Identification and Evaluation of Angiogenesis-Related Proteins That Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.

Background: The most common cause of death in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. However, data on biomarkers that could be used to help predict MACEs in patients with PAD to guide clinical decision making is limited. Angiogenesis-related proteins have been demonstrated to play an important role in systemic atherosclerosis and may act as prognostic biomarkers for MACEs in patients with PAD.

Increasing IQ Test Scores and Decreasing : The Flynn Effect and Decreasing Positive Manifold Strengths in Austria (2005-2018).

After almost a century of global generational IQ test score gains, the Flynn effect has, in the past decades, been observed to show stagnation and reversals in several countries. Tentative evidence from academic achievement data has suggested that these trajectory changes may be rooted in a decreasing strength of the positive manifold of intelligence due to increasing ability differentiation and specialization in the general population. Here, we provide direct evidence for generational IQ test score and positive manifold strength changes based on IQ test standardization data from 1392 Austrian residents between 2005 and 2018.

Up-to-Date Snapshot of Current and Emerging Medical Therapies in Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune chronic cholestatic disease of the liver that symptomatically can present with pruritus and fatigue. Its established first- and second-line therapies are ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA) although they provide limited symptom management. Liver transplantation offers a potentially curative therapeutic option in refractory cases progressing to cirrhosis.

Relevance of Preoperative Cognitive Impairment for Predicting Postoperative Delirium in Surgical Medicine: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Post-operative delirium is a dreaded complication after surgery in older patients. The identification of risk factors for delirium and comprehensive geriatric assessment is an extensive part of recent research. However, the preoperative assessment of risk factors, such as impaired cognition, is frequently not standardized.

Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor Among Lebanese Patients with Substance Use Disorder Undergoing Treatment for Recovery Through Rehabilitation or Opioid Substitution Treatment.

Data about metabolic syndrome (MS) in people who use drugs (PWUD) undergoing treatment for recovery are limited. We aimed to explore the extent of the MS and its predominant components and determinants in a sample of PWUD undergoing treatment for recovery through rehabilitation or opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Lebanon. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of each treatment modality on the MS; This was a cross-sectional study, in which demographics and treatment-related, nutritional, and biochemical data of the participants were collected.

Validation of the Arabic Version of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29): a Rasch Analysis Study.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. This cross-sectional study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) using Rasch analysis to assess quality of life in Jordanian MS patients.

Method: Rasch analysis was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the model for the present study.

Endophytic fungi: nature's solution for antimicrobial resistance and sustainable agriculture.

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has underlined the need for a sustained supply of novel antimicrobial agents. Endophyte microorganism that reside within plant tissues as symbionts have been the source of potential antimicrobial substances. However, many novel and potent antimicrobials are yet to be discovered from these endophytes.

FSH/LH co-stimulation in Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) and hypo-responder patients - Arabian gulf delphi consensus group.

Background: In a global effort to assess expert perspectives on the use of recombinant gonadotropins, recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) and recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH), a consensus meeting was held in Dubai. The key aim was to address three critical questions: What are the factors that influence follicle response to gonadotropins? Which categories of patients are most likely to benefit from LH supplementation? And what are the optimal management strategies for these patients?

Methods: A panel of thirty-six experts reviewed and refined the initial statements and references proposed by the Scientific Coordinator. Consensus was defined as agreement or disagreement by more than two-thirds (66%) of the panel members for each statement.

Insights into the interaction between hemorphins and δ-opioid receptor from molecular modeling.

Hemorphins are short atypical opioid peptide fragments embedded in the β-chain of hemoglobin. They have received considerable attention recently due to their interaction with opioid receptors. The affinity of hemorphins to opioid receptors μ-opioid receptor (MOR), δ-opioid receptor (DOR), and κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has been well established.

Chronic kidney disease and aging: dissecting the p53/p21 pathway as a therapeutic target.

Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are a group of multi-factorial disorders that markedly impair kidney functions with progressive renal deterioration. Aging contributes to age-specific phenotypes in kidneys, which undergo several structural and functional alterations, such as a decline in regenerative capacity and increased fibrosis, inflammation, and tubular atrophy, all predisposing them to disease and increasing their susceptibility to injury while impeding their recovery. A central feature of these age-related processes is the activation of the p53/p21 pathway signaling.

Phylogenetics, biogeography, and life history evolution in the broadly distributed treefrog genus Dendropsophus.

Dendropsophusis one of the most species-rich genera of treefrogs. Recent studies integrating Sanger-generated mitochondrial and nuclear loci with phenomic characters (SP) have advanced understanding of this clade, but questions about its internal relationships and biogeographic history persist. To address these questions, we used anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) to combine 432 nuclear loci for 78 taxa (72 % of species) with published data.

Simplifying coronary artery disease risk stratification: development and validation of a questionnaire-based alternative comparable to clinical risk tools.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) comprises one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality both in the European population and globally. All established clinical risk stratification scores and models require blood lipids and physical measurements. The latest reports of the European Commission suggest that attracting health professionals to collect these data can be challenging, both from a logistic and cost perspective, which limits the usefulness of established models and makes them unsuitable for population-wide screening in resource-limited settings, i.

Perceptual filters: Exploring disability and ableism's cognitive framework.

Ableism, akin to other forms of discrimination such as sexism and racism, is increasingly recognized as a pervasive societal concern directed towards individuals with disabilities. This scholarly inquiry delineates the operational definition, manifestations, and ramifications of ableism, with a specific focus on its manifestations within healthcare settings. It underscores the critical need for targeted interventions aimed at mitigating biases among healthcare professionals and promoting inclusivity within healthcare delivery systems.

Prevalence of anxiety disorders among visitors at a military primary health center in UAE.

Background: Anxiety disorders are common. However, individuals suffering from anxiety disorders often do not seek treatment. These disorders impose a high individual and societal burden, especially on military personnel and their families, and place a significant burden on healthcare systems as care is often sought from primary care physicians rather than specialized professionals.

Public awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward epilepsy in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Epilepsy, a prevalent chronic neurological disorder, is associated with misconceptions, negative attitudes, and stigma because of poor public knowledge and awareness. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward epilepsy and its associated factors among the Lebanese general population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Lebanese adults between October 2021 and June 2022 using an electronic structured self-administered questionnaire that was circulated online using the different social media platforms.

Factors Affecting Vancomycin Trough Concentration; a Population Pharmacokinetic Model in Non-Critical Care Saudi Patients.

Background And Objective: Vancomycin is commonly prescribed in treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. While, vancomycins' pharmacokinetic vary among older patients, there is a paucity of data regarding specific characteristics influencing pharmacokinetics in Saudi adult patients. This study aims to establish a population-pharmacokinetic (Pop-PK) model for vancomycin in patients admitted to medical wards, with the focus on identification of patient characteristics influencing vancomycin trough concentrations.

Impact of taxation on tobacco products prices in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Background: In 2016, the 6 Gulf Cooperation Council countries agreed to implement a harmonized excise tax on tobacco products, at a rate of 100% of the pre-tax price.

Aim: To assess the implementation of tobacco taxation in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates and its impact on consumer prices, affordability and substitution possibilities.

Methods: This study conducted simple descriptive analysis of open-source secondary data reported to WHO by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on cigarette excise taxes, price levels, price dispersion, and affordability.

Banning tobacco products sales to adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Background: Tobacco use poses a challenge to public health in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Although restricting access to tobacco can reduce consumption among adolescents, there is limited knowledge of how to implement the tobacco sales ban policy in the sub-region.

Aim: To assess implementation of the ban on tobacco products sales to adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as recommended in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

A potential therapeutic role of resveratrol in mitigating hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol and alcohol.

Background: Drug-induced hepatotoxicity, particularly from ethanol and acetaminophen (APAP), is a pressing global health challenge. This damage arises from oxidative stress and inflammation, manifesting as elevated liver enzymes and structural liver alterations. Resveratrol and silymarin, recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offer potential hepatoprotective benefits.

Position statement of the World Endoscopy Organization: Role of endoscopy in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of esophageal superficial squamous neoplasia.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a significant global health challenge, being the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality with pronounced geographic variability. The incidence rates range from 125 per 100,000 in northern China to 1-1.5 per 100,000 in the United States, driven by environmental and lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, dietary habits, and pollution.

Predictive role of [F]FDG PET-CT radiomic parameters for KRAS/BRAF/EGFR mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of F-fluorodeoxyglucose [F]FDG positron emission tomography (PET-CT) radiomic parameters in relation to KRAS/BRAF/EGFR mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 90 mCRC patients to assess KRAS G13V, BRAF V600E, and EGFR exon 20 mutations. [F]FDG PET-CT scans were performed, and radiomic parameters, including the SUV max, max TBR, total MTV, and total TLG, were calculated and correlated with different genotypes and haplotypes of the aforementioned mutations.

Radiographers' knowledge, clinical expertise and application of pain management strategies in the radiology department - results from a qualitative focus group.

Background: Radiographers are frequently involved in imaging patients in pain thus requiring a heightened awareness and focus on this crucial issue.

Purpose: To explore the challenges radiographers encounter when imaging patients in pain and to identify strategies that could be implemented to improve overall patient-centered care.

Methods: A qualitative research study with a single focus group (FG) was conducted using six radiographers working within Irish hospitals.

Evaluation of an 8-week telehealth cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) program for adults with muscle dysmorphia: A pilot and feasibility study.

Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a psychological disorder defined by a pathological belief that one lacks muscularity and has excess body fat. To date, treatment research on MD has been sparse. We conducted a pilot feasibility and acceptability study investigating the preliminary efficacy of an 8-week telehealth cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for adults with diagnosed MD.

Unifying invariant and variant features for graph out-of-distribution via probability of necessity and sufficiency.

Graph Out-of-Distribution (OOD), requiring that models trained on biased data generalize to the unseen test data, has considerable real-world applications. One of the most mainstream methods is to extract the invariant subgraph by aligning the original and augmented data with the help of environment augmentation. However, these solutions might lead to the loss or redundancy of semantic subgraphs and result in suboptimal generalization.