating the p53-MDM2 pathway: the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in cancer treatment.

The p53-MDM2 pathway plays a crucial role regulating tumor suppression and is a focal point of cancer research. This literature review delves into the complex interplay between the tumor suppressor protein p53 and its main regulator MDM2, highlighting their interaction and implications in cancer development and progression. The review compiles and summarizes the existing understanding of the biology and regulation of p53 and MDM2, emphasizing their roles in various cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and metabolism.

The sesquiterpene alcohol farnesol mitigates cadmium hepatotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and NF-kappaB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and upregulating PPARgamma in rats.

Farnesol (FAR) is a sesquiterpene alcohol that exists in many fruits and vegetables and possesses promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known for its serious health effects. Liver injury associated with oxidative stress is a hazardous consequence of exposure to Cd.

Untargeted metabolomics profiling of gestational diabetes mellitus: insights into early diagnosis and metabolic pathway alterations.

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder marked by Q10 hyperglycemia that can negatively affect both mothers and newborns. The increasing prevalence of GDM and the limitations associated with the standard diagnostic test highlight the urgent need for early screening strategies that promote timely interventions.

Methods: This study aims to investigate the metabolic profile associated with GDM through an untargeted metabolomic analysis using mass spectrometry (MS)- based omics.

Exploring the relationship between trauma, mental health, and occupational performance in health science center students.

Introduction: Attending university marks a pivotal yet stressful phase in students' lives, characterized by significant adjustments to a new environment that can impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The journey through the acceptance and admissions process into university introduces substantial challenges, academic performance and changes to daily life. Such challenges and corresponding conditions can be intensified for students entering university with prior traumatic experiences.

Mechanistic insights into endosomal escape by sodium oleate-modified liposomes.

Endosomal entrapment significantly limits the efficacy of drug delivery systems. This study investigates sodium oleate-modified liposomes (SO-Lipo) as an innovative strategy to enhance endosomal escape and improve cytosolic delivery in 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells. We aimed to elucidate the mechanistic role of sodium oleate in promoting endosomal escape and compared the performance of SO-Lipo with unmodified liposomes (Unmodified-Lipo) and Aurein 1.