Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Imam Waked, Sherif Alsammany, Sayed Hammad Tirmazy, Kakil Rasul, Jafar Bani-Issa, Wael Abdel-Razek, Ashraf Omar, Amr Shafik, Salem Eid, Amr Abdelaal, Ahmed Hosni, Gamal Esmat
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health concern, particularly in MENA countries, due to risk factors like viral infections and fatty liver disease. An advisory meeting was held in August 2022 with experts from 5 MENA countries to discuss HCC screening, diagnosis, treatment, and unmet medical needs. The meeting emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary care, biomarkers, screening systems, registries, referral pathways, and guideline standardization for successful HCC management in the region.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lori Post, Emily Marogi, Charles B. Moss, Robert Leo Murphy, Michael G. Ison, Chad J. Achenbach, Danielle Resnick, Lauren Singh, Janine White, Michael J. Boctor, Sarah B. Welch, James Francis Oehmke
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Middle East and North Africa region, with factors such as falling oil prices, wealth disparities, and large refugee populations exacerbating the disease burden. This study aims to provide advanced surveillance metrics for COVID-19 transmission and found that countries with the highest cumulative caseload include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Dynamic public health surveillance metrics can offer valuable insights for informing policies and control efforts until an effective vaccine is developed.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Zahi Abdul-Sater, Deborah Mukherji, Salim M. Adib, Ali Shamseddine, Ghassan Abu-Sitta, Ibtihal Fadhil, Richard Sullivan, Amal Al Omari, Shadi Saleh, Ali Taher
Summary: This viewpoint presents practical recommendations on cancer registration in the MENAT region, based on discussions among key stakeholders. The recommendations cover four categories and provide guidance for policy making, cancer control planning, and regional capacity strengthening initiatives.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Mohammed Magdy Hamed, Zafar Iqbal, Mohamed Salem Nashwan, Ahmed Farouk Kineber, Shamsuddin Shahid
Summary: Global warming has had a significant impact on various climate variables and potential evapotranspiration (PET), affecting irrigation needs and water balance. However, the influence of climate change on PET trends is inconsistent in different regions due to the PET paradox. This study uses sensitivity analysis to examine the dynamics of PET in the MENA region and identifies the factors driving its changes.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam, Sina Azadnajafabad, Negar Rezaei, Nazila Rezaei, Seyed Mohammad Tavangar, Hamidreza Jamshidi, Ali H. Mokdad, Mohsen Naghavi, Farshad Farzadfar, Bagher Larijani
Summary: This study aimed to describe the burden trends of thyroid cancer in North Africa and the Middle East from 1990 to 2019. The findings showed that thyroid cancer has a high incidence rate in this region, particularly among women, the elderly above 60, and countries with higher socioeconomic index. A high body mass index (BMI) was found to be a significant risk factor for thyroid cancer. The study recommends preventive measures such as lifestyle modifications, including weight reduction programs.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michal Boissonneault, Rafael Costa
Summary: In this article, we present data collected from migration experts on the impact of social change scenarios on migration between the Middle East & North Africa and Europe from 2021 to 2030. The assessments focus on various factors such as cultural, demographic, economic, and political determinants of migration, as well as the number of migrants, refugees, and the likelihood of achieving safe and regular migration. The experts who participated in the survey were active in European research centers or governmental/civil society organizations. The dataset can be used to estimate future migration flows, identify critical migration issues, and inform decision-making on migration policies in Europe and beyond.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sorour Alotaibi, Mohammad Alhuyi Nazari
Summary: Air conditioners contribute significantly to global electricity consumption, and the demand for cooling is expected to increase due to global warming, population growth, and rising standards of living. Developing more efficient cooling systems, particularly in hot and arid regions, is crucial. District Cooling (DC) systems, which have higher efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to traditional cooling technologies, present an attractive option for the majority of the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. This article discusses the current status and planned future projects of DC systems in the MENA region, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their development. The findings of this study are beneficial for policymakers and scholars in the field.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Asghar Aghamohammadi, Nima Rezaei, Reza Yazdani, Samaneh Delavari, Necil Kutukculer, Ezgi Topyildiz, Ahmet Ozen, Safa Baris, Elif Karakoc-Aydiner, Sara Sebnem Kilic, Hulya Kose, Nesrin Gulez, Ferah Genel, Ismail Reisli, Kamel Djenouhat, Azzeddine Tahiat, Rachida Boukari, Samir Ladj, Reda Belbouab, Yacine Ferhani, Brahim Belaid, Reda Djidjik, Nadia Kechout, Nabila Attal, Khalissa Saidani, Ridha Barbouche, Aziz Bousfiha, Ali Sobh, Ragheed Rizk, Marwa H. Elnagdy, Mona Al-Ahmed, Salem Al-Tamemi, Gulnara Nasrullayeva, Mehdi Adeli, Maryam Al-Nesf, Amel Hassen, Cybel Mehawej, Carla Irani, Andre Megarbane, Jessica Quinn, Laszlo Marodi, Vicki Modell, Fred Modell, Waleed Al-Herz, Raif S. Geha, Hassan Abolhassani
Summary: In the Middle East and North Africa region, there is a significant burden of IEI patients with a high success rate of genetic diagnosis. This high yield of genetic diagnosis has important implications for prevention, prognosis, treatment, and resource allocation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Mohammed Magdy Hamed, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Mohamed Salem Nashwan, Shamsuddin Shahid
Summary: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has become a global hotspot of extreme heat due to rapid temperature rise. This study used the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to assess human thermal stress in MENA and found that most regions experience extreme heat stress for a significant number of days. The annual mean UTCI in the region is increasing and is accompanied by an increase in hot stress days. This information is crucial for future heat action plans to prevent heat-related illnesses in the region.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
Maria Papadaki, Ioannis Karamitsos
Summary: Blockchain technology has disrupted various domains and is still in its early stages. However, challenges such as regulatory frameworks, leadership, and collaboration need to be addressed for increased awareness and adoption globally.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naga Manohar Velpuri, Javier Mateo-Sagasta, Mohamed O. M. Orabi
Summary: This study developed the SEWAGE-TRACK model to disaggregate national wastewater generation estimates and quantify rural and urban wastewater generation and fate. Results revealed that 79% of municipal wastewater generation comes from urban areas, while 21% comes from rural areas, with inland areas generating 61% of rural wastewater and riparian areas producing 48% of urban wastewater. The study also found that 46% of the wastewater is productively used, while 54% is lost unproductively.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ali Malli, Ameed Shehayeb, Alissar Yehya
Summary: This review analyzes the microplastic research status in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, revealing limited studies in the region but with an increasing trend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research mainly focuses on different environmental compartments such as marine, freshwater, air, and terrestrial, and conducts risk assessment based on microplastic concentrations and polymer types. The study findings indicate higher microplastic concentrations in the marine areas of the region, and elevated risk factors in the sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ali Malli, Ameed Shehayeb, Alissar Yehya
Summary: The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment and their potential risks to ecosystems and human health have attracted increasing research attention. However, studies on MPs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have been limited. This review analyzed 97 studies on MPs, focusing on different environmental compartments and matrices. It conducted a risk assessment based on MP concentrations and polymer types to provide a critical analysis of the data. The highest MP concentrations were found in the marine water column and sediments in the Mediterranean Sea in Tunisia, while the number of MPs in biota varied across aquatic compartments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Omar Mubin, Fady Alnajjar, Mudassar Arsalan
Summary: Research in the field of HCI in the MENA region shows that authors from high-income countries have higher research output, while those from upper-middle-income countries are more likely to publish in journals. The thematic focus of research varies based on a country's socioeconomic category, with the USA being a prominent partner and a lack of intra-MENA collaborations observed. Efforts are needed to promote more collaborations within the region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nik Stoop, Kalle Hirvonen, Jean-Francois Maystadt
Summary: Vaccine coverage rates are significantly lower in areas of Africa where the local population displays high levels of mistrust towards local authorities, highlighting the importance of addressing institutional mistrust to close vaccination gaps in the region.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rodrigo C. Menezes, Isabella B. B. Ferreira, Luciana Sobral, Stefania L. Garcia, Hugo N. Pustilnik, Mariana Araujo-Pereira, Bruno B. Andrade
Summary: This study aimed to identify the clinical features associated with viral pathogens responsible for severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. The study found that different viral agents have distinct associations with clinical features in children.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ambrina Khatoon, Syed F. Hussain, Syed M. Shahid, Santosh Kumar Sidhwani, Salman Ahmed Khan, Omer Ahmed Shaikh, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
Summary: Despite the increasing incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infection and dissemination in Pakistan, research on the epidemiology of different Staphylococcus aureus clones has been limited. This study used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in the area, finding high diversity of locally circulating clones defined by their geographic epidemiology.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amir Khorram-Manesh, Krzysztof Goniewicz, Frederick M. Burkle Jr
Summary: This article discusses the management approach for globalized diseases in a globalized world. Through literature review and analysis, key focuses including data-driven decision-making, robust technology infrastructure, global cooperation, and ongoing public health education are identified. The weaknesses of current pandemic management systems are revealed, and recommendations for strengthening future pandemic management are provided.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mst S. Munira, Yuta Okada, Hiroshi Nishiura
Summary: This study estimates the life expectancy at birth in Japan at the end of 2022 using death datasets from Aichi and Fukui prefectures. The results suggest that the impact of the pandemic on life expectancy was relatively small by the end of 2022.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)