Enhancing Disaster Preparedness Through Tabletop Disaster Exercises: A Scoping Review of Benefits for Health Workers and Students.

Background: Tabletop Disaster Exercise (TDE) is a unique learning method through simulation designed to improve disaster preparedness. It is used every year to train health workers and students in disaster preparedness. However, no review has summarized the potential of TDE.

Automatic image quality evaluation in digital radiography using a modified version of the IAEA radiography phantom allowing multiple detection tasks: A multi detection task IAEA radiography phantom.

Purpose: To evaluate image quality (IQ) of for-processing (raw) and for-presentation (clinical) radiography images, under different exposure conditions and digital image post-processing algorithms, using a phantom that enables multiple detection tasks.

Methods: A modified version of the radiography phantom described in the IAEA Human Health Series No. 39 publication was constructed, incorporating six additional Aluminum (Al) targets of thicknesses both smaller and larger than the standard one.

Risk Factors for Acute Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion: A 7-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but serious complication of intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy. Despite the popularity of IGBs for weight loss, the incidence and risk factors of AP post-IGB insertion are not well understood. This study aimed to identify potential predictors and risk factors of AP in IGB patients.

Fluorescence Anisotropy for Monitoring cis- and trans-Membrane Interactions of Synaptotagmin-1.

Vesicle fusion induces neurotransmitter release, orchestrated by synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) as a Ca sensor. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of Syt-1 remain controversial, with various and competing models proposed based on different ionic strengths. Syt-1, residing on the vesicle membrane alongside anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS), undergoes Ca-induced binding to its own vesicle membrane, known as the cis-interaction, which prevents the trans-interaction of Syt-1 with the plasma membrane.

The burden of prostate cancer in the North Africa and Middle East Region from 1990 to 2021.

Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies affecting males globally. This study sought to document the incidence, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) that were due to prostate cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and its 21 countries, from 1990 to 2021. We analysed publicly accessible data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study to present findings on the incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with prostate cancer.

Nerve transfer of the median flexor pollicis brevis branch to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve for ulnar nerve palsy: a cadaveric feasibility study.

An ulnar nerve (UN) palsy is devastating for hand function, resulting in an intrinsic minus position or claw hand with a loss of pinch grip. Distal nerve transfers facilitate faster reinnervation of hand intrinsic muscles in cases of proximal ulnar nerve lesions. The traditional anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to UN motor transfer is commonly used, however, this still leads to long reinnervation times for the distal intrinsic muscles, important for the thumb to index pinch grip.

Six-Month Emergent Readmissions Following Hospitalization for Atrial Fibrillation Amid the Syrian Conflict: A Real-World Observational Cohort Study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. However, data regarding readmissions following index admission for AF in the developing world are not well described. This study assessed the rate, predictors, and trends of 6-month readmission after index admission for AF in Syria.

Burden of diabetes in correctional facilities: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetes mellitus presents significant public health challenges worldwide. While its prevalence and management in the general population have been extensively studied, comprehensive research on diabetes among incarcerated individuals is lacking. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and -analysis to determine the prevalence of diabetes within the prison population.

When surgery leaves more than just scars: The curious case of gossypiboma- A case report and literature review.

Gossypiboma is a unique postoperative complication characterized by the presence of a surgical sponge after surgery. This condition is seldom encountered. Owing to its serious medicolegal implications it remains underreported leading to a blurred clinical spectrum.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Atrioventricular Blocks in Syrian Patients Reporting to the Emergency Department During the Ongoing Conflict: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a cardiac conduction disorder that can lead to significant clinical outcomes, particularly in resource-limited and conflict-affected regions. In Syria, healthcare infrastructure has been severely impacted by ongoing conflict, potentially affecting the prevalence and management of AVB.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at Tishreen University Hospital in Latakia, Syria, with patients > 40 who presented to the emergency department (ED) from June 1 to August 1, 2024.

An epidemiological risk assessment of imported malaria cases and potential local transmission in Qatar.

Preventing local transmission of malaria from imported cases is crucial for achieving and maintaining malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and assess the distribution of malaria vectors in Qatar. Data from January 2016 to December 2022 on imported malaria, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics, travel-related information, and diagnostic results, were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Evaluating the burden and transmission dynamics of chikungunya virus infections in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) presents substantial public health challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), with its prevalence and interaction with other arboviruses (ABVs) remaining poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of CHIKV and its association with other ABVs, such as dengue virus (DENV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), malaria, and yellow fever virus (YFV), in the EMR. We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect to identify epidemiological studies that report CHIKV prevalence and provide odds ratios (ORs) for CHIKV compared to other ABVs.

Epidemiology, transmission dynamics, risk factors, and future directions of rabies in the Arabian Peninsula using one health approach: a review.

Despite global initiatives to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, the Arabian Peninsula faces challenges due to insufficient data. This review addresses the current rabies situation and knowledge gaps in the region and proposes One Health interventions. Employing a mixed-method approach combining scoping and systematic review, the study commenced with a Delphi discussion to identify knowledge gaps and set objectives.

Nutrient-heavy metal interaction and mixed heavy metal exposure in relation to cognition across lifespan: review evidence, potential mechanisms, and implications.

Objectives: Increasing research has shown that heavy metal as a neurotoxicant affects cognitive function across the lifespan. Nutritional status may modify susceptibility to heavy metal exposures, which further impacts cognition.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search for cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, case-control studies and clinical trials on the interaction between nutrient and heavy metal, as well as mixed heavy metal exposure, in relation to cognition across the lifespan.

Diabetes is associated with a higher incidence of short-term mortality risk and readmission in patients who undergo surgical but not transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used for aortic valve replacement instead of surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR). We aimed to examine the impact of diabetes on 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission and compare outcomes between TAVR and sAVR.

Methods: Data were extracted from the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2012 to 2017.

Condylar Changes in Adult Patients with Unilateral Posterior Crossbite Following Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the alterations in condylar positioning in adult skeletal Class I patients with unilateral posterior crossbite after microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) treatment.

Methods: This retrospective study involving 30 participants (10 males, 20 females) average age 22.9 ± 4.

Math anxiety mediates the association between gender and STEM-related attitudes: Evidence from a large-scale study.

Math anxiety (MA) is a prevalent academic anxiety that can affect student mental health and academic performance worldwide. Using a very large sample of students in grades 7 to 10 (N = 7172) in Qatar, the present study examined the associations among gender, math anxiety, and attitudes towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In addition, the factorial structure of the "Student Attitudes towards STEM Survey" (STEM-S) was examined.

Volumetric and tridimensional root resorption and alveolar bone changes in Class II malocclusion extraction protocol treated with clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances: A comparative study.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the root resorption and alveolar bone changes of maxillary incisors volumetrically and 3-dimensionally in patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion who underwent treatments involving the extraction of 4 first premolars with conventional fixed appliances (FAs) vs clear aligners (CAs).

Methods: A total of 320 maxillary incisors from 80 patients were assessed and divided into 2 groups (FAs and CAs), each possessing similar baseline characteristics. Pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography scans were used to analyze linear and volumetric orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption, alveolar bone thickness (ABT), alveolar bone height (ABH), as well as anteroposterior and vertical movements of maxillary incisors.

Caught in the Crossfire: Unmasking the Silent Renal Threats of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Background: Renal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are relatively rare, and there is currently no standardized protocol for their management. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize renal ADRs related to TKIs use in CML and propose an evidence-based approach to monitor and manage these ADRs.

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed to identify renal ADRs associated with TKIs in CML.

The evolving role of nursing informatics in the era of artificial intelligence.

Aim: This narrative review explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nursing informatics and examines its impact on nursing practice, healthcare delivery, education, and policy.

Background: Nursing informatics, which merges nursing science with information management and communication technologies, is crucial in modern healthcare. The emergence of AI presents opportunities to improve diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare resource management.

A hybrid explainable model based on advanced machine learning and deep learning models for classifying brain tumors using MRI images.

Brain tumors present a significant global health challenge, and their early detection and accurate classification are crucial for effective treatment strategies. This study presents a novel approach combining a lightweight parallel depthwise separable convolutional neural network (PDSCNN) and a hybrid ridge regression extreme learning machine (RRELM) for accurately classifying four types of brain tumors (glioma, meningioma, no tumor, and pituitary) based on MRI images. The proposed approach enhances the visibility and clarity of tumor features in MRI images by employing contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE).

Cigarette smoke extract induces p38-mediated expression and ROS/rho-mediated translocation of alpha 2C adrenoceptor in human microvascular smooth muscle cells.

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a vascular disease characterized by exaggerated vasoconstriction in response to stressors, mainly cold and emotional stress. This vasoconstriction is mediated solely by alpha 2C-adrenoceptors (α-AR) expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells of dermal arterioles. Several factors, among which is cigarette smoking, are associated with aggravated symptoms of and increased risk for RP.

Women with persistent/recurrent vaginal discharge should be offered multiplex-7 PCR testing.

Background: Recurrent vaginal discharge is an important cause of repeated visits to the gynaecologists. Failure to correctly identify the causative organism with standard microscopy and culture techniques results in repeated unsuccessful treatment and the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Multiplex PCR test is increasingly being used for investigating infections where multiple organisms may be involved.