DR. ALEX D. AMMAR, MD

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This study looked at three different methods for giving insulin to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adults. It found that one method, variable-rate weight-adjusted IV insulin infusion without a bolus, caused hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in 36.2% of patients, while another method with a bolus had a 23.9% rate, and the method without a bolus had only 6.8%. The method without a bolus also resolved DKA faster than the other two methods, making it a better option overall. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients with diabetes by providing insights on safer insulin treatment methods.

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This study looked at central neurocytoma (CNC), a type of brain tumor, by analyzing data from 104 patients in Saudi Arabia treated over 25 years. Researchers found that 5 years after treatment, 91.7% of patients were still alive, and 81.7% were able to live independently. Larger tumors negatively impacted survival chances, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with CNC and their doctors by providing insights into treatment outcomes and the significance of tumor size.

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This study looked at how a 90-minute nap affects the performance and well-being of professional soccer players during practice matches. The results showed that after napping, players covered more ground, had lower heart rates, felt less fatigued, and reported better mood and alertness. Specifically, players in the nap group ran on average 11.2% more distance, had a resting heart rate that was 7 beats per minute lower, and experienced a 1.1-point drop in perceived exertion after games, making them more effective on the field. Who this helps: This benefits professional soccer players by enhancing their performance and recovery.

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This study looked at how different properties of chemicals called PFAS (used in many industrial applications) and different types of soil affect how these chemicals move through the ground. Researchers tested 13 different PFAS in 10 kinds of soil and found that the movement of these substances can vary widely. Specifically, the ability of PFAS to stick to soil particles (measured as "K" values) ranged significantly, with some chemicals moving through soil much faster than others, depending on the soil's mineral and organic content. Who this helps: This research helps environmental scientists and policymakers understand PFAS behavior in soil, which is crucial for preventing groundwater contamination.

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This study looked at how two types of radiation therapy (long-course and short-course) affect the immune response in patients with advanced rectal cancer. Researchers found that patients receiving short-course radiation had increased lymphocyte levels and higher densities of specific immune cells (CD8+ and FOXP3+) in their tumors compared to those receiving long-course radiation. This is important because it shows that short-course radiation may be more effective in boosting the immune response against cancer, which could lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

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This study focused on creating and testing a French version of the Ghosting Questionnaire (GHOST), which measures the experience of being "ghosted," or cut off from communication without explanation. Involving 274 French-speaking adults from Bahrain and Tunisia, researchers found that the new French GHOST is reliable and accurately reflects experiences related to ghosting, showing strong connections to existing measures of emotional impact. This matters because it gives researchers and healthcare professionals a useful tool to understand how ghosting affects people in French-speaking areas. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience ghosting and the doctors and therapists who support them.

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This study focused on adapting a tool called the Mental Fatigue Scale to measure mental fatigue in Turkish athletes, involving 491 participants aged between 15 and 24. The research found that this scale is reliable and valid for both adults and adolescents, meaning it consistently measures mental fatigue well; it achieves a high reliability score of 0.88 and shows strong agreement when tested again after two weeks (0.90). This tool is important as it helps coaches and sports scientists effectively assess how mentally fatigued athletes are, which can impact their performance and well-being. Who this helps: Athletes, coaches, and sports scientists.

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This study compared two different treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF)—pulsed field ablation (PFA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA). Researchers found that PFA takes around 14 minutes less to complete than CBA and leads to fewer complications; specifically, for every 100 patients, PFA reduces the risk of complications by about half. Additionally, at the one-year mark, PFA showed a lower chance of AF returning compared to CBA. Who this helps: Patients with atrial fibrillation seeking safer and more efficient treatment options.

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This study looked at the genetic causes of congenital heart defects in 20 Tunisian patients who had additional syndromic conditions. Researchers used advanced testing methods and found harmful genetic changes in four patients, including large deletions and duplications of DNA sections that could explain their heart problems. These findings are important because they can help improve diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling for affected families. Who this helps: Patients with congenital heart defects and their families.

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This research focused on creating a new tool called pyBiodatafuse that helps scientists combine and analyze various types of biomedical data more easily. The tool allows researchers to build customized graphs based on specific data, such as gene information, without needing advanced technical skills. By demonstrating its effectiveness through a graph related to post-COVID syndrome, the study shows that pyBiodatafuse can simplify the research process and enhance data integration. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working with complex biomedical data.

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This study looked at how beetroot juice and creatine affect short-term performance in resistance training, such as bench presses and squats, over three days of supplementation. Creatine significantly increased the number of repetitions performed at a high intensity, but beetroot juice showed better results for speed, oxygen levels in muscles, heart rates, and recovery. Specifically, beetroot juice produced 3 to 4 times higher benefits for oxygen saturation and recovery compared to a placebo. Who this helps: This helps athletes and individuals looking to improve their workout performance and recovery.

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This study compared the risks of bleeding in patients taking apixaban versus aspirin after experiencing a cryptogenic stroke. Over 1,000 patients were followed for about 1.8 years, finding that 11.3% had bleeding incidents, with apixaban associated with significantly fewer cases of dangerous intracranial bleeding than aspirin (less by about 1.4%). The findings are important because they suggest that apixaban may be a safer option for these patients, potentially reducing serious bleeding risks. Who this helps: Patients recovering from cryptogenic stroke at risk for bleeding.

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This study focuses on a new software library called QMCkl that helps improve quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations, which are crucial for accurately understanding the behavior of electrons in materials. Researchers found that QMCkl allows for faster and more efficient computations—providing significant speed improvements in energy evaluations and maintaining accuracy, making the simulations easier to replicate across various software setups. This is important because it streamlines complex calculations in quantum chemistry, benefiting scientific research and development. Who this helps: Patients and doctors working on new medical technologies and treatments that rely on advanced materials and quantum chemistry.

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This study looked at how religious, moral, and spiritual intelligence affect people's feelings about death and their overall life satisfaction. It found that spiritual intelligence plays the biggest role in reducing death anxiety, with 88.3% of its effect on life satisfaction being related to how well someone understands and practices spirituality. This is important because it shows that enhancing spiritual intelligence can significantly improve how people cope with death and feel satisfied with their lives. Who this helps: This benefits patients and individuals facing death anxiety, as well as mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how well radiologists and advanced AI models could tell the difference between real X-rays and those generated by a program called ChatGPT. Out of 17 radiologists, only 41% spotted the fake ones initially, and overall accuracy in telling real from fake didn’t improve significantly after they were informed of the study's purpose, with scores averaging between 70% and 75%. Meanwhile, some AI models performed better than others: one model correctly identified 85% of the synthetic images, while another only got 56% right. This is important because it shows that both doctors and machines struggle to detect these realistic fake images, highlighting the need for better training to recognize them. Who this helps: This helps radiologists and patients relying on accurate medical imaging for diagnoses.

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This study looked at how support from both parents and coaches affects the mental health and self-control of young football players. Researchers found that players who received support from both sources experienced significant improvements: depression decreased by 45.77%, anxiety dropped by 46.55%, and stress levels fell by 48.29%. Additionally, players improved their self-regulation by 66.38%. This is important because it shows that coordinated support can greatly enhance the mental well-being of young athletes. Who this helps: This benefits adolescent football players and their families.

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This study focused on creating and testing the Arabic version of a tool called the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, which measures social connections among older adults. After testing this tool on 327 Arabic-speaking individuals aged 60 and over, researchers found it to be reliable and valid, with a strong internal consistency score of 0.83 and the ability to identify four different patterns of social connections. This is important because understanding social connections can help improve the well-being of older adults who might be at risk of social isolation. Who this helps: This helps older Arabic-speaking adults.

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This study looked at the antioxidant properties and types of healthy compounds in 56 traditional Mediterranean recipes from eight different countries. Researchers found that Mediterranean recipes had much higher antioxidant capacity compared to non-Mediterranean recipes, with over 80% of the antioxidants coming from non-extractable sources, which are often overlooked. This research highlights the importance of traditional Mediterranean foods as not just tasty, but also as potential functional foods that can contribute significantly to a healthy diet. Who this helps: Patients looking for healthier dietary options.

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This study looked at how much extra space doctors need to leave when planning radiation treatment for prostate cancer patients using a specific technique called VMAT. The researchers found that they could reduce the usual safety margin from 3 mm to just 0 mm on the sides and 2 mm up and down without risking the effectiveness of the treatment. This is important because it can lead to safer treatments with fewer side effects for patients. Who this helps: This helps prostate cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

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This study looked at two methods for managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adults treated with intravenous insulin to see which one leads to fewer low blood sugar episodes (hypoglycemia). They found that using the MULTIPLE nomogram resulted in only 6.8% of patients experiencing hypoglycemia, compared to 21.4% of those using the SINGLE nomogram, indicating that MULTIPLE is significantly safer. However, both methods had similar times for resolving DKA and rates of patients needing further treatment, which shows that while MULTIPLE is safer, it doesn't speed up recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how tart cherry juice might help athletes recover from muscle damage caused by exercise. Researchers reviewed data from 19 trials and found that drinking tart cherry juice significantly improved muscle recovery at different times after exercise, with the biggest improvement seen 96 hours later. This is important because faster recovery can help athletes get back to training and performing sooner, potentially enhancing their overall performance. Who this helps: Athletes looking for effective recovery strategies.

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This study examined how well a new non-invasive imaging technique called electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi) can identify the heart areas responsible for certain types of fast heartbeats known as scar-dependent ventricular tachycardia (VT). Researchers found that ECGi correctly matched the location of the problem areas 67% of the time and located them near existing heart scars in 85% of cases. These findings suggest that using ECGi can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of treating patients with VT. Who this helps: This benefits patients with scar-dependent ventricular tachycardia and their doctors by improving treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at a protein called PAPP-A in breast cancer patients, focusing on how its levels affect survival, especially in those with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancer. The researchers found that high levels of PAPP-A are linked to lower chances of surviving the cancer: for ER+ patients, there was a 39% increased risk of dying from the cancer with high PAPP-A levels (HR 1.389), and in another group of ER+ invasive lobular carcinoma patients, the risk was 77% higher (HR 1.765). Understanding PAPP-A's role helps doctors predict patient outcomes better and could guide treatment choices. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with breast cancer, particularly those with estrogen receptor-positive cases.

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This study looked at how fasting during Ramadan affects the performance and wellbeing of soccer players during small-sided games. Researchers found that while fasting didn't significantly impact overall game performance, players experienced higher heart rates and felt more tired and sore when they played while fasting, especially in the afternoon. Notably, fasting also reduced their sleep duration by about 45 minutes and led to increased feelings of sleepiness and insomnia. Who this helps: This research benefits soccer players and coaches by providing insights on how to manage training and performance during Ramadan.

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This study examined the effects of beetroot juice and creatine on strength, heart function, and muscle oxygen levels during intense exercise. Researchers found that beetroot juice improved muscle oxygenation more than creatine, especially at higher exercise levels, indicating that it could be a better supplement for enhancing performance. This matters because better oxygenation can lead to improved exercise outcomes and overall fitness. Who this helps: This benefits athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance.

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This research looked at how reliable the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) is for measuring how attentive people are to their body processes. After analyzing data from 15 studies with over 4,000 participants, the researchers found that the BAQ has a high internal consistency score of 0.84 and strong test-retest reliability also at 0.84. This means that the BAQ is a dependable tool for assessing body awareness across different groups of people. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers who use the BAQ to understand body awareness in various populations.

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This paper looks at scoping reviews, which are research methods used to answer broad questions about a topic and highlight what is known and what is missing in the existing literature. The study explains that scoping reviews help researchers navigate complex areas and decide whether a more detailed systematic review is needed. This matters because it helps improve the quality of research and ensures that healthcare decisions are based on thorough and up-to-date information. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals seeking to understand or evaluate medical literature.

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This study looked at whether a person's hand preference (right or left-handedness) and other preferences related to laterality affect how severe their stroke is. Researchers evaluated 98 stroke patients and found that while most were right-handed, there was no clear link between laterality and how severe their strokes were. However, left-handedness appeared more often in patients with unhealthy cholesterol levels, which are tied to more severe strokes. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and researchers looking to understand stroke risk factors and improve patient outcomes.

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This study looked at the factors affecting people's health by analyzing data from over 4,000 participants across Mediterranean countries. They found that about 25% of participants were at risk of or had diseases, with obesity and underweight significantly increasing these risks—people who are underweight were 5.2 times more likely and those who are obese were 2.2 times more likely to have health issues. Importantly, factors like life satisfaction, good sleep quality, and following a Mediterranean diet improved health, suggesting that both mental and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those at risk for non-communicable diseases.

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This study focuses on improving the mapping and treatment of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) by using a new method called peak frequency (PF) to analyze heart signals. The researchers found that applying PF helped to accurately identify different types of electrical signals in the heart, which can improve treatment outcomes. This is important because better mapping can lead to more effective procedures for patients with heart rhythm problems. Who this helps: Patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

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Researchers studied how well people from 10 Mediterranean and neighboring countries follow the Mediterranean lifestyle, which includes healthy eating, physical activity, and social participation. They found that Spain had the highest adherence scores, with many Spaniards showing a strong commitment to this lifestyle, while countries in North Africa had lower adherence. There were also major differences in mental health and social participation, with some regions reporting higher levels of depression and less social involvement. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and researchers developing tailored health programs for diverse populations.

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This study focused on a newly recognized mental health condition called atimiaphobia, which is the intense fear of losing honor or being called shameless, particularly in cultures where honor is highly valued. Researchers developed and tested the Atimiaphobia Scale with 1,232 participants, finding it to be a reliable tool with excellent validity (scores indicating strong agreement). They discovered that women, married individuals, and older adults experience higher levels of this fear, which highlights the significant impact of cultural factors on mental health. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with mental health issues linked to honor and shame cultures, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on clarifying the condition known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overdrainage in patients with hydrocephalus who are treated with shunts. Researchers found that overdrainage appears differently in different age groups, leading to the creation of specific definitions for infants, young children, older children, and adults based on symptoms and findings. This standardized definition will improve diagnosis and treatment consistency for patients experiencing this complication. Who this helps: This helps patients with hydrocephalus and their doctors by providing clear guidelines for managing CSF overdrainage.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new scoring system, called the NICVD-NQ Score, to predict short-term complications in patients who undergo a specific heart procedure (primary PCI) after a severe type of heart attack known as STEMI. Among nearly 2,840 patients, about 18% experienced major adverse events within approximately eight months, and the new score was found to be better than older methods at predicting these risks. This matters because it can help doctors better identify patients at risk, allowing for improved treatment and care. Who this helps: This helps patients with STEMI and their doctors by providing a more accurate way to assess their risks after treatment.

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This study looked at how people's quality of life changed before and after surgery for Cushing's disease, which affects cortisol levels. Out of 34 patients, most saw improvements in their physical and emotional health after surgery, but 5 patients actually experienced declines in their quality of life. Understanding these changes is important because it shows the need for better support for patients before and after their surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Cushing's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how adding music to strength training could help adolescents with visual impairment improve their physical fitness and balance. Researchers found that after 8 weeks, those who trained with music performed significantly better on various fitness tests, such as doing sit-to-stand exercises and balancing on one leg, compared to those who only did strength training. This matters because enhanced physical fitness can lead to greater independence and improved daily living for these adolescents. Who this helps: This helps adolescents with visual impairment and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how physical activity and sitting time relate to the Mediterranean lifestyle among over 4,000 adults in Mediterranean countries. It found that more physical activity was linked to living in rural areas and having a better diet, while longer sitting time was associated with higher education and body weight. These findings emphasize the need for lifestyle strategies that promote both activity and social participation to improve overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health and wellness.

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This research looked at how combining a healthy diet with physical activity affects health outcomes in people who are overweight or obese. The study found that combined programs were more effective than just diet or exercise alone, leading to better results in weight loss and fitness. For example, long-term programs reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about 50% and showed the best outcomes when they lasted 6-12 months and included structured support. Who this helps: This benefits patients trying to manage their weight or improve their health, especially those at risk for type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at two surgical methods—intramedullary nailing (IMN) and plate fixation (DCP)—to treat broken upper arm bones in older adults. Researchers analyzed 55 patients and found that while IMN surgery was quicker (about 60 minutes compared to 106 minutes for DCP), DCP led to better recovery scores for function despite a slightly higher risk of infection. Overall, DCP appears to be more beneficial for complex fractures in older patients, as it offers better functional outcomes. Who this helps: This helps older patients with arm fractures and doctors in choosing the best treatment option.

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This study examined how adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) during hemodialysis sessions could improve exercise capacity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Over 12 weeks, patients using NMES showed a 20% increase in stamina and a 30% boost in muscle strength compared to those who did not use the treatment. These improvements mean patients can exercise more effectively, which is important for their overall health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with end-stage renal disease.

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This study looked at how well people in Germany and Turkey follow the Mediterranean lifestyle, which includes healthy eating, physical activity, and social participation. Researchers surveyed over 1,180 adults, finding that 45% of Germans and 56% of Turks had medium adherence to the Mediterranean diet. While both groups had similar overall adherence, Turks were better at eating healthier foods, while Germans were more active and faced different challenges in following the diet. Who this helps: This information is useful for health professionals and organizations designing programs to promote healthy lifestyles in different cultural contexts.

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This study focused on creating and validating a new tool called the Concise Midlife Crisis Measure (CMCM), which helps assess midlife crisis experiences in people. The research involved 470 participants, and about 32.6% showed high levels of symptoms associated with midlife crises. The CMCM was found to be reliable and valid, meaning it works well for identifying these emotional challenges, which is important for better understanding and supporting individuals during this life stage. Who this helps: Patients experiencing midlife crises and the doctors who treat them.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new tool called the Coffee Use Disorder and Coffee Addiction Scale (CUDCAS) to measure how excessive coffee consumption affects people. Researchers surveyed 523 participants and found that CUDCAS is a reliable measure, with an internal consistency score of 0.86. They also discovered that higher coffee consumption correlated with insomnia (34% correlation) and anxiety (32% correlation). Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand and address coffee-related issues more effectively.

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This study looked at how effective a school-based physical activity program is for children aged 8 to 14 from five different countries, focusing on their body weight and fitness gains. Over six months, children in Egypt and Spain with overweight and obesity saw significant improvements, with a 4% decrease in BMI in Egypt and 2% in Spain, while children in Lebanon and Italy experienced slight weight gain. The research underscores the need to customize physical activity programs to fit local cultures and the specific needs of different groups, especially for children with obesity who might benefit from additional support like nutrition education. Who this helps: This helps children, particularly those with obesity, their parents, and educators involved in their physical health.

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This study explored how parents' knowledge about food, their attitudes towards healthy eating, and the challenges they face influence their children's ability to follow the Mediterranean diet. Researchers examined responses from over 2,000 participants and found a strong link between children's diet and factors like parental food knowledge (with a significant increase of 0.180 in adherence for each point increase in knowledge) and the perception of barriers and enablers (a 0.135 increase) to healthy eating. These findings highlight the crucial role parents play in shaping healthy eating habits in their children. Who this helps: This helps parents and families aiming to improve their children's nutrition.

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This study examined the effects of creatine supplementation on strength and recovery in resistance-trained male athletes. Over three days, participants took either creatine or a placebo, and those on creatine were able to complete more repetitions and showed better performance in exercises like bench press and squats. Specifically, they performed significantly better at varying intensities and experienced less muscle soreness compared to the placebo group. Who this helps: This benefits athletes looking to improve their strength and speed up recovery after workouts.

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This study looked at how fasting during Ramadan affects the mental health of Muslim athletes. Researchers found that the changes in their eating, sleeping, and training can significantly impact their mental well-being, and they recommend regularly checking in on athletes' mental health using various methods, including weekly quality of life assessments and daily mood checks. This matters because understanding and responding to athletes' mental health needs can help them perform better and stay healthy during Ramadan. Who this helps: This helps athletes, coaches, and sports medical professionals.