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Epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in South-East Asia: Systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions
No full textObjectivesThe epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection in South-East Asia remains inadequately understood. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the available evidence on NG prevalence to provide an understanding of the epidemiology in this region, highlighting prevalence patterns, key populations at risk, and factors influencing transmission. MethodsA systematic review of the literature up to September 3, 2024, was conducted, with findings reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the pooled mean prevalence, while meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore associations, assess time trends, and identify sources of heterogeneity across studies. ResultsThe review identified 474 relevant publications, encompassing 885 overall and 1136 stratified NG prevalence measures. The pooled mean prevalence of urogenital infection was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3–0.8%) in general populations, 13.9% (95% CI: 11.9–16.1%) among female sex workers, 16.8% (95% CI: 12.6–21.5%) among sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees, 4.6% (95% CI: 2.9–6.5%) in symptomatic women, and 38.5% (95% CI: 31.8–45.3%) in symptomatic men. Among men who have sex with men, transgender people, and male and transgender sex workers, the pooled mean prevalence was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.4–1.5%) for urogenital infection, 12.0% (95% CI: 8.8–15.7%) for anorectal infection, and 7.1% (95% CI: 4.0–10.9%) for oropharyngeal infection. Multivariable meta-regression analyses explained over 55% of the variation in prevalence, revealing a hierarchical pattern by population type, higher prevalence among men, and a decline in prevalence of 2% per calendar year over the past four decades. ConclusionsNG prevalence in South-East Asia is comparable to the global prevalence. The markedly high prevalence among key populations, coupled with Asia’s substantial burden of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions focused on these vulnerable groups.This publication was supported by the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council [ARG01-0522-230273]
EXPLAINABLE BREAST CANCER DETECTION IN MAMMOGRAMS USING LIGHTWEIGHT EFFICIENTNET-B0 WITH GRAD-CAM AND LIME
No full textAccurate and interpretable breast cancer detection is essential for early diagnosis, yet many deep learning models remain impractical for real-world clinical deployment due to their complexity, resource demands, or lack of transparency. This study presents a comparative analysis of three CNN architectures, ResNet-50 (49.68M parameters), EfficientNet-B0 (20.36M), and EfficientNet-B7 (96.71M), to evaluate trade-offs between diagnostic performance, computational efficiency, and explainability for mammogram classification. EfficientNet-B0 achieved the highest accuracy (98.71%) and AUC (0.9996) on the MIAS dataset while requiring the fewest parameters. It also demonstrated strong generalizability on INbreast (93.32%) and DMID (94.43%) without dataset-specific fine-tuning. For interpretability, Grad-CAM and LIME visualisations were generated and qualitatively reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, who confirmed that the highlighted regionswere clinically meaningful and expressed a preference for Grad-CAM's contiguous heat-maps. These findings highlight EfficientNet-B0 as a lightweight and generalizable model, well-suited for scalable, real-world deployment in AI-assisted mammography, and underscore that robust accuracy, efficiency, and interpretability need not be mutually exclusive
Traditional irrigation knowledge for sustainable water resource management in arid Environments: Insights from the MENA region
No full textIntegrating traditional irrigation knowledge with modern sustainable water management practices offers valuable solutions to water scarcity in arid regions. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces significant climate challenges, including low rainfall, rising temperatures, and recurrent droughts. As sustainable agriculture requires harmony between humans and nature, managing scarce water resources is crucial for adapting to climate change and ensuring agricultural resilience in these arid environments. Communities in this region have historically addressed water scarcity by developing traditional and locally adapted irrigation techniques, such as Qanats and rainwater harvesting. These methods have been essential in conserving water resources and mitigating environmental stressors that impact agricultural productivity. This paper examines how traditional irrigation practices contribute to the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems and the preservation of fragile arid ecosystems in the face of climate uncertainties. The study provides: (i) an analysis of water scarcity issues and the effects of climate change on arid ecosystems in the MENA region, (ii) an exploration of traditional irrigation knowledge and technologies, emphasizing their role in water conservation and ecosystem health, and (iii) a discussion of socio-economic, institutional, and technological barriers to broader adoption of these practices. Case studies from various MENA countries illustrate how traditional practices enhance resilience and support conservation efforts. The paper highlights the importance of culturally appropriate strategies integrating human dimensions into ecosystem management, fostering sustainable and adaptive solutions for the region's challenges.This research was supported by Qatar University Collaborative Grant. Project title: Scaling Qatar's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the Emerging Sectors: Policy Insights on Needs to Empower Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Knowledge Economy,’ Project no. QUCG-CAS-24/25–396.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library
Conventional versus Hall technique for preformed metal crown restorations of carious primary molars-a randomised controlled trial comparing treatment duration and child and parental perceptions
No full textPurpose
The preformed metal crown (PMC) is an extremely durable restoration for cavitated carious primary molars. Clinically, the PMC is delivered either by the conventional technique (CT) or the more conservative Hall technique (HT). The present study aimed to compare procedural time, child pain perception and behaviour, and parent acceptability, when the CT or HT were used to restore carious primary molars with PMCs.
Methods
This was a primary care-based, two-arm parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with 80 participants randomly assigned into the CT and HT groups. To ensure standardisation, potential participants were screened and treated by a single paediatric dentist. Outcome measures evaluated included the procedural time taken; child’s pain perception (Wong–Baker FACES Pain Scale); child behaviour (Frankl scale); and parental perceptions and acceptability (5-point Likert scales).
Results
Procedural time required for the CT and HT treatment groups was 17.4 ± 2.9 and 7.1 ± 2.8 min, respectively (P < 0.001). Child self-reported pain intensity perception was statistically significantly higher in the CT group (Χ2 = 12.27; P = 0.03). Dentist-evaluated child behaviour was comparable for both treatment groups with 65% of the CT group children and 85% of HT group children rated as ‘Positive’ or Definitively positive’. Parental perception of child’s comfort during the treatment procedure showed no statistically significant difference between children who received the CT versus the HT (Χ2 = 5.97; P = 0.20). However, parents of children who underwent the HT expressed statistically significantly better responses with regard to procedural ease (Χ2 = 21.74; P < 0.001), treatment duration (Χ2 = 21.58; P < 0.001), satisfaction with the treatment procedure (Χ2 = 22.04; P < 0.001), and desire to choose the same treatment procedure again (Χ2 = 24.47; P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Compared to the CT, the HT of delivering PMCs to restore carious primary molars required shorter procedural time, elicited lower child pain perception, and better parent acceptability.Scopu
Associations of Abdominal Obesity-Related Dietary Patterns with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Body Composition and Altitude in Tibetan Adults
No full textObjectives: To investigate the association of dietary patterns (DPs) with prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes among Tibetan adults, first to identify DPs associated with abdominal obesity and examine their relationships with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the mediating effects of body fat distribution and altitude on the associations between these DPs and the prevalence of prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Design: An open cohort among Tibetans. Setting: Community-based. Participants: The survey recruited 1003 participants registered for health check-ups from November to December 2018, and 1611 participants from December 2021 to May 2022. During the baseline and follow-up data collection, 1818 individuals participated in at least one of the two surveys, with 515 of them participating in both. Results: Two DPs were identified by reduced rank regression (RRR). DP1 had high consumption of beef and mutton, non-caloric drink, offal, and low intake in tubers and roots, salty snacks, onion and spring onion, fresh fruits, desserts and nuts and seeds; DP2 had high intake of whole grains, Tibetan cheese, light-colored vegetables and pork and low of sugar-sweetened beverages, whole-fat dairy and poultry. Individuals in the highest tertile of DP1 showed higher risks of prediabetes (OR 95% CI) 1.35 (1.05, 1.73) and T2D 1.36 (1.05, 1.76). In the highest tertile of DP2 exhibited an elevated risk of T2D 1.63 (1.11, 2.40) in fully adjustment. Conclusion: Abdominal adiposity-related DPs are positively associated with T2D. Promoting healthy eating should be considered to prevent T2D among Tibetan adults.This work was supported by the Key Research and Development and Transformation Plan of Qinghai Province (2023-QY-204) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (U24A20774, 82103846, 72364032)
A deep dive into the surgical and pharmacological considerations of obesity in chronic myeloid leukemia: a narrative review
No full textBackground/Objectives: The rising prevalence of obesity presents significant challenges in managing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Bariatric surgery alters the bioavailability of oral medications, necessitating tailored treatment strategies for obese CML patients. This review aims to summarize the existing literature regarding CML management in patients with obesity and related surgeries, providing novel recommendations for their medical and surgical management. Methods: A narrative review was performed, analyzing English-language articles published up to 2024. Key aspects considered included the impact of obesity and surgery on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with weight loss medications, and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The review also examined the implications of obesity on CML patient outcomes and treatment milestones, aiming to establish a pathway for managing these patients. Results/Discussion: Clinical data on CML management in obese patients is limited. Gastric bypass surgery may impair TKI efficacy due to reduced gastric acid secretion, affecting drug absorption. Adjustments like deflating gastric bands may enhance TKI absorption. The concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors can significantly lower the efficacy of certain TKIs, while others can be safely co-administered. Notably, patients with prior bariatric surgery show delayed treatment response milestones and may require TKI dose adjustments based on molecular responses rather than TDM. Conclusion: Patients with CML planning bariatric surgery should receive comprehensive preoperative counseling regarding its effects on TKI therapy. Achieving deep remission pre-surgery is advisable, and delaying procedures when malabsorption is anticipated may enhance treatment outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in considering weight-loss medications, with further research needed to optimize TKI dosing in this population
The Perceptions of Supervisors, Teachers and Student Teachers Regarding the Distance Learning Competencies for Teaching Visual Arts in the Sultanate of Oman
No full textتهدف الدراسةُ الحالية إلى الرصد والتحليل لتقديرات مشرفي الفنون البصرية ومعلميها - قبل الخدمة وفي أثنائها- بشأن كفايات التخطيط، والتنفيذ، والتقويم في تدريس الفنون البصرية عن بعد في سلطنة عُمان. وفي سبيل تحقيق أهداف الدراسة، استخدم الباحثون المنهجَ التحليلي الوصفي، من خلال تطبيق مقياس كفايات تدريس الفنون البصرية عن بُعد المكوَّن من (58) عبارة موزعة في التصنيفِ الثلاثي لكفايات التدريس. طُبق المقياس على عينة بلغ قوامها (204) مشرفًا ومعلمًا وطالبًا معلمًا بواقع (55) استجابة من مشرفي المادة، و(104) استجابات من معلمي المادة في أثناء الخدمة، و(45) استجابة من جانب الطلبة المعلمين من قسم التربية الفنية بجامعة السلطان قابوس. جاءت أهم نتائج الدراسة تشير إلى ارتفاع متوسطات الاستجابة لدى أفراد الدراسة في تمكُّنهم من كفايات التدريس عن بعد، كذلك أظهرت النتائج اشتراك فئتي المعلمين والطلبة المعلمين في وضع الأولوية لكفايات التنفيذ، أما المشرفون - وهم الفئة الأكثر خبرة - فقد ارتكزوا إلى وضع كفاية التخطيط موضع الأولوية بين كفايات التدريس الثلاث. أظهرت النتائج أيضًا وجود فروق دالة إحصائيًا بين استجابات أفراد الدراسة في كفايات التنفيذ، والتقويم، والتقييم، لصالح فئة الطلبة المعلمين، وأظهرت كذلك عدم وجود فروق دالة إحصائيًا بين الفئات الثلاث في الاستجابة تعزى إلى متغير الجنس (ذكر/أنثى)، وأيضا عدم وجود فروق دالة إحصائيًا بين الفئات الثلاث تعزى إلى متغير المحافظة (النطاق الجغرافي). وأوصت الدراسة بضرورة العمل على تطوير المخرجات التعليمية بخطة مقرر التدريب الميداني؛ لتعظيم الاستفادة من نتائج تجربة التدريس عن بعد في ميدان الفنون البصرية، من خلال انتقاء العناصر التي يمكن الاستفادة منها عبر التدريس الصفي المباشر.The present study aimed to monitor and analyze the perceptions of visual arts supervisors and teachers - before and during service - regarding the competencies of planning, implementation, and evaluation in distance visual arts teaching in the Sultanate of Oman. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers used the descriptive-analytical method through implementing a scale for measuring distance-learning competencies for teaching visual arts consisting of (58) statements distributed in the three categories of teaching competencies. The tool was applied to a sample of (204) supervisors, teachers and student teachers, with (55) responses from subject supervisors, (104) responses from in-service subject teachers, and (45) responses from student teachers from the Department of Art Education at Sultan Qaboos University. The most important results of the study indicated a high average response of the study members in their mastery of the competencies of distance teaching, and the results showed the participation of the two categories of teachers and student teachers in prioritizing the competencies of implementation, while the supervisors - who are the most experienced category - prioritized the planning competency among the three teaching competencies. The results also showed that there were statistically significant differences between the responses of the study members in the competencies of implementation, assessment, and evaluation in favor of the category of student teachers, and the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the three categories in their responses attributable to the gender variable (male/female), and also that there were no statistically significant differences between the three categories due to the governorate variable (geographical range). The study recommended developing the outcomes of the practicum course to maximize the benefits of the distance-teaching experience in visual arts by selecting elements applicable to direct classroom teaching
By the end of the puerperium: Kinematic assessment of lumbar spine range of motion after experiencing cesarean or vaginal birth
No full textBackground: Pregnancy induces spinal changes that are generally expected to resolve by the end of the puerperium. However, the mode of delivery may influence this recovery. Purpose: This study aimed to assess pain-free active lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) in postpartum women following Cesarean birth (CB) or vaginal birth (VB), compared to women who had never been pregnant. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study included 66 women divided into three groups: Group A (n = 25, CB women), Group B (n = 16, VB women), and Group C (n = 25, controls). Lumbar ROM, including flexion, extension, bilateral side bending, and axial rotation, was measured using bubble inclinometers between the 6th and 12th postpartum weeks. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences were found among the groups in extension ROM (P = 0.002) and bilateral side bending ROM (P = 0.002 right, 0.004 left). Post-hoc analysis showed that CB women had significantly decreased extension ROM than controls (P = 0.001), and significantly decreased right and left side bending compared to both VB (P = 0.009, 0.013) and control groups (P = 0.010, 0.014). No significant differences were observed in flexion (P = 0.877) or axial rotation (P = 0.412 right, 0.753 left). Conclusion: CB women exhibited persistent limitations in lumbar extension and side bending ROMs beyond the puerperium, possibly due to scar restrictions and core muscle weakness rather than pregnancy itself. VB women demonstrated spinal mobility more comparable to controls, suggesting VB may be more favorable for postpartum spinal recovery.This work received the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University Researchers\u2019 Supporting Project number (PNURSP2025R117), Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supported this study
تهنئة فريق طلاب جامعة قطر للكريكت
No full textفريق طلاب جامعة قطر للكريكت يحقق المركز الثاني في بطولة الجامعات للكريكت 2025
Unveiling sectoral markets' responses to climate risks in Qatar: A quantiles analysis
No full textThis study examines the influence of Physical Climate Risk (PCI) and Transitional Climate Risk (TCI) on various sectoral markets in Qatar, employing Multivariate Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (m-QQR) while considering the Oil Volatility Index (OVX) as a mediating variable. This study offers a robust framework for understanding climate risk dynamics, thereby contributing to sustainable market performance and economic stability in the face of global climate challenges. At upper quantiles, PCI and TCI exhibit positive effects, particularly for Utilities, Industrial, Telecom, and the MSCI indices, underscoring their ability to capitalize on favorable situations driven by sustainability shifts and resilience strategies. We also indicate that TCI has a negative impact on the MSCI index at lower quantiles, becomes stable at middle quantiles, and has a positive impact at upper quantiles. The PCI effect is negative and significant at lower quantiles but positive and significant at upper quantiles, suggesting potential signs of Qatar's financial market's resilience and adaptability toward climate risks and sustainability goals. These findings offer critical policy implications for corporations, policymakers, investors, and society.Research reported in this publication was supported by the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council under grant #ARG01-0508-230093. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council