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الفتنة في أوروبا: شهادات الأوروبيين
No full textنشأت فكرة هذا الملخص من تكرار شكاوى اليهود وادعائهم المستمر بالمظلومية، زاعمين أنهم شعب مضطهد من قبل دول العالم، وخاصة المسلمين. هم دائمًا يصورون أنفسهم على أنهم محاربون بسبب دينهم، ويسعون لتحريف أسباب أي حرب تنشب لجعلها حربًا دينية، وذلك بهدف حشد الرأي العام إلى جانبهم وإظهار أنفسهم في صورة الأبرياء أمام المجتمع الدولي وبقية الأمم. نجد أن المجتمع الأوروبي يدعم هذه الفرضية ليرفع راية الدفاع عنهم. لكن الحقيقة هي عكس ذلك تمامًا، فاليهود هم المعتدون. أما الأوروبيون فقد تجاهلوا ما سجله التاريخ حول حروبهم الدينية كما يسمونها. والهدف من تسمية هذه الصراعات والحروب بـ "الحروب الدينية" هو الادعاء بأنهم يحاربون من أجل دينهم، أو لإجبارهم على تركه. هذا ما دفع إلى كتابة هذه الورقة، فمثل هذه الأفعال لم يمارسها المسلمون، بل إن الإجبار على ترك الدين مورس على المسلمين أنفسهم في بداية الدعوة، ولا تزال العديد من الأقليات المسلمة تحارب لمجرد مخالفتها للدين الذي تتبعه الجماعة الأخرى. والإكراه على تغيير الدين يُعرف في القرآن الكريم بـ "الفتنة"، وقد حظيت هذه الظاهرة باهتمام القرآن الكريم، وهناك العديد من الآيات القرآنية التي تناولتها. لذلك يناقش هذا البحث أولا وبإيجاز مصطلح الفتنة في القرآن، ثانيًا إيراد شهادات من الأوروبيين أنفسهم على ممارسة الفتنة في أوروبا، وتعرض كثير من المجتمعات باختلاف أديانها للعذاب والقتل والتهجير لاختلافهم في الدين، عمد البحث إلى دراسة ذلك من خلال المنهج الاستقرائي والتحليلي.
وقد خلص البحث إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها: أن القرآن الكريم سلط الضوء على إكراه الآخرين على تغيير دينهم وأطلق على هذا الفعل لفظ الفتنة، عند وروده في سياق خاص، وأنه ثمة شهادات تثبت تعرض كثير من المسيحيين والموحدين واليهود للفتنة، ومحاربتهم في دينهم
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Hesitancy among Teenage Girls in Nigeria: A Narrative Review
No full textBackground: Despite the high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cervicalcancer in Nigeria, the uptake of the HPV vaccine, a proven preventive measure against these conditions, remains limited. This narrative review aimed to comprehensively assess and synthesize existing evidence on the barriers to HPV vaccine uptake among teenage girls in Nigeria. Furthermore, this review highlights various strategies to overcome these barriers and enhance vaccine acceptance.
Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as “HPV vaccine,” “vaccine hesitancy,” “Nigeria,” and “teenage girls.” Studies published between January 2019 and August 2024 that addressed this topic were included in the review.
Results: Key factors limiting HPV vaccine uptake, including cost, limited availability and accessibility, inadequate awareness, and sociocultural and religious influences, among others, were identified.
Conclusion: To address these barriers, this review highlights the importance of increasing awareness, targeted advocacy, effective communication strategies, uninterrupted vaccine availability, and improved accessibility. Implementing these measures is essential for enhancing HPV vaccine uptake and ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in Nigeria
Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among Omani adults with mental illnesses: a cross-sectional study
No full textIndividuals with mental illnesses are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. Despite growing evidence globally, there is a lack of research in the Gulf region, particularly in Oman. This study is the first to assess the prevalence and associated factors of MetS among Omani adults with mental illnesses. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Three diagnostic criteria were used to assess MetS: the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), and the Joint Statement of the IDF Task Force with other organizations, aiming to enhance comparability and diagnostic consistency. A convenience sample of 251 Omani adults with mental illnesses was recruited from the outpatient departments of two tertiary hospitals in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 29.9%, 30.3%, and 33.1% according to the ATP III-A, IDF, and Joint Statement criteria, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that greater waist circumference (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.40–4.22, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with increased odds of MetS. Higher physical activity (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, p = 0.031) and the use of antidiabetic medication (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.73, p = 0.017) were associated with lower odds. Our findings indicate substantial metabolic risk among Omani adults with mental illnesses. Accordingly, two concrete service actions are warranted: embed routine metabolic screening within psychiatric outpatient care; and implement structured lifestyle-support programs prioritizing physical-activity counselling and weight-management/nutrition referral pathways. These steps align directly with the study’s observed risk profile
The Neurogenic Inflammation Mediator Endothelin-1 Causes Human Skin Barrier Disruption in Atopic Dermatitis via an ETAR/TRPA1-Axis
No full textBackground: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, relapsing inflammatory skin disease driven by an immune imbalance, microbial dysbiosis, and skin barrier impairment, culminating in (neurogenic) inflammation and itch. We hypothesized that the neuropeptide and pruritogen endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to AD pathology by impeding skin barrier formation via its cognate receptor ETAR and TRPA1, a cation channel involved in neurogenic inflammation, pain, and itch. Methods: We utilized differentiated human keratinocytes and ex vivo human skin organ cultures in vitro to evaluate the impact of ET-1 on human skin barrier function. ET-1 effects were assessed at the RNA level by RT-qPCR and at the protein level by quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy. Barrier integrity was monitored using real-time cell analysis and transwell permeability assays. Results: ET-1 markedly reduced cell resistance in differentiated keratinocytes, an effect abrogated by the ETAR antagonist bosentan. ET-1 significantly decreased expression of skin differentiation markers filaggrin and loricrin, and tight junction proteins occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-4, at mRNA and protein levels. ETAR-specific siRNA in combination with ET-1, rescued ET-1-mediated downregulation of filaggrin. Furthermore, TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 abrogated the impairing effect of ET-1 on the skin barrier. We observed increased inflammatory responses of ET-1-stimulated keratinocytes, suggesting that the ET-1-initiated barrier disruption could be mediated by IL-6 and IL-1β and induced by TNF-α. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a neurogenic inflammation axis ET-1/ETAR/TRPA1 contributes to skin barrier impairment in AD by repressing differentiation markers and tight junction proteins. Additionally, we demonstrate ETAR-blockage as a rational therapeutic modality for patients with AD.This study was supported by the Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar (MRC\u201001\u201021\u2010696, MRC\u201001\u201022\u2010280 [to J.B.]). Open Access funding provided by Qatar National Library
Evaluation of Mineral Content in Preterm Human Milk and Infant Formulas in Qatar: Assessing Compliance With Dietary Recommendations and Label Accuracy
No full textPreterm infants have higher energy and nutrient needs compared to term infants, with human milk recommended as the primary feeding choice and infant formula as the secondary option. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of essential trace minerals (manganese, copper, iron, and zinc) in preterm human milk and infant formulas in Qatar, and assess their nutrition label accuracy and compliance with nutritional requirements. Mineral analysis was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples included 50 liquid human milk samples from lactating mothers of preterm infants, 42 powder infant formulas from local markets and pharmacies, and 10 water samples commonly used in Qatar. All human milk and infant formulas were below the recommended zinc and iron ranges as per the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). Additionally, 96% (48/50) of human milk and 95% (40/42) of infant formulas were below the recommended copper range. Furthermore, 34% (17/50) of human milk samples for manganese were below the recommended range, whereas 86% (36/42) of infant formulas exceeded it. Water samples showed mineral levels below detection limits, and thus had no contribution to mineral levels in reconstituted formulas. Significant differences were found between label and laboratory-tested values for copper (p = 0.0039) and zinc (p = 0.0000), with label values higher than laboratory results. No significant differences were observed for manganese (p = 0.7564) or iron (p = 0.1966). Reconstituted formulas had significantly higher manganese, zinc, and iron laboratory levels (p < 0.001) than human milk, whereas copper showed no significant difference (p = 0.324). These findings highlight mineral imbalances in both human milk and infant formulas for preterm infants, demonstrating the need for human milk fortifiers, improved nutrient formulation, accurate labeling, and further research to ensure optimal health outcomes.Funding text 1: This study was funded by the Qatar University Collaborative Grant QUCG\u2010CHS\u201024/25\u2010558. It was supported by HMC Medical Research Center (MRC) and Academic Health System (AHS). The open access funding of this publication is funded by the Qatar National Library (QNL), Doha, Qatar. Funding:; Funding text 2: The laboratory analysis was accomplished in the Central Laboratories unit, Qatar University. This research work was supported by the HMC Medical Research Center (MRC) and Academic Health System (AHS). The open access funding of this publication is funded by the Qatar National Library (QNL), Doha, Qatar.Scopu
Ketamine and dodecyl maltoside synergy as a potential topical therapeutic approach for melanoma
No full textMelanoma is the most aggressive subtype of skin cancer with limited treatment options due to toxicity and therapy resistance. This study investigates the anticancer potential of ketamine (KET), an anesthetic recently reported to have anticancer effects, in combination with dodecyl maltoside (DDM), a permeation enhancer that may improve drug delivery. The effects of KET and KET + DDM were evaluated in MDA-MB-435 melanoma cells via cell viability, IC₅₀ determination, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, migration, colony formation, and protein expression studies. Normal fibroblasts were used to assess safety. Compared to KET alone, the KET + DDM combination significantly reduced the viability of MDA-MB-435 cells while maintaining safety in NFBs. This combination also promoted significant apoptosis, induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and inhibited migration and colony formation, while maintaining safety in normal fibroblasts Western blot analysis revealed upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-xl, p53, and Caspase-8, suggesting a mechanism of apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that KET, particularly when combined with DDM, holds promise as a potential topical therapeutic strategy against melanoma. It is suggested that KET + DDM might promote apoptosis through alternative, caspase-independent pathways, underscoring the need for further mechanistic studies. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate its clinical applicability.This research was funded by Qatar University and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council. Open Access funding is provided by Qatar Universit
Enhancing Self-Efficacy in Asthma Management: The Role of Motivational Interviewing in Primary Care.
No full textThis study aimed to examine the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in enhancing asthma self-efficacy among adults in a primary care setting in Northern Jordan. A quality improvement project employing a quasi-experimental pre-post design was conducted using a convenience sample of adults diagnosed with asthma. The Asthma Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) was administered at baseline and again eight weeks after implementation of the MI intervention. The sessions were guided by Bandura's self-efficacy framework, focusing on mastery experiences, social persuasion, and emotional regulation. Data were analyzed using paired -tests at a significance level of 0.05. Participants demonstrated a significant improvement in asthma self-efficacy scores and symptom control following the intervention. The paired -test indicated a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (p < 0.001), confirming the intervention's effectiveness. Additionally, participants reported lower perceived stress and a 56% reduction in asthma symptom flare-ups. Motivational interviewing proved effective in strengthening asthma self-management by enhancing patients' confidence and promoting behavioral change. The integration of MI into routine primary care is recommended to foster patient empowerment and improve clinical outcomes
Characterization of Flow Structure and Wall Shear Stress in Patient-Specific Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Phantom Using Particle Image Velocimetry
No full textAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an irreversible dilation of the abdominal aorta that carries a significant risk of rupture if not adequately screened and treated. This condition poses a severe threat, with a mortality rate exceeding 80% in certain age groups. The enlargement of the abdominal aorta leads to notable hemodynamic alterations in AAAs, characterized by flow separation and vortical structures. Current understanding acknowledges a correlation between the growth and rupture mechanisms of AAA and the disturbed hemodynamics, emphasizing metrics such as time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), and relative residence time (RRT). In this study, we utilized a quantitative velocity measurement technique, particle image velocimetry (PIV), to characterize the flow structure and wall shear stress in a patient-specific aneurysmal abdominal aorta phantom. AAA phantoms generated from patient computed tomography (CT) images were used. Phase-averaged flow fields for 12 phases of physiological flow were investigated, and velocity contours, streamline patterns, and swirling strength contours were constructed in the AAA at three different PIV planes. A method previously developed and validated to extract wall shear stress from PIV measurements is applied to obtain shear stress indexes, including TAWSS, OSI, ECAP, and RRT. In addition, to link our findings with the clinical rupture risk, actual rupture location in the CT images of the aneurysm sac for the studied case was compared with the flow structure and shear stress distributions obtained from PIV measurements. The progression of vortex structures in the bulge along with the flow separation and reattachment zones in relation to the shear stress indexes are presented and discussed in detail. When flow dynamics in actual rupture location is analyzed, there is a high level of flow disturbance characterized by flow circulation, low TAWSS, and high OSI, ECAP, and RRT, consistent with previous studies. Here, we present a PIV-based flow examination through patient-specific phantom, which will contribute to experimental investigations for understanding the influence of disturbed hemodynamics on AAA biomechanics.This research work was made possible by Qatar University International Research Collaboration Co-fund program IRCC 2020 002 (Funder ID: 10.13039/501100004252)
Comparative effectiveness of one versus two doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Qatar: Evidence of converging protection over time
No full textBackgroundSupply constraints during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to vaccination strategies that prioritized first-dose coverage. To evaluate the merit of this approach, this study compared the development of protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severe COVID-19 following a single dose versus two doses across three widely used vaccine platforms. MethodsNational, matched, test-negative case-control analyses were conducted in Qatar between December 1, 2020, and December 18, 2021, to evaluate vaccine effectiveness. The one-dose analysis included 227,309 cases and 4,170,786 controls; the two-dose analysis included 234,314 cases and 6,445,858 controls. ResultsFor BNT162b2, single-dose effectiveness against infection increased steadily from 9.9 % (95 % CI: 6.7–13.0 %) in the first two weeks post-vaccination to 71.5 % (95 % CI: 45.5–85.1 %) by month 3, closely approaching the 74.5 % (95 % CI: 72.9–76.0 %) effectiveness observed after the two-dose primary series. Similar trends were observed for mRNA-1273 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, with mRNA-1273 reaching two-dose levels of effectiveness as early as month 2. In contrast to the gradual buildup of protection against infection, single-dose effectiveness against severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 increased rapidly for all three vaccines, exceeding 85 % by day 21 and closely matching the protection achieved after two doses. ConclusionA single COVID-19 vaccine dose provides rapid, strong protection against severe outcomes, supporting first-dose prioritization during supply constraints. The slower development of protection against infection highlights the second dose's role in accelerating the immune response. Antigen dose appears to influence the speed of protection buildup.Research reported in this publication was supported by the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council [ARG02-0402-240119]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council
Arabic translation and psychometric testing of the prenatal eating behaviors screening tool
No full textBackground: Early detection and treatment of eating behavioral problems among pregnant women are essential due to the associated adverse impact on pregnancy and the health of the offspring. Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, a 12-item self-administered questionnaire, can be used to screen for eating disorders (ED) during pregnancy. This study performed an Arabic translation of PEBS and a psychometric analysis to determine its validity and reliability. Methods: The standard forward-backward translation method was used to generate PEBS-Arabic. The 12-item Likert scale questionnaire was completed by 116 antenatal women in the tertiary maternity care hospital in Qatar. Content validity was determined by the content validity index (CVI) using input from five experts. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis (CFA & EFA) to test construct validity. The correlations between PEBS-Arabic scores and maternal characteristics were explored. Results: The mean total PEBS score in the cohort was 16.3 (± 5.2), with nulliparity and higher educational level resulting in statistically significantly higher mean scores. The PEBS-Arabic had a very good item-CVI and scale-CVI of 1.00. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.77, which demonstrated good and acceptable reliability. The CFA using a single-factor solution showed an acceptable correlation for most items. In the EFA, a two-factor solution resulted in most items loading accurately into the pre-determined factors (bulimia and anorexia) with acceptable correlations. Conclusion: The PEBS-Arabic is the first translated version of this pregnancy-specific screening tool for ED. This tool demonstrates good reliability, content and construct validity. This study is a valuable step towards understanding and detecting the prevalence and determinants of ED in pregnancy, with the aim of improving maternal, fetal and child health