Search Results (192)

Osteoclastogenesis—the activation and differentiation of osteoclasts—is one of the pivotal processes of bone remodeling and is regulated by RANKL/RANK signaling, the decoy function of osteoprotegerin (OPG), and a cascade of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The disruption of this balance leads to pathological bone loss in diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. FFAR4 (Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4), a G protein-coupled receptor for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, has been confirmed as a key mediator of metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. This review focuses on how FFAR4 acts as the selective receptor for the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It activates two divergent signaling pathways. The Gαq-dependent cascade facilitates intracellular calcium mobilization and ERK1/2 activation. Meanwhile, β-arrestin-2 recruitment inhibits NF-κB. These collective actions reshape the cytokine environment. In macrophages, DHA–FFAR4 signaling lowers the levels of TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β while increasing IL-10 secretion. Consequently, the activation of NFATc1 and NF-κB p65 is profoundly suppressed under TNF-α or RANKL stimulation. Additionally, DHA modulates the RANKL/OPG axis in osteoblastic cells by suppressing RANKL expression, thereby reducing osteoclast differentiation in an inflammatory mouse model. Full article

Background and Objectives: Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a critical role in safeguarding the emotional and psychological well-being of healthcare workers, acting as a buffer against burnout, and influencing the quality of patient care. Despite its significance, there remains a need to understand how EI levels correlate with burnout and what factors predict burnout in high-stress healthcare environments. This study, conducted at King Khaled Hospital in Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia, aims to assess the EI levels of healthcare staff, to determine the relationship between EI and burnout, and to identify key predictors of burnout to inform targeted interventions for improving workforce resilience and patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: Both self-reporting and standardized tests were integrated using cross-sectional surveys to evaluate the EI of each participant and the burnout they experience by averaging the rating of a 30-item questionnaire, allowing comparison of the interaction between EI, burnout, and work factors. Results: A significantly moderate level of EI was identified, while a high level of well-being was associated with a low level of burnout, and a high level of emotionality was associated with a high level of burnout. Results indicated that high job demands, call rotation, or casual work, and insufficient staff support were organizational correlates of burnout. Conclusions: Improving EI with a focus on the well-being sub-dimension may prevent burnout, and, for that, the interventions must be specific at both personal and organizational levels. Full article

A challenge in orthodontic treatment is the long time taken to move teeth, which extends the long treatment period. Accordingly, various treatment protocols and orthodontic materials have been developed to shorten the orthodontic treatment period. However, controlling biological reactions is considered necessary to further shorten this treatment period. Orthodontic force results in compression of the periodontal ligament in the direction of tooth movement, resulting in various reactions in the periodontal ligament that induce osteoclast development, alveolar bone absorption, and teeth movement. The aforementioned reactions include immune reactions. Cytokines are substances responsible for intercellular communication and are involved in various physiological actions, including immune and inflammatory reactions. They cause various cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and functional expression. Various cytokines are involved in biological reactions during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). It is important to understand the role of cytokines during OTM in order to elucidate their biological response. This review discusses the role of cytokines during OTM. Full article

Regular physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, yet many individuals face barriers to engage in an active lifestyle. This study aimed to identify and analyze the barriers preventing university staff from participating in PA. A cross-sectional quantitative approach was utilized, distributing surveys to a diverse sample of 238 university staff aged 19 to 77 years, with an average age of 40. The survey was designed to identify the barriers that individuals face in adhering to physical PA and collected data on various internal and external factors influencing PA participation. Younger participants reported significantly higher scores for lack of energy and motivation compared to older age groups. Additionally, female participants experienced greater internal and external barriers than their male counterparts. Furthermore, university employees experienced significantly higher internal barriers, namely a lack of energy and lack of motivation. The primary barrier to PA participation among university staff was a lack of time. This study highlights the need for supportive environments that address these obstacles to promote PA participation. The findings offer valuable insights for university administrations and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and supportive policies to enhance the health and activity levels of university staff. Full article

In the world of solar technology, precisely extracting photovoltaic cell and panel parameters is key to efficient energy production. This paper presents a new metaheuristic algorithm for extracting parameters from photovoltaic cells using the functionality of the PID-based search algorithm (PSA). The research includes single-diode (SDM) and double-diode (DDM) models applied to RTC France, amorphous silicon (aSi), monocrystalline silicon (mSi), PVM 752 GaAs, and STM6-40 panels. Datasets from multijunction solar cells at three temperatures (41.5 °C, 51.3 °C, and 61.6 °C) were used. PSA performance was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and absolute error (AE). A strategy was introduced by refining PID parameters and relocating error calculations outside the main loop to enhance exploration and exploitation. A Lévy flight-based zero-output mechanism was integrated, enabling shorter extraction times and requiring a smaller population, while enhancing search diversity and mitigating local optima entrapment. PSA was compared against 26 top-performing algorithms. RTC France showed RMSE improvements of 0.67–2.10% in 3.35 s, while for the mSi model, PSA achieved up to 40.9% improvement in 5.57 s and 22.18% for PVM 752 in 8.52 s. PSA’s accuracy and efficiency make it a valuable tool for advancing renewable energy technologies. Full article

The synthesis method of the Pr-doped CeO₂ catalyst support in Ni/Pr-CeO₂ CO₂ methanation catalysts is varied by changing the type/basicity of the precipitating solution and the hydrothermal treatment temperature. The use of highly basic NaOH as the precipitating agent and elevated hydrothermal treatment temperature (100 or 180 °C) leads to the formation of structured Pr-doped CeO₂ nanorods and nanocubes, respectively, whereas the use of a mildly basic NH₃-based buffer in the absence of hydrothermal treatment (i.e., co-precipitation) leads to an unstructured mesoporous morphology with medium-sized supported Ni nanoparticles. The latter catalyst (Ni/CP_NH3) displays a high surface area, high population of moderately strong basic sites, high oxygen vacancy population, and favorable Ni dispersion. These properties lead to a higher catalytic activity for CO₂ methanation (75% CO₂ conversion and 99% CH₄ selectivity at 350 °C) compared to the catalysts with structured nanorod and nanocube support morphologies, which are found to contain a significant amount of leftover Na from the synthesis procedure that can act as a catalyst inhibitor. In addition, the best-performing Ni/CP_NH3 catalyst is shown to be highly stable, with minimal deactivation during time-on-stream operation. Full article

Introduction: Falls pose a significant health risk to older adults, with a reported prevalence of 31.6% among Saudi older adults. Medication-related falls are a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess fall risk, evaluate knowledge of fall-risk-increasing drugs, and examine the impact of pharmacist counseling on community-dwelling older adults in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 among 391 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Fall risk was assessed using the Arabic Stay Independent screening tool, which remains unvalidated in Arabic-speaking populations. Participants answered demographic questions and reported any pharmacist counseling on medication in the past six months. Knowledge of prescription and over-the-counter fall-risk-increasing drugs was evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression and ordered probit models were used to analyze factors associated with fall risk and drug knowledge. Results: Approximately 57% of the participants were at risk of falling. Only 11.5% demonstrated good knowledge of prescription fall-risk-increasing drugs, whereas 24.6% showed good knowledge of over-the-counter fall-risk-increasing drugs. Age (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00–1.14; p = 0.05), arthritis (OR, 5.73; 95% CI, 2.51–13.06; p < 0.001), obesity (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 2.33–15.46; p < 0.001) and diabetes (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.38–5.64; p = 0.004) were associated with increased fall risk. Those who received pharmacist counseling had a greater likelihood (95% CI, 0.020–0.167; p = 0.01) of being in the very likely category of willingness to discuss medication changes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the role of pharmacist counseling and recommend improving fall prevention through medication reviews for arthritis and diabetes patients, standardized counseling protocols, and implementation of the Stay Independent screening tool for risk assessment in older adults. Full article

(1) Background: The rapid expansion of information technology and globalization has significantly transformed psychosocial health, with excessive internet use and the pursuit of social acceptance via social media amplifying the impact of social factors, leading to both positive and negative psychological outcomes. This paper introduces “selective sociality,” a new psychological construct focused on mindful social engagement and digital interaction to maintain psychosocial health in the digital era, supported by a valid psychometric instrument: the Selective Sociality Scale (SSS). (2) Methods: The current research was conducted in a series of eight consecutive phases involving 1737 participants (Mean age = 24 years, SD = 7.66; women = 53.3%). The validation of the SSS involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses along with convergent, divergent, and predictive validity. (3) Results: The SSS demonstrated excellent reliability (α = 0.838; ICC = 0.954). The model fit indices, such as CFI (0.962), TLI (0.952), RMSEA (0.059), and SRMR (0.043), showed strong validity. The scale exhibited strong convergent validity with the Efficient Social Intelligence Scale. Selective sociality predicted positive personality traits and mental health but inversely predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. (4) Conclusions: The SSS offers valuable insights for both clinical practice and research. Full article

The sustainability of the natural gas-to-methanol (NGTM) and methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) processes are assessed in this systematic review as a potential substitute in the global energy transition. Methanol offers itself as a versatile and less carbon-intensive substitute for conventional gasoline in light of growing environmental concerns and the demand for cleaner fuels. This review’s rationale is to assess MTG’s ability to lessen environmental impact while preserving compatibility with current fuel infrastructure. The goal is to examine methanol and gasoline’s effects on the environment, society, and economy throughout their life cycles. This review used a two-phase systematic literature review methodology, filtering and evaluating studies that were indexed by Scopus using bibliometric and thematic analysis. A total of 25 documents were reviewed, in which 22 documents analyzed part of this study, and 68% employed LCA or techno-economic analysis, with the U.S. contributing 35% of the overall publications. A comparative analysis of the reviewed literature indicates that methanol-based fuels offer significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and life cycle environmental impacts than gasoline, particularly when combined with carbon capture and renewable feedstocks. This review also highlights benefits, such as improved safety and energy security, while acknowledging challenges, including high production costs, infrastructure adaptation, and toxicity concerns. Several drawbacks are high manufacturing costs, the necessity to adjust infrastructure, and toxicity issues. The report suggests investing in renewable methanol production, AI-driven process optimization, and robust legislative frameworks for integrating green fuels. The life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of NGTM and MTG systems should be investigated in future studies, particularly in light of different feedstock and regional circumstances. The findings emphasize NGTM and MTG’s strategic role in aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and add to the worldwide conversation on sustainable fuels. A strong transition necessitates multi-stakeholder cooperation, innovation, and supporting policies to fully realize the sustainability promise of cleaner fuels like methanol. Full article

The Global Health Network Middle East and North Africa (TGHN MENA) was officially launched on 21 October 2024, representing a pivotal initiative to address the region’s distinct and complex public health challenges. Building on the comprehensive global framework of the central TGHN network, the regional TGHN MENA network was founded by region-based experts with support from the TGHN team. The network was established as a pioneering initiative to bring together 18 partners from 14 countries, representing various sectors such as academia, policymakers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, to tackle pressing issues such as chronic diseases, mental health, and climate change impacts. High-level panel discussions were held to define the goals of TGHN MENA in building resilient public health systems. This perspective outlines the network’s vision for building resilient health systems through research prioritization and capacity strengthening, amidst growing uncertainties in the regional public health landscape. The MENA region has diverse and complex public health challenges related to health systems, emergencies, chronic disease, mental health disorders, and climate change, due to cultural, social, and geographic differences. The TGHN MENA network is a community of practice and can identify commonalities and priorities and find shareable solutions. Key strategies proposed include establishing an open-access, online platform to support knowledge exchange, implementing on-the-job training and capacity-strengthening initiatives, and emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence in public health research. This perspective outlines TGHN MENA’s inaugural one-year action plan, which emphasizes regular knowledge-sharing activities, capacity-building initiatives, and sustained partners’ commitment as foundational steps towards improved public health outcomes in the region. Full article

SEC31A-related neurodevelopmental disorder (Halperin–Birk syndrome) was recently identified in two siblings who shared the phenotype of profound developmental delay, structural brain defects, spastic quadriplegia with multiple contractures, seizures, dysmorphism, and optic nerve atrophy. Both patients died during childhood. In this study, we identified an additional patient who suffers from global developmental delay and seizures. Genetic analysis inclusive of whole exome and genome sequencing identified a homoallelic variant in the SEC31A (p.Cys453Trp). Various in silico classifiers predicted a deleterious effect of the replacement of cystein with tryptophan at the 453rd position. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of SEC31A revealed high-confidence interactions with SEC13, SEC23A, and SEC23B, suggesting potential regulatory roles in these processes. Structural analysis of the SEC31A–SEC13 interaction and the Cys453Trp mutant in SEC31A predicted that the stability of coat protein complex II would be compromised. Our findings support the clinical correlation of SEC31A variants with neurodevelopmental disorder. Full article

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are chronic conditions influenced by various factors, including diet. This study examined the association between fast food consumption and IBD risk through a case-control study and a meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence. Methods: We analyzed data from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Riyadh. The study included 158 UC patients, 244 CD patients, and 395 controls without IBD. Fast food consumption was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire distributed before diagnoses were made. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of UC and CD for individuals who reported daily fast food consumption. Then, we merged our results with those from other studies investigating the same association into a meta-analysis. Results: In the case-control study, daily consumption of fast food was strongly associated with UC and CD among Saudi people: age- and sex-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) = 6.29 (3.89, 10.16) and 5.92 (3.98, 8.80), respectively. The associations remained robust after further adjustments: ORs (95% CIs) = 6.61 (3.93, 11.12) and 5.90 (3.89, 8.94), respectively. Similarly, the meta-analysis revealed higher odds of fast food intake associated with UC and CD, with pooled odds ratios (95% CIs) of 2.41 (1.07, 5.45) and 2.65 (1.23, 5.70), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential role of fast food consumption in the development of IBD. From a preventive medicine perspective, fast food consumption should be discouraged to reduce the risk of IBD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Distal radius fractures are among the most common pediatric injuries, accounting for approximately 25% of all fractures in children. Displaced fractures are prone to re-displacement, necessitating additional interventions. K-wire fixation is effective in reducing re-displacement risks, but no one has systematically assessed its use. This study aims to compare the outcomes of cast immobilization alone versus cast immobilization with K-wire fixation in pediatric patients with displaced distal radius fractures. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Embase databases for studies comparing these treatments. The quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias for randomized studies and the Methodological Index for non-randomized studies. The meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan software V5.4. Results: Out of 267 initial records, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1455 patients (853 treated with cast alone and 602 with K-wire fixation). Meta-analysis of 10 studies showed significantly higher re-displacement rates with cast immobilization compared to K-wire fixation (OR: 11.42, 95% CI: 2.43–53.77, p = 0.002, I² = 82%). The risk of secondary surgery was also higher in the cast group (OR: 6.91, 95% CI: 1.5–31.72, p = 0.01, I² = 75%). However, complications were lower with cast immobilization (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.45–1.03, p = 0.07, I² = 74%), though not statistically significant. Conclusions: K-wire fixation appears to offer superior fracture stability and reduces the need for secondary surgeries compared to cast immobilization for displaced distal radius fractures in pediatric patients. However, both treatment modalities are associated with comparable complication rates, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment planning. Full article

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a heterogeneous group of brain disorders caused by cerebrovascular pathologies and the second most common cause of dementia, accounting for over 20% of cases and posing an important global health concern. VaD can be caused by cerebral infarction or injury in critical brain regions, including the speech area of the dominant hemisphere or arcuate fasciculus of the dominant hemisphere, leading to notable cognitive impairment. Although the exact causes of dementia remain multifactorial and complex, oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species), neuroinflammation (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β), and inflammasomes are considered central mechanisms in its pathology. These conditions contribute to neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. Thus, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents have emerged as potential therapeutic targets in dementia. Recent studies emphasize that cerebrovascular disease plays a dual role: first, as a primary cause of cognitive impairment and then as a contributor to the manifestation of dementia driven by other factors, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. This comprehensive review of VaD focuses on molecular mechanisms and their consequences. We provided up-to-date knowledge about epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and current therapeutic approaches for VaD. Full article

Upper Cretaceous carbonate rocks in Jordan are the main resources for construction and paint-related industrial applications. This study evaluates the elemental composition, mineralogy, and petrography of two main geological formations from two localities in northern Jordan (Hallabat, Turonian age, and Ajlun, Santonian–Campanian age) to shed light on their composition, depositional environments, and potential industrial end uses. The elemental composition of the Hallabat Wadi Sir Limestone (WSL) Formation indicates notable variability between the middle and upper parts of the WSL carbonates in the area, with higher CaO content in the middle part (mean 55 wt.%) and higher silica content observed in the upper part (mean 2 wt.%) compared with the middle part (mean 0.9 wt.%). Meanwhile, analysis of the elemental composition of the Ajlun Amman Silicified Limestone (ASL) Formation indicates that the CaO content is relatively higher in the upper part (mean 56 wt.%). In addition, the lower part is more influenced by detrital input when compared with the upper part of the studied section, in contrast to the Hallabat WSL Formation. Petrographic analysis demonstrates that the WSL and ASL samples are predominantly micritic limestone. The XRD results for the Hallabat WSL and Ajlun ASL show that the mineralogical composition is dominated by calcite (CaCO₃). Statistical and PCA analyses also confirm these variabilities between the two sites, indicating that all samples from both sites were deposited under variable hydrodynamic and environmental conditions that affected their physical and chemical composition. The results show that all studied samples are in the range of pure limestone and can be used for specific industrial applications in addition to their current uses, including those in the pottery and porcelain ware, soda ash and caustic soda, steel industry, sugar, and textile production industries, thus contributing to the economic resources in Jordan. Full article