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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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Cancers
Study Sheds Light on BRCA Gene Variants in MENA Region
A groundbreaking systematic review has provided unprecedented insights into the genetic factors influencing breast cancer in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations. Published in the Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology, the study analyzed 34 eligible studies involving 5,984 individuals, identifying 385 distinct variants of unknown significance (VUS) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – the key players in…
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Public Health
Dementia Crisis Looms in MENA Region as Cases Set to Surge 367% by 2050
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a growing dementia crisis, with cases projected to increase by 367% by 2050—the highest expected rise globally. Despite this alarming trend, research remains fragmented, and healthcare systems are ill-prepared to handle the escalating burden, according to a comprehensive review published in npj recently. Key Findings: Rising Prevalence: Dementia prevalence in…
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Events & Conferences
Sidra Medicine – Annual Research Forum
Sidra Medicine is proud to host its Annual Research Forum 2026, from 27 to 28 January 2026 in Doha, Qatar. ARF 2026, built around the theme “Innovating Healthcare: Bridging Research and Practice,” will bring together thought leaders, researchers, healthcare professionals, and key industry stakeholders from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and MENA region. The prestigious two-day event will feature…
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