Work engagement and its association with emotional intelligence and demographic characteristics among nurses in Palestinian neonatal intensive care units

by Ibrahim Aqtam, Ahmad Ayed, Ahmad Batran, Moath Abu Ejheisheh, Riham H. Melhem, Mustafa Shouli

Introduction

Work engagement, defined as a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption, is crucial for nurse retention and quality of care in high-stress environments. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) present unique emotional and psychological challenges for nurses, necessitating skills like emotional intelligence (EI) to enhance work engagement. This study investigates the association between EI, demographic factors, and work engagement among Palestinian NICU nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was employed during February-April 2025. Of 230 nurses invited, 207 completed the survey (response rate = 90.2%) across 12 Palestinian NICUs using convenience sampling. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression via SPSS v26. Validated tools, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), were used.

Results

Emotional intelligence (EI) demonstrated a strong positive correlation with work engagement (r = 0.693, p B = 0.463, β = 0.535, p = 0.002), female gender (B = −2.250, β = −0.115, p = 0.017), and rotating shifts (B = 1.579, β = 0.105, p = 0.028) were significant predictors. EI was the strongest predictor (B = 0.358, β = 0.593, p M = 47.3 ± 5.8).

Discussion

The findings demonstrate strong associations between EI and engagement in high-stress NICU environments. Based on these findings, we propose implementing comprehensive EI training programs in nursing curricula, establishing mentorship programs to address age-related disparities, and developing gender-sensitive workplace policies to optimize work engagement and improve patient care quality.

Shaping the future of medical education: A cross-sectional study on ChatGPT attitude and usage among medical students in Sudan

by Weam Mohamed Meargni Ahmed, Malaz M. Abdalmotalib, Mohamed H. Elbadawi, Galia Tajelsir Fadulelmula Mohammed, Waad Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed, Fatima Salih Babiker Mohammed, Hajar Saad Salih, Hiba Omer Yousif Mohamed

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education globally, yet its adoption in medical education remains inadequately understood. ChatGPT, a generative AI tool, offers promising yet doubtful potential for enhancing academic and clinical training.

Methods

This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design, involving 1,443 Sudanese medical students who participated through an online, structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess ChatGPT awareness, usage, and associated factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software to identify key determinants influencing ChatGPT awareness and usage among the participants.

Objective

This study investigates the levels of awareness, attitude, and usage of ChatGPT among Sudanese medical students, identifying key socio-demographic, economic, and institutional factors influencing its adoption.

Results

Among the participants, 65.8% were aware of ChatGPT, yet only 41.9% reported using it. Gender differences were statistically significant, with males demonstrating higher usage rates (p 300,000 SDGs) showed significantly greater usage (p  Conclusions

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including curriculum reform to integrate AI literacy, enhanced digital infrastructure, and gender-equity initiatives. Addressing these systemic gaps will scale up AI adoption in medical education. This study provides actionable insights for educators and policymakers, emphasizing the urgency of bridging socio-economic and institutional inequities to foster equitable access to AI tools in medical training.

Therapeutic application of nano-encapsulated pomegranate peel extract attenuated DSS-induced colitis: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role and reduction of exaggerated response of endoplasmic reticulum stress

by Abdallah Tageldein Mansour, Safaa I. Khater, Hemmat M. Eissa, Helal F. Al-Harthi, Areej A. Eskandrani, Mohammed Ageeli Hakami, Wafa S. Alansari, Amirah Albaqami, Hanan M. Alharbi, Tarek Khamis, Doaa Ibrahim

The medicinal application of pomegranate peel extract enriched with polyphenols (PPE) as a therapeutic strategy for managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still limited. Integrating pomegranate peel extract (PPE) into an effective nanocarrier system could enhance its mechanistic actions, potentially aiding in the remission of colitis. Therefore, this approach aimed to enhance PPE’s stability and bioavailability and investigate mitigating impact of pomegranate peel extract-loaded nanoparticles (PPE-NPs) in a colitis model. Colonic injury was induced by 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and efficacy of disease progression after oral administration of PPE-NPs for 14 days was assessed by evaluating clinical signs severity, antioxidant and inflammatory markers, expressions of endoplasmic reticulum associated genes and histopathological and immunostaining analysis in colonic tissues. Clinical signs and disease activity index were effectively reduced, and the levels of fecal calprotectin were decreased in groups treated with PPE-NPs compared to DSS group. The colitic group showed a significant increase (P IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β (increased up to 2.99, 4.36 and 4.90 respectively unlike PPE-NPsIII that recorded reduced levels of CRP, MPO and NO (8,96, 78.30 and 123 nmol/g tissue respectively) and much lower (P CHOP, JUNK, ATF6, BIP, and Elf-2) and immunostaining expression regulation of key markers regulating autophagy (Beclin-2) in this group. The histopathological changes in the colon were less severe in the PPE-NPs received groups (especially at the level of 150 mg/kg) compared to DSS group. Collectively, these findings suggest that the nanoencapsulation of PPE enhances its effectiveness in promoting recovery of colonic tissue damage and achieving remission of colitis.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on 30-day mortality among acute stroke patients in northern Tanzania

by Eugénie M. Kamabu, Justin L. Paluku, William P. Howlett, Abid M. Sadiq, Eliada B. Nziku, Doreen T. Eliah, Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim Muhina, Fuad H. Said, Tumaini E. Mirai, Elifuraha W. Mkwizu, Furaha S. Lyamuya, Elichilia R. Shao, Kajiru G. Kilonzo, Venance P. Maro, Sarah J. Urasa, Nyasatu G. Chamba

Background

Among acute stroke patients (ASPs), diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a higher risk of death, functional dependency, and recurrence. This study aimed to determine the impact of DM on the 30-day mortality among admitted ASPs in northern Tanzania.

Materials and methods

This was a hospital-based prospective cohort study performed among ASPs with and without DM who were admitted to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from November 2022 to May2023. ASPs were followed for 30 days after the onset of an acute stroke to identify the primary outcome, which was all-cause mortality. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and survival analysis were conducted,

Results

Out of 213 ASP, 82 (38.5%) had DM. The overall crude mortality rate was 46.9%. ASPs with DM had a higher mortality rate of 53.7% compared with those without DM (42.7%). A higher proportion of acute stroke patients with DM (84.1%) had a poor outcome (mRS 3-6) (p = 0.038). DM was statistically non-significant for 30-day mortality (aHR 1.56; 95% CI: 0.73–3.32; p = 0.252). However, fever (p = 0.005), severe admission Glasgow coma scale (p = 0.005), severe stroke (p = 0.008), elevated serum creatinine (p = 0.008), and an abnormal respiratory pattern (p = 0.042), were predictors of 30-day mortality,

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a high mortality in ASPs. Although DM did not have a significant impact on 30-day mortality, other factors, such as altered mental state, stroke severity, fever, elevated creatinine, and abnormal respiration, need to be accounted for that may have a significant impact on the mortality in ASPs. These findings highlight the significant burden of DM in stroke patients and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of ASPs, in the hopes of improving clinical practice and guidelines and reducing morbidity and mortality in Tanzania.

Intracellular accumulation of free cholesterol in macrophages triggers a PARP1 response to DNA damage and PARP1 impairs lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response

by Kenneth K.Y. Ting, Hisham M. Ibrahim, Nitya Gulati, Yufeng Wang, Jonathan V. Rocheleau, Myron I. Cybulsky

The formation of macrophage (Mφ) foam cells is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, yet how the process of lipid loading can modulate Mφ inflammatory responses by rewiring their intracellular metabolic circuits is not well understood. Our previous studies have shown that the accumulation of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) or free cholesterol in Mφs impaired their inflammatory response by suppressing HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis and upregulating NRF2 antioxidative response. However, it remains unclear if other metabolic processes are also contributory. In this study, we found that the accumulation of free cholesterol, but not oxLDL, in primary murine thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal Mφs (PMφs) enhanced a PARP1-dependent response associated with repair of DNA damage, which was characterized by poly ADP-ribosylation of proteins, phosphorylation of histone 2A.X and consumption of NAD⁺. Both oxLDL and cholesterol enhanced the PARP1 response after LPS stimulation. Treatment of PMφs with mitoTEMPO, a specific mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) scavenger, alleviated mtROS during cholesterol loading, blocked the PARP1 response and partially restored LPS- induced inflammatory gene expression. In contrast to inhibition of PARP1 enzymatic activity, knockdown of PARP1 expression in RAW264.7 Mφs with siRNA elevated LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. Overall, our study suggests that cholesterol accumulation triggers a PARP1 response to DNA damage in Mφs and that PARP1 inhibits LPS-mediated inflammation through a non-enzymatic function.

Factors associated with the uptake and utilisation of diabetic retinopathy screening services in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

by Iheanyi Oby Nwaoha, Albain Ayime Balibuno, Nuha Ibrahim

Introduction

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of chronic Diabetes that can lead to visual impairment if left untreated. While concerted efforts have been made to develop screening modalities to facilitate the early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the factors impacting the optimal use of these screening services. This paper aims to identify and highlight factors associated with the access of Diabetic Retinopathy screening services from patient and service provider perspectives.

Methodology

This scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature was conducted from May 2023 to June 2023. Electronic databases searched include Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, and African Journal Online (AJOL). Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved records for eligibility, and relevant data was extracted from the included studies. A descriptive overview of key findings was provided, and the 5As conceptual framework of access to healthcare was used to map the identified factors.

Results

The search strategy yielded 873 records. Of those, 19 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Health literacy and duration of Diabetes were reported in 12 and 9 studies as the most common factors associated with DR screening services access. Similarly, age at onset and inadequate referral by healthcare providers were cited as significant determinants of DR screening access in 7 studies, respectively.

Conclusion

The 5As framework of access to healthcare aids our understanding of factors associated with the access of DR screening from patient and service provider standpoints. To address these issues, there is a need for more research on this topic to design effective DR screening services in the region.

Benzothiazinone analogs as Anti-<i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> DprE1 irreversible inhibitors: Covalent docking, validation, and molecular dynamics simulations

by Mahmoud A. A. Ibrahim, Doaa G. M. Mahmoud, Alaa H. M. Abdelrahman, Khlood A. A. Abdeljawaad, Gamal A. H. Mekhemer, Tamer Shoeib, Mohamed A. El-Tayeb, Peter A. Sidhom, Paul W. Paré, Mohamed-Elamir F. Hegazy

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a lethal human pathogen, with the key flavoenzyme for catalyzing bacterial cell-wall biosynthesis, decaprenylphosphoryl-D-ribose oxidase (DprE1), considered an Achilles heal for tuberculosis (TB) progression. Inhibition of DprE1 blocks cell wall biosynthesis and is a highly promising antitubercular target. Macozinone (PBTZ169, a benzothiazinone (BTZ) derivative) is an irreversible DprE1 inhibitor that has attracted considerable attention because it exhibits an additive activity when combined with other anti-TB drugs. Herein, 754 BTZ analogs were assembled in a virtual library and evaluated against the DprE1 target using a covalent docking approach. After validation of the employed covalent docking approach, BTZ analogs were screened. Analogs with a docking score less than –9.0 kcal/mol were advanced for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, followed by binding energy evaluations utilizing the MM-GBSA approach. Three BTZ analogs–namely, PubChem-155-924-621, PubChem-127-032-794, and PubChem-155-923-972– exhibited higher binding affinities against DprE1 compared to PBTZ169 with ΔG_binding values of –77.2, –74.3, and –65.4 kcal/mol, versus –49.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Structural and energetical analyses were performed for the identified analogs against DprE1 throughout the 100 ns MD simulations, and the results demonstrated the great stability of the identified BTZ analogs. Physicochemical and ADMET characteristics indicated the oral bioavailability of the identified BTZ analogs. The obtained in-silico results provide promising anti-TB inhibitors that are worth being subjected to in-vitro and in-vivo investigations.

Current evidence and future direction on evaluating the anticancer effects of curcumin, gingerols, and shogaols in cervical cancer: A systematic review

by Unwaniah Abdull Rahim, Marami Mustapa, Nik Noorul Shakira Mohamed Shakrin, Armania Nurdin, Nursiati Mohamad Taridi, Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof, Mariam Firdhaus Mad Nordin, Nur Aishah Che Roos

Cervical cancer ranked fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide despite the establishment of vaccination programmes. This systematic review evaluates the anti-cancer properties of turmeric and ginger bioactive compounds, specifically curcumin, 6/10-gingerol, and 6/10-shogaol, and their combination in cervical cancer through in-vitro and in-vivo models. A comprehensive electronic search was performed using Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus from inception until the second week of June 2024 for studies published in English. Only studies investigating the effects of curcumin, gingerol, shogaol, and/or their combination in human cervical cancer cell lines and/or rodent animal models implanted with cervical cancer xenografts were included. Altogether, 27 studies were included in this review. The evidence gathered indicated that curcumin, 6/10-gingerol and 6-shogaol exert their anticancer action through modulation of cell signalling pathways, including AMPK, WNT, PI3K/AKT, and NF‐κB pathway, and mediators including Bax/Bcl2, TNF‐α, EGFR, COX‐2, caspases‐3, ‐9, p53, and pRb. However, the synergistic effect of these bioactive compounds is not known due to lack of evidence. In conclusion, curcumin, 6/10-gingerols, and 6-shogaols hold promise as therapeutic agents for cervical cancer. Yet, further research is essential to understand their combined efficacy, emphasising the need for additional studies exploring the synergistic anticancer effects of these bioactive compounds. Additional factors to explore include long-term effects and susceptibility of chemoresistant cervical cancer cells towards curcumin, shogaols, and gingerols.

A DFT investigation on the potential of beryllium oxide (Be₁₂O₁₂) as a nanocarrier for nucleobases

by Mahmoud A. A. Ibrahim, Maggie N. S. Hanna, Al-shimaa S. M. Rady, Peter A. Sidhom, Shaban R. M. Sayed, Mohamed A. El-Tayeb, Ahmed M. Awad, Hatem Tallima, Tamer Shoeib

The study of the interactions between biomolecules and nanostructures is quite fascinating. Herein, the adsorption propensity of beryllium oxide (Be₁₂O₁₂) nanocarrier toward nucleobases (NBs) was investigated. In terms of DFT calculations, the adsorption tendency of Be₁₂O₁₂ toward NBs, including cytosine (NB-C), guanine (NB-G), adenine (NB-A), thymine (NB-T), and uracil (NB-U), was unveiled through various configurations. Geometrical, electronic, and energetic features for Be₁₂O₁₂, NBs, and their associated complexes were thoroughly evaluated at M06-2X/6-311+G** level of theory. The potent adsorption process within NBs∙∙∙Be₁₂O₁₂ complexes was noticed through favorable interaction (E_int) and adsorption (E_ads) energies with values up to –53.04 and –38.30 kcal/mol, respectively. Generally, a significant adsorption process was observed for all studied complexes, and the favorability followed the order: NB-C∙∙∙ > NB-G∙∙∙ > NB-A∙∙∙ > NB-T∙∙∙ > NB-U∙∙∙Be₁₂O₁₂ complexes. Out of all studied complexes, the most potent adsorption was found for NB-C∙∙∙Be₁₂O₁₂ complex within configuration A (E_int = –53.04 kcal/mol). In terms of energy decomposition, SAPT analysis revealed electrostatic (E_elst) forces to be dominant within the studied adsorption process with values up to –99.88 kcal/mol. Analyzing QTAIM and NCI, attractive intermolecular interactions within the studied complexes were affirmed. From negative values of thermodynamic parameters, the nature of the considered adsorption process was revealed to be spontaneous and exothermic. Regarding density of state, IR, and Raman analyses, the occurrence of the adsorption process within NBs∙∙∙Be₁₂O₁₂ complexes was confirmed. Noticeable short recovery time values were observed for all studied complexes, confirming the occurrence of the desorption process. The findings provided fundamental insights into the potential application of Be₁₂O₁₂ nanocarrier in drug and gene delivery processes.

Effectiveness of treatment for concussion-related convergence insufficiency: The CONCUSS study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

by Tara L. Alvarez, Mitchell Scheiman, Suril Gohel, Farzin Hajebrahimi, Melissa Noble, Ayushi Sangoi, Chang Yaramothu, Christina L. Master, Arlene Goodman

Purpose

To describe CONCUSS, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) designed to compare the following: the effectiveness of immediate office-based vergence/accommodative therapy with movement (OBVAM) to delayed OBVAM as treatments for concussion-related convergence insufficiency (CONC-CI) to understand the impact of time (watchful waiting), the effect of OBVAM dosage (12 versus 16 therapy sessions), and to investigate the underlying neuro-mechanisms of OBVAM on CONC-CI participants.

Methods

CONCUSS is an RCT indexed on https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05262361 enrolling 100 participants aged 11–25 years with medically diagnosed concussion, persistent post-concussive symptoms 4–24 weeks post-injury, and symptomatic convergence insufficiency. Participants will receive standard concussion care and will be randomized to either immediate OBVAM or delayed (by six weeks) OBVAM. At the Outcome 1 examination (week 7), clinical assessments of success as determined by changes in the near point of convergence (NPC), positive fusional vergence (PFV), and symptoms will be compared between the two treatment groups. After the Outcome 1 visit, those in the delayed group receive 16 visits of OBVAM, while those in the immediate OBVAM group receive four more therapy visits. Outcome 2 assessment will be used to compare both groups after participants receive 16 sessions of OBVAM. The primary measure is the between-group differences of the composite change in the NPC and PFV at the Outcome 1 visit. Secondary outcome measures include individual clinical measures, objective eye-tracking parameters, and functional brain imaging.

Conclusions

Major features of the study design include formal definitions of conditions and outcomes, standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols, a delayed treatment arm, masked outcome examinations, and the incorporation of objective eye movement recording and brain imaging as outcome measures. CONCUSS will establish best practices in the clinical care of CONC-CI. The objective eye movement and brain imaging, correlated with the clinical signs and symptoms, will determine the neuro-mechanisms of OBVAM on CONC-CI.

Unveiling the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes: A scoping review protocol

by Faizul Akmal Abdul Rahim, Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip, Ahmad Mohiddin Mohd Ngesom, Mohd Amierul Fikri Mahmud, Norzawati Yoep

Background

Despite significant reductions in recent malaria cases and deaths globally, the persistence of this health concern necessitates a shift from traditional top-down approaches. Consequently, malaria control initiatives increasingly focus on empowering local communities through community-centred strategies. Therefore, this scoping review protocol systematically explores diverse community knowledge approaches adopted in malaria programmes worldwide and their associated outcomes.

Methods

Adhering rigorously to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, a comprehensive scoping review protocol was developed. Collaborating with a research librarian, a systematic search strategy targeted peer-reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by a thorough grey literature search. Titles and abstracts will be screened, followed by extracting bibliographic details and outcome information using a standardized framework. Subsequently, the results will be systematically summarized and presented in a structured tabular format (S1 Checklist).

Discussion

This scoping review promises an in-depth understanding of current research regarding the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes. The identification of knowledge gaps and intervention needs serves as a valuable resource for malaria-affected countries. The profound implications of community knowledge underscore its pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of prevention, control, and elimination efforts. Insights from this review will assist policymakers, empowering implementers and community leaders in designing effective interventions. This concerted effort aims to adeptly leverage community knowledge, thereby propelling progress toward the achievement of malaria elimination goals.