Objective: To assess the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk factors among marathon runners during Beirut-Marathon 2014. Methods: A total of 325 marathon runners were divided into 42 km and ...Objective: To assess the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk factors among marathon runners during Beirut-Marathon 2014. Methods: A total of 325 marathon runners were divided into 42 km and 10 km groups. They were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors by measuring their BP and answering a questionnaire. The questionnaire composed of 22 questions related to demographic information, risk factors, medical history, family history, medical checkups, use of antihypertensive drugs and definition of hyponatremia. Results: There were 30 runners in the 42 km group and 295 in the 10 km group interviewed. The majority of 42 km runners were males 29 (96.7%) vs. 205 (69.5%) in the 10 km group, (P = 0.001). The 42 km group was older than 10 km group (47 ± 13.8 years vs. 38.5 ± 14.6 years;P = 0.0025). The prevalence of hypertension was 46.7% in the 42 km group as compared to 31.2% in the 10 km group (P = 0.08). Systolic BP (SBP) was higher in 42 km group vs. 10 km group (143 ± 22.4 mm Hg vs. 129.9 ± 17.8 mm Hg;P = 0.0004). The heart rate was lower among 42 km vs. 10 km group (71 ± 11.1 bpm vs. 84 ± 16 bpm;P Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of HTN among marathon runners but minorities were aware that they have hypertension. The 42 km runners tend to be older with higher systolic blood pressure as compared to the 10 km runners.展开更多
Conserving the architectural structures of heritage buildings has become an important issue in Beirut. It is the result of necessary retrofit of existing traditional bourgeoisie architecture of 19th century, belonging...Conserving the architectural structures of heritage buildings has become an important issue in Beirut. It is the result of necessary retrofit of existing traditional bourgeoisie architecture of 19th century, belonging to the late Ottoman period, recognizing the importance of its traditional technics and to keep them in use. Although, they have been subjected to lack of maintenance and repair which led to processes of severe degradation, compromising their use, it allows now a deep observation of their characteristics. The main goal of this article is: to outline the evolution of the construction of this late Ottoman Heritage;characterize its architectural typology;understand the impact of Building Codes;and present results of surveys. For the analysis, non-destructive methods were performed. The survey of three case studies according to a pre-selection of representative Ottoman buildings (1840-1940) is presented. This intends to contribute for the conservation of Beirut traditional housing and give useful technical information.展开更多
Starting with the declaration of Tanzimat in 1839,the transformation of administration,law,taxation,property rights,education,urban planning and public works were initiated,which caused the regulation of urban and con...Starting with the declaration of Tanzimat in 1839,the transformation of administration,law,taxation,property rights,education,urban planning and public works were initiated,which caused the regulation of urban and construction regulations as a tool for achieving a modern state.1840,the date of the Health of Towns Report,marks a stage in the growing concern with health.The period between 1840-1940 is a recognisable date in history,with the outbreak of the Great War marking the end of an era.It also marks the date of a major enquiry into building laws and it also sees the virtual completion of the process of the incorporation of the health controls into the building regulations.In this date several regulations were enacted concerning the buildings and the streets and implemented in Beirut.The main goal of this article is to understand the impact of Building Codes on the construction of the late Ottoman Heritage and its architectural typology.展开更多
The chemical composition of PM_(2.5) at two sites in Lebanon,a country in the East Mediterranean-Middle East region,is investigated in the spring and summer seasons.The average PM_(2.5) concentrations were of(29±...The chemical composition of PM_(2.5) at two sites in Lebanon,a country in the East Mediterranean-Middle East region,is investigated in the spring and summer seasons.The average PM_(2.5) concentrations were of(29±16)μg/m 3 for Beirut urban site and(32±14)μg/m 3 for Beirut suburban site.This study showed that the geographic location of the East Mediterranean region,such as its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the dust storm intrusion are a significant contributor to the high PM levels from natural sources,which cannot be mitigated,rendering the PM_(2.5) WHO annual Air Quality guideline unattainable due to high natural background,which also applies to the entire Middle East region.Turkey and Eastern Europe are the dominant origin of air masses throughout our sampling days,suggesting the long-range transport as an important potential contributor to the high observed concentrations of V,Ni,and sulfate in this region most probably in other East Mediterranean countries than Lebanon too.Main local sources determined through the chemical speciation including organics are road transport,resuspension of dust and diesel private generators.A health risk assessment of airborne metals was performed and the carcinogenic risk for all the metals exceeded by 42(adults)and 14(children)times the acceptable risk level(10^(-6))at both sites.Vanadium was the predominant carcinogenic metal,emphasizing the need to replace energy production with cleaner energy on a regional level and highlighting the severe impact of air pollution on the health of inhabitants in this region’s main cities.展开更多
Gastric polyps are commonly detected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.They are most often benign and rarely become malignant.Nevertheless,adequate knowledge,diagnostic modalities,and management strategies shoul...Gastric polyps are commonly detected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.They are most often benign and rarely become malignant.Nevertheless,adequate knowledge,diagnostic modalities,and management strategies should be the endoscopist’s readily available“weapons”to defeat the potentially malignant“enemies”.This article sheds light on the valuable effort by Costa et al to generate a new classification system of gastric polyps as“good”,“bad”,and“ugly”.This comprehensive overview provides clinicians with a simplified decision-making process.展开更多
Security and safety remain paramount concerns for both governments and individuals worldwide.In today’s context,the frequency of crimes and terrorist attacks is alarmingly increasing,becoming increasingly intolerable...Security and safety remain paramount concerns for both governments and individuals worldwide.In today’s context,the frequency of crimes and terrorist attacks is alarmingly increasing,becoming increasingly intolerable to society.Consequently,there is a pressing need for swift identification of potential threats to preemptively alert law enforcement and security forces,thereby preventing potential attacks or violent incidents.Recent advancements in big data analytics and deep learning have significantly enhanced the capabilities of computer vision in object detection,particularly in identifying firearms.This paper introduces a novel automatic firearm detection surveillance system,utilizing a one-stage detection approach named MARIE(Mechanism for Realtime Identification of Firearms).MARIE incorporates the Single Shot Multibox Detector(SSD)model,which has been specifically optimized to balance the speed-accuracy trade-off critical in firearm detection applications.The SSD model was further refined by integrating MobileNetV2 and InceptionV2 architectures for superior feature extraction capabilities.The experimental results demonstrate that this modified SSD configuration provides highly satisfactory performance,surpassing existing methods trained on the same dataset in terms of the critical speedaccuracy trade-off.Through these innovations,MARIE sets a new standard in surveillance technology,offering a robust solution to enhance public safety effectively.展开更多
Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In th...Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In the project,we evaluated novel approaches integrating adaptive management,technological innovations,and community-based action towards more efficient sustainable conservation results and ecosystem resilience.The multi-site experimental design was based on comparison between conventional reserve management and novel integrative models implemented in diverse ecological zones.Data were collected over a period of three years employing remote sensing technologies,in situ biodiversity assessments,and large socioeconomic surveys.These instruments enabled a robust and multi-dimensional measurement of variables such as species diversity,ecological resilience,community engagement,and stakeholder engagement.The results indicate that adaptive strategies significantly enhance real-time decision-making abilities and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.Further,technology-driven monitoring greatly enhances data accuracy,responsiveness,and early warning capabilities.Besides that,community-based conservation initiatives were found to be pivotal in facilitating local stewardship,enhancing participatory governance,and enabling more adaptive and adaptive policy systems.This research rejects mainstream conservation paradigms by placing importance on flexibility,interdisciplinarity,and inclusivity of governance systems in effectively mitigating the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity.Our findings offer strong evidence that emerging paradigms of conservation can provide greater ecological and social sustainability than traditional methods.These results support the need for a paradigm shift towards conservation strategies that are dynamic,collaborative,and technologically integrated,with significant implications for policy formulation as well as operational environmental management.展开更多
BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid(BP)is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder.It is associated with other autoimmune disorders and the use of certain drugs.We describe a case of BP in a patient with ulcerative colitis(UC...BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid(BP)is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder.It is associated with other autoimmune disorders and the use of certain drugs.We describe a case of BP in a patient with ulcerative colitis(UC)treated with mesalamine.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old male patient with UC and a history of multiple flares was maintained on mesalamine with good clinical response.One year after starting mesalamine,he sought medical care following the onset of a severe itchy rash of several weeks’duration with a recent appearance of skin bullae.A biopsy of the skin revealed subepidermal blistering dermatitis with focal eosinophilic spongiosis.Direct immunofluorescence studies revealed linear IgG and C3 immune reactant deposits at the dermoepidermal junction,consistent with the diagnosis of BP.Prednisone therapy alleviated his symptoms.However,tapering prednisone led to re-eruption of the bullae.CONCLUSION BP should be considered when patients with UC develop skin manifestations.Although BP is not one of the extraintestinal manifestations of UC,there may be an association between these two conditions.Whether treatment with mesalamine or other therapeutic agents plays a role in the development of BP remains unclear.展开更多
Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC), or Bellini duct carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma, accounting for 0.2% - 1% of cases. It often presents at an advanced stage with nonspecific symptoms...Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC), or Bellini duct carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma, accounting for 0.2% - 1% of cases. It often presents at an advanced stage with nonspecific symptoms, requiring histopathology for diagnosis. Surgery remains the standard of care for localized disease, serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, though adjuvant chemotherapy has shown limited efficacy. In metastatic CDC, the gemcitabine-cisplatin regimen is commonly used due to its resemblance to urothelial cancer and supportive data from prospective studies. Newer therapies offer promise in advanced cases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab alone or with ipilimumab, have shown benefits in patients with high PD-L1 expression. Targeted therapies like cabozantinib demonstrated efficacy and safety as first-line treatments in phase II trials, while sunitinib and sorafenib have shown responses in various case reports and cohorts. However, combining chemotherapy with bevacizumab did not improve outcomes in phase II trials. Despite therapeutic advances in urothelial cancers and clear cell renal tumors, the CDC entity remains a challenging malignancy, emphasizing the need for continued research to understand the true efficacy of treatment and to prolong survival in advanced disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer(EC)is the most common gynecological malignancy in high-income countries,with incidence rates rising globally.Early and accurate diag-nosis is essential for improving outcomes.Transvaginal...BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer(EC)is the most common gynecological malignancy in high-income countries,with incidence rates rising globally.Early and accurate diag-nosis is essential for improving outcomes.Transvaginal ultrasound(TVUS)remains a cost-effective first-line tool,and emerging techniques such as three-dimensional(3D)ultrasound(US),contrast-enhanced US(CEUS),elastography,and artificial intelligence(AI)-enhanced imaging may further improve diagnostic performance.AIM To systematically review recent advances in US-based imaging techniques for the diagnosis and staging of EC,and to compare their performance with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS A systematic search of PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies published between January 2010 and March 2025.Eligible studies evaluated TVUS,3D-US,CEUS,elastography,or AI-enhanced US in EC diagnosis and staging.Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.Sensitivity,specificity,and area under the curve(AUC)were extracted where available,with narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity.RESULTS Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria.TVUS demonstrated high sensitivity(76%–96%)but moderate specificity(61%–86%),while MRI achieved higher spe-cificity(84%–95%)and superior staging accuracy.3D-US yielded accuracy com-parable to MRI in selected early-stage cases.CEUS and elastography enhanced tissue characterization,and AI-enhanced US achieved pooled AUCs up to 0.91 for risk prediction and lesion segmentation.Variability in per-formance was noted across modalities due to patient demographics,equipment differences,and operator experi-ence.CONCLUSION TVUS remains a highly sensitive initial screening tool,with MRI preferred for definitive staging.3D-US,CEUS,elastography,and AI-enhanced techniques show promise as complementary or alternative approaches,particularly in low-resource settings.Standardization,multicenter validation,and integration of multi-modal imaging are needed to optimize diagnostic pathways for EC.展开更多
BACKGROUND There has been a rise in the number of cases diagnosed as lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV),caused by the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis,specifi-cally serotypes L1,L2,and L3,mostly in men who have sex wi...BACKGROUND There has been a rise in the number of cases diagnosed as lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV),caused by the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis,specifi-cally serotypes L1,L2,and L3,mostly in men who have sex with men(MSM).LGV can clinically manifest as rectal discomfort,bleeding,and mucoid discharge mimicking inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Therefore,the role of a wholesome collection of patient history along with gaining patient trust and ease in reporting different elements of their life—whether social or sexual history-could greatly guide physician’s investigations leading to timely and more efficient diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old male presenting with symptoms of rectal bleeding,mucoid dis-charge,and abdominal pain during the past month.Initial treatment for hemo-rrhoids given at an outpatient clinic did not improve the patient’s complaints warranting further examinations,whereby endoscopy revealed the presence of mucosal edema and ulcerations in the rectosigmoid area rendering IBD a plau-sible diagnosis theoretically,but practically refuted due to the negative biopsy results,and positive result of nucleic acid amplification testing of the rectal swab sample for Chlamydia trachomatis.The latter results are in accordance with the diagnosis of LGV proctosigmoiditis.Accordingly,medical therapy with doxycy-cline was instituted,which yielded a notable symptomatic relief,and an education on safe sexual practices.INTRODUCTION Chlamydia trachomatis is a gram-negative bacterium with 15 different serotypes that can be categorized based on their resulting infection:Trachoma,anogenital infection,and lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV).LGV is sexually transmitted disease mostly by oral or anal sex due to the contraction of serotypes L1,L2,and L3 of this bacterium with a rising number of cases in homosexual males who engage in sexual activity[1,2].Moreover,there has been an evident link between patients diagnosed with LGV and a positive history of human immunodeficiency virus[3].Diagnosing a patient with LGV can be challenging due to the unpredictable and varied nature of clinical symptoms[1].Its most common presentations consisting of rectal pain,hematochezia,tenesmus,or mucous discharge can closely mimic those of inflam-matory bowel disease(IBD),similarly for the severe inflammatory changes found in rectal biopsy results contributing to the struggle in forming differential diagnosis[2,4,5].The latter hence marks the importance of detailed and wholesome collection of the patient’s history to aid physicians in giving greater consideration to LGV as a differential diagnosis.For this,we herein depict the case of a 38 years old male patient who was diagnosed with LGV after revisiting the patient’s sexual history.展开更多
This study directs the discussion of HIV disease with a novel kind of complex dynamical generalized and piecewise operator in the sense of classical and Atangana Baleanu(AB)derivatives having arbitrary order.The HIV i...This study directs the discussion of HIV disease with a novel kind of complex dynamical generalized and piecewise operator in the sense of classical and Atangana Baleanu(AB)derivatives having arbitrary order.The HIV infection model has a susceptible class,a recovered class,along with a case of infection divided into three sub-different levels or categories and the recovered class.The total time interval is converted into two,which are further investigated for ordinary and fractional order operators of the AB derivative,respectively.The proposed model is tested separately for unique solutions and existence on bi intervals.The numerical solution of the proposed model is treated by the piece-wise numerical iterative scheme of Newtons Polynomial.The proposed method is established for piece-wise derivatives under natural order and non-singular Mittag-Leffler Law.The cross-over or bending characteristics in the dynamical system of HIV are easily examined by the aspect of this research having a memory effect for controlling the said disease.This study uses the neural network(NN)technique to obtain a better set of weights with low residual errors,and the epochs number is considered 1000.The obtained figures represent the approximate solution and absolute error which are tested with NN to train the data accurately.展开更多
BACKGROUND Erythrodermic psoriasis(EP)is a rare and life-threatening form of psoriasis associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Systemic immunosuppre-ssive therapies are often required but may predispose to...BACKGROUND Erythrodermic psoriasis(EP)is a rare and life-threatening form of psoriasis associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Systemic immunosuppre-ssive therapies are often required but may predispose to opportunistic infections.Disseminated herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1)is an unusual complication in otherwise immunocompetent patients and has not been reported in association with ixekizumab therapy for EP.CASE SUMMARY We describe a 49-year-old man with longstanding severe plaque psoriasis,liver cirrhosis,and bipolar disorder who developed EP involving>90%of body surface area[Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI)45].Following initial stabil-ization,he was admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)with hemodynamic instability,leukocytosis with eosinophilia,and diffuse desquamation.Ixekizumab was initiated with high-dose topical clobetasol.During his ICU stay,he developed recurrent bacteremias and neurologic decline(Glasgow Coma Scale 7/15),fo-llowed by the appearance of widespread vesicles and hemorrhagic crusts.HSV-1 infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Immunosuppressive therapy was withheld,and intravenous acyclovir was started,leading to progre-ssive improvement.After ten days,ixekizumab was reintroduced with careful monitoring,resulting in marked clinical improvement(PASI 9.7 at six weeks).The patient remained stable on long-term follow-up with oral acyclovir prophylaxis.CONCLUSION This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing EP in the setting of biologic therapy.Disseminated cutaneous HSV-1 should be considered in immunosuppressed patients presenting with new vesicular eruptions,and prompt PCR testing with early antiviral therapy is essential.A multidisciplinary approach is critical to balance immunosuppression for disease control with infection risk.展开更多
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder marked by positive symptoms(hallucinations,delusions),negative symptoms(affective flattening,social withdrawal),and cognitive deficits.Its etiology reflects both st...Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder marked by positive symptoms(hallucinations,delusions),negative symptoms(affective flattening,social withdrawal),and cognitive deficits.Its etiology reflects both strong genetic liability and environmental influences during critical stages of brain development.Dermatoglyphics,the study of epidermal ridge patterns on fingers,palms,and soles,forms between the 10th and 16th weeks of gestation,a key neurodevelopmental period.Because both the epidermis and central nervous system share an ectodermal origin,disturbances during this window may produce parallel alterations in ridge patterns and brain structure.Interest in anthropometric markers of psychiatric illness dates to the 19th century,when theories of degeneracy proposed physical anomalies as signs of hereditary vulnerability.Although controversial,dermatoglyphics has recently re-emerged as a potential non-invasive biomarker for schizophrenia.This review synthesizes evidence on dermatoglyphic patterns in schizophrenia,emphasizing twin studies,comparisons with bipolar disorder,and integration with related developmental anomalies such as minor physical anomalies and somatotype.A structured search of PubMed and Scopus(January 2004 to December 2024)identified 83 eligible studies.Inclusion criteria encompassed original human research,reviews,or meta-analyses on dermatoglyphics in schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders,while excluding animal studies,non-quantitative case reports,and non-English papers without translation.Consistent findings include reduced total ridge counts,increased fluctuating asymmetry,and greater prevalence of abnormal palmar flexion creases among individuals with schizophrenia.Twin designs show anomalies are more frequent in affected co-twins,even among monozygotic pairs,underscoring prenatal environmental effects.Comparative work suggests schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share some but not all dermatoglyphic alterations,offering potential diagnostic value.Dermatoglyphic analysis is stable,inexpensive,and non-invasive,supporting its promise as an adjunctive biomarker of neurodevelopmental disruption.However,methodological variability and limited standardization currently restrict clinical application.Future research should harmonize measurement techniques and integrate genomic and neuroimaging correlates.展开更多
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are wellestablishedtherapies for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesitydue to their ability to enhance insulin secretion, promote ...Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are wellestablishedtherapies for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesitydue to their ability to enhance insulin secretion, promote weight loss, and regulateblood glucose levels. Emerging evidence, however, indicates that GLP-1RAs mayalso have therapeutic potential in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Thisreview explores the evolving role of GLP-1RAs in managing rheumatic diseases,including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemiclupus erythematosus. Studies suggest that GLP-1RAs reduce inflammation bymodulating immune cell activity, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production,shifting macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype,and enhancing regulatory T-cell function to maintain immune homeostasis. Theseimmunomodulatory effects point toward a promising adjunctive strategy incurrent clinical practice for patients with rheumatic diseases, particularly thosewith metabolic comorbidities. Further clinical trials are warranted to validatethese findings, clarify underlying mechanisms, and assess long-term safety,ultimately paving the way for novel treatment approaches in rheumatology.展开更多
Terpenes are a structurally diverse family of secondary metabolites found mostly in plants and microorganisms.Beta-caryophyllene and d-limonene are abundant in aromatic medicinal plants.Beta-caryophyllene can be sourc...Terpenes are a structurally diverse family of secondary metabolites found mostly in plants and microorganisms.Beta-caryophyllene and d-limonene are abundant in aromatic medicinal plants.Beta-caryophyllene can be sourced from clove and cannabis amongst others,and d-limonene is abundant in the Citrus genera.Apart from their use in agriculture,cosmetics,and food industries,these terpenes possess a wide range of therapeutic activities,including antimicrobial,analgesic,and anticancer activities.This review discusses the anticancer effects of these two compounds against malignant tumors including breast,lung,gastrointestinal,bone,blood,endometrial,and bladder cancer.Beta-caryophyllene induces apoptosis and prevents proliferation and metastasis through the downregulation of HSP60,HTRA,survivin,XIAP,Bcl-xL,and Bcl-2 and the upregulation of caspase 3,annexin V,p21,Bad,Bak,and Bax.The anticancer activity is also mediated by G1/M arrest,ROS induction,and JAK1/STAT activation.d-Limonene exerts its anticancer effects by upregulating autophagy-linked genes,Bax,and caspase 3 and downregulating cyclin D1 and Bcl-2.These compounds also elicit synergistic effects upon co-administration with anticancer drugs and show great prospects as useful agents in the fight against cancer.展开更多
This study explores the impact of a host community’s level of cultural diversity on the integration ability and mental health of Syrian refugees resettling into two U.S.States:California and Idaho.This paper addresse...This study explores the impact of a host community’s level of cultural diversity on the integration ability and mental health of Syrian refugees resettling into two U.S.States:California and Idaho.This paper addresses the need for effective integration strategies,mainly due to their impact on mental health,given the current pressing conflicts in the Middle East and the global refugee crisis.This paper uses a comparative analysis of existing literature to examine how refugees hosted in more culturally diverse communities,such as California,experience better means of integration and thus have improved mental health than those hosted in culturally homogenous communities,such as Idaho.Additionally,the study concluded that refugees who can assimilate into a community experience fewer mental health issues.The findings provide valuable insight and information for policymakers seeking to improve refugee integration through nuanced strategies.The study suggests further primary research to discover additional impacts of a community’s cultural diversity on refugees’integration ability.展开更多
Liver transplantation is a vital intervention for patients with end-stage liver disease;however,the Arab world faces significant barriers that hinder access to this life-saving procedure in terms of both practice and ...Liver transplantation is a vital intervention for patients with end-stage liver disease;however,the Arab world faces significant barriers that hinder access to this life-saving procedure in terms of both practice and research.This narrative review explores the multifaceted challenges,including financial constraints,limited healthcare infrastructure,cultural factors,and the prevalence of infectious diseases.In the Arab countries,both culture and religion were found to play major roles in the acceptability of liver transplantation.High rates of misconceptions and financial strain on patients and healthcare systems necessitate more transplantation programs and improved financial coverage and insurance policies.Enhancing healthcare facilities and improving access to innovative technologies through research is essential for optimizing transplantation outcomes,considering that common diseases in the region decrease the donor pool and increase complication risks.Public health initiatives to prevent and control prevalent liver diseases,particularly hepatitis,and to manage infection risk are also critical.Stricter regulations should be enforced in less developed countries in the region along with early screening practices to address inherited blood disorders and infectious diseases.Additionally,targeted research on liver diseases specific to the Arab context is crucial,along with fostering dialogue about cultural,religious,economic,and health-related factors affecting donor and recipient eligibility.By tackling these complex barriers through targeted comprehensive strategies,the Arab world can advance to a more equitable and effective liver transplantation system,ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.展开更多
This analytical research paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence(AI)in orthodontics,with a focus on its objectives:Identifying current applications,evaluating benefits,addressing challenges...This analytical research paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence(AI)in orthodontics,with a focus on its objectives:Identifying current applications,evaluating benefits,addressing challenges,and projecting future developments.AI,a subset of computer science designed to simulate human intelligence,has seen rapid integration into orthodontic practice.The paper examines AI technologies such as machine learning,deep learning,natural language processing,computer vision,and robotics,which are increasingly used to analyze patient data,assist with diagnosis and treatment planning,automate routine tasks,and improve patient communication.AI systems offer precise malocclusion diagnoses,predict treatment outcomes,and customize treatment plans by leveraging dental imagery.They also streamline image analysis,improve diagnostic accuracy,and enhance patient engagement through personalized communication.The objectives include evaluating the benefits of AI in terms of efficiency,accuracy,and personalized care,while acknowledging the challenges like data quality,algorithm transparency,and practical implementation.Despite these hurdles,AI presents promising prospects in advanced imaging,predictive analytics,and clinical decision-making.In conclusion,AI holds the potential to revolutionize orthodontic practices by improving operational efficiency,diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.With collaborative efforts to overcome challenges,AI could play a pivotal role in advancing orthodontic care.展开更多
Metformin is generally safe but can cause lactic acidosis and rarely organ dysfunction during overdose.Misuse for weight loss,especially in undiagnosed eating disorder,is concerning.In stigmatized settings such condit...Metformin is generally safe but can cause lactic acidosis and rarely organ dysfunction during overdose.Misuse for weight loss,especially in undiagnosed eating disorder,is concerning.In stigmatized settings such conditions may go unrecognized This case illustrated severe complications from chronic metformin abuse in a young female with suspected anorexia nervosa,highlighting the need for integrated medical and psychiatric care.To the best of our knowledge,this is only the second case report of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS)due to metformin toxicity.CASE SUMMARY Here,we reported a rare case of MODS involving four organs due to metformin abuse.A 22-year-old female located in Syria with a history suspicious of anorexia nervosa presented with dehydration,diarrhea,and altered consciousness.Labs revealed mixed high and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis from starvation ketosis and bicarbonate loss.She recovered with supportive care but returned 3 months later in shock with severe acidemia,kidney injury,pancreatitis,and liver dysfunction,consistent with MODS.Further history revealed chronic metformin abuse(up to 3000 mg/day)for weight loss.She recovered fully and began cognitive behavioral therapy.This case underscored the dangers of metformin misuse in eating disorders.CONCLUSION This case highlighted the potentially life-threatening consequences of surreptitious metformin abuse in the context of an underlying eating disorder.Early recognition,thorough history-taking,and multidisciplinary management,including psychiatric support,are essential for recovery and prevention of recurrence.展开更多
文摘Objective: To assess the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk factors among marathon runners during Beirut-Marathon 2014. Methods: A total of 325 marathon runners were divided into 42 km and 10 km groups. They were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors by measuring their BP and answering a questionnaire. The questionnaire composed of 22 questions related to demographic information, risk factors, medical history, family history, medical checkups, use of antihypertensive drugs and definition of hyponatremia. Results: There were 30 runners in the 42 km group and 295 in the 10 km group interviewed. The majority of 42 km runners were males 29 (96.7%) vs. 205 (69.5%) in the 10 km group, (P = 0.001). The 42 km group was older than 10 km group (47 ± 13.8 years vs. 38.5 ± 14.6 years;P = 0.0025). The prevalence of hypertension was 46.7% in the 42 km group as compared to 31.2% in the 10 km group (P = 0.08). Systolic BP (SBP) was higher in 42 km group vs. 10 km group (143 ± 22.4 mm Hg vs. 129.9 ± 17.8 mm Hg;P = 0.0004). The heart rate was lower among 42 km vs. 10 km group (71 ± 11.1 bpm vs. 84 ± 16 bpm;P Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of HTN among marathon runners but minorities were aware that they have hypertension. The 42 km runners tend to be older with higher systolic blood pressure as compared to the 10 km runners.
文摘Conserving the architectural structures of heritage buildings has become an important issue in Beirut. It is the result of necessary retrofit of existing traditional bourgeoisie architecture of 19th century, belonging to the late Ottoman period, recognizing the importance of its traditional technics and to keep them in use. Although, they have been subjected to lack of maintenance and repair which led to processes of severe degradation, compromising their use, it allows now a deep observation of their characteristics. The main goal of this article is: to outline the evolution of the construction of this late Ottoman Heritage;characterize its architectural typology;understand the impact of Building Codes;and present results of surveys. For the analysis, non-destructive methods were performed. The survey of three case studies according to a pre-selection of representative Ottoman buildings (1840-1940) is presented. This intends to contribute for the conservation of Beirut traditional housing and give useful technical information.
文摘Starting with the declaration of Tanzimat in 1839,the transformation of administration,law,taxation,property rights,education,urban planning and public works were initiated,which caused the regulation of urban and construction regulations as a tool for achieving a modern state.1840,the date of the Health of Towns Report,marks a stage in the growing concern with health.The period between 1840-1940 is a recognisable date in history,with the outbreak of the Great War marking the end of an era.It also marks the date of a major enquiry into building laws and it also sees the virtual completion of the process of the incorporation of the health controls into the building regulations.In this date several regulations were enacted concerning the buildings and the streets and implemented in Beirut.The main goal of this article is to understand the impact of Building Codes on the construction of the late Ottoman Heritage and its architectural typology.
基金the EMME-CARE project,which has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program(under Grant Agreement No.856612)the Cyprus Government+1 种基金funded by the Research Council and the Faculty of Sciences of Saint Joseph University of Beirut–Lebanonsupport from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC)Discovery Grant Program(RGPIN/05002-0214).
文摘The chemical composition of PM_(2.5) at two sites in Lebanon,a country in the East Mediterranean-Middle East region,is investigated in the spring and summer seasons.The average PM_(2.5) concentrations were of(29±16)μg/m 3 for Beirut urban site and(32±14)μg/m 3 for Beirut suburban site.This study showed that the geographic location of the East Mediterranean region,such as its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the dust storm intrusion are a significant contributor to the high PM levels from natural sources,which cannot be mitigated,rendering the PM_(2.5) WHO annual Air Quality guideline unattainable due to high natural background,which also applies to the entire Middle East region.Turkey and Eastern Europe are the dominant origin of air masses throughout our sampling days,suggesting the long-range transport as an important potential contributor to the high observed concentrations of V,Ni,and sulfate in this region most probably in other East Mediterranean countries than Lebanon too.Main local sources determined through the chemical speciation including organics are road transport,resuspension of dust and diesel private generators.A health risk assessment of airborne metals was performed and the carcinogenic risk for all the metals exceeded by 42(adults)and 14(children)times the acceptable risk level(10^(-6))at both sites.Vanadium was the predominant carcinogenic metal,emphasizing the need to replace energy production with cleaner energy on a regional level and highlighting the severe impact of air pollution on the health of inhabitants in this region’s main cities.
文摘Gastric polyps are commonly detected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.They are most often benign and rarely become malignant.Nevertheless,adequate knowledge,diagnostic modalities,and management strategies should be the endoscopist’s readily available“weapons”to defeat the potentially malignant“enemies”.This article sheds light on the valuable effort by Costa et al to generate a new classification system of gastric polyps as“good”,“bad”,and“ugly”.This comprehensive overview provides clinicians with a simplified decision-making process.
文摘Security and safety remain paramount concerns for both governments and individuals worldwide.In today’s context,the frequency of crimes and terrorist attacks is alarmingly increasing,becoming increasingly intolerable to society.Consequently,there is a pressing need for swift identification of potential threats to preemptively alert law enforcement and security forces,thereby preventing potential attacks or violent incidents.Recent advancements in big data analytics and deep learning have significantly enhanced the capabilities of computer vision in object detection,particularly in identifying firearms.This paper introduces a novel automatic firearm detection surveillance system,utilizing a one-stage detection approach named MARIE(Mechanism for Realtime Identification of Firearms).MARIE incorporates the Single Shot Multibox Detector(SSD)model,which has been specifically optimized to balance the speed-accuracy trade-off critical in firearm detection applications.The SSD model was further refined by integrating MobileNetV2 and InceptionV2 architectures for superior feature extraction capabilities.The experimental results demonstrate that this modified SSD configuration provides highly satisfactory performance,surpassing existing methods trained on the same dataset in terms of the critical speedaccuracy trade-off.Through these innovations,MARIE sets a new standard in surveillance technology,offering a robust solution to enhance public safety effectively.
基金supported by the Lebanese International University(LIU)with a funding amount of$500.
文摘Ecological conservation is at a crossroad as environmental stresses around the world intensify and traditional models of conservation exhibit intrinsic weaknesses in their response to present and future problems.In the project,we evaluated novel approaches integrating adaptive management,technological innovations,and community-based action towards more efficient sustainable conservation results and ecosystem resilience.The multi-site experimental design was based on comparison between conventional reserve management and novel integrative models implemented in diverse ecological zones.Data were collected over a period of three years employing remote sensing technologies,in situ biodiversity assessments,and large socioeconomic surveys.These instruments enabled a robust and multi-dimensional measurement of variables such as species diversity,ecological resilience,community engagement,and stakeholder engagement.The results indicate that adaptive strategies significantly enhance real-time decision-making abilities and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience.Further,technology-driven monitoring greatly enhances data accuracy,responsiveness,and early warning capabilities.Besides that,community-based conservation initiatives were found to be pivotal in facilitating local stewardship,enhancing participatory governance,and enabling more adaptive and adaptive policy systems.This research rejects mainstream conservation paradigms by placing importance on flexibility,interdisciplinarity,and inclusivity of governance systems in effectively mitigating the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity.Our findings offer strong evidence that emerging paradigms of conservation can provide greater ecological and social sustainability than traditional methods.These results support the need for a paradigm shift towards conservation strategies that are dynamic,collaborative,and technologically integrated,with significant implications for policy formulation as well as operational environmental management.
文摘BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid(BP)is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder.It is associated with other autoimmune disorders and the use of certain drugs.We describe a case of BP in a patient with ulcerative colitis(UC)treated with mesalamine.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old male patient with UC and a history of multiple flares was maintained on mesalamine with good clinical response.One year after starting mesalamine,he sought medical care following the onset of a severe itchy rash of several weeks’duration with a recent appearance of skin bullae.A biopsy of the skin revealed subepidermal blistering dermatitis with focal eosinophilic spongiosis.Direct immunofluorescence studies revealed linear IgG and C3 immune reactant deposits at the dermoepidermal junction,consistent with the diagnosis of BP.Prednisone therapy alleviated his symptoms.However,tapering prednisone led to re-eruption of the bullae.CONCLUSION BP should be considered when patients with UC develop skin manifestations.Although BP is not one of the extraintestinal manifestations of UC,there may be an association between these two conditions.Whether treatment with mesalamine or other therapeutic agents plays a role in the development of BP remains unclear.
文摘Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC), or Bellini duct carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma, accounting for 0.2% - 1% of cases. It often presents at an advanced stage with nonspecific symptoms, requiring histopathology for diagnosis. Surgery remains the standard of care for localized disease, serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, though adjuvant chemotherapy has shown limited efficacy. In metastatic CDC, the gemcitabine-cisplatin regimen is commonly used due to its resemblance to urothelial cancer and supportive data from prospective studies. Newer therapies offer promise in advanced cases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab alone or with ipilimumab, have shown benefits in patients with high PD-L1 expression. Targeted therapies like cabozantinib demonstrated efficacy and safety as first-line treatments in phase II trials, while sunitinib and sorafenib have shown responses in various case reports and cohorts. However, combining chemotherapy with bevacizumab did not improve outcomes in phase II trials. Despite therapeutic advances in urothelial cancers and clear cell renal tumors, the CDC entity remains a challenging malignancy, emphasizing the need for continued research to understand the true efficacy of treatment and to prolong survival in advanced disease.
文摘BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer(EC)is the most common gynecological malignancy in high-income countries,with incidence rates rising globally.Early and accurate diag-nosis is essential for improving outcomes.Transvaginal ultrasound(TVUS)remains a cost-effective first-line tool,and emerging techniques such as three-dimensional(3D)ultrasound(US),contrast-enhanced US(CEUS),elastography,and artificial intelligence(AI)-enhanced imaging may further improve diagnostic performance.AIM To systematically review recent advances in US-based imaging techniques for the diagnosis and staging of EC,and to compare their performance with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS A systematic search of PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies published between January 2010 and March 2025.Eligible studies evaluated TVUS,3D-US,CEUS,elastography,or AI-enhanced US in EC diagnosis and staging.Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.Sensitivity,specificity,and area under the curve(AUC)were extracted where available,with narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity.RESULTS Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria.TVUS demonstrated high sensitivity(76%–96%)but moderate specificity(61%–86%),while MRI achieved higher spe-cificity(84%–95%)and superior staging accuracy.3D-US yielded accuracy com-parable to MRI in selected early-stage cases.CEUS and elastography enhanced tissue characterization,and AI-enhanced US achieved pooled AUCs up to 0.91 for risk prediction and lesion segmentation.Variability in per-formance was noted across modalities due to patient demographics,equipment differences,and operator experi-ence.CONCLUSION TVUS remains a highly sensitive initial screening tool,with MRI preferred for definitive staging.3D-US,CEUS,elastography,and AI-enhanced techniques show promise as complementary or alternative approaches,particularly in low-resource settings.Standardization,multicenter validation,and integration of multi-modal imaging are needed to optimize diagnostic pathways for EC.
文摘BACKGROUND There has been a rise in the number of cases diagnosed as lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV),caused by the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis,specifi-cally serotypes L1,L2,and L3,mostly in men who have sex with men(MSM).LGV can clinically manifest as rectal discomfort,bleeding,and mucoid discharge mimicking inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Therefore,the role of a wholesome collection of patient history along with gaining patient trust and ease in reporting different elements of their life—whether social or sexual history-could greatly guide physician’s investigations leading to timely and more efficient diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old male presenting with symptoms of rectal bleeding,mucoid dis-charge,and abdominal pain during the past month.Initial treatment for hemo-rrhoids given at an outpatient clinic did not improve the patient’s complaints warranting further examinations,whereby endoscopy revealed the presence of mucosal edema and ulcerations in the rectosigmoid area rendering IBD a plau-sible diagnosis theoretically,but practically refuted due to the negative biopsy results,and positive result of nucleic acid amplification testing of the rectal swab sample for Chlamydia trachomatis.The latter results are in accordance with the diagnosis of LGV proctosigmoiditis.Accordingly,medical therapy with doxycy-cline was instituted,which yielded a notable symptomatic relief,and an education on safe sexual practices.INTRODUCTION Chlamydia trachomatis is a gram-negative bacterium with 15 different serotypes that can be categorized based on their resulting infection:Trachoma,anogenital infection,and lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV).LGV is sexually transmitted disease mostly by oral or anal sex due to the contraction of serotypes L1,L2,and L3 of this bacterium with a rising number of cases in homosexual males who engage in sexual activity[1,2].Moreover,there has been an evident link between patients diagnosed with LGV and a positive history of human immunodeficiency virus[3].Diagnosing a patient with LGV can be challenging due to the unpredictable and varied nature of clinical symptoms[1].Its most common presentations consisting of rectal pain,hematochezia,tenesmus,or mucous discharge can closely mimic those of inflam-matory bowel disease(IBD),similarly for the severe inflammatory changes found in rectal biopsy results contributing to the struggle in forming differential diagnosis[2,4,5].The latter hence marks the importance of detailed and wholesome collection of the patient’s history to aid physicians in giving greater consideration to LGV as a differential diagnosis.For this,we herein depict the case of a 38 years old male patient who was diagnosed with LGV after revisiting the patient’s sexual history.
基金supported and funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University(IMSIU)(grant number IMSIU-RP23066).
文摘This study directs the discussion of HIV disease with a novel kind of complex dynamical generalized and piecewise operator in the sense of classical and Atangana Baleanu(AB)derivatives having arbitrary order.The HIV infection model has a susceptible class,a recovered class,along with a case of infection divided into three sub-different levels or categories and the recovered class.The total time interval is converted into two,which are further investigated for ordinary and fractional order operators of the AB derivative,respectively.The proposed model is tested separately for unique solutions and existence on bi intervals.The numerical solution of the proposed model is treated by the piece-wise numerical iterative scheme of Newtons Polynomial.The proposed method is established for piece-wise derivatives under natural order and non-singular Mittag-Leffler Law.The cross-over or bending characteristics in the dynamical system of HIV are easily examined by the aspect of this research having a memory effect for controlling the said disease.This study uses the neural network(NN)technique to obtain a better set of weights with low residual errors,and the epochs number is considered 1000.The obtained figures represent the approximate solution and absolute error which are tested with NN to train the data accurately.
文摘BACKGROUND Erythrodermic psoriasis(EP)is a rare and life-threatening form of psoriasis associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Systemic immunosuppre-ssive therapies are often required but may predispose to opportunistic infections.Disseminated herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1)is an unusual complication in otherwise immunocompetent patients and has not been reported in association with ixekizumab therapy for EP.CASE SUMMARY We describe a 49-year-old man with longstanding severe plaque psoriasis,liver cirrhosis,and bipolar disorder who developed EP involving>90%of body surface area[Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI)45].Following initial stabil-ization,he was admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)with hemodynamic instability,leukocytosis with eosinophilia,and diffuse desquamation.Ixekizumab was initiated with high-dose topical clobetasol.During his ICU stay,he developed recurrent bacteremias and neurologic decline(Glasgow Coma Scale 7/15),fo-llowed by the appearance of widespread vesicles and hemorrhagic crusts.HSV-1 infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Immunosuppressive therapy was withheld,and intravenous acyclovir was started,leading to progre-ssive improvement.After ten days,ixekizumab was reintroduced with careful monitoring,resulting in marked clinical improvement(PASI 9.7 at six weeks).The patient remained stable on long-term follow-up with oral acyclovir prophylaxis.CONCLUSION This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing EP in the setting of biologic therapy.Disseminated cutaneous HSV-1 should be considered in immunosuppressed patients presenting with new vesicular eruptions,and prompt PCR testing with early antiviral therapy is essential.A multidisciplinary approach is critical to balance immunosuppression for disease control with infection risk.
文摘Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder marked by positive symptoms(hallucinations,delusions),negative symptoms(affective flattening,social withdrawal),and cognitive deficits.Its etiology reflects both strong genetic liability and environmental influences during critical stages of brain development.Dermatoglyphics,the study of epidermal ridge patterns on fingers,palms,and soles,forms between the 10th and 16th weeks of gestation,a key neurodevelopmental period.Because both the epidermis and central nervous system share an ectodermal origin,disturbances during this window may produce parallel alterations in ridge patterns and brain structure.Interest in anthropometric markers of psychiatric illness dates to the 19th century,when theories of degeneracy proposed physical anomalies as signs of hereditary vulnerability.Although controversial,dermatoglyphics has recently re-emerged as a potential non-invasive biomarker for schizophrenia.This review synthesizes evidence on dermatoglyphic patterns in schizophrenia,emphasizing twin studies,comparisons with bipolar disorder,and integration with related developmental anomalies such as minor physical anomalies and somatotype.A structured search of PubMed and Scopus(January 2004 to December 2024)identified 83 eligible studies.Inclusion criteria encompassed original human research,reviews,or meta-analyses on dermatoglyphics in schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders,while excluding animal studies,non-quantitative case reports,and non-English papers without translation.Consistent findings include reduced total ridge counts,increased fluctuating asymmetry,and greater prevalence of abnormal palmar flexion creases among individuals with schizophrenia.Twin designs show anomalies are more frequent in affected co-twins,even among monozygotic pairs,underscoring prenatal environmental effects.Comparative work suggests schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share some but not all dermatoglyphic alterations,offering potential diagnostic value.Dermatoglyphic analysis is stable,inexpensive,and non-invasive,supporting its promise as an adjunctive biomarker of neurodevelopmental disruption.However,methodological variability and limited standardization currently restrict clinical application.Future research should harmonize measurement techniques and integrate genomic and neuroimaging correlates.
文摘Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are wellestablishedtherapies for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesitydue to their ability to enhance insulin secretion, promote weight loss, and regulateblood glucose levels. Emerging evidence, however, indicates that GLP-1RAs mayalso have therapeutic potential in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Thisreview explores the evolving role of GLP-1RAs in managing rheumatic diseases,including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemiclupus erythematosus. Studies suggest that GLP-1RAs reduce inflammation bymodulating immune cell activity, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production,shifting macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype,and enhancing regulatory T-cell function to maintain immune homeostasis. Theseimmunomodulatory effects point toward a promising adjunctive strategy incurrent clinical practice for patients with rheumatic diseases, particularly thosewith metabolic comorbidities. Further clinical trials are warranted to validatethese findings, clarify underlying mechanisms, and assess long-term safety,ultimately paving the way for novel treatment approaches in rheumatology.
文摘Terpenes are a structurally diverse family of secondary metabolites found mostly in plants and microorganisms.Beta-caryophyllene and d-limonene are abundant in aromatic medicinal plants.Beta-caryophyllene can be sourced from clove and cannabis amongst others,and d-limonene is abundant in the Citrus genera.Apart from their use in agriculture,cosmetics,and food industries,these terpenes possess a wide range of therapeutic activities,including antimicrobial,analgesic,and anticancer activities.This review discusses the anticancer effects of these two compounds against malignant tumors including breast,lung,gastrointestinal,bone,blood,endometrial,and bladder cancer.Beta-caryophyllene induces apoptosis and prevents proliferation and metastasis through the downregulation of HSP60,HTRA,survivin,XIAP,Bcl-xL,and Bcl-2 and the upregulation of caspase 3,annexin V,p21,Bad,Bak,and Bax.The anticancer activity is also mediated by G1/M arrest,ROS induction,and JAK1/STAT activation.d-Limonene exerts its anticancer effects by upregulating autophagy-linked genes,Bax,and caspase 3 and downregulating cyclin D1 and Bcl-2.These compounds also elicit synergistic effects upon co-administration with anticancer drugs and show great prospects as useful agents in the fight against cancer.
文摘This study explores the impact of a host community’s level of cultural diversity on the integration ability and mental health of Syrian refugees resettling into two U.S.States:California and Idaho.This paper addresses the need for effective integration strategies,mainly due to their impact on mental health,given the current pressing conflicts in the Middle East and the global refugee crisis.This paper uses a comparative analysis of existing literature to examine how refugees hosted in more culturally diverse communities,such as California,experience better means of integration and thus have improved mental health than those hosted in culturally homogenous communities,such as Idaho.Additionally,the study concluded that refugees who can assimilate into a community experience fewer mental health issues.The findings provide valuable insight and information for policymakers seeking to improve refugee integration through nuanced strategies.The study suggests further primary research to discover additional impacts of a community’s cultural diversity on refugees’integration ability.
文摘Liver transplantation is a vital intervention for patients with end-stage liver disease;however,the Arab world faces significant barriers that hinder access to this life-saving procedure in terms of both practice and research.This narrative review explores the multifaceted challenges,including financial constraints,limited healthcare infrastructure,cultural factors,and the prevalence of infectious diseases.In the Arab countries,both culture and religion were found to play major roles in the acceptability of liver transplantation.High rates of misconceptions and financial strain on patients and healthcare systems necessitate more transplantation programs and improved financial coverage and insurance policies.Enhancing healthcare facilities and improving access to innovative technologies through research is essential for optimizing transplantation outcomes,considering that common diseases in the region decrease the donor pool and increase complication risks.Public health initiatives to prevent and control prevalent liver diseases,particularly hepatitis,and to manage infection risk are also critical.Stricter regulations should be enforced in less developed countries in the region along with early screening practices to address inherited blood disorders and infectious diseases.Additionally,targeted research on liver diseases specific to the Arab context is crucial,along with fostering dialogue about cultural,religious,economic,and health-related factors affecting donor and recipient eligibility.By tackling these complex barriers through targeted comprehensive strategies,the Arab world can advance to a more equitable and effective liver transplantation system,ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
文摘This analytical research paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence(AI)in orthodontics,with a focus on its objectives:Identifying current applications,evaluating benefits,addressing challenges,and projecting future developments.AI,a subset of computer science designed to simulate human intelligence,has seen rapid integration into orthodontic practice.The paper examines AI technologies such as machine learning,deep learning,natural language processing,computer vision,and robotics,which are increasingly used to analyze patient data,assist with diagnosis and treatment planning,automate routine tasks,and improve patient communication.AI systems offer precise malocclusion diagnoses,predict treatment outcomes,and customize treatment plans by leveraging dental imagery.They also streamline image analysis,improve diagnostic accuracy,and enhance patient engagement through personalized communication.The objectives include evaluating the benefits of AI in terms of efficiency,accuracy,and personalized care,while acknowledging the challenges like data quality,algorithm transparency,and practical implementation.Despite these hurdles,AI presents promising prospects in advanced imaging,predictive analytics,and clinical decision-making.In conclusion,AI holds the potential to revolutionize orthodontic practices by improving operational efficiency,diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.With collaborative efforts to overcome challenges,AI could play a pivotal role in advancing orthodontic care.
文摘Metformin is generally safe but can cause lactic acidosis and rarely organ dysfunction during overdose.Misuse for weight loss,especially in undiagnosed eating disorder,is concerning.In stigmatized settings such conditions may go unrecognized This case illustrated severe complications from chronic metformin abuse in a young female with suspected anorexia nervosa,highlighting the need for integrated medical and psychiatric care.To the best of our knowledge,this is only the second case report of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS)due to metformin toxicity.CASE SUMMARY Here,we reported a rare case of MODS involving four organs due to metformin abuse.A 22-year-old female located in Syria with a history suspicious of anorexia nervosa presented with dehydration,diarrhea,and altered consciousness.Labs revealed mixed high and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis from starvation ketosis and bicarbonate loss.She recovered with supportive care but returned 3 months later in shock with severe acidemia,kidney injury,pancreatitis,and liver dysfunction,consistent with MODS.Further history revealed chronic metformin abuse(up to 3000 mg/day)for weight loss.She recovered fully and began cognitive behavioral therapy.This case underscored the dangers of metformin misuse in eating disorders.CONCLUSION This case highlighted the potentially life-threatening consequences of surreptitious metformin abuse in the context of an underlying eating disorder.Early recognition,thorough history-taking,and multidisciplinary management,including psychiatric support,are essential for recovery and prevention of recurrence.
