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In medicine, parasitic cysts (e.g., brain cysticerci) are believed to be sterile, and are primarily treated with antiparasitic medications, not antibiotics, which could prevent abscess formation and localized inflammation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cysts in a wild rodent, using multi-kingdom metagenomics to comprehensively assess if parasitic cysts are sterile, and further understand gut microbial translocation and adaptation in wildlife confined environments, outside the gut. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts from a feline tapeworm, Hydatigera (Taenia) taeniaeformis, affecting a wild vole mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and from feces, liver and peritoneal fluid of this and two other concurrent individual wild voles trapped during pest control in one of our university research vegetable gardens. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides (Bacteroidota); Klebsiella variicola, E. coli (Enterobacteriaceae); Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Bacillota) inhabiting the cysts, and peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, and unexpectedly, a virus from the insect armyworm moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta), known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A), in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from the other non-cyst voles, indicating the survival and adaption potential of the insect virus in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in cysts compared to that in peritoneal fluid/feces (p < 0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst (Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola). The peritoneal fluid had the highest probability for fungi. In conclusion, metagenomics revealed that bacteria/viruses/fungi coexist within parasitic cysts supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of antibiotics in cystic diseases, and in inflammatory microniches of chronic diseases, such as Crohn’s disease gut wall cavitating micropathologies, from which we recently isolated similar synergistic pathogenic Bacteroidota and Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillota.

Minimally invasive pediatric dentistry represents a new paradigm in managing children's oral health with disease prevention and early detection along with treatment that preserves the natural structure of teeth. Atraumatic restorative treatment, Hall crown technique, and cryosurgery are few techniques where comfort and psychological well-being for patients, particularly children with dental anxiety, have been kept as the most important objectives. Advanced technologies for better diagnostics and interventions include laser fluorescence, silver diamine fluoride, or 3D imaging in giving an exact diagnosis, hence less chances of invasive procedures. Behavior management has ensured a more optimistic and cooperative dental experience using the Tell-Show-Do method and virtual reality-based distraction.MIPD also incorporates caregiver involvement to reinforce oral health education and preventive practices at home. The new innovations will embody AI-assisted diagnostics and nanotechnology;thus, patients can expect to receive more targeted, more efficient treatments. Regenerative therapies will be capable of minimally invasive repair of tissues by restoration. Potential at MIPD is increasing despite challenges such as poor access to training, and access to advanced materials. The future directions include integrating emerging technologies, widening accessibility, and refining treatment protocols to improve the quality of life for pediatric patients. This paper examines the principles, techniques, innovations, and future trends in MIPD, highlighting its transformative role in pediatric dental care.

In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of cysticerci infestations of deep extra-intestinal tissues (e.g., brain) relies almost exclusively on the use of antiparasitic medications, and rarely antibiotics. To date, however, it is unclear why common post-treatment complications include abscessation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cyst contents in a higher-order rodent host, using multi-kingdom shotgun metagenomics, to improve our understanding of gut microbial translocation and adaptation strategies in wild environments. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts (Hydatigera (Taeenia) taeniaeformis) in an adult vole mouse (Microtus arvalis), and from feces, liver, and peritoneal fluid of three other vole family members living in a vegetable garden in Ohio, USA. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, including Parabacteroides distasonis, Klebsiella variicola, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, inhabiting the cysts. Parabacteroides distasonis and other species were also present outside the cyst in the peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, but unexpectedly, it detected an insect-origin virus from the army moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta) known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A) in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from two different voles, indicating survival of the insect virus and adaption in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in the cysts compared to other samples (peritoneal fluid, p<0.05; and feces p<0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst for Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola. The samples with a higher probability of fungi were the peritoneal fluid. In conclusion, commensal/pathobiont bacterial species can inhabit parasitic tapeworm cysts, which needs to be considered during therapeutic decisions of cysticerci or other chronic disease scenarios where immune privileged and spatially restricted ecosystems with limited nutrients and minimal presence of immune cells could facilitate microbial adaptation, such as within gut wall cavitating micropathologies in Crohn's disease.In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of cysticerci infestations of deep extra-intestinal tissues (e.g., brain) relies almost exclusively on the use of antiparasitic medications, and rarely antibiotics. To date, however, it is unclear why common post-treatment complications include abscessation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cyst contents in a higher-order rodent host, using multi-kingdom shotgun metagenomics, to improve our understanding of gut microbial translocation and adaptation strategies in wild environments. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts (Hydatigera (Taeenia) taeniaeformis) in an adult vole mouse (Microtus arvalis), and from feces, liver, and peritoneal fluid of three other vole family members living in a vegetable garden in Ohio, USA. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, including Parabacteroides distasonis, Klebsiella variicola, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, inhabiting the cysts. Parabacteroides distasonis and other species were also present outside the cyst in the peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, but unexpectedly, it detected an insect-origin virus from the army moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta) known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A) in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from two different voles, indicating survival of the insect virus and adaption in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in the cysts compared to other samples (peritoneal fluid, p<0.05; and feces p<0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst for Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola. The samples with a higher probability of fungi were the peritoneal fluid. In conclusion, commensal/pathobiont bacterial species can inhabit parasitic tapeworm cysts, which needs to be considered during therapeutic decisions of cysticerci or other chronic disease scenarios where immune privileged and spatially restricted ecosystems with limited nutrients and minimal presence of immune cells could facilitate microbial adaptation, such as within gut wall cavitating micropathologies in Crohn's disease.

Rehabilitating heritage buildings is a common practice in developed countries. In contrast, developing countries experiencing conflict lack the financial support and qualified experts to restore heritage buildings. This article focuses on the restoration of the al-Khader building in the Gaza Strip, part of a UNESCO project aimed at preserving historical buildings. This study aims to explore the challenges and impacts of the adaptive reuse of the al-Khader building as a children’s library for the local community and to explore the impact of this project on sustainable development and its importance locally, as well as the role of this building restoration and rehabilitation through Quintuple Helix dimensions. Qualitative methodology was used, including field observation and interviews, to present the project stages during restoration in 2016. The interviews were conducted with library users, employees, and visitors to evaluate their experience in 2019. The research revealed that the restoration process faced several challenges, including a lack of experience and professional workers in conservation work. Despite challenges, the building’s transformation positively affected heritage preservation and the local community, aligning with 11 Sustainable Development Goals—directly with 7 goals (SDGs 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 16, and 17) and indirectly with 4 goals (SDGs 1, 5, 9, and 13). The findings emphasise the role of the library’s rehabilitation in contributing to the success of the Quintuple Helix in economic and civil society systems and the need to enhance the consideration of government, education, and environmental systems. Finally, this project, which external donors funded, increased awareness among local people of the importance of heritage buildings. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the current status of the building is unknown. This study, therefore, serves as necessary documentation of the building as it was in 2023 and prior.

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a globally prevalent neurodegenerative condition, clinically characterized by progressive memory loss and gradual impairment of cognitive functions. Bapineuzumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to neurotoxic amyloid proteins in the brain, enhancing their clearance. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bapineuzumab in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Methods We performed a web-based literature search of PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and web of science using the relevant keywords. Data were extracted from eligible records and pooled as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) values with their 95% confidence interval (CI), using Review Manager software (version 5.3 for windows). Heterogeneity was measured by Chi-square and I-square tests. Result The pooled effect estimate from six randomized clinical trials ( n  = 2380) showed that bapineuzumab significantly reduced the cerebrospinal fluid concentration of phosphorylated tau proteins (Standardized MD = −5.53, 95% CI [−8.29, −2.76]). However, the bapineuzumab group was not superior to the placebo group in terms of change from baseline in Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale (ADAS)-Cog11 (MD = 0.14, 95% CI [−0.72, 0.99]), disability assessment for dementia (DAD) scale (MD = 1.35, 95% CI [−1.74, 4.43]), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores (MD = 0.08, 95% CI [−0.31, 0.47]). Regarding safety, bapineuzumab increased the risk of serious treatment-emergent adverse events (RR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.02, 1.37]) and cerebral vasogenic edema (RR = 40.88, 95% CI [11.94, 135.95]). All bapineuzumab doses (0.15, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) were similar to placebo in terms of change from baseline in ADAS-cog11, DAD, and MMSE scores, except for the 0.15 mg/kg dose, which caused a significant worsening on the ADAS-cog11 scale (MD = 5.6, 95% CI [0.22, 10.98]). Conclusions Considering the lack of clinical efficacy, combined with the significant association with serious adverse events, bapineuzumab should not be used to treat patients with mild to moderate AD. Future studies should investigate the effect of combining bapineuzumab with other therapeutic strategies and reevaluate the efficacy of targeting amyloid β proteins in AD therapy.

Rhinoplasty is among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures worldwide, yet public awareness, motivations, and perceived barriers related to the procedure remain insufficiently characterized in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to evaluate awareness, motivations, perceived barriers, and prior rhinoplasty experience among adults across five Levantine countries. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between January and October 2025 among adults aged 18 years and older residing in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling via social media platforms. An Arabic questionnaire adapted for a multicountry Levantine sample was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, prior rhinoplasty experience, knowledge, information sources, motivations, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with prior rhinoplasty. A total of 4,238 participants were included (mean age 21.8 ± 2.0 years; 2,882 females [68.0%] and 1,356 males [32.0%]). The overall prevalence of prior rhinoplasty was 13.4%, with significant cross-country variation ( p  < 0.001), highest in Iraq (25.7%) and lowest in Palestine (3.7%). The mean knowledge score was 8.15 ± 1.13, with statistically significant but numerically small differences across countries ( p  < 0.001). Participants rated therapeutic motives more highly than cosmetic motives (3.97 ± 1.07 vs. 3.29 ± 1.15; p  < 0.001). Perceived barriers included financial barriers only (8.4%), social barriers only (11.4%), and both financial and social barriers (15.1%), with significant intercountry differences ( p  < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, country of residence, age, and knowledge score were associated with prior rhinoplasty. This multi-country cross-sectional study found significant variation in awareness, motivations, perceived barriers, and prior rhinoplasty across respondents from five Levantine countries. Although awareness was generally high, specific misconceptions persisted, and therapeutic motives were more strongly endorsed than cosmetic motives. Because the study used a cross-sectional design and non-probability online sampling, the findings should be interpreted as associations within the study sample rather than as causal effects or nationally representative estimates.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming government decision-making processes. This article presents a systematic literature review of 43 studies (2020-2025) examining AI’s impact on public-sector decision-making, delineating its advantages, disadvantages, policy implications, technical aspects, and ethical concerns. The findings indicate that AI technologies offer significant benefits for government decision-making, including improved efficiency, data-driven insights, and enhanced service delivery (e.g., automation of routine tasks and predictive analytics). However, the integration of AI also presents notable drawbacks such as algorithmic bias, transparency deficits, accountability challenges, and ethical dilemmas in public governance. We discuss how these advantages and disadvantages inform policy responses and technical requirements for responsible AI use in the public sector. Key policy implications include the need for robust governance frameworks, regulatory oversight, and ethical guidelines to ensure accountability and public trust. Technical aspects such as data quality, system integration, and explainable AI are identified as critical factors for successful implementation. Ethical concerns—fairness, privacy, transparency, and public value alignment—are examined in light of emerging scholarly debates. The review offers an academically rigorous and up-to-date synthesis to guide researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in understanding the multifaceted impact of AI on government decision-making.

Background The optimal timing for initiating oral anticoagulation (OAC) after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a critical clinical dilemma. Early anticoagulation may lower recurrent ischemic stroke risk but could raise hemorrhagic transformation risk, and current guidelines are conflicting. This meta-analysis examined the impact of early versus late initiation of anticoagulation on clinical outcomes—recurrent stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, Bleeding, mortality, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and thrombosis—in AF-related ischemic stroke. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and experimental studies that compared early and late anticoagulation; seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Results Early anticoagulation was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.55-0.96], P = .03). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage did not differ significantly between groups (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [0.83-1.53], P = .44). No significant differences were observed for Bleeding (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.67-1.12], P = .27), mortality (OR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.72-1.24], P = .68), TIA (OR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.57-1.74], P = .98), or thrombosis (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.59-1.27], P = .47). Notable heterogeneity—likely due to differences in study design, anticoagulant type, and stroke severity—limits firm conclusions. Conclusion Early anticoagulation appears to reduce ischemic recurrence without significantly increasing major hemorrhagic events, but randomized trials are needed to define optimal OAC timing.

Behçet’s disease is a rare, chronic, multisystem vasculitis that can involve arteries and veins of all sizes, with vascular manifestations representing some of its most severe and potentially life‐threatening complications. Arterial involvement is uncommon but clinically significant, particularly in young patients. We report the case of a 26‐year‐old Palestinian male with a history of recurrent oral and genital ulcerations who presented with persistent left inguinal and proximal thigh pain accompanied by localized inflammatory signs. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers and leukocytosis. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the left common femoral, external iliac, profunda femoris, and superficial femoral arteries, without evidence of distal ischemia or tissue compromise. Based on the combination of characteristic mucocutaneous manifestations and imaging findings, a diagnosis of vascular Behçet’s disease was established. The patient was treated conservatively with high‐dose systemic corticosteroids in combination with azathioprine, along with low‐dose aspirin. He showed rapid clinical improvement, with complete resolution of symptoms and stabilization of vascular lesions on follow‐up imaging. No surgical or endovascular intervention was required. This case highlights the importance of considering Behçet’s disease in young patients presenting with unexplained arterial occlusion and demonstrates that, in carefully selected cases without critical ischemia, timely immunosuppressive therapy may achieve favorable clinical and radiological outcomes while avoiding invasive interventions.

Achieving quantum dot self-assembly at precise pre-defined locations is of vital interest. In this work, a novel physical method for producing germanium quantum dots on silicon using nanoindentation to pre-define nucleation sites is described. Self-assembly of ordered ~10 nm height germanium quantum dot arrays on silicon substrates is achieved. Due to the inherent simplicity and elegance of the proposed method, the results describe an attractive technique to manufacture semiconductor quantum dot structures for future quantum electronic and photonic applications.