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Public Health
Parents’ Attitudes Toward Consanguinity Despite Autosomal Recessive Disease in Children
Consanguineous marriages (cousin marriages), particularly common in Arab and Middle Eastern countries (MENA), are associated with an increased risk of autosomal recessive (AR) genetic disorders. This study examined the views of parents in Kuwait with at least one child affected by an AR disease (the clinical sample) compared to non-consanguineous parents (the community sample). A total of 285 parents completed…
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Neuroscience
Expert Guidance on Diagnosing and Managing Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease in the UAE – A Seven-Step Framework
The diagnosis and management of Cognitive Impairment (CI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pose a growing global health challenge. While international guidelines exist, their local implementation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often limited by unique cultural factors and specific healthcare resource constraints. To address this gap, a task force of UAE neurologists and collaborators was convened to develop evidence-based…
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Public Health
Colorectal Cancer Screening Barriers in the UAE: A Call for Enhanced Public and Physician Education
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health challenge and a major health burden within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the launch of a national CRC screening program in Abu Dhabi in 2014, a mixed-methods study aimed to understand the persistent issue of low participation and adherence among the adult population in Al-Ain has uncovered major screening barriers. The research,…
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Infectious Diseases
Evolving Challenges in Combating Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in the Gulf Region
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, remains a major public health concern across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as young children and individuals with chronic illnesses. A narrative review summarizing data from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlights the varied epidemiology, the continued disease burden,…
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Cancers
Molecular Profiling and Targeted Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the MENA Region
The treatment paradigm for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been fundamentally changed by the introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapy over the past decade. Given that lung cancer remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality, understanding the regional molecular epidemiology is vital. This systematic review and expert opinion study aimed to determine the prevalence of key oncogenic…
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Public Health
Electronic Cigarette Use in Saudi Arabia: Emerging Trends and Public Health Concerns
A cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia investigated the patterns, motivations, and perceptions surrounding electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, highlighting significant public health concerns. The findings revealed that e-cigarette use is widespread, particularly among younger males. The majority of the 441 participants were male (86%) and aged 18–28 (63%). Furthermore, e-cigarette use was significantly associated with lower educational attainment and lower…
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Neuroscience
Copper, Manganese, Selenium, and Zinc found to be positively associated with Cognitive Function and Academic Performance
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found a strong positive link between certain micromineral levels — copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in the blood and cognitive function and academic performance in adolescents. Conducted on a nationally representative sample of 1,370 Kuwaiti students aged 11–14 years, the research used Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices to assess…
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Non-Communicable Diseases
Long Term PPI Use Linked to Increased Hypertension Risk in Menopausal Women
New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates a significant association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of developing hypertension in menopausal women. This extensive observational study, drawing data from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS), highlights a concerning trend, particularly with prolonged use of these commonly prescribed medications.…
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Cancers
Clarithromycin-loaded Nanoparticles Enhance Antibacterial and Anticancer Performance
Researchers have successfully developed clarithromycin-loaded albumin-based nanoparticles (CLA-BSA NPs) that promise to revolutionize the delivery of antibacterial and anticancer drugs. This innovative drug delivery system, detailed in a study published in Pharmaceutics on May 31, 2025, showcases enhanced therapeutic efficacy for clarithromycin, a widely used antibiotic already known for its diverse medical applications. Clarithromycin (CLA) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly…
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Non-Communicable Diseases
Acute Myocardial Infarction on the Rise in Young Adults
A recent retrospective study conducted at Mouwasat Hospital Dammam, Saudi Arabia highlights an increasing trend of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among young adults, specifically those aged 40 years and younger. The study, which analyzed 91 patients from June 2020 to May 2023, found that young AMI patients are predominantly obese males with hyperlipidemia and smoking as primary risk factors. AMI,…
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