Michel Najjar

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This study looked at how dental students reflect on their interactions with patients during procedures that either can be reversed, like temporary crowns, or irreversible, like extractions. Out of 40 students, all answered four key questions about their experiences, and over 90% of the responses were found appropriate by faculty. The findings revealed that students focused on patient comfort for reversible procedures, while their attention shifted to the teeth for irreversible ones, showing a clear difference in thought processes. Who this helps: This benefits dental students and their instructors by enhancing students' learning and critical thinking skills.

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This study focused on a survey called PH WINS, which gathers information from public health workers across the United States about their job satisfaction, training needs, and plans to leave their positions. In 2024, the survey reached over 159,000 public health staff, collecting responses from 56,595 individuals—a response rate of 37%. The findings will help health departments improve workforce development and better respond to public health challenges, especially as the landscape of public health continues to change. Who this helps: This helps public health workers and the agencies that employ them.

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This study looked at the training needs of public health workers from different age groups within government agencies. It found that the top training needs are in Budget and Financial Management (51% of workers), Policy Engagement (40%), and Systems and Strategic Thinking (34%). Interestingly, younger workers (under 35) particularly need training in Change Management (36%). Addressing these training needs can improve the skills of the workforce, which is essential for effective public health services. Who this helps: This helps public health agencies improve training for their employees.

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This study looked at young public health workers aged 35 and under to understand how they got into their jobs and what drives them. Out of nearly 57,000 survey responses, about 12,800 were from younger workers, who were more likely to have a public health degree (36% compared to 17% of older workers) and are mainly in scientific roles (54%). Many of these young workers want to stay in public health, but barriers to promotion often lead them to leave, highlighting the need for better training and advancement opportunities in this field. Who this helps: This benefits young public health workers and organizations looking to improve workforce retention and development.

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This study looked at a rare kidney condition called crossed fused renal ectopia in a 68-year-old man who had ongoing pain and a large kidney stone. The doctors performed a surgical procedure to remove the stone, successfully clearing almost all of it. This case shows that traditional open surgery can be an important option for treating large kidney stones in patients with unusual kidney anatomy when other methods aren't safe or possible. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex kidney problems and their doctors.

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This study looked at six types of bacteria taken from pesticide-polluted soil to see how well they could break down two common pesticides, chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide. The researchers found that one group of bacteria, labeled T3, was especially effective, breaking down 98.23% of flubendiamide after 20 days, compared to much lower rates from native bacteria. This is important because it shows that these bacteria can help clean up harmful pesticide residues in the environment, making it safer for ecosystems and potentially for human health. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities affected by pesticide pollution.

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This study looked at ways to treat harmful liquid waste from landfills, known as landfill leachate, which can harm the environment and public health. The researchers found that using combined treatment systems, like blending biological processes with advanced methods, is more effective and cost-efficient than using only advanced treatments. These hybrid systems can clean the waste while also recovering valuable resources like water and energy, which is important for sustainable waste management. Who this helps: This helps patients, communities, and environmental agencies by reducing pollution and protecting public health.

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This study looked at how effective a specific type of laser (the 20-nanosecond Q-switched Ruby laser) is for removing tattoos that breast cancer survivors get for radiation therapy. The results showed that 91% of the tattoos saw significant improvement or were completely removed after up to six treatment sessions, and patients were very satisfied with the results. This is important because it can help breast cancer survivors improve their body image and quality of life after treatment. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer survivors who wish to have their radiation tattoos removed.

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Researchers examined new treatments for autoimmune diseases using nanotechnology, which can deliver drugs more precisely to affected areas without harming healthy tissues. They found that treatments like nanoparticles loaded with methotrexate reduced arthritis symptoms in animal studies, and a specific type of nanoparticle helped patients with celiac disease by promoting immune tolerance. This approach is important because it could lead to safer and more effective therapies with fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases looking for better treatment options.

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This study looked at how eating at different times of the day, combined with exercise, affects overweight or obese women. It found that women who ate early in the day while exercising lost more weight and body fat compared to those who didn't change their eating patterns or exercised alone. Both early and late eaters who exercised improved their physical fitness significantly, but only the early eaters also saw improvements in their fat and cholesterol levels. Who this helps: This research benefits overweight and obese women looking to improve their health and fitness.

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This study looked at whether having a second surgery improves survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a very aggressive brain cancer. The researchers found that patients who had the reoperation lived for an average of 21 months, compared to just 11 months for those who didn't have the second surgery. Additionally, those who underwent reoperation experienced a progression-free survival of 15.9 months versus 6.7 months for those who did not. This is important because it suggests that reoperation can significantly extend life for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with recurrent GBM and their families by providing options for better survival outcomes.

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This study looked at two rare cases of tumors called composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuromas, which are a combination of two types of tumors found in the adrenal glands. The researchers found that both patients had abnormal hormone levels, but their conditions were detected early, and after surgery to remove the tumors, there were no complications or signs of the tumors returning after a year. This is important because it shows that these tumors can be effectively treated and have a good long-term outlook if properly diagnosed and surgically removed. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rare adrenal tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new type of wound dressing made from alginate and hyaluronic acid, combined with zinc oxide to help fight bacteria. The research found that the dressing could absorb a lot of water—up to 5791% for the zinc oxide version, compared to 1585% for the one without zinc—and it effectively killed bacteria commonly found in wounds. This matters because it means the dressing could help wounds heal better and lower the chances of infections. Who this helps: Patients with wounds at risk for infections.

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This study focused on glioblastoma (GBM), a very aggressive type of brain tumor that has few effective treatments. Researchers discovered that a specific protein called tGLI1 makes GBM cells resistant to certain therapies. By using the drug ketoconazole to block tGLI1, they found that GBM cells became more responsive to existing treatments, which resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth in laboratory models. Specifically, the combination therapy improved treatment effectiveness compared to using each treatment alone. Who this helps: This research benefits glioblastoma patients seeking better treatment options.

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This study examined a 49-year-old man with poorly managed type 2 diabetes who developed severe back pain due to a vertebral compression fracture and osteoporosis. After treatment with medication and better management of his blood sugar, his symptoms improved significantly over six months. This highlights the need for regular bone health screenings in people with diabetes to prevent serious fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how three drugs—cytidine, uridine, and gabapentin—affect pain relief in diabetic neuropathy and other types of pain in rats. The researchers found that using these drugs together worked better to reduce pain and increase pain sensitivity thresholds than gabapentin alone, with significant improvements seen compared to untreated conditions. This matters because it suggests a new way to manage pain in people with diabetic neuropathy without relying solely on traditional painkillers. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy.

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This study looked at how common non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who take a medication called hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Out of 619,350 RA patients, 3,080 were diagnosed with NASH, and those with NASH had higher chances of other health issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that RA patients on HCQ have a nearly 80% higher risk of developing NASH, which could lead to serious liver problems, highlighting the need for doctors to monitor liver health in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors.

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This study looked at a rare case of a giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCT-TS) that affected the big toe of a 41-year-old man. He had a painful lump that doctors initially thought was gout, but scans showed a significant mass and tests confirmed it was GCT-TS. After removing the mass, the patient had no signs of it coming back, which is important because even though GCT-TS is not cancerous, it can return if not completely removed. Who this helps: This helps patients with similar tumors and doctors diagnosing and treating them.

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This study examined tumor mutational burden (TMB), which measures how many mutations are found in cancer cells, to see how well it predicts a patient's response to immunotherapy treatments. Researchers found that while a high TMB is generally linked to a better response to these treatments, many factors, such as the type of cancer and how mutations are tested, can affect how well TMB works as a predictor. Improving the methods used to measure TMB and considering the types of mutations present could enhance its usefulness for guiding cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients by potentially improving cancer treatment strategies based on individual tumor characteristics.

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This study looked at how extracts from olive leaves and ginger might help rats with type 1 diabetes by improving kidney and liver functions. Researchers found that rats treated with a combination of these extracts and insulin had a lower death rate after 14 days. Specifically, the rats that received just the olive leaf extract showed a drop in creatinine levels, which is important for kidney health, from around 1.1 mg/dL to 0.7 mg/dL. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their doctors looking for alternative treatments.

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This study developed and tested a simple 8-question survey called the Migraine Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (MHQ-8) to measure four types of sensitivity that migraine patients often face: sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), touch (allodynia), and smell (osmophobia). The survey was found to be reliable and accurate, with strong results showing that it can effectively assess these sensitivities in 329 migraine patients, who experienced an average of 10 migraine days per month. This tool is important because it can help doctors better understand and manage the sensory challenges faced by migraine sufferers, leading to more targeted treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with migraines, especially those dealing with sensory hypersensitivities.

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This study looked at how the community of microorganisms in our gut affects brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. It found that the gut microbiota can influence the progression of these diseases through inflammatory responses and the production of substances that affect brain function. This is important because it opens up new ways to potentially treat these conditions with things like probiotics, which could improve the lives of those with neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases and their families.

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This study looked at how training and support for supervisors in public health agencies affects the job satisfaction of the staff who don’t supervise. They found that employees are happier with their supervisors when those supervisors have received proper training and ongoing support. Specifically, having more initial training led to a 18% increase in satisfaction, while ongoing support was even more influential, with satisfaction rates rising between 14% and 38%. Who this helps: This benefits public health workers and their supervisors by improving workplace satisfaction.

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This study looked at a rare type of spine tumor called an extradural cervical spinal meningioma, which occurs in only 2.5-3.5% of spinal meningiomas. A 45-year-old woman with neck pain and arm numbness was found to have a tumor on her spine, which was partially removed through surgery. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and treating these tumors quickly to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with extradural cervical spinal meningiomas and their doctors.

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This study looked at how combining a type of radiation treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with a drug called pembrolizumab can help patients with a kind of lung cancer that typically does not respond well to immune treatments, known as "immunologically cold" non-small cell lung cancer. The research involved 293 participants and found that those who received SBRT followed by pembrolizumab had significantly longer periods without disease progression compared to those who only received SBRT. This is important because it shows that radiation can boost the immune system's response against tumors, potentially helping more patients benefit from immunotherapy treatments. Who this helps: This helps lung cancer patients, especially those with tumors that are hard to treat with standard immunotherapies.

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This study examined how giving women with lymphoma a medication called GnRH-a during chemotherapy can help protect their ovarian function and fertility. Researchers analyzed data from 12 clinical trials involving 733 women and found that those who received GnRH-a had a significantly higher rate of normal ovarian function (50% compared to 37% in the control group), better pregnancy rates, and healthier hormone levels, suggesting that this treatment helps preserve their reproductive health. This is important because it offers a way for women undergoing treatment for lymphoma to maintain their ability to have children in the future. Who this helps: This benefits women with lymphoma who are concerned about their fertility after cancer treatment.

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This study looked at using standard tibial nails to fix ankle and lower leg fractures in elderly patients, who often have fragile bones and other health issues. Out of 36 patients treated, 88.9% were able to put full weight on their leg within 30 days after surgery, and only one patient (2.8%) experienced a major complication that required further surgery. This research shows that this method is a safe and effective option for fixing these types of fractures, which is crucial for helping older adults regain their mobility. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients with ankle and distal tibia fractures.

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This study looked at the incidence of a specific type of E. coli that is resistant to many antibiotics, particularly in patients with urinary tract infections in Jordan. Researchers found that 18% of urine samples contained this resistant E. coli, with the highest rate of 50% in northern regions. Additionally, almost all samples (98%) had a specific gene linked to resistance, indicating a serious public health concern and the need for improved strategies to manage antibiotic use and infections. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from urinary tract infections and healthcare professionals working to treat them.

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This study explored how to create silver nanoparticles from Medjool date seeds, which could be a safer alternative to traditional antibiotics for fighting infections on the skin. The researchers found that these nanoparticles were effective at reducing bacterial biofilms by 73.57% for one type of bacteria and 88.66% for another, indicating strong antibacterial properties. This is important because it offers a new way to tackle tough infections that are hard to treat with existing medications. Who this helps: Patients with chronic skin infections.

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This study looked at two different treatments involving the immune drug nivolumab, with or without another drug called ipilimumab, for patients with a type of lung cancer called diffuse pleural mesothelioma that can be surgically removed. The results showed that 81.3% of patients treated only with nivolumab and 85.7% of those receiving both drugs were able to have surgery, and those on nivolumab alone had an average survival of about 19.3 months while the combination therapy extended average survival to about 28.6 months. This research matters because it shows that these treatments are safe and effective, which could improve outcomes for patients with this challenging cancer. Who this helps: Patients with resectable diffuse pleural mesothelioma.

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This study focused on creating a new type of wound dressing made from a bio-based material that combines copper with alginate and hyaluronic acid. Researchers found that this new dressing showed strong antibacterial properties, with inhibition zones of up to 36 mm in size, and it could absorb a significant amount of fluid—up to 743%. This development is important because it offers a better option for preventing infections and managing wounds, which can lead to improved healing for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with wounds and healthcare providers looking for effective treatment options.

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This study compared two methods of a minimally invasive surgery to treat pain from the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in the lower back. Researchers looked at 115 patients who underwent the two procedures and found that those who had the lateral approach experienced greater benefits, including a 66.3% improvement in pain relief compared to 53.8% with the posterior approach. This is important because it shows that using the lateral approach may provide longer-lasting relief and better overall results for patients suffering from lower back pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic lower back pain, especially if other treatments haven't worked.

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This study looked at how well a computerized system used by nurse practitioners could help treat older patients with hip fractures. Out of 208 patients, the system gave a treatment recommendation for 70% of them, while the rest needed additional help from a specialist. This approach efficiently aids in providing care with less direct involvement from doctors, which is important for improving treatment outcomes for hip fracture patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with hip fractures and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of a brain surgery called peri-insular hemispherotomy on children with severe seizures. Out of 15 patients followed for an average of nearly 6 years, 80% were free of seizures, and 69% were able to walk independently afterward. The findings highlight that while the surgery can be very effective, some patients may still experience seizures later on, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring after the procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe epilepsy and their families, as well as doctors considering surgical options.

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This study looked at what factors are most important to patients in Saudi Arabia when choosing an eye surgeon. Researchers surveyed 627 people and discovered that the surgeon's reputation (96.5% rated this as important), qualifications (93.1%), and patient satisfaction (94.4%) were the key influences on their choice. This information is crucial because it highlights what patients value, which can help improve healthcare services and encourage surgeons to maintain high standards. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking for eye surgery and healthcare providers aiming to meet patient needs.

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This study looked at how well adults in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq understand and use vitamin D supplements. Researchers gathered responses from 1,340 people, finding that knowledge about vitamin D was highest in Egypt and Jordan (around 11 out of 15) but much lower in Saudi Arabia (only 7). People's attitudes towards vitamin D were generally neutral, but practice scores showed improvement in Jordan and Iraq (around 16 or 17 out of 20), suggesting that there is a need for better education about vitamin D, especially for younger people and those working outside the health sector. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those seeking to understand and improve their vitamin D levels.

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This study looked at how a protein called RET is involved in the spread of breast cancer to the brain. Researchers found that RET activation is much higher in brain metastases compared to the original breast tumors in 30 patients, and higher RET levels were linked to a shorter time without new metastasis. Additionally, two existing drugs, pralsetinib and selpercatinib, were found to effectively reduce brain cancer cell growth and could be promising treatments for breast cancer that has spread to the brain. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer, especially those with brain metastases, by providing potential new treatment options.

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This study looked at how exposure to e-cigarettes affects anxiety and hormone levels in male rats, especially during withdrawal. Researchers found that after six weeks of e-cigarette exposure, the rats showed increased anxiety and higher levels of substances related to stress and nicotine. However, when the rats were treated with a compound called CDP-choline, their anxiety decreased and their hormone levels returned to normal. Who this helps: This research benefits people trying to quit e-cigarettes and those who treat nicotine addiction.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for people with chronic pain by analyzing data from 505 patients who tried it over two years. They found that 86.1% of these patients experienced significant pain relief during the trial, and 77% went on to get the permanent device, with 76.6% still feeling better at follow-up. However, 14.1% had their devices removed, mainly due to losing effectiveness, with factors like tobacco use and depression affecting the likelihood of needing removal. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic pain, especially those considering spinal cord stimulation treatment.

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This study focused on pediatric stroke, which, while less common than in adults, can have serious effects on children’s health and development. Researchers found that timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with quick interventions like intravenous thrombolysis and rehabilitation services greatly improving recovery. They emphasized that many children have ongoing challenges even after treatment, and coordinated rehabilitation efforts can significantly help them regain function and improve their quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits children who have experienced a stroke and their families, as well as healthcare providers involved in their care and rehabilitation.

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This study looked at how much freedom pediatric residents have to make medical decisions while working in hospitals. Researchers surveyed residents and their supervising doctors at five top children's hospitals and found that both groups generally agreed on the level of autonomy. However, residents felt less trusted to make decisions about antibiotic choices and addressing patient concerns compared to their supervisors, with significant gaps noted in those areas. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatric residents by highlighting areas where they need more support and trust in their decision-making abilities.

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This study looked at how to treat intertrochanteric fractures (breaks in the upper part of the thigh bone) in a 59-year-old woman who had an above-knee amputation on the same side. The doctors successfully fixed her fracture using a special method that involved positioning her on a traction table and applying traction through the amputation stump. This technique worked well and is important because it gives other orthopedic surgeons a reliable way to manage similar cases where positioning is difficult. Who this helps: This helps orthopedic surgeons treating patients with limb amputations who suffer from femur fractures.

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This study looked at how much adult women in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia know about contact lenses and how they take care of them. Out of 393 women surveyed, 68% were aged 18 to 30, with 16% wearing contact lenses regularly, mostly for cosmetic reasons. More than half (52%) experienced dryness in their eyes, highlighting a common side effect, which shows the importance of better awareness and education about contact lens safety and care. Who this helps: This benefits contact lens users, especially women in Saudi Arabia, by raising awareness of safe practices.

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This study looked at how the level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood affects the recovery of patients hospitalized for worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Syria. Researchers found that patients with lower eosinophil counts (300 or fewer cells per microliter) had worse outcomes, including longer hospital stays, a higher chance of needing intensive care (22.2% vs. 4.3%), and a higher likelihood of requiring mechanical ventilation (21.6% vs. 4.3%). In contrast, patients with higher eosinophil counts had better survival rates (17.0% vs. 0%), indicating that measuring eosinophil levels can help doctors make better treatment decisions for these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with COPD and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the accuracy and completeness of data collected about elbow surgeries in the National Joint Registry (NJR). Initially, they found over 5,500 surgeries that were not recorded in the NJR, with many being missing radial head surgeries. After a focused audit, the completeness of the data improved significantly, going from 63% to 83%, and the accuracy rose to 98%. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing elbow surgeries and doctors who rely on accurate data for treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the antibacterial abilities of pomegranate peel extracts from fruit grown in Jordan. Researchers found that different extraction methods and solvents influenced how well these extracts worked against four types of bacteria. Notably, the extracts were effective at very low concentrations, and combining them with the antibiotic gentamicin improved the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a critical health issue. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with infections and healthcare providers looking for new treatments.

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This study looked at two proteins, tGLI1 and GP130, that are often linked to aggressive forms of breast cancer, specifically HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancers. The researchers found that around 54% of HER2-enriched cancers and 44% of triple-negative breast cancers overproduce these proteins, which makes the cancers tougher to treat. When they used the already approved drugs Ketoconazole and Bazedoxifene together, they discovered that this combination effectively slowed cancer growth and reduced the spread of tumors in lab tests and animal models. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancers by providing potential new treatment options.

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This study looked at how tobacco smoking and caffeine consumption relate to metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Palestinian university students. It found that 9.2% of the students had MetS, with men more likely to be affected than women (14.1% vs. 4.8%). Cigarette smokers had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing MetS, and drinking black tea was found to reduce this risk. Understanding these associations helps highlight the health risks of smoking and energy drinks, especially for young adults. Who this helps: This helps students and health professionals by identifying behaviors that increase the risk of metabolic syndrome.

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This study looked at how well various artificial intelligence tools can help gather and understand medical information about cancer treatment from existing research. The researchers found that two AI models, PubTator 3.0 and BioBERT, were particularly good at identifying important information in medical texts, achieving scores of 0.93 and 0.89 for recognizing terms, and BioBERT scored 0.79 for understanding relationships between those terms. This is important because it shows that AI can make it easier for healthcare providers to find and use the latest information when deciding on personalized cancer treatments. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working in cancer treatment.