Middle East Research Articles

Urban Heat Islands, Heatwaves and Implications for Human Wellbeing: A Comparative Analysis across Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Urban Heat Islands, Heatwaves and Implications for Human Wellbeing: A Comparative Analysis across Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Range expansion in the Golden Jackal, Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 (Canidae: Carnivora), into the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

The Golden Jackal, Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Its range has considerably expanded in Europe over the past few decades. In the Middle East, the species occurs in Levant, including Israel and Palestine, just across the eastern border of Egypt. The first documented occurrence of the species in Egypt was in 2009 from a small area in extreme northeastern Sinai Peninsula, suggesting a very limited distribution within that part of the country. In this paper I report a recent range expansion of the Golden Jackal into large areas in eastern and southern Sinai Peninsula, including well-studied and monitored National Parks where this jackal has never been previously recorded, but is now quite common. I describe the new habitats now colonized by this jackal and discuss its ecological relations.

Leveraging atmospheric moisture recycling in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries for irrigation and afforestation planning

Effective irrigation planning is crucial for sustainable agricultural development and ecosystem restoration projects in arid regions. With respect to ambitious greening initiatives, Saudi Arabia is establishing a national strategy toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future not only for itself but also for the broader Middle East region. Thus, comprehensively understanding the water cycle in the region is essential to identify the most suitable target locations for afforestation and reforestation while considering the potential role of irrigation. Herein, in addition to traditional pedoclimatic factors, we introduce a complementary consideration—“irrigation recycling.” Building on the well-established concept of atmospheric moisture recycling and taking advantage from an atmospheric trajectory dataset, we track the path of evaporated water from current or potential irrigated sites to the location where the evaporated water eventually falls as precipitation. Our analysis offers two key benefits. First, it helps pinpoint the regions in which and the periods during which water recycling is maximum within the country, aiding more precise calculations of the investment return value for irrigation infrastructures. Second, it helps identify the land-use change patterns that contribute to international efforts such as drought mitigation in East Africa as an example. We found that one-third of the actual precipitation in the current Saudi irrigated sites originated from evapotranspiration over land, mainly from Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries. Interestingly, most of the evapotranspiration from these irrigated sites will eventually fall somewhere over land (primarily in Iran). Controlling the seasonality and spatial distribution of the future irrigation expansion will allow controlling the atmospheric moisture recirculation in Saudi Arabia and nearby drought-prone regions such as Eastern Africa. The outcomes of this study will be the subject of future integrated assessments to account for the climatic feedbacks of the land-use change scenarios. At present, they provide crucial insights to support the decision-making process surrounding the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. Further, the presented methodology offers a pragmatic framework that can be applied to similar greening projects for other regions, making it a viable and valuable approach for global sustainability programs.

Shifting sands: the use of marketing communication strategies in corporate social responsibility disclosure in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose This study aims to investigate the evolution of sustainability reporting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against a backdrop of changing legislation. It uses qualitative content analysis within the corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication framework proposed by Kotler and Lee (2005) to investigate how corporations in the UAE disclosed information on their CSR activities in 2018 and 2023. Design/methodology/approach The authors refer to the CSR communication framework proposed by Kotler and Lee (2005), which puts forward a set of marketing communication strategies that can be used to promote a corporation. The authors identify the strategies used by the top 14 companies operating in the UAE in their CSR disclosure in the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2023, respectively. The authors note any changes that have occurred over time and differences between the distinct business sectors. Findings The findings indicate a continuing reliance on the marketing communication strategies associated with corporate philanthropy, cause promotion and being a good corporate citizen. All of the corporations in the study showed evidence of engaging in an increasing diversity of CSR initiatives and a corresponding diversity in the marketing communication strategies they used to promote them. Practical implications Corporations wishing to promote themselves through their CSR activities and build a positive reputation would do well to select a diverse set of CSR activities communicated in a variety of ways. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first longitudinal, comparative study examining the CSR marketing strategies of the top corporations in the UAE. As such, it contributes to the ongoing debate on CSR in the Middle East in general and to understanding more about the approach as well as the changes in approach to CSR in a Muslim-majority Middle-eastern and secular developing economy, the impact of CSR legislation and government regulation on CSR disclosures in different business sectors and the promotional opportunities afforded by effective CSR disclosure within the UAE in particular.

Prevalence of pre-eclampsia in women in the Middle East: a scoping review

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second most common cause of maternal deaths worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is recognized as one of the risk factors for pre-eclampsia. A recent study revealed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly amongst Emirati women compared with global estimates. This finding raises the possibility that the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in the region may also be higher as research is increasingly demonstrating an association between pre-eclampsia and metabolic syndrome. We therefore conducted this scoping review of the literature to investigate the nature and extent of studies evaluating the prevalence of pre-eclampsia within the Middle East region to enable subsequent comparison of these findings with the global burden of pre-eclampsia, objectively identify gaps in the literature and inform the design of future studies to address these gaps. PubMed and Scopus were used to extract studies published over the last 20 years (2003–2023). The search terms used included (“Pre-eclampsia” AND “Prevalence”) OR (“Hypertension in pregnancy” AND “Prevalence”) OR (“Pregnancy” AND “Pre-eclampsia”) OR (“Pre-eclampsia” AND “Epidemiology”). We limited our studies to those from the Middle East (ME). A total of 556 relevant articles were identified following which 11 were shortlisted for review. There were four studies from Iran, two from Saudi Arabia, two from Qatar, one from Jordan, and one from Bahrain. The remaining study included 29 countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East of which data from Jordan, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Qatar were included. There were four retrospective, two cross-sectional, and two cohort studies, one prospective study, one meta-analysis, and one descriptive-analytical study. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia in the studies ranged from 0.17 to 5%. We did not find any study investigating the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in the United Arab Emirates. Based on our findings, we conclude that there is a significant scarcity of research in this area, especially within the Middle East, and notably an absence of studies specifically pertaining to the UAE. Consequently, we assert that there is a pressing requirement for additional research to evaluate the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in the region.

Understanding of middle east women’s decisions and barriers to use family planning methods

Background when family planning methods not use, there is a higher chance of high fertility, which raises health risks for both mother and infant and lowers quality of life by limiting access to jobs employment, education, and nutrition. Unsatisfactory needs and poor family planning use can be explained by fear of negative impacts, rejection from couples, limits in knowledge, and social condemnation. Objectives To understanding the Middle East women’s barriers about make decisions and use of family planning methods Methodology A descriptive and analytic (cross sectional) study, conducted at six Arabic countries includes a non-probability (purposive sample) consist of (198) women. Which were selected according to inclusion criteria that are women in reproductive age, primiparous and multiparous mothers, and mothers who attended primary healthcare centers. Results Women are with average age of 32.23±7.9 years in which the highest percentage is seen with age group of 30-39 (40.4%). women have high affective barrier to avoid family planning methods (total grand mean= 2.60); have high behavioral barriers to avoid family planning methods (total grand mean= 2.56); and have high cognitive barriers to avoid family planning methods (total grand mean= 2.56). So, the mean scores indicate high among most of affective, behavioral, and cognitive barriers. Conclusions There are many potential barriers which can negatively impact the Middle East women’s decision about their reproductive life (affective, behavioral and cognitive) barriers. Despite the fact that family planning faces several challenges in the Middle East, governments and civil society organizations are working to find solutions to improve access to family planning services, promote education, hold candid conversations about reproductive health with local communities. Empowering the role of nurse in family planning to educate the couples about contraceptive methods and how to help them to choice the appropriate method.

Polypoid heterotopic gastric mucosa: in terminal ileum causing extensive lower gastrointestinal bleeding without Meckel’s diverticulum: a case report

BackgroundHeterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) can be located in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. As a rare anomaly in the small intestine, it can become complicated by intussusception, obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even peritonitis, leading to death.Case presentationThis case report focuses on a 12-year-old Middle Eastern boy who presented with hematochezia and abdominal pain for a couple of days. A tagged Red blood cell (RBC) scan and Technetium scan revealed gastrointestinal bleeding at the lower abdomen, highly suggestive of the diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum. Subsequently, exploratory laparotomy revealed contiguous and scattered mucosal lesions with multiple polyps of various sizes in the terminal ileum. Meckel’s diverticulum was absent, and the patient was treated with resection and primary anastomosis. The resected tissue revealed extensive ectopic gastric mucosa and polypoid tissues. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged four days after the surgery. The symptoms did not recur within six months after his surgery.ConclusionOur case demonstrated that despite the rarity of multiple polypoid gastric heterotopias in the terminal ileum, it should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

Genetic Patterns of Oral Cavity Microbiome in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

The Middle Eastern prevalence of sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, necessitates additional research. On a molecular level, we sought to identify and sort the oral microbiota of healthy individuals and those with sickle cell anemia. Furthermore, it is crucial to comprehend how changes in the genetic makeup of the oral microbiota impact the state of sickle cell anemia. Using next-generation sequencing, the 16S rRNA amplicon was examined using saliva samples from 36 individuals with sickle cell anemia and healthy individuals. These samples were obtained from sickle cell anemia patients (18 samples) and healthy control participants (controls, 18 samples). Various analyses are conducted using bioinformatic techniques to identify distinct species and their relative abundance. Streptococcus, followed by Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella, and Veillonella were the most prevalent genera of bacteria in the saliva of the SCA and non-SCA individuals according to our findings. Rothia mucilaginosa, Prevotella scoposa, and Veillonella dispar species were the dominant species in both sickle cell anemia and non-sickle cell anemia subjects. Streptococcus salivarius, Actinomyces graevenitzii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Actinomyces georgiae spp. were the most prevalent bacterial spp. in the studied SCA cases. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene yielded relative abundance values that were visualized through a heatmap analysis. Alterations in the oral microflora’s constitution can significantly affect the susceptibility of sickle cell anemia patients to develop more severe health complications. Salivary diagnosis is a potential tool for predicting and preventing oral microbiome-related diseases in the future.

New insights on hidradenitis suppurativa phenotypes and treatment response: An exploratory automated analysis of the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials.

Defining hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) subtypes was previously limited by small sample sizes and poor interrater reliability; no study has investigated subtype treatment responses. The objective of this analysis was to characterize HS clusters in adult patients with moderate to severe HS and evaluate secukinumab treatment responses between clusters. Clusters were identified via an unsupervised machine learning clustering analysis using baseline data from the randomized, placebo-controlled SUNSHINE (NCT03713619) and SUNRISE (NCT03713632) phase 3 trials. To assess treatment responses, patients received secukinumab every 2 (SECQ2W) or 4 weeks (SECQ4W) or placebo, for 16 weeks, after which, placebo patients randomly switched to SECQ2W/SECQ4W, and SECQ2W/SECQ4W patients maintained their original treatment, until week 52. Baseline outcomes included patient characteristics, disease characteristics and severity, HS-associated comorbidities and previous treatment exposures. Treatment response was assessed via the HS clinical response (HiSCR), abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count, flares and NRS30 (skin pain). Based on baseline data, three clusters were identified from 1084 patients (Cluster 1: 54.1%, Cluster 2: 17.8%, Cluster 3: 28.1%). Cluster 1 was predominantly female (65.4%) and was characterized by milder HS. Cluster 2 had more patients from the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region (58.5%) and was characterized by moderate HS. Cluster 3 had the highest rates of previous exposure to biologics (45.9%) and prior HS-related surgeries (47.5%) and was characterized by severe HS. SECQ2W and SECQ4W demonstrated efficacy versus placebo in all clusters at week 16; SECQ2W and SECQ4W efficacy was maintained to week 52. SECQ2W treatment showed a trend for greater efficacy versus SECQ4W in Cluster 3 through week 52. Three HS clusters were identified. Secukinumab demonstrated benefit over placebo in all clusters. However, patients with more severe disease may take longer to respond and more frequent secukinumab dosing may be required for these patients. SUNSHINE (NCT03713619) and SUNRISE (NCT03713632).

Lentils: A Recent Review on Global Trade and Popular Regional Cuisines

ABSTRACTLentils that are considered powerhouse of healthy calories are traditionally consumed in different regions of the world. With the increasing awareness regarding lentils' health‐related benefits, it is getting popular among people of all ages. The rising demand also necessitated the increase in global lentil production with Canada grabbing the top rank among the global producers. This review discussed lentil's trade‐related statistics, along with in depth details of various popular cuisines, and consumption patterns observed in Asia, Middle East, Africa, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mediterranean region. Lentils are added as ingredient in soups, rice cuisines, pasta, flat breads, salads, nuggets, and burger patties and thus carry its name throughout the food menus from appetizers and salads to main course meals.

Dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmission among female sex workers and clients: A mathematical modeling study

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the transmission dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in heterosexual sex work networks (HSWNs) and the impact of variation in sexual behavior and interventions on NG epidemiology. MethodsThe study employed an individual-based mathematical model to simulate NG transmission dynamics in sexual networks involving female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, primarily focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region. A deterministic model was also used to describe NG transmission from clients to their spouses. ResultsNG epidemiology in HSWNs displays two distinct patterns. In the common low-partner-number HSWNs, a significant proportion of NG incidence occurs among FSWs, with NG prevalence 13 times higher among FSWs than clients, and three times higher among clients than their spouses. Interventions substantially reduce incidence. Increasing condom use from 10 % to 50 % lowers NG prevalence among FSWs, clients, and their spouses from 12.2 % to 6.4 %, 1.2 % to 0.5 %, and 0.4 % to 0.2 %, respectively. Increasing symptomatic treatment coverage among FSWs from 0 % to 100 % decreases prevalence from 10.6 % to 4.5 %, 0.8 % to 0.4 %, and 0.3 % to 0.1 %, respectively. Increasing asymptomatic treatment coverage among FSWs from 0 % to 50 % decreases prevalence from 8.2 % to 0.4 %, 0.6 % to 0.1 %, and 0.2 % to 0.0 %, respectively, with very low prevalence when coverage exceeds 50 %. In high-partner-number HSWNs, prevalence among FSWs saturates at a high level, and the vast majority of incidence occurs among clients and their spouses, with a limited impact of incremental increases in interventions. ConclusionNG epidemiology in HSWNs is typically a "fragile epidemiology" that is responsive to a range of interventions even if the interventions are incremental, partially efficacious, and only applied to FSWs.

Health and non-health benefits and equity impacts of individual-level economic relief programs during epidemics/pandemics in high income settings: a scoping review

BackgroundEconomic relief programs are strategies designed to sustain societal welfare and population health during a regional or global scale infectious disease outbreak. While economic relief programmes are considered essential during a regional or global health crisis, there is no clear consensus in the literature about their health and non-health benefits and their impact on promoting equity.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review, searching eight electronic databases from January 01, 2001, to April 3, 2023, using text words and subject headings for recent pathogens (coronavirus (COVID-19), Ebola, Influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), HIV, West Nile, and Zika), and economic relief programs; but restricted eligibility to high-income countries and selected diseases due to volume. Title and abstract screening were conducted by trained reviewers and Distiller AI software. Data were extracted in duplicates by two trained reviewers using a pretested form, and key findings were charted using a narrative approach.ResultsWe identified 27,263 de-duplicated records, of which 50 were eligible. Included studies were on COVID-19 and Influenza, published between 2014 and 2023. Zero eligible studies were on MERS, SARS, Zika, Ebola, or West Nile Virus. We identified seven program types of which cash transfer (n = 12) and vaccination or testing incentive (n = 9) were most common. Individual-level economic relief programs were reported to have varying degrees of impact on public health measures, and sometimes affected population health outcomes. Expanding paid sick leave programs had the highest number of studies reporting health-related outcomes and positively impacted public health measures (isolation, vaccination uptake) and health outcomes (case counts and the utilization of healthcare services). Equity impact was most often reported for cash transfer programs and incentive for vaccination programs. Positive effects on general well-being and non-health outcomes included improved mental well-being and quality of life, food security, financial resilience, and job security.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that individual-level economic relief programs can have significant impacts on public health measures, population health outcomes and equity. As countries prepare for future pandemics, our findings provide evidence to stakeholders to recognize health equity as a fundamental public health goal when designing pandemic preparedness policies.

The Immigrant Mortality Advantage Among Over-65 Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants to the United States.

Immigrants to the United States often have longer life expectancies than their U.S.-born counterparts, however it is unclear whether a similar "immigrant advantage" exists for immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study uses a novel machine-learning name classifier to offer one of the first national-level examinations of MENA mortality patterns by nativity in the United States. A recurrent neural network model was developed to identify MENA individuals based on given name and surname characteristics. The model was trained on more than 2.5 million mortality-linked social security records in the Berkeley Unified Numident Mortality Database (BUNMD). Mortality rates and life expectancy were estimated using a Gompertz distribution and maximum likelihood estimation, focusing on high-coverage years between 1988 and 2005 and deaths over age 65. Foreign-born MENA men over 65 showed a significant immigrant mortality advantage with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.64 and an estimated 3.13 additional years of life expectancy at age 65 compared to U.S.-born counterparts. Foreign-born MENA women also exhibited an advantage, with a HR of 0.71 and an additional 2.24years of life expectancy at age 65. This study is one of the first national-level analyses of mortality outcomes among the over-65 MENA population in the United States, finding a MENA immigrant mortality advantage. The results suggest further research is needed to identify and disaggregate the MENA population in health research.

Targeting Monkeypox Virus Methyltransferase: Virtual Screening of Natural Compounds from Middle-Eastern Medicinal Plants.

Monkeypox is an infectious disease resulting from the monkeypox virus, and its fatality rate varies depending on the virus clade and the location of the outbreak. In monkeypox virus, methyltransferase (MTase) plays a crucial role in modifying the cap structure of viral mRNA. This alteration assists the virus in evading the host's immune system, enhances viral protein synthesis, and ultimately enables successful infection and replication within host cells. Given the significance of MTase in viral infection and spread within the host, our study aimed to identify a natural inhibitor for this enzyme using docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We collected a total of 12,971 natural compounds from 200 medicinal plants in the Middle East. After eliminating duplicate compounds, we had 5,749 unique ligand conformers, which we then subjected to high-throughput virtual screening against MTase. The most promising hits were further evaluated using the extra-precision (XP) tool. The affinity of these hits was also assessed by Prime-Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) tool. The analysis revealed that two standard controls (sinefungin and TO1119) and two Middle-Eastern compounds (folic acid and 1,2,4,6-tetragalloylglucose) exhibited the best XP docking scores. According to Prime MMGBSA calculations, the Middle-Eastern compounds showed higher affinities, with values of -60.61 kcal/mol for 1,2,4,6-tetragalloylglucose and -51.87 kcal/mol for folic acid, surpassing the controls (TO1119 at -35.71 kcal/mol and sinefungin at -31.51 kcal/mol). In the majority of Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, folic acid exhibited demonstrated greater stability than sinefungin. Further investigation revealed that folic acid occupied a critical position in the active site of MTase, which reduced its interaction with the mRNA substrate. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that folic acid is a highly promising natural compound for potential use in the cost-effective treatment of monkeypox virus. The identification of folic acid as a potential antiviral agent highlights the importance of nature in providing new therapeutic uses that have significant implications for global health, particularly in regions where monkeypox viral outbreaks are prevalent. However, it is essential to note that further wet-lab validations are necessary to confirm its efficacy for treatment in a medical context.

Placing the environment in Middle East studies: beyond the single story

ABSTRACT Crisis is a recurrent motif in discussions of the environment in the Middle East. Concerns about water scarcity, food insecurity, climate disasters, and resource degradation play into common associations of the region with conflict, malfunction, and despair. Yet this single story obscures as much as it illuminates. In this paper, I draw examples from my work on Nile water politics, climate change, and bread in Egypt to illustrate the power of this dominant narrative and its limitations. I reflect on the multiple stories that emerge when we shift our starting point or scale of analysis. I argue for the need to move beyond thinking about the environment just as a problem space to consider it as the space in which people are living their daily lives.

Impact of firm characteristics and country-level governance on global energy stocks during crises

Two successive crises have raised the need to understand the dynamics of the global energy sector during these crises. This study examines the effects of the Russia-Ukraine War (RUW) and the COVID-19 pandemic on the energy sector across developed and emerging markets. Additionally, it examines the role of firm- and country-specific variables in stimulating energy stocks. We employ a rigorous event study methodology to analyse data from 387 firms spanning 44 countries and reveal that the RUW exerted a more significant global impact on the energy sector compared to the pandemic, both before and after the event day. Notably, emerging markets displayed early reactions before the global announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, the American markets were hardest hit by the pandemic, while Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa fared relatively better. Intriguingly, our cross-sectional analysis demonstrates that firm-specific characteristics (leverage and firm size) and the country-level governance variable, corruption control, influenced market performance during these events. Conversely, country-level development variables demonstrated minimal impact. This study enhances the understanding of how global crises uniquely impact the global energy sector. It also demonstrates how country-level governance variables could influence stock market returns.

The role of inheritance risk management in family enterprises to achieve family businesses sustainability in the middle east

Transferring wealth and ownership in family businesses is a pivotal juncture that can either strengthen the family legacy or dismantle its foundations. However, this paper examines the effect of inheritance risk management and family business practices on family business sustainability. It also discusses the mediating role of regulatory environment in the Middle East. Nevertheless, quantitative analysis was used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of IRM and FBP on the regulatory environment and family business sustainability as well as the mediating role of the regulatory environment using a quantitative approach through a survey design. However, a total of 116 questionnaires were collected through purposive sampling from the responses. The study sample consisted of managers who were contacted through email and social networking sites. Moreover, Smart PLS 4.1.0.1 was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings indicate that IRM and FBP have significant and positive effects on the regulatory environment in terms of the sustainability of family businesses. The result also confirms the mediating effect of the regulatory environment. The results emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing family businesses both in addressing internal and external challenges as strategic planning, innovation and governance structures appear as key factors affecting the sustainability of family businesses. This study suggests avenues for future research and provides practical implications for decision-makers, policy makers, practitioners and academics seeking to develop family businesses and the long-term resilience of family businesses in the Middle East.

Climate change could fuel urinary schistosomiasis transmission in Africa and Europe.

The freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus is an important intermediate host for trematode parasites causing urogenital schistosomiasis, a tropical disease affecting over 150 million people. Despite its medical importance, uncertainty remains about its global distribution and the potential impacts of climate change on its future spread. Here, we investigate the distribution of B. truncatus, combining the outputs of correlative and mechanistic modelling methods to fully capitalize on both experimental and occurrence data of the species and to create a more reliable distribution forecast than ever constructed. We constructed ensemble correlative species distribution models using 273 occurrence points collected from different sources and a combination of climatic and (bio)physical environmental variables. Additionally, a mechanistic thermal suitability model was constructed, parameterized by recent life-history data obtained through extensive lab-based snail-temperature experiments and supplemented with an extensive literature review. Our findings reveal that the current suitable habitat for B. truncatus encompasses the Sahel region, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean segment of Africa, stretching from Southern Europe to Mozambique. Regions identified as suitable by both methods generally coincide with areas exhibiting high urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence. Model projections into the future suggest an overall net increase in suitable area of up to 17%. New suitable habitat is in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and large parts of Central Africa, while suitable habitat will be lost in the Sahel region. The change in snail habitat suitability may substantially increase the risk of urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in parts of Africa and Southern Europe while reducing it in the Sahel region.

Cracking the Code of Lumpy Skin Disease: Identifying Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Livestock Farmers.

The novel bovine viral infection known as lumpy skin disease is common in most African and Middle Eastern countries, with a significant likelihood of disease transfer to Asia and Europe. Recent rapid disease spread in formerly disease-free zones highlights the need of understanding disease limits and distribution mechanisms. Capripox virus, the causal agent, may also cause sheeppox and Goatpox. Even though the virus is expelled through several bodily fluids and excretions, the most common causes of infection include sperm and skin sores. Thus, vulnerable hosts are mostly infected mechanically by hematophagous arthropods such as biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. As a result, milk production lowers, abortions, permanent or temporary sterility, hide damage, and mortality occur, contributing to a massive financial loss for countries that raise cattle. These illnesses are economically significant because they affect international trade. The spread of Capripox viruses appears to be spreading because to a lack of effectual vaccinations and poverty in rural areas. Lumpy skin disease has reached historic levels; as a consequence, vaccination remains the only viable option to keep the illness from spreading in endemic as well as newly impacted areas. This study is intended to offer a full update on existing knowledge of the disease's pathological characteristics, mechanisms of spread, transmission, control measures, and available vaccinations.

Analyzing unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) attacks; a disaster medicine perspective

IntroductionUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, have rapidly become more diverse in capabilities and utilization through technology advancements and affordability. While drones have had significant positive impact on healthcare and consumer delivery particularly in remote and austere environments, Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) have increasingly used drones as weapons in planning and executing terrorist attacks resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We aim to analyze drone-related attacks globally against civilians and critical infrastructure for more effective hospital and prehospital care preparedness. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) from 1970 to 2020 to analyze the worldwide prevalence of drone-related attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure. Cases were excluded if they had insufficient information regarding a drone involvement, and if attacks were conducted by the government entities. The trends in the number of attacks per month, as well as the number of fatalities and injuries, were examined using time series and trend analysis. ResultsThe database search yielded 253 drone-related incidents, 173 of which met inclusion criteria. These incidents resulted in 92 fatalities and 215 injuries with civilian targets most commonly attacked by drones (76 events, 44%), followed by military (46 events, 27%). The Middle East region was most affected (168 events, 97% of attacks) and the Islamic state of Iraq was the most common perpetrator (106 events, 61%). Almost all attacks were by explosive devices attached to drones (172 events). Time series with linear trend analyses suggested an upward trends of drone attacks from VNSAs, resulting in a greater number of injuries and fatalities, that became more frequent over the years.” ConclusionsOvertime, there were upward trends of drone attacks, with higher lethality and morbidity. There were more injuries compared to fatalities. Most common region affected was the Middle East, and most common type of weapon employed by drone technology was explosive. Investment in medical personnel training, security, and research is crucial for an effective mass-casualty incident response after the drone attacks.