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Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is widely used for patients at risk for corneal ectasia to maintain an aspheric corneal shape. Wavefront-guided (WFG) ablation profile was designed to reduce pre-existing higher-order aberrations (HOA). We aimed to compare the corneal aberrations and visual outcomes between WFG and Wavefront Optimized (WFO) PRK in patients with myopia. Eight randomized clinical trials were included. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL at March 2020, and updated the search in September 2020 using relevant keywords, The data were extracted and pooled as Mean Difference (MD) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI), using Review Manager software (version 5.4). Pooled results showed no significance between Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA) and Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA) between both groups underwent WFG and WFO PPR after three months follow up (MD = -0.03; 95% CI: [-0.06, 0.00]; P = 0.07), (MD = -0.02; 95% CI: [-0.04, 0.01]; P = 0.22) respectively. Although, no significant difference between mean manifest cylinder after three and 12 months follow up, but the total MD for mean manifest cylinder difference was significantly lower with the WFG treatment method (MD = -0.12, (95% CI: [0.23:-0.01], P = 0.03). This shows a slight advantage of the WFG over the WFO method. The visual performance showed similarity and excellent refractive outcomes in both WFO and WFG PRK. No significant statistical differences between the two approaches. On further comparison, there was a slight advantage of the WFG over the WFO method.

Health anxiety is an increasingly recognized concern among medical students, who are frequently exposed to health-related information and academic stressors. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of health anxiety among Yemeni medical undergraduates and to examine its association with quality of life (QoL) and selected demographic and academic factors. A national cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2025 across ten medical schools in Yemen. A total of 2,573 undergraduate medical students completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and academic characteristics, health anxiety using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), self-perceived health, and quality of life using the SF-12 survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation, and multivariable logistic regression. Clinically significant health anxiety (SHAI ≥27) was observed in 9.8% of participants. Health anxiety was more prevalent among female students and those residing in rural areas (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively). Lower academic performance, dissatisfaction with academic progress, and personal or family history of psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with health anxiety. Students with clinically significant health anxiety reported lower quality of life scores (median = 27; IQR: 24-29) compared with those without health anxiety (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, male gender, urban residence, and academic satisfaction were independently associated with lower odds of health anxiety, whereas low academic performance and psychiatric history were associated with higher odds. A moderate negative correlation was observed between health anxiety and quality of life (r = -0.37, p < 0.001). Nearly one in ten Yemeni medical students exhibited clinically significant health anxiety, which was associated with poorer quality of life and unfavorable academic and psychological characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health support and academic counseling services within medical schools to promote student well-being.

Cerebral venous sinus occlusion is an exceptional presentation in the emergency department. Otitis and mastoiditis are rarely associated with cerebral venous sinus occlusion. It is considered as a redoubtable complication with potentially severe outcomes. Symptoms that may indicate this thrombosis are variable and include progressive headache, intracranial hypertension, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and ophthalmologic symptoms. In this article, we report a case of a young female patient presenting with otitis and mastoiditis complicated with intracranial thrombosis. She was successfully treated with antibiotics, anticoagulants, and analgesics. Furthermore, we provide a brief review on cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with a focus on its risk factors and its management. Finally, we emphasize the need for better awareness about this potential intracranial complication.

Undergraduate research engagement plays a pivotal role in promoting evidence-based medical practice, particularly in low-resource and conflict-affected settings such as Yemen. However, multiple structural and academic barriers often limit students' ability to actively participate in research. This study aimed to assess medical students' research knowledge, attitudes, participation, and perceived barriers in a multi-institutional setting in Yemen. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students from ten universities in Yemen using a structured online questionnaire assessing research knowledge, attitudes, participation, and perceived barriers. Data were collected between April and July 2025. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression to identify factors associated with research knowledge and attitudes. A total of 1,387 students participated in the study, with a mean age of 23 years; 70.7% were male. Although most students (79.8%) agreed that research should be an integral part of medical education, only 20.5% reported having published a research paper, and 41.5% had never attempted to write one. The mean research knowledge score was low (2.8 out of 10), with no significant difference by gender. Fifth-year students demonstrated the highest knowledge scores (mean = 3.2, SD = 2.0; p = 0.003). Academic performance was a significant predictor of both research knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.001). The most frequently reported barriers were insufficient training in research methods (81.0%), inadequate research facilities and resources (76.0%), limited research opportunities (74.2%), and insufficient faculty guidance (72.3%). Participating medical students demonstrated generally positive attitudes toward research; however, their research knowledge and active involvement remained limited. Persistent institutional and structural barriers, including limited research training, mentorship, and infrastructure, may hinder meaningful research engagement. Strengthening research training and institutional support within undergraduate medical education may help improve research engagement in resource-limited and conflict-affected settings.

Disordered eating behaviors represent an important mental health concern among medical students, who are exposed to substantial academic and psychological stressors. Data on disordered eating risk in Yemen remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating risk among Yemeni medical students and to examine associated sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical, and psychological factors. A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2025 across fifteen Yemeni medical colleges. Undergraduate students completed a structured, self-administered online questionnaire using a convenience sampling approach. Disordered eating risk was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), with a cutoff score of ≥20. Additional items assessed sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, chronic medical conditions, and self-reported psychiatric diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with disordered eating risk. A total of 3,540 students participated. Overall, 30.4% screened positive for disordered eating risk. Disordered eating risk was associated with food insecurity, parental perception of being overweight, weight dissatisfaction, type 1 diabetes mellitus, past suicide attempts, and several self-reported psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Weight satisfaction was associated with lower odds of risk. Additionally, 31.6% of participants reported a prior self-reported diagnosis of an eating disorder, which was not independently verified. Disordered eating risk was common among Yemeni medical students and was associated with multiple sociodemographic, medical, and psychological factors. Given the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, causal relationships cannot be established. The findings suggest that consideration may be given to screening and supportive mental health resources within medical training institutions.

Gliomas, which account for nearly a quarter of all primary CNS tumors, present significant contemporary therapeutic challenges, particularly the highest-grade variant (glioblastoma multiforme), which has an especially poor prognosis. These difficulties are due to the tumor’s aggressiveness and the adverse effects of radio/chemotherapy on the brain. Stem cell therapy is an exciting area of research being explored for several medical issues. Neural stem cells, normally present in the subventricular zone and the hippocampus, preferentially migrate to tumor masses. Thus, they have two main advantages: They can minimize the side effects associated with systemic radio/chemotherapy while simultaneously maximizing drug delivery to the tumor site. Another feature of stem cell therapy is the variety of treatment approaches it allows. Stem cells can be genetically engineered into expressing a wide variety of immunomodulatory substances that can inhibit tumor growth. They can also be used as delivery vehicles for oncolytic viral vectors, which can then be used to combat the tumorous mass. An alternative approach would be to combine stem cells with prodrugs, which can subsequently convert them into the active form upon migration to the tumor mass. As with any therapeutic modality still in its infancy, much of the research regarding their use is primarily based upon knowledge gained from animal studies, and a number of ongoing clinical trials are currently investigating their effectiveness in humans. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of stem cell therapy in the treatment of gliomas, exploring the different mechanistic approaches, clinical applicability, and the existing limitations.

Aggregation of particular proteins in the form of inclusion bodies or plaques followed by neuronal death is a hallmark of neurodegenerative proteopathies such as primary Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and Huntington’s chorea. Complex polygenic and environmental factors implicated in these proteopathies. Accumulation of proteins in these disorders indicates a substantial disruption in protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Proteostasis or cellular proteome homeostasis is attained by the synchronization of a group of cellular mechanisms called the proteostasis network (PN), which is responsible for the stability of the proteome and achieves the equilibrium between synthesis, folding, and degradation of proteins. In this review, we will discuss the different types of PN and the impact of PN component dysfunction on the four major neurodegenerative diseases mentioned earlier. Graphical abstract

Background and Aims The viral agent of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. this may negatively affect students' mental health who have to maintain their learning efforts. Therefore, we aimed to assess students' perceptions of the online learning programs designed for university students in Arab countries during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted on university students using a self‐administered online questionnaire in 15 Arab countries, including 6779 participants. The actual sample size was calculated using the EpiInfo program calculator. The validated, piloted questionnaire assessed the effectiveness of internet‐based distance learning applications used in these countries during the pandemic. The SPSS version 22 was used. Results Among the 6779 participants, 26.2% believed that their teachers diversify learning methods, 22.0% thought that their teachers were able to treat the weakness the students have, and 30.7% agreed that their teachers efficiently communicate with them through COVID‐19 internet‐based learning process. Around 33% of students participated in lectures effectively, 47.4% submitted their homework within accepted deadlines, and 28.6% thought that their colleagues did not cheat during exams and homework. Around 31.3% of students believed that online‐based learning had a role in directing them towards research, and 29.9% and 28.9%, respectively, believed that online learning had a role in developing analytical thinking and synthesis skills. Participants reported many suggestions to enhance the process of internet‐based distance learning in the future. Conclusion Our study suggests that online‐based distance learning in Arab countries still needs more improvement as students still are more inclined toward face‐to‐face teaching. However, exploring the factors that influence students' perceptions of e‐learning is vital for improving the quality of online‐based distance learning. We recommend exploring the perceptions of educators regarding their experience towards online‐based distance learning during COVID‐19 lockdown.

This systematic review with a meta-analysis aimed to identify the altered brain structure and function in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by summarizing the literature about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) outcomes compared to healthy controls (HC). CTS is the most common nerve entrapment in the arm associated with altered peripheral and central nociceptive system. PRISMA guidelines were used to report the outcomes. Six databases were searched for relevant literature (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Sage, EBSCO host, and Cochrane). Eligible studies comparing MRI, fMRI, and MEG findings in people with CTS (present for at least 2 months) and HC through the following parameters: (1) interdigit cortical separation distance, (2) white and grey matter changes, (3) peak latency of M20 wave and recovery function of N20 from the somatosensory cortex (SI), and (4) surface area of activated digit cortical representation. The results from different studies were pooled and a meta-analysis was done. From 17 included, there was a significant reduction of interdigit cortical separation distance of index-middle and index-little fingers in the CTS (SMD = − 0.869, 95% CI (− 1.325, − 0.413), p -value = 0.000) and (SMD = − 0.79, 95% CI (− 1.217, − 0.364), p -value = 0.000), respectively. Middle-little fingers interdigit separation showed no difference (SMD = − 0.2, 95% CI (− 0.903, 1.309), p -value = 0.718). There is evidence supporting the altered brain structure and function in CTS as evidenced by reduction of interdigit cortical separation distance, and excessive blurring and disinhibition of SI, with low resting state functional connectivity. Thus, centrally directed therapeutic approaches might complement peripheral treatments.