Chady H Hakim

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This study looked at the experiences of a French volunteer in Lebanon who was involved in humanitarian work. It found that the volunteer faced feelings of guilt and challenges related to cultural differences, leading to the conclusion that effective aid should focus on building relationships rather than adopting a "savior" mindset. This matters because it highlights the importance of respecting individuals' unique situations to provide better support. Who this helps: This helps volunteers and aid workers improve their effectiveness in humanitarian efforts.

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This study compared two treatments for long-lasting wounds: a new ointment made from plant-based ingredients (PG-CAP) and medical-grade honey (MediHoney). In a trial with 26 patients, all 13 using PG-CAP showed improvement, while 69% of the 13 patients using MediHoney did. Importantly, no serious side effects occurred with PG-CAP, unlike the group using honey, where some failures were linked to patient deaths. This means PG-CAP may be a safer and more effective option for treating chronic wounds. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic wounds who need better treatment options.

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This research paper looks at a potential treatment for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is tough to kill with antibiotics due to its ability to resist treatment and form protective biofilms. The study examines quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs), which are substances that can disrupt the communication between bacteria, ultimately reducing their ability to cause harm without killing them. Researchers propose that combining QSIs with other agents that can break down biofilms might be more effective in fighting these infections, as just using QSIs alone could lead to persistent infections. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

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Researchers studied 241 patients who had thyroid or parathyroid surgery and compared outcomes based on whether they'd previously had different types of stomach surgery—particularly whether their intestines had been rerouted to bypass the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). They found that patients with prior intestinal bypass surgery developed dangerously low calcium levels after their neck surgery at much higher rates than patients who had sleeve gastrectomy (a different weight-loss procedure that doesn't reroute the intestines). The risk was especially severe in patients with nonbariatric bypass surgery—those who had the intestinal rerouting for reasons other than weight loss—where 81% experienced low calcium levels shortly after surgery and 71% had persistent problems months later. Low calcium caused longer hospital stays and more readmissions. This matters because doctors now know they need to screen and monitor calcium levels more carefully before and after

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This study looked at how certain blood markers related to inflammation and immune response can predict outcomes for patients recently diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Researchers found that among 188 patients, those with higher levels of genomic DNA and specific neutrophil markers had a shorter overall survival, averaging 47 months, compared to those with lower levels; specifically, survival was 87% for patients with low markers versus 46% for those with high levels. Understanding these markers could help doctors better predict how long patients might live and tailor treatments accordingly. Who this helps: This benefits patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well two types of viruses, AAV8 and AAV9, can deliver a gene therapy to muscle fibers in dogs, specifically focusing on their effectiveness for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Researchers found that after treatment, about 30-45% of muscle fibers in the dogs showed expression of the therapy, and treated muscle fibers were significantly larger compared to untreated ones—up to 46% larger in cross-sectional area. This is important because it shows that the gene therapy can prevent the loss of muscle size in DMD, which is a key complication of the disease. Who this helps: This benefits dogs with DMD and may lead to advancements in treatments for patients with similar muscle degeneration diseases.

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This study focused on conjoined twins who were joined at the lower back and how they were successfully separated using a special surgical technique. The operation involved careful planning and teamwork from various medical specialists and used a method involving rectangular pieces of skin to close up the area after separation. The successful use of this technique is important because it shows a way to safely separate twins and improve surgical results for similar complex cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons working with conjoined twins.

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This study looked at the accuracy of prostate MRI scans in diagnosing cancer and specifically examined why some scans incorrectly indicate the presence or absence of cancer (false positives and negatives). They found that out of nearly 2,548 patients, 52% received false positives and about 16% received false negatives. Factors like younger age, smaller lesions, and lower PSA density were linked to false positives, while older age and high PSA density were associated with false negatives, highlighting the need for more refined tools in interpreting these scans. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers who diagnose prostate cancer.

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This study looked at how inflammation affects muscles in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by measuring certain proteins in their blood. Researchers found that levels of ten specific proteins were higher in DMD-affected dogs compared to healthy ones, but the protein CCL2 was particularly noteworthy, showing increased levels at all ages, especially between 3 and 9 months old. This is important because it establishes CCL2 as a reliable indicator for monitoring muscle health in DMD dogs, which can aid in early diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits dogs with DMD and their veterinarians.

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This study looked at whether contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) can be an effective alternative to MRI for detecting breast cancer in women at high risk. Researchers found that CEM helped detect additional cases of breast cancer, identifying 16 tumors in 12 women, with six of those cancers found only through CEM, leading to a detection rate of about 10 cancers per 1,000 women screened. Although the use of CEM did increase the rate of false alarms by 21.6%, it significantly improved the overall accuracy of cancer detection. Who this helps: This helps patients at high risk for breast cancer by providing an alternative screening method.

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This study focuses on how Palestinian psychologists and therapists are creating a supportive training process for community health workers in a refugee camp in the West Bank. They developed a training workbook titled "CURCUM's Trees," which emphasizes decolonial practices that respect and understand Palestinian experiences and needs, rather than apply Western mental health standards. The goal is to improve community health work in a context affected by colonialism, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment and healing for Palestinian people. Who this helps: This supports Palestinian community health workers and their clients.

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This study looked at a natural compound called thymoquinone (TQ), which has antibacterial properties. Researchers found that when TQ is delivered in tiny particles (nano-encapsulated), it better penetrates bacterial biofilms and can significantly reduce harmful DNA within these biofilms, which helps bacteria resist treatment. Specifically, TQ decreased this DNA without affecting how the bacteria initially stick to surfaces, showing that it can effectively fight against drug-resistant bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits patients with infections that are hard to treat due to antibiotic resistance.

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This study looked at facial rejuvenation surgeries, specifically face lifts, to determine if the common beliefs about how aging affects the face are accurate. Researchers reviewed 54 studies from 2005 onwards and found that many traditional techniques may not be based on solid evidence; for instance, instead of losing bone, facial structures actually remodel, and certain fat areas can grow rather than shift. This matters because it suggests that surgeons should rethink their techniques to better target genuine signs of aging while avoiding damage to unaffected areas. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and doctors performing face lift surgeries.

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Researchers created a Medical Arabic course for healthcare professionals to help them communicate better with Arabic-speaking patients. Out of 117 participants who took the first part of the course, 81% felt comfortable asking about medical history in Arabic, and nearly 60% interacted with Arabic speakers regularly. This training is important because it helps healthcare providers build the language skills they need to offer better care to Arabic-speaking patients. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and Arabic-speaking patients.

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This study looked at how adding contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to regular breast imaging can help detect breast cancer in women who have previously had breast cancer. Researchers found that adding CEM to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) improved cancer detection rates significantly, with 22.8 cancers found per 1,000 screenings using both methods compared to 15.7 with just DBT in the first year. While the recall rate—when patients are called back for additional testing—also increased, it was a worthwhile trade-off for finding more cancers early. Who this helps: This benefits women with a personal history of breast cancer by improving early detection of recurring disease.

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This study looked at a gene therapy called AAV SERCA2a to see if it could help improve muscle function in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). After treating four affected juvenile dogs, researchers found that the therapy significantly increased SERCA2a levels and improved muscle performance, like how well muscles contract, but it didn't change the muscle tissue structure. This is important because it shows that this therapy could be a promising way to boost muscle function in dogs with DMD, offering insights for potential treatments in humans. Who this helps: This helps patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how social media influences people's ideas about lip enhancements and what is considered attractive. Researchers created digital images of a woman's face with different lip sizes and proportions, then asked men and women to rate their attractiveness. They found that lips that are more than 30% larger than the standard size were seen as unattractive, with a preference against them by 20-25%, and the most appealing lip proportions were still between 0.618:1 and 1:1. This matters because it highlights that while social media can change perceptions of beauty, traditional standards still play a crucial role in how people evaluate attractiveness, helping patients understand what might lead to dissatisfaction with their enhancements. Who this helps: This helps patients considering lip augmentation and healthcare providers advising them.

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This research studied how muscle, heart, and overall body functions are affected in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscle disease. The researchers developed specific tests to measure how the dogs move, how their muscles contract, and how their hearts perform. They created a comprehensive set of methods to assess these functions over the last 20 years, which will help in understanding DMD better. Who this helps: This benefits scientists, veterinarians, and ultimately patients with DMD by providing better research tools.

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This research studied how well gene therapy techniques work for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in dogs that have this condition. The researchers used two methods – gene replacement and genome editing – to assess how effectively genes could be delivered and measured in muscle tissues. Their approaches help to understand the best ways to potentially treat DMD, which is important for developing future therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with DMD and their families, as well as doctors working on treatments.

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This study looked at ways to analyze muscle tissue in dogs that have a disease similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which weakens muscles over time. Researchers used different staining techniques to observe various aspects of the muscle, including its structure, inflammation, and the presence of certain proteins. Understanding these changes matters because it helps track how well treatments are working in muscle diseases like DMD. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on treatments for muscle-wasting diseases.

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This study looked at how MRI can be used to track changes in muscle health in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and assess the effects of gene therapy. Researchers established clear MRI patterns for both healthy and affected dogs while using different imaging techniques. Their findings show that MRI is a valuable tool for monitoring muscle changes over time in dogs receiving gene therapy, which is important for improving treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on therapies for muscular dystrophy.

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This study looked at how dogs respond to gene therapy aimed at treating a condition similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Researchers tested different gene therapy methods and found immune responses in the dogs against the therapy, which is important because immune reactions can affect the therapy's success. They also developed ways to measure these immune responses accurately. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on gene therapies for neuromuscular diseases.

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This study looked at how often doctors recommend a 10-year follow-up for patients who received a positive multitarget stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test result but had a negative colonoscopy. Out of 68 patients analyzed, only 51% were advised to return in 10 years, while 21% were told to check back in less than 5 years. This matters because it highlights inconsistencies in follow-up recommendations, especially for older patients and those with multiple health issues, who received shorter intervals despite lesser benefits from further screenings. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly older adults and those with multiple health conditions.

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This research paper examines how to effectively treat tear trough deformity (TTD), a common sign of aging around the eyes. The review of 44 studies shows that many experts agree it's crucial to both release the retaining ligament in the area and add volume to improve appearance. Although there's no clear consensus on the best technique to achieve natural-looking results, the right approach can lead to satisfactory, lasting changes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking cosmetic improvements for under-eye aging.

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This study looked at how effective digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is alone and in combination with handheld ultrasound (US) for screening women with dense breasts. It involved nearly 6,200 women over three years, finding that adding ultrasound detected more cancers (6.3 per 1,000 vs. 5.0 per 1,000 with DBT alone in the first year) but also increased false positives. While the increase in detected cancers was modest (about 1 additional cancer per 1,000 screenings), it might help identify more cases even with the rise in false alarms. Who this helps: This benefits women with dense breasts who are at higher risk for missed cancers on standard mammograms.

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This review looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can provide a more objective way to measure the success of plastic surgery procedures, which is usually based on personal opinions and feelings. The study found that some AI tools can effectively analyze facial expressions and gauge patient satisfaction with their results. This is important because it could lead to more consistent and reliable assessments of what makes a surgical outcome beautiful, helping to elevate the standards in aesthetic surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking cosmetic procedures and doctors aiming to provide better evaluations of results.

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This research paper looks at how eye-tracking technology can objectively measure the aesthetic results of plastic and reconstructive surgeries, which often rely on personal opinions. The study found that while eye-tracking shows promise in analyzing how patients perceive beauty, it isn't fully clear how these visual patterns relate to overall satisfaction. This matters because using more objective methods could improve how the success of these surgeries is evaluated. Who this helps: Patients undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery.

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This research paper examines the best surgical methods for treating platysma bands, which are visible lines in the neck that can make a person look older. The study reviewed 21 articles involving 2,331 patients and found that newer, less invasive techniques, like closed platysma myotomy, are gaining acceptance, alongside traditional methods. This is important because it means patients can choose from more effective and potentially safer options for neck rejuvenation. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking for cosmetic neck treatments.

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This study looked at the best position for the belly button (umbilicus) during tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgeries in men. Researchers found that the distance between the belly button and the side of the body (U-AX) is better determined by measuring the distance between the nipples (N-N) rather than using the abdominal crease, as they discovered a strong connection between these measurements (correlation of 0.513). Correctly positioning the belly button helps ensure that the overall look of the abdomen and chest is balanced and appealing. Who this helps: This benefits men undergoing tummy tuck surgery.

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This study created a wireless system to analyze how dogs walk by using sensors attached to all four legs. The researchers found that the new sensor system produced measurements almost identical to a traditional method, with less than 10% difference in over 92% of the data. This is important because it offers a cost-effective way to understand dog movements, which can help in both veterinary care and research on diseases that affect movement. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and researchers studying canine health and mobility.

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Researchers studied how different amounts of guide RNA (gRNA) affect the effectiveness of a CRISPR gene-editing treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when given systemically (throughout the body) compared to locally (to specific muscles). They found that a higher dose of gRNA (3:1 ratio with another treatment) led to better restoration of a key protein called dystrophin, with improved muscle function and heart health in mice, compared to a lower dose (1:1 ratio). This is important because it shows that adjusting the gRNA dose can enhance the success of CRISPR therapies for DMD, potentially leading to better treatments for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their doctors by providing insights for more effective therapies.

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This study looked at a 10-month-old female dog with a genetic condition that affects muscle strength due to a lack of a protein called dystrophin. When the dog unexpectedly died, scientists found severe muscle damage, especially in the tongue and larynx, and suspect that heart issues may have played a role in her death. These findings are important because they help researchers understand how this condition varies in dogs, which could lead to better treatments for humans affected by similar muscle diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with muscular dystrophy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different types of computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) systems affect radiologists' ability to interpret breast ultrasound images. The researchers reviewed 319 imaging cases, including 88 breast cancers, and found that when the CADx system was set to emphasize accuracy in identifying cancers, radiologists' performance improved significantly. Specifically, their ability to correctly identify lesions increased from an average score of 0.82 to 0.89 when using high-specificity settings, which is a notable improvement. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving the accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses.

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This study examined a case of an 86-year-old woman with a type of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that had spread to her stomach, which is very uncommon. The woman experienced severe anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding, and doctors discovered an ulcerated tumor in her stomach that was a result of her RCC. They successfully treated her with radiation therapy, which helped manage her symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced kidney cancer and their doctors by highlighting the possibility of stomach involvement.

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This study looked at the muscle of dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe muscle disease. Researchers compared 15 affected dogs to 15 healthy dogs and found that the affected dogs had weaker muscles, reduced muscle size, and signs of muscle damage, with specific measures of muscle function showing significant declines (e.g., lower muscle force and slower contraction). Notably, they discovered an unexpected change in muscle fiber types, where the muscle switched from slow-twitch to fast-twitch fibers, indicating a complex response to the disease. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by improving understanding of the disease and potential therapies.

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This study looked at how the immune system of dogs reacts to CRISPR therapy using a tool called Cas9, aimed at treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Researchers found that while the therapy initially restored a protein called dystrophin in the dogs, it triggered significant inflammation in their muscles and a strong immune response against Cas9. This response was not reduced even with treatments to help manage the immune reaction, indicating that the immune response to Cas9 could be a major obstacle for using this type of therapy in larger animals. Who this helps: This helps patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their doctors by highlighting challenges in using CRISPR-based therapies.

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This study looked at how Contrast Enhanced Digital Mammography (CEDM) could help reduce unnecessary breast biopsies for lesions that are somewhat suspicious but likely benign. The research involved 54 women and showed that CEDM improved the accuracy of detecting cancer, with a true positive rate of 90% compared to 74% for standard mammography and 89% for ultrasound. Importantly, it also reduced the rate of false positives, meaning fewer women would undergo unnecessary biopsies, while still effectively identifying cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients facing breast biopsies and healthcare providers involved in breast cancer screening.

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This study looks at a new material called P2-NaCoMnNiO for sodium-ion batteries, which are cheaper and easier to source than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Researchers found that this material works well at high voltages, specifically between 4.2 and 4.5 volts, where it can deliver a significant amount of energy. They discovered that the material maintains its structure and effectively manages changes in charge when sodium ions are removed at these high voltages. Who this helps: This benefits battery manufacturers and consumers looking for affordable and efficient energy storage options.

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This study looked at how effective automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is for screening women with dense breasts, either as a follow-up to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) or on its own. Of the 1,111 women screened, ABUS increased the number of women called back for further testing from 6.6% after DBT alone to 14.4% after ABUS, finding one additional cancer that DBT missed. This is important because while ABUS can help identify more cancers, it also leads to many more false alarms, which could cause unnecessary stress for patients. Who this helps: This helps women with dense breasts who may benefit from more thorough cancer screening.

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The study examined how to properly rebuild the eye area of Syrian war injury patients who had their initial wounds treated in combat zones and then later managed in Lebanon. It found that using modified reconstruction methods, known as "opportunity flaps," was successful in several cases, letting doctors work around the challenging scar tissue that often formed after the injuries. This matters because it improves the cosmetic and functional outcomes for patients with complex injuries, helping them regain more normal appearance and function after trauma. Who this helps: Patients recovering from war injuries in the eye area.

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This study looked at a rare condition called DRESS syndrome, which can be triggered by certain medications. The researchers reported the case of a 52-year-old man whose liver enzyme levels were over 1000 units/liter due to DRESS syndrome caused by the medication allopurinol. This finding is important because it highlights that even common treatments like allopurinol can lead to severe liver problems, especially when patients show symptoms like fever and rash. Who this helps: This helps doctors recognize and manage serious drug reactions in patients.

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This study looked at the blood fat levels, known as lipids, in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), as well as in dogs with DMD. They found that 97% of children with DMD and 64% of those with BMD had abnormal lipid levels, which also worsened with age in the dogs. Understanding these lipid abnormalities could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat these muscle diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with DMD and BMD and their healthcare providers.

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This study compared two methods for producing a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy using a specific gene therapy vector in mice. It found that both methods—transient transfection and a herpesvirus system—led to similar improvements in muscle health and function when varying doses were administered, showing that the scalable method is just as effective. This is important because it means we can produce a viable treatment more efficiently for patients with this disorder. Who this helps: Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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Researchers studied the use of CRISPR gene editing as a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe muscle disease. They found that dogs with the condition showed significant restoration of a key protein called dystrophin after receiving CRISPR treatment, with a promising delivery method using a specific virus. This is important because it provides early evidence that CRISPR could be effective in larger animals, paving the way for future studies that could lead to human treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families.

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This research focused on delivering a gene therapy treatment using a virus called adeno-associated virus (AAV) in mice and dogs. The studies showed that a single injection into the bloodstream can spread the therapy throughout the entire body effectively. This is important because it can improve treatment for diseases that affect multiple parts of the body, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diseases affecting multiple organs, especially those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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This study looked at how well a virus called AAV9 can deliver gene-editing tools to muscle stem cells in mice, which is important for treating muscular dystrophies. They found that AAV9 efficiently targeted these cells, with 28-89% of them showing signs of successful editing, and when they applied this technique to diseased mice, the edited muscle cells showed an increase in dystrophin—a crucial protein that is lacking in muscular dystrophy—by 2.7 times. This matters because it suggests that AAV9 could be a practical way to create lasting treatments for muscle diseases. Who this helps: Patients with muscular dystrophies and their doctors.

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This study looked at three imaging methods—MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), and molecular breast imaging (MBI)—to see how well they identify the extent of breast cancer in women recently diagnosed with the disease. Researchers found that all three methods successfully detected most cancers: MRI identified 93%, CEM found 91%, and MBI detected 92%. However, MRI tended to overestimate the size of the tumors more than the other methods, which could lead to unnecessary biopsies. Who this helps: This study benefits women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and their doctors by providing insights into the effectiveness of different imaging techniques.

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This study focused on improving the way researchers measure how well the diaphragm muscle in mice works, which is crucial for understanding diseases that affect breathing. The researchers compared two methods for attaching diaphragm samples to a device that measures muscle strength. They found that the clamp method produced a stronger and more reliable measurement than the suture method, showing a significant increase in muscle force. This improvement matters because it allows scientists to get more accurate information about diaphragm function in mouse models, aiding research in neuromuscular diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying respiratory and neuromuscular diseases.

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Researchers studied a gene-editing technique called AAV CRISPR therapy in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a condition that affects muscle and heart function. They found that after 18 months, increasing the dose of a specific part of the therapy led to significant improvements, restoring a key protein called dystrophin and enhancing muscle and heart function. This work is important because it shows that adjusting the treatment can overcome obstacles in delivering effective long-term therapy for genetic diseases like DMD. Who this helps: This helps patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families.