DNA-based cell typing in menstrual effluent identifies cell type variation by sample collection method: toward noninvasive biomarker development for women's health.

Menstrual effluent cell profiles have potential as noninvasive biomarkers of female reproductive and gynecological health and disease. We used DNA methylation-based cell type deconvolution (methylation cytometry) to identify cell type profiles in self-collected menstrual effluent. During the second day of their menstrual cycle, healthy participants collected menstrual effluent using a vaginal swab, menstrual cup, and pad.

Costs analysis of integrating group interpersonal therapy into HIV care services in Senegal.

Introduction: Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), an evidence-based treatment of depression recommended by the WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide, was implemented through a task-shifting approach in Senegal, as a treatment for depressed people living with HIV (PLWH). Since a description of the resources used and the implementation costs incurred is necessary to inform policymakers better, this study aimed to estimate the costs associated with its implementation.

Methods: Intervention costs were analyzed using an "ingredients-based costing approach" from the provider's perspective.

Retrospective and Longitudinal Study of Blood Pressure in School-Aged Children.

Background: Pediatric hypertension (HTN) is increasing over time. Worldwide, the blood pressure (BP) trend has been poorly studied. The aim of our study is to evaluate the recent trend in BP in a school-aged children sample, and to search for factors that might influence BP variability.

Assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Lebanon: Endoscopic and histopathological findings.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a pervasive pathobiont, colonizes the gastric mucosa and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several gastroduodenal pathologies ranging from chronic gastritis to more severe disorders including peptic ulcer disease, gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. In symptomatic patients, endoscopy and histological examination of the gastric mucosa are the preferred tests for diagnosing H.

Knowledge of the risks of ultraviolet radiation, sun exposure attitudes and practices among Lebanese university students.

Background: Exposure to Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Data about UVR risk knowledge and exposure behaviors in the Lebanese population are scarce.

Aim: To evaluate the association between UVR risks knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Lebanese university students in the aim of promoting primary prevention of skin cancer.

Efficacy of prophylactic sodium valproate in pediatric migraines: a systematic review of randomized clinical studies.

Background: Migraine is a neurological disorder that is chronic and presents with episodes of paroxysmal features consisting of multiphase attacks of head pain, along with other symptoms related to neurological dysfunction such as sensitivity to movement, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, and vomiting. Antiseizure medications are frequently used for the treatment of migraine. Of the antiseizure medications, sodium valproate and topiramate have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent adult migraine.

A highly accurate family of stable and convergent numerical solvers based on Daftardar-Gejji and Jafari decomposition technique for systems of nonlinear equations.

This study introduces a family of root-solvers for systems of nonlinear equations, leveraging the Daftardar-Gejji and Jafari Decomposition Technique coupled with the midpoint quadrature rule. Despite the existing application of these root solvers to single-variable equations, their extension to systems of nonlinear equations marks a pioneering advancement. Through meticulous derivation, this work not only expands the utility of these root solvers but also presents a comprehensive analysis of their stability and semilocal convergence; two areas of study missing in the existing literature.

Indirect Ballistic Injury Resulting in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Gunshot-related myocardial injuries typically result from direct penetrating injury by the traversing bullet. We present a case of gunshot-related myocardial injury in the absence of direct penetrating injury to the cardiac structures and describe alternative mechanisms for ballistic-induced injury.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia Complicated by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A case report.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of a community-acquired respiratory illness occurring in children with manifestations occurring throughout the year but peaking in summer and early fall. Predominantly affecting school-aged children, the infection presents as pneumonia, featuring fever, cough, dyspnea, and sore throat. Extrapulmonary manifestations such as Stevens-Johnson have been rarely associated with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection presenting with ocular, oral, and genital involvement.

Knowledge, attitudes, and use of the Mediterranean diet in practice among dietitians in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

Dietitians are uniquely positioned to promote the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), a diet recognized for its health benefits and sustainability. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding the MedDiet among dietitians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to examine the frequency and correlates of using this diet in clinical practice. Practicing dietitians (n = 220) completed a 44-item web-based questionnaire, verified for face, content and construct validity, as well as internal and parallel form reliability.

Lebanese Cannabis sativa L. extract protects from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice by inhibiting podocytes apoptosis.

Background: Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug used to treat a plethora of solid tumors. However, it is associated with dose dependent nephrotoxicity limiting its use as anticancer agent.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of native Lebanese Cannabis sativa in both in vitro and in vivo mice model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Current trends in antimicrobial use and the role of antimicrobial stewardship in palliative oncology: a narrative review.

Background: The overuse of antimicrobials is prevalent in palliative oncology care, with up to 86.9% of terminal cancer patients receiving these agents during end-of-life care. This overutilization stems from recurrent infections due to immunosuppression, malnutrition, and frequent hospitalizations, as well as difficulty differentiating infection-related symptoms from cancer-related complications.

Evaluation of biobased materials in the development of polymeric membranes for water capture and purification.

The current study addresses the pressing issue of unsustainable water management, particularly in regions experiencing high water stress. It focuses on examining the viability of polymeric membranes composed of biobased materials, mainly chitosan, for various sustainable water management solutions. The membranes evaluated in the study were blends of PVC with either chitosan-silica or charcoal-silica, designed to enhance their functionality and performance.

A study of preservice teachers' digital competence development: Exploring the role of direct instruction, integrated practice, and modeling.

As technology rapidly transforms educational landscapes, the imperative for teachers to possess digital competence becomes increasingly vital. This paper explores the effectiveness of different approaches employed by teacher education programs in equipping preservice teachers with digital competence. The study categorizes these approaches into three main groups: direct, integrated, and modeling.

Community-Partnered Training in Trauma-Informed Primary Care for Patients Experiencing Reentry From Incarceration: A Pilot Training Study.

Introduction/objectives: Patients returning to the community from incarceration (ie, reentry) are at heightened risk of experiencing trauma when interacting with the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals may not recognize patients' trauma reactions or know how to effectively respond. This paper describes the development and pilot evaluation of a single-session training to prepare primary care teams to deliver trauma-informed care (TIC) to patients experiencing reentry.

Promotion of Cardiovascular Health in Africa: The Alliance for Medical Research in Africa (AMedRA) Expert Panel.

This proposed scientific statement is focused on providing new insights regarding challenges and opportunities for cardiovascular health (CVH) promotion in Africa. The statement includes an overview of the current state of CVH in Africa, with a particular interest in the cardiometabolic risk factors and their evaluation through metrics. The statement also explains the main principles of primordial prevention, its relevance in reducing noncommunicable disease and the different strategies that have been effective worldwide.

Microbial Quality and Production Methods of Traditional Fermented Cheeses in Lebanon.

This study is aimed at evaluating the quality and safety of two traditional fermented dairy products commonly found in Lebanon (Ambarees and Kishk in its dry and wet forms) by detecting foodborne pathogens and indicator microorganisms. Additionally, it seeks to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to quality and the production level. A total of 58 random samples (duplicated) including goat milk ( = 16), dry Kishk ( = 8), wet Kishk ( = 8), and Ambarees ( = 26) were collected from individuals who both farm and process these products.

Barriers to Research Faced by High-Income Versus Low- and Middle-Income Country Otolaryngologists and Otolaryngology Residents.

Objective: This study aims to compare research productivity and barriers to research between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) otolaryngologists.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: International survey.

antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates from adult and paediatric patients in Jordan: Antimicrobial Testing Leadership and Surveillance (ATLAS) 2010-2021.

Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibilities of Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates from patients in Jordan between 2010 and 2021, through the Antimicrobial Testing Leadership and Surveillance (ATLAS) programme.

Methods: Medical centres in Jordan collected bacterial isolates from hospitalised patients with defined infection sources between 2010 and 2021 (no isolates collected in 2014). Antimicrobial susceptibility was interpreted using CLSI standards.

Iatrogenic Proximal Urethro-Rectal Perforation During Foley Catheter Insertion.

Iatrogenic urethral-rectal perforation represents a rare but severe complication arising from medical interventions, notably highlighted in the context of Foley catheter insertion. This case report outlines the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of a 71-year-old male patient who experienced iatrogenic rectal perforation during the routine insertion of a Foley catheter, against the backdrop of several predisposing factors, such as atrial fibrillation, valvular disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stenosis, and colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. The inadvertent creation of a rectourethral fistula during the procedure led to an urgent multidisciplinary approach involving surgery and postoperative management, including fecal and urine diversion and antibiotic therapy.

Balancing anticancer therapy efficacy and safety in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health problem associated with several risk factors, increasingly driven by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome. This association poses a challenge for the primary treatments of HCC, which may include immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, due to their potential cardiotoxic effect. Therefore, it is imperative to balance the therapeutic effects of these agents with their potential cardiovascular adverse events.

Financial crisis and its association with parental stress and children's mental health in Lebanon.

Background: Lebanon has experienced a series of devastating crises that continue to have significant adverse effects on the mental health of parents and their children, especially those who are unemployed, burdened with debt or financial difficulties, and have pre-existing mental health conditions. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effect of financial insecurities on parents in Lebanon amid the multiple crises, and the impact of parents' mental health on their children's emotional and behavioral wellbeing.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including 589 parents in Lebanon was performed using convenience sampling of parents of any gender with children aged 4 to 18 from the five Lebanese governorates.

The impact of kidney disease on peri-operative outcomes of novel BPH surgeries across the board: a propensity score matched analysis using the ACS-NSQIP database.

Background: Pre-operative kidney disease was shown to impact peri-operative outcomes of endoscopic BPH surgeries. We aim to assess the effect of novel surgical techniques (Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (LEP) and Laser Vaporization of the Prostate (LVP)) compared to Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP), on post-operative outcomes stratified based on kidney function.

Methods: The ACS-NSQIP database was reviewed from 2008 to 2021 for 83,020 patients that underwent TURP, LEP, and LVP.

In-situ restructuring of Ni-based metal organic frameworks for photocatalytic CO hydrogenation.

As the global quest for sustainable energy keeps rising, exploring novel efficient and practical photocatalysts remains a research and industrial urge. Particularly, metal organic frameworks were proven to contribute to various stages of the carbon cycle, from CO capture to its conversion. Herein, we report the photo-methanation activity of three isostructural, nickel-based metal organic frameworks incorporating additional niobium, iron, and aluminum sites, having demonstrated exceptional CO capture abilities from thin air in previous reports.