Testing the Isotropic Cauchy Hypothesis.

The isotropic Cauchy distribution is a member of the central α-stable family that plays a role in the set of heavy-tailed distributions similar to that of the Gaussian density among finite second-moment laws. Given a sequence of observations, we are interested in characterizing the performance of Likelihood Ratio Tests, where two hypotheses are plausible for the observed quantities: either isotropic Cauchy or isotropic Gaussian. Under various setups, we show that the probability of error of such detectors is not always exponentially decaying with , with the leading term in the exponent shown to be logarithmic instead, and we determine the constants in that leading term.

Efficacy of Cefiderocol Against Endophthalmitis Isolates.

Endophthalmitis is an intraocular microbial infection that can lead to permanent blindness, even with prompt anti-microbial therapy. Multi-drug-resistant organisms are on the rise, potentially limiting the efficacy of current empiric antibiotic therapies of intravitreal ceftazidime and vancomycin. Cefiderocol is a recent FDA- and EMA-approved antibiotic for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

CXCL13 as a Biomarker: Background and Utility in Multiple Sclerosis.

CXCL13 is a chemokine which is upregulated within the CNS in multiple sclerosis, Lyme neuroborreliosis, and other inflammatory diseases and is increasingly clinically useful as a biomarker. This review provides background for understanding its function in the immune system and its relationship to ectopic lymphoid follicles. Also reviewed are its utility in multiple sclerosis and Lyme neuroborreliosis and potential problems in its measurement.

From Spent Black and Green Tea to Potential Health Boosters: Optimization of Polyphenol Extraction and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities.

Tea, one of the most popular beverages worldwide, generates a substantial amount of spent leaves, often directly discarded although they may still contain valuable compounds. This study aims to optimize the extraction of polyphenols from spent black tea (SBT) and spent green tea (SGT) leaves while also exploring their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Response surface methodology was utilized to determine the optimal experimental conditions for extracting polyphenols from SBT and SGT.

Accessory splenic infarction presenting as acute abdominal pain: A case report.

Introduction: Accessory spleens are a common anatomical variant, consisting of ectopic splenic tissue present in different locations in the peritoneal cavity. Typically asymptomatic, the presence of these tissue grows to be of clinical importance when complicated by infarction, rupture, or torsion.

Presentation Of Case: We report the case of a 36-year-old female that presented to the Emergency Department for diffuse abdominal pain and was found to have a partially ruptured splenule secondary to a venous infarct on abdominal computed tomography scan.

Processed and ultra-processed foods are associated with depression and anxiety symptoms in a cross-sectional sample of urban Lebanese adults.

While low dietary quality has been linked to poor mental health, evidence on more direct relations of specific dietary quality indicators, namely degrees of food processing, with mental health disorders remains limited. This study aims to investigate the association between food groups' intakes, defined based on their degree of food processing, with depression and anxiety symptoms in a sample of Lebanese adults. We hypothesized that higher intakes of ultra-processed foods (UPF) will be related to higher risk of depression and anxiety while an opposite association will be observed for unprocessed or minimally processed foods (MPF).

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.

Putting governance into practice: The engagement of private health sector for Universal Health Coverage and health security.

The 'next pandemic' has become a common terminology increasingly used in media and academic literature. Emerging pathogens pose a considerable risk to our increasingly globalised communities and there is a need for adequate preparedness for them. However, in Lebanon, like in many countries, the 'next' pathogens, such as the measles pathogen, posing a dire threat to public health are neither emerging nor re-emerging; they are common, endemic and vaccine-preventable.

Receipt of humanitarian cash transfers, household food insecurity and the subjective wellbeing of Syrian refugee youth in Jordan.

Objective: Humanitarian aid, including food aid, has increasingly shifted towards provision of cash assistance over in-kind benefits. This paper examines whether food security mediates the relationship between receipt of humanitarian cash transfers and subjective wellbeing among Syrian refugee youth in Jordan.

Design: Secondary analysis of the 2020-21 Survey of Young People in Jordan, which is nationally representative of Syrian youth aged 16-30.

Predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay and mortality in adult patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in Lebanon: a monocentric retrospective study.

Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication in patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus that could progress to fatal outcomes if not identified and treated promptly. DKA poses a substantial impact on healthcare systems. In this study, we aim to identify the predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality in patients admitted with DKA.

Hypercontractile Esophagus Causing Midesophageal Diverticulum.

Esophageal diverticulum (ED) is a rare condition with a clinical presentation that can be variable. Esophageal diverticulum has been associated with motility disorders; however, the association with mid-ED is less clear. Hypercontractile esophagus, also known as jackhammer esophagus, is a rare motility disorder of peristalsis diagnosed by esophageal high-resolution manometry after exclusion of mechanical obstruction.

Syphilis infection prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be prevented and effectively treated; yet it continues to be a cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is a limited understanding of the epidemiology of syphilis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Methods: A systematic review conducted up to April 30, 2024 assessed the prevalence of syphilis and followed PRISMA guidelines, without language and date restrictions.

Multiple genotypes of Phelipanche ramosa indicate repeated introduction to the Americas.

Premise: Phelipanche ramosa is an economically damaging parasitic plant that has been reported in North America since the late 1800s. While this species comprises a variety of genetically distinct host races in its native range, the genetic composition of adventive populations in the New World remains unexplored. On the basis of morphological and ecological variation, some have suggested that the closely related P.

The Art of Clinical Negotiation.

The art of clinical negotiation is an important, yet underappreciated aspect of medicine. Key components of negotiation include the need to consider principles over personalities, to explore all options before deciding on the best course, to realize if consensus cannot be achieved then compromise may still be possible, to work from evidence to incorporate contextual factors, and to stay evidence based. These principles can be helpful in many settings, including contract negotiation, drug pricing, and research.

Comparative studies on modeling and optimization of fermentation process conditions for fungal asparaginase production using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.

The L-asparaginase is commercial enzyme used as chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment and food processing agent in backed and fried food industries. In the present research work, the artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques were employed for modeling and optimization of fermentation process conditions for enhanced production of L-asparaginase by submerged fermentation of . The experimental L-asparaginase activity obtained using central composite experiment design was used for optimization.

Navigating Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Comprehensive Overview.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States. Early detection through colonoscopy significantly improves survival rates. Detecting colon polyps depends on the quality of bowel preparation.

Comparison of Ceramic Bonding to Cobalt-Chromium, Zirconia and Nickel-Chromium Alloys Fabricated Using of Various Techniques.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the ceramic bonding to cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys fabricated by casting, milling, and additive manufacturing, compared with zirconia and nickel-chromium. One hundred specimens (N = 100), prepared with the dimensions of 25 × 3 × 0.5 mm, were assigned to five groups (n = 20): presintered milled Co-Cr (Group M), additively manufactured Co-Cr (Group SLM), cast Co-Cr (Group C), presintered zirconia (Group Zi), and cast Ni-Cr (Group Ni).

Delay discounting and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents experiencing challenges with managing type 1 diabetes.

We examined if anxiety/depression, delay discounting (DD), and their interaction were associated with greater A1c levels and reduced medical adherence in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Sixty-one adolescents with T1D completed a DD task and an A1c blood test. Adherence was assessed by self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using glucometer data.

Factors affecting poor prognosis of COVID-19 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of co-infection.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the correlation between clinical features and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals with COVID-19.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for cohort, cross-sectional, and case series that reported co-infection with HIV and COVID-19 published from January to September 2020. Clinical features such as age, comorbidities, CD4T lymphocyte counts, HIV RNA levels, and antiretroviral regimens were evaluated using meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

Predictors of sepsis in trauma patients: a National Trauma Data Bank analysis.

Background: Trauma remains a global health issue being one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Sepsis and infections are common complications contributing to mortality, emphasizing the need to understand factors leading to such complications following trauma.

Aim: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with post-trauma sepsis using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).

Kinematic limitations during stair ascent and descent in patients with adult spinal deformity.

Background: Adults with spinal deformity (ASD) are known to have spinal malalignment, which can impact their quality of life and their autonomy in daily life activities. Among these tasks, ascending and descending stairs is a common activity of daily life that might be affected.

Research Question: What are the main kinematic alterations in ASD during stair ascent and descent?

Methods: 112 primary ASD patients and 34 controls filled HRQoL questionnaires and underwent biplanar X-from which spino-pelvic radiographic parameters were calculated.

Awareness of Lung Cancer Among the Lebanese General Population: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Lung cancer is a significant contributor to mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the level of lung cancer awareness among the Lebanese general population.

Methods: An online-based questionnaire was completed by 410 participants all over Lebanon.

Unveiling the influences of prenatal and maternal factors on the journey of an autistic child.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with a high and increasing global prevalence. Although the precise causes are unknown, both genetic and environmental factors, including maternal ones during pregnancy, significantly influence its development. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore the potential causes of autism, including maternal and paternal prenatal risk factors, as well as antenatal and natal maternal risk factors, and their associations with the severity of ASD in mothers of children with ASD, from February to May 2024.