Contrastive Clustering-Based Patient Normalization to Improve Automated In Vivo Oral Cancer Diagnosis from Multispectral Autofluorescence Lifetime Images.

Multispectral autofluorescence lifetime imaging systems have recently been developed to quickly and non-invasively assess tissue properties for applications in oral cancer diagnosis. As a non-traditional imaging modality, the autofluorescence signal collected from the system cannot be directly visually assessed by a clinician and a model is needed to generate a diagnosis for each image. However, training a deep learning model from scratch on small multispectral autofluorescence datasets can fail due to inter-patient variability, poor initialization, and overfitting.

Epidemiology of gonorrhea in countries of the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review, meta analyses, and meta regressions.

Background: The epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains poorly understood, despite the global recognition of its disease burden and the growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on NG prevalence in MENA, estimate the pooled mean prevalence across different populations, and explore population-level associations with prevalence as well as sources of between-study heterogeneity.

Methods: The study conducted a systematic review, risk of bias assessment, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions, utilizing both published and unpublished evidence sourced from international, regional, and national databases, in adherence to PRISMA guidelines.

The role of older antibiotics in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections: current perspectives.

Purpose Of Review: The aim is to discuss the evidence and recent literature on the role of older antibiotics in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

Recent Findings: The choice of therapy for SSTIs is complicated in view of the rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the availability of new antibiotics. SSTIs are predominantly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci, but other organisms can be involved in patients with comorbidities or post trauma.

Religion Welcome Here: A Pluriversal Approach to Religion and Global Bioethics.

This paper sets forth and defends a pluriversal approach to religion in the context of an increasingly global bioethics. Section I introduces a pluriversal view as a normative technique for engaging across difference. A normative pluriversal approach sets five constraints: civility, change from within, justice, non-domination, and tolerance.

Evaluating the necessity of colonoscopy in patients under 40 with rectal bleeding: insights from a large-scale retrospective analysis.

Purpose: Bleeding per rectum (BPR) is a common clinical presentation, and colonoscopy is the gold standard for evaluating patients aged ≥ 45 years. However, its role in younger patients remains unclear. This study evaluated the appropriateness of colonoscopy in patients < 40 years of age who presented with BPR.

Cobalt-Based ZIF Composite Membranes: In Situ Defect Engineering for Enhanced Water Stability and Gas Separation.

Porous coordination polymers with excellent molecular sieving ability, high dispersibility, and good compatibility with engineered polymer matrices hold promise for various industrial applications, such as gas separation and battery separators. Here, an in situ defect engineering approach is proposed for highly processable cobalt (Co)-based zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) with enhanced molecular sieving ability and water stability. By varying alkylamine (AA) modulators, the pore structures and textural properties of ZIFs can be fine-tuned.

Future Energy Breakthroughs: Implications for the Hydrocarbon Economies of the Arabian Gulf.

Countries in the Arabian Gulf are reliant upon hydrocarbons for revenues, exports, industries and funding services. It is largely assumed that the global energy transition will be gradual, as reflected in planning and strategy documents. However, energy breakthroughs can change the global energy system.

Perception, knowledge, and factors influencing Saudi nursing students toward practicing testicular self-examination: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Testicular cancer poses a substantial health burden globally, and early detection through testicular self-examination (TSE) is vital for improving prognosis. The study aims to assess the perception, awareness, knowledge, and factors associated with TSE among Saudi nursing students.

Materials And Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 418 participants.

Pelvic lipomatosis-a rare diagnosis and a challenging management: a case report and literature review.

Pelvic lipomatosis (PL) involves nonmalignant excess fat growth in perirectal and perivesical areas, gaining recognition over three decades. This review addresses its clinicopathological aspects amid controversies, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of current literature. This report outlines a 42-year-old man's diagnostic journey for persistent urological symptoms, ultimately identified as PL.

Title: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Parental Perceptions, Motivators, and Barriers to Management of Childhood Obesity.

Background: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic affecting millions worldwide. Children living with obesity face increased risks of health-related and psychosocial problems extending into adulthood. Parents and carers play a crucial role in cultivating healthy habits in their children.

A Comparative Study Assessing the Incidence and Degree of Hyperkalemia in Patients on Unfractionated Heparin versus Low-Molecular Weight Heparin.

Background: Heparin and its derivates, including unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), are among the most commonly used anticoagulants. Nonetheless, their use has been associated with hyperkalemia.

Objective: To determine and compare the incidence, magnitude, and potential risk factors of hyperkalemia in patients receiving UFH versus LMWH in a real-world clinical setting.

Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An International Matched-Cohort Study.

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been traditionally viewed as a neuro-ophthalmic disorder, yet emerging evidence suggests broader systemic implications. Our study investigates the cardiometabolic outcomes associated with IIH through a comprehensive matched-cohort analysis.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from 2009 to 2024.

Leveraging DNA methylation to create Epigenetic Biomarker Proxies that inform clinical care: A new framework for Precision Medicine.

The lack of accurate, cost-effective, and clinically relevant biomarkers remains a major barrier to incorporating omic data into clinical practice. Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation algorithms have utility as surrogate measures for selected proteins and metabolites. We expand upon this work by creating DNAm surrogates, termed epigenetic biomarker proxies (EBPs), across clinical laboratories, the metabolome, and the proteome.

Semaglutide as an Adjunctive Therapy to Standard Management for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Real-World Data-Based Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, predominantly affecting young women with obesity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of semaglutide as an adjunctive therapy to standard IIH management using real-world data.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis comparing IIH patients receiving semaglutide plus standard therapy versus standard therapy alone.

Efficacy of Tirzepatide Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist In Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. A Real-World Propensity Score-Matched Study.

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, predominantly affecting obese women of reproductive age. While GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown promise in IIH management, the potential of dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor activation through tirzepatide remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate tirzepatide's efficacy as an adjunctive therapy in IIH management.

Unplanned Extubation in Extremely Preterm Neonates: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

Background Unplanned extubation (UE) poses a significant safety risk to mechanically ventilated, preterm, and critically ill neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of UE from January 2018 to December 2021, identify contributing risk factors, and compare the outcomes with a cohort of extremely preterm (EP) infants. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in the NICU at the Women's Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar.

Video Lecture Capture in Pharmacy Education: Insights From the Pandemic Experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an abrupt and widespread transition to remote learning, compelling higher education institutions to swiftly adjust to novel modalities. This study examines the post-pandemic insights and benefits of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), particularly archived video lecture capture systems, in facilitating undergraduate pharmacy education during and beyond the pandemic. Through a quantitative analysis of archival lecture views, we sought to identify critical elements that enabled a successful transition to remote learning, providing insights into sustainable educational methods for future disruptions.

Anterior C2 Odontoid Fixation Using Cranial Brainlab Navigation: A Novel Approach and Case Report.

Instrumentation of the cervical spine particularly at the higher cervical levels like C2 presents unique challenges mainly because of their complex anatomy and proximity to neurovascular structures. The goal of the article is to demonstrate that using navigation technologies in inserting anterior odontoid screws can enhance the precision and safety of surgery. We describe a novel approach for anterior C2 odontoid fixation using a three-pin radiolucent Mayfield clamp with intra-operative CT registration and cranial brainlab navigation.

Intersection of the glymphatic system and diabetes: Navigating a new frontier.

Diabetes is one of the most devastating medical dilemmas impacting every region of the world severely. The study by Tian investigates glymphatic system dysfunction in the context of glucose metabolism and diabetes, using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space. The study evaluated individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), prediabetes, and normal glucose metabolism.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) bioactive constituents and their applications as natural multifunctional ingredients in health-promoting foods and nutraceuticals: A comprehensive review.

Foods that support human health and longevity are becoming increasingly relevant as substitutes for or adjuncts to pharmacological drugs, either through direct consumption or incorporation into designer foods fortified with health-promoting ingredients. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits, seeds, and pollen are a cornerstone of diverse food and medicine traditions.