NAJI M. HAMDAN, M.D.

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This study looked at how many adults in Palestine use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage influenza and which products they prefer. Out of 363 participants, 274 (75%) used at least one CAM method, with 65% choosing herbal remedies like sage, chamomile, and anise. This information is important because it highlights the need for educated guidance on safe CAM use, which could lead to better health outcomes and help shape health policies. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking effective flu management options.

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This study looked at the lifestyle habits of people in Canada with a specific liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). It found that many patients struggled with their diet and exercise: 56% had poor adherence to healthy eating, 42% drank alcohol weekly, and a third reported very little physical activity. Additionally, 31% experienced anxiety and 16% had signs of depression, which can make it harder for them to manage their health. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with MASLD.

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This study examined the effectiveness of a treatment called hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) for achieving relaxation of the brain during surgery for tumors at the upper part of the brain. In the study, 96% of patients receiving HSL showed satisfactory brain relaxation compared to 91% of those receiving the standard treatment with mannitol; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The results suggest that HSL could help improve surgery conditions, which is important for patient safety and surgical outcomes. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for brain tumors.

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This study looked at the genetic makeup of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) linked to the first outbreak in Malaysia in February 2021. The researchers found that the virus had 190,594 base pairs and showed a high similarity to other ASFV strains in Southeast Asia, which helps in understanding the virus's genetic differences. This information is important for controlling and preventing future outbreaks, as ASF poses a major risk to pig farming. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians working with pigs.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and risks of spinal cord biopsies (SCB) in diagnosing diffuse spinal cord lesions by analyzing data from 61 patients across 8 hospitals in Europe. They found that SCBs could accurately identify the cause of spinal lesions in 91.8% of cases, but there was a significant risk of neurological decline in about 47.5% of patients, with nearly half of those recovering within three weeks. This research is important because it highlights the balance between the diagnostic benefits of SCB and the potential for serious side effects, helping doctors make informed decisions about when to perform these procedures. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients facing uncertain spinal cord conditions.

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This study looked at how removing enlarged adenoids and tonsils (adenotonsillectomy) affects the quality of life for children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Researchers analyzed responses from 196 parents and found that after surgery, children's quality of life improved significantly, with the average score on the OSA-18 questionnaire dropping by about 15 points. The biggest improvements were seen in physical symptoms and sleep issues, especially in kids with severe OSA. Who this helps: This benefits children with obstructive sleep apnea and their families.

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This study focused on translating and validating the Adult Oral Health Standard Set (AOHSS) questionnaire into Arabic, which is important for assessing oral health among Arabic-speaking populations. They found that the Arabic version of the questionnaire was reliable and consistent, scoring 0.83 in test-retest reliability and 0.75 for internal consistency, meaning it produces stable and trustworthy results. This matters because it allows healthcare providers and researchers in the Arab world to effectively evaluate people’s oral health, leading to better health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in Arabic-speaking countries.

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This study examined how beliefs about alternative medicine relate to the use of the flu vaccine among adults in Palestine. It found that only 9% of participants got vaccinated against the flu, with factors like higher income and better health increasing vaccination rates. Many people knew about alternative medicine, but 34% had never used it for flu prevention, showing a gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed to improve vaccination rates. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers develop better strategies to encourage flu vaccinations.

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This study looked at how patients treated for central neurocytoma, a rare brain tumor, feel about their quality of life and how well they function years after surgery. They found that out of 65 patients followed for about 11 years, 75.5% reported a good overall quality of life, but only 36.9% had good cognitive outcomes. The researchers stressed that preventing complications like hydrocephalus after surgery is important for helping patients recover and maintain a good quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from brain surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well dentists in several Asian countries can use a new system for diagnosing gum disease that was introduced in 2017. Out of 312 dentists surveyed, periodontics specialists scored the highest in correctly diagnosing cases at nearly 58%, while dental students had the lowest accuracy at just 25%. These findings are important because they highlight a need for better training and support for dentists, particularly those who are still in school, to improve overall patient care in gum disease treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring that their dentists are better equipped to diagnose and treat gum disease.

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This study looked at a two-step process for treating water affected by mining, which often contains harmful metals and has a very low pH. Researchers found that the first step, using a material from steel production, removed over 99% of harmful metals from the water and raised the pH to a safe level. The second step, using special bacteria, further cleaned the water, removing 96% of remaining metals like cadmium, copper, and zinc, making the water safe for the environment. Who this helps: This benefits communities near mining sites and helps protect the environment.

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This study looked at the use of platelet concentrates (PCs)—substances derived from a patient's own blood—to treat chronic oral mucosal diseases (COMDs), which cause ongoing pain and affect quality of life. It found that using these concentrates can improve healing and reduce pain for conditions like lichen planus and mucositis. The study highlights the potential of PCs to enhance patient well-being, although more research is needed due to limited data. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic oral mucosal diseases.

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This study examined how effectively electron beam technology can break down harmful chemicals known as PFAS in water. The researchers found that while certain types of PFAS were mostly destroyed with just a small amount of treatment, complete removal required a much higher dose of radiation. Specifically, around 90% of a particular PFAS (6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate) was degraded with lower doses, but complete degradation of other PFAS needed around 1000 kGy of exposure to the electron beam. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists and water treatment facilities as they seek ways to remove PFAS from drinking water.

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This study looked at how vaping affects gum health by examining 23 research papers published between 2012 and 2022. It found that people who vape may experience more gum problems, such as attachment loss, and worse reactions to gum treatments compared to non-smokers. While vaping is harmful to periodontal health, its effects are not as severe as those from traditional cigarette smoking. Who this helps: This information benefits dentists and healthcare providers treating patients who vape.

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This study looked at how acetylene can help manage the growth of bacteria that break down a harmful chemical called trichloroethene (TCE) in contaminated groundwater. Researchers found that using 5% acetylene reduced bacterial growth while still allowing the bacteria to effectively degrade TCE. This is important because controlling bacterial growth can prevent clogging in soil, making the cleanup process more efficient and less costly. Who this helps: This helps environmental engineers and cleanup teams dealing with groundwater contamination.

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This study looked at beneficial proteins from Edible Bird's Nest that can fight oxidation and inflammation in the body. Researchers identified four specific peptides, named Peptide 1, Peptide 2, Peptide 3, and Peptide 4, which showed strong potential effects. Notably, these peptides could help block certain harmful processes in cells that lead to stress and inflammation, making them promising options for preventing related health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.

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This study looked at how a non-surgical treatment for gum disease affects certain molecules involved in inflammation in the gums. The researchers found that after treatment, the levels of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P) and the activity of Sphingosine Kinase (SPHK) decreased significantly, indicating reduced inflammation and improved gum health over a period of 90 days. Specifically, SPHK activity and S1P levels dropped, with SPHK1 showing a notable decrease after treatment, which corresponds to better measurements of gum health (p<0.01). Who this helps: This benefits patients with gum disease, as it shows that treatment can effectively reduce inflammation and improve their gum health.

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This study looked at how much force, or torque, is applied to dental implants when tightening the screws that hold them in place, compared to when the implants are tested for strength. Researchers found that the torque transferred to the implant-bone connection was the same whether they tightened the abutment screws or tested the implants, with no significant differences among the different types of implants used. This is important because it means that dentists can trust the results from torque testing to reflect how well the implants will hold up when the screws are tightened. Who this helps: This helps dentists and their patients by ensuring implant strength assessments are reliable.

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This study examined how different treatments of a new type of nanofiber made from materials like gelatin and graphene oxide can fight bacteria, especially in wound care. They found that two specific treatments (PGO-M1 and PGO-M2) led to strong antibacterial effects, killing a higher percentage of bacteria, while another treatment (PGO-M3) was less effective. This research shows that modifying the surface of these nanofibers could be key in creating better medical products to prevent infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients with wound care needs.

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This study looked at how much primary care doctors in Northeast Malaysia know about and feel toward palliative care, which focuses on providing relief to patients with serious illnesses. Out of 241 doctors surveyed, the average score for their knowledge was low at 8.68 out of 20, but they held a positive attitude towards palliative care with an average score of 106.8 out of 150. This matters because even with their good attitudes, the low knowledge indicates a need for better training to improve patient care in this area. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious illnesses and their families by ensuring their doctors have the right knowledge to provide effective care.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists experienced significant challenges in their ward pharmacy practices, particularly with collecting medication histories and counseling patients, with scores averaging around 3.5 out of 5 on these difficulties. The study, which surveyed 175 pharmacists across 14 hospitals and 12 clinics, found that pharmacists generally favored solutions like improving internet access and providing multilingual resources, scoring their agreement over 4 out of 5. These findings highlight the need for health authorities to improve digital resources and support for both pharmacists and patients to enhance medication management during crises. Who this helps: This helps patients and pharmacists by improving communication and access to medication information.

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This study looked at a program called the Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model to see how it helps survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) find safe and stable housing. Researchers found that of 345 survivors, those who used the DVHF model experienced much better housing stability and less economic abuse after six months compared to those receiving standard services. Both groups saw a big drop in all forms of abuse, but the DVHF approach specifically helped survivors feel more secure in their housing. Who this helps: This benefits survivors of intimate partner violence and the organizations supporting them.

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This study focused on the benefits of performing surgery while patients are awake for removing a type of brain abnormality called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), especially those near areas responsible for speech. The researchers found that during surgery, the speech areas in the patient’s brain had shifted to different locations, which was not predictable from scans done before the operation. This finding highlights the importance of awake surgery because it helps doctors ensure complete removal of AVMs and protects critical brain functions. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain AVMs, particularly those at risk of impacting their speech.

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This study looked at how race and having a criminal record affect housing stability for women who have survived domestic violence. Researchers found that women with a criminal record faced more challenges in finding stable housing, while Black and Latina survivors had better housing stability compared to White survivors. Understanding these factors is important because it highlights the unique challenges faced by different groups of domestic violence survivors when trying to secure safe housing. Who this helps: This helps domestic violence survivors, especially those with criminal records and advocates working to support them.

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This study looked at the outcomes of a third surgery for patients with recurring low-grade brain tumors called diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) to see if it could be done safely and effectively. They treated 31 patients, aged around 32 years, and found that after the third surgery, 84.6% returned to work and had a high survival rate—100% at 7 years and 89.7% at 10 years. The findings indicate that when surgery is done early, before the tumor becomes more aggressive, there is a better chance of removing most of the tumor with minimal lasting side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurring low-grade gliomas and their doctors by providing options for safer surgical treatment.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affected the safety, housing stability, and mental health of survivors of domestic violence who didn't have stable housing. Researchers found that while these survivors were improving in these areas before the pandemic, their progress stalled after stay-at-home orders were implemented, though their situations did not get worse. Importantly, those who had access to social support and housing services reported better outcomes, indicating that these resources are vital during challenging times. Who this helps: This research benefits domestic violence survivors, service providers, and policymakers.

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This study looked at a new method for speeding up the process of treating acidic water from mining sites. Researchers found that using a continuous flow of water through bioreactors made from spent brewing grains and sugarcane bagasse could quickly adapt and remove over 98% of harmful metals within just 16-22 days, compared to several months with traditional methods. This is important because it means mining-influenced water can be treated more efficiently, reducing environmental harm. Who this helps: This helps mining companies and environmental agencies by providing a faster, more effective way to clean up contaminated water.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affected children in Saudi Arabia, examining 567 cases from March to July 2020. It found that most children had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic, with only 4.76% experiencing moderate-to-severe illness, and just 1.76% needing intensive care. The researchers discovered that children with chronic lung conditions and low red blood cell counts had a higher risk of severe illness, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of these groups. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors caring for children, particularly those with chronic health issues.

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This study looked at how to prevent fresh fruits and vegetables from turning brown after they are harvested, a problem that leads to food waste and decreased quality. Researchers found that natural extracts from plants and animals can effectively stop browning and also have strong antioxidant qualities. By exploring both these natural solutions and advanced techniques like genome-editing, the study highlights new ways to keep food looking fresh and appealing. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, food processors, and consumers looking for fresher produce.

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This research looked at how an explosion in Beirut in August 2020 affected air pollution, specifically levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is harmful to health. After the explosion, nitrogen dioxide levels were higher than usual, but they returned to normal within a week. This is important because understanding air quality changes helps to better assess the health risks for residents in affected areas. Who this helps: This helps residents of Beirut and health officials monitoring air quality.

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This study looked at how two types of steel slag (from different steel-making processes) can remove phosphorus from water that comes from farming runoff. In controlled tests, one type of slag removed all phosphorus when the water's alkalinity was low, while it only removed 52% when the alkalinity was higher. The research found ways to make the steel slag better at removing phosphorus, like using certain chemicals to help regenerate its cleaning ability. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and environmentalists by providing effective methods to reduce phosphorus pollution in water.

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This study looked at how to control the spread of dengue fever in Malaysia using math and computer simulations. Researchers found that using methods like spraying insecticides, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and personal protective measures can significantly lower dengue cases. Specifically, they discovered that when people used personal protection extensively, it greatly reduced infections, while relying solely on insect control wasn't enough to stop outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials in managing dengue fever outbreaks effectively.

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This study investigated the levels of two hormones, leptin and adiponectin, in people with colorectal cancer (CRC) to see if these levels were linked to the cancer and its response to chemotherapy. The researchers found that CRC patients had higher levels of leptin and non-high molecular weight adiponectin compared to healthy individuals, and those undergoing chemotherapy had increased high molecular weight adiponectin levels. This matters because understanding these hormone levels could help in assessing cancer risk and treatment effectiveness. Who this helps: Patients with colorectal cancer and their doctors.

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This review paper looks at Edible Bird's Nest (EBN), a highly valued food in Chinese culture, and examines its health benefits and potential uses. Researchers found that EBN may help with various health issues, such as slowing down aging, boosting healing of wounds, and enhancing immune responses, making it potentially useful for athletes and cancer patients. Understanding and further studying EBN could lead to its development as a beneficial ingredient in diets and treatments for specific health conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking natural remedies and healthcare providers looking for alternative treatments.

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This study looked at how aware patients in medical wards are about pharmacy services, what they expect from these services, and how satisfied they are with them in hospitals in Perak, Malaysia. Researchers surveyed 467 patients, finding that the average awareness score was 49.6 out of 60, expectations averaged 44.0 out of 50, and satisfaction was 43.6 out of 50. Notably, older patients were less aware and satisfied, while those with higher education and better medication adherence reported better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients in hospitals by highlighting areas for improvement in pharmacy services.

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This research looks at a new type of material called antimicrobial nanofibers, which are being developed to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study highlights how these nanofibers can be designed with specific properties to effectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria that form protective layers called biofilms. This is important because antibiotic resistance makes common infections harder to treat, increasing medical costs and risks of death. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections that are difficult to treat.

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The study looked at a 32-year-old woman who came to the emergency room with severe back pain and was found to have a large blood clot in a major vein. Doctors treated her by inserting a filter and giving medication to dissolve the clot, which successfully removed it within 24 hours. Three months later, follow-up tests showed that the clot had completely resolved, indicating the treatment worked well. Who this helps: This helps patients with large blood clots in the inferior vena cava.

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This study focused on enhancing bone healing using two new drug formulations, C3 and C6, combined with a material called deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in rats with jawbone defects. The findings showed that rats treated with the DBBM combined with C3 or C6 experienced significantly more new bone growth compared to those given just DBBM, with the C6 combination achieving the best results at four weeks. This research is important because it could lead to better treatments for patients needing bone repair in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing bone regeneration procedures.

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This study looked at improving bone healing in rats by adding two specific drug compounds, C3 and C6, to a material called monetite used for bone grafting. The results showed that the combination of monetite with C6 led to the highest rate of new bone formation after four weeks, outperforming monetite alone and monetite with C3. This is important because enhanced bone healing can lead to better outcomes for people with bone defects, especially in the jaw and face. Who this helps: Patients with bone defects requiring grafting procedures.

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This study examined a Lebanese family where one patient had intellectual disability (ID) caused by a specific genetic mutation in the BOD1 gene. Researchers found a mutation that disrupts a particular protein, which is important for cell function and division. They noted that this patient also experienced delays in development, mild physical features, hearing problems, and issues with hormones. This work is significant because it strengthens the link between BOD1 mutations and cognitive issues, offering more understanding of the genetic factors involved in intellectual disability. Who this helps: This helps patients with syndromic intellectual disability and their families by providing insight into potential genetic causes.

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This study looked at Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), a serious immune disorder that can be fatal within the first year of life if not diagnosed early. The researchers found that whole exome sequencing (a genetic testing method) didn't always identify the genetic cause of SCID, even in families where there was a history of the disease. By sequencing the parents' genes and using immune testing, they provided better guidance for families planning future children after the loss of a child to SCID. Who this helps: Families with a history of SCID who are considering having more children.

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This study looked at 401 mild to moderate COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia to understand their symptoms and characteristics. It found that most patients were male and the average age varied by group, with the oldest being around 66 years. Common symptoms included cough (53.6%), fever (36.2%), and fatigue (26.4%). Interestingly, patients with high blood pressure had milder symptoms and spent less time in the hospital. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors treating COVID-19 patients, especially to tailor care for those with underlying health issues.

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This study looked at 401 patients in Saudi Arabia who were diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. It found that most patients were men, with common symptoms including cough, fever, and fatigue. Those with moderate cases had more severe lab results, while mild cases spent less time in the hospital and had a higher rate of abnormal CT or X-ray results. Understanding these characteristics helps healthcare providers improve prevention and treatment for COVID-19. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers in managing COVID-19 more effectively.

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This study focused on 200 Lebanese patients with various genetic disorders to find out if reanalyzing their genetic data could improve diagnosis rates. Initially, the research identified the genetic cause of the conditions in about 49.5% of the cases, but by reanalyzing the data with updated tools, this increased to 56%. This matters because it shows that revisiting existing genetic data can help diagnose more patients, leading to better treatment options and support. Who this helps: This helps patients with genetic disorders and their families.

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This study explored a method to strengthen silica sand by using an enzyme-based process that creates calcium carbonate, with a special ingredient: powdered milk. The researchers found that when they added non-fat powdered milk, the sand could achieve high strength with less than 1.4% carbonate content, which is much lower than previously reported results. This is important because it means we can use less material to achieve the same strength, making soil improvement methods more efficient and environmentally friendly. Who this helps: This benefits construction engineers and environmental scientists looking for sustainable building methods.

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This study looked at how teaching kids about fractions on a number line impacts their understanding of math. Researchers found that second- and third-graders who learned on a simple, straight number line (17.5 cm) were better at comparing fraction sizes than those who used more complex models, such as squares. Specifically, kids using the straightforward number line performed significantly better than those using square models, indicating that a clear, one-dimensional approach helps kids grasp fractions more effectively. Who this helps: This helps teachers and parents improve math teaching strategies for children.

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This study describes a rare case of cryptococcal meningitis in a healthy 40-year-old man who developed severe headaches and increased pressure inside his skull. After various tests, doctors discovered the infection using special tests on his blood and spinal fluid, leading to successful treatment with antifungal medication. Recognizing such infections in patients without obvious risk factors, like HIV, is important because it can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving awareness and treatment options for rare infections in healthy individuals.

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This study examined the effects of tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG), a compound from a bone-strengthening herb, on bone-forming cells called MC3T3-E1. Researchers found that TSG increased the number of these cells, boosted their growth, and changed levels of key proteins related to bone health. Specifically, TSG raised the levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) while lowering those of RANKL and M-CSF, indicating a beneficial effect on bone formation and regulation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with osteoporosis by highlighting a potential new treatment option.