Opioid use and abuse in adolescents and young adults; dealing with science, laws and ethics: Charming the COBRAS.

The subject of substance use disorders in the pediatric population remains a disturbing conundrum for clinicians, researchers and society in general. Many of our youth are at risk of being damaged and even killed by drug addictions that result from the collision of rapidly developing as well as vulnerable central nervous systems encountering the current global drug addiction crisis. A major motif of this chemical calamity is opioid use disorder in adolescents and young adults that was stimulated by the 19th century identification of such highly addictive drugs as morphine, heroin and a non-opiate, cocaine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emerging threats: Antimicrobial resistance in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli strains, particularly those producing Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Carbapenemase (CR-Ec), represents a serious global health threat. These resistant strains have been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, as they limit the effectiveness of standard antibiotic therapies. The prevalence of ESBL- and CR-Ec-producing strains continues to rise, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agricultural settings, and facilitated by global interconnectedness through international travel, trade, and food distribution.

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.

Liquid-nano-liquid interface-oriented anisotropic encapsulation.

Emulsion interface engineering has been widely employed for the synthesis of nanomaterials with various morphologies. However, the instability of the liquid-liquid interface and uncertain interfacial interactions impose significant limitations on controllable fabrications. Here, we developed a liquid-nano-liquid interface-oriented anisotropic encapsulation strategy for fabricating asymmetric nanohybrids.

Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation for Airway Surgeries: A Comprehensive Review.

Airway surgeries pose great challenges for the anesthesiologists as the airway is shared by them and the surgeon. It is of paramount importance to have control of the airway during such surgeries. Many techniques have been employed to provide uninterrupted oxygenation to the patient with or without the presence of a definitive airway.

Factors associated with adherence to prevention guidelines of pressure injuries among Jordanian nurses in critical care units.

Background: Pressure injury (PI) is a significant health issue and one of the greatest challenges in critical care units. Guidelines adherence to prevent PIs is not always optimal by critical care nurses. To our knowledge, there is no data about adherence to PI preventive guidelines among Jordanian critical care nurses, and this study aimed to fill this gap.

Association between clinical laboratory indicators and WOMAC scores in Qatar Biobank participants: The impact of testosterone and fibrinogen on pain, stiffness, and functional limitation.

Objectives: The association between baseline laboratory parameters and experienced well-being in healthy individuals remains uncertain. This study explored the relationship between clinical laboratory profiles and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores for pain, stiffness, and physical functional limitation in healthy individuals in Qatar.

Methods: Clinical laboratory data were collected from 1,764 Qatar Biobank participants who also completed the WOMAC questionnaire: lipid profiles (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglycerides), endocrine markers (TSH, T3, T4, estradiol, and testosterone), and two inflammatory markers (CRP and fibrinogen).

Establishing links between drug registers and essential medicines lists.

Access to essential medicines is still suboptimal in many countries. Recent studies examining the registration of medicines at the country level show that a considerable proportion of essential medicines do not have any corresponding products registered for use at the country level and therefore cannot be available at all times. Conversely, many non-essential medicines are registered by regulatory authorities for local markets, potentially facilitating inappropriate drug use and antimicrobial resistance.

Genetic associations determine the effects of intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory for salinity exposure histories in barley.

Enhancing salt tolerance genetically through defining the genetic and physiological mechanisms intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory that contributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on external inputs such as irrigation and improving the adaptability of barley to changing climate conditions. Salinity stress poses a substantial challenge to barley production worldwide, adversely affecting crop yield, quality, and agricultural sustainability. To address this, the present study utilized a genome-wide association san (GWAS) to identify genetic associations underlying intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory in response to salinity in a diverse panel of 138 barley accessions.

Single Precursor-Derived Sub-1 nm MoCo Bimetallic Particles Decorated on Phosphide-Carbon Nitride Framework for Sustainable Hydrogen Generation.

The strategic design and fabrication of efficient electrocatalysts are pivotal for advancing the field of electrochemical water splitting (EWS). To enhance EWS performance, integrating non-noble transition metal catalysts through a cooperative double metal incorporation strategy is important and offers a compelling alternative to conventional precious metal-based materials. This study introduces a novel, straightforward, single-step process for fabricating a bimetallic MoCo catalyst integrated within a three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous network of N, P-doped carbon nitride derived from a self-contained precursor.

Disparate molecular mechanisms in cardiac ryanodine receptor channelopathies.

Aims: Mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) are associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). This study investigates the underlying molecular mechanisms for CPVT mutations within the RyR2 N-terminus domain (NTD).

Methods And Results: We consulted the high-resolution RyR2 structure in both open and closed configuration to identify mutations G357S/R407I and A77T, which lie within the NTD intra- and inter-subunit interface with the Core Solenoid (CSol), respectively.