Al-Quds University

Abstract Background Minor exomphalos is a rare congenital abdominal wall defect < 5 cm. The condition is characterized by protrusion of abdominal organs covered with amnion, Wharton’s jelly and parietal peritoneum. Its association with a patent vitellointestinal duct is exceedingly uncommon with only 30 cases reported in literature. Methods We present a unique case report and a systematic review of similar existing case reports. A systematic review was conducted from inception to April 2025, adhering to PRISMA guidelines to include case reports of neonates with minor exomphalos and a patent vitellointestinal duct. The search was done on Pubmed, BMJ case reports, International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, Journal of surgical case reports, Taylor&Francis, and web of science. Results A preterm male neonate (34 + 4 weeks, 2.2 kg) born to a diabetic mother presented with a minor omphalocele exhibiting meconium discharge. Surgical exploration on day two of admission revealed a Meckel diverticulum with a patent vitellointestinal duct (PVID). Resection of the Meckel diverticulum with end-to-end ileo-ileal anastomosis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 14th day. Our initial search yielded 673 studies, with 20 case reports (25 patients) meeting the inclusion criteria. The mean gestational age was 38.18 ± 1.53 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 2.84 ± 0.65 kg. Meckel diverticulum was associated in 40% of cases, and other system anomalies in 44%. Standard treatment was surgical fistulectomy with end-to-end anastomosis (44%) or diverticulectomy with fistulectomy and anastomosis (36%). One case was managed conservatively initially. Postoperative outcomes were generally favorable (80% uneventful), with one mortality reported. Conclusion Our case report and systematic review highlight the demographics, symptomatology, and management of exomphalos minor with PVID. It can be concluded from our review that most cases are males from the southeast countries and that prompt surgical management is necessary. Graphical Abstract

ABSTRACT Clinical research validity depends critically on sound sampling methodology and adequate sample size determination, yet many published studies demonstrate deficiencies in these fundamental aspects. This educational review addresses sampling techniques and sample size calculations in clinical research. The review covers probability sampling approaches, including simple random, systematic random, stratified, and cluster sampling methods, contrasting these with non‐probability techniques such as convenience, purposive, snowball, and quota sampling. For each method, we discuss implementation strategies, inherent biases, and appropriate clinical applications. Sample size determination principles are presented across multiple study designs, encompassing cross‐sectional prevalence studies, case–control investigations, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and correlational analyses. Key statistical concepts, including Type I and Type II errors, statistical power, effect size estimation, and variance considerations, are also explained. Additionally, some available software tools for sample size calculation are outlined to facilitate implementation. This review ultimately provides clinical researchers with essential knowledge to make informed methodological decisions that enhance study quality and contribute to the evidence base for healthcare decision‐making.

Latent heat storage systems are hindered by the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) and the limited adaptability of current designs. In this study, a novel triangular-rib enhanced heat storage system was developed. To evaluate system performance, two artificial neural network (ANN) models were trained to predict the melting time at 50% and 100% liquid fractions as functions of tube diameter, system orientation, and orifice size. The ANN models exhibited high predictive accuracy, with R2 values of 0.996 (50% melting) and 0.992 (complete melting), RMSE values of 69.55 s and 20.37 s, and MAE values of 42.86 s and 15.93 s, respectively. Coupling the ANN outputs with a genetic algorithm enabled single- and multi-objective optimizations, yielding two optimal configurations. The ribbed designs significantly outperformed the core design, achieving complete melting in less than 5 h, while the core design reached only about 48% liquid fraction in the same period. These designs also enhanced stored energy by approximately 75% compared to the core design. A cost analysis further showed that the payback period decreased significantly from 972 days for the core design to about 842 days for optimized configurations, corresponding to an improvement of 13.4%.

BackgroundEducation is one of the many facets of daily life that have been severely interrupted by the ongoing conflict in Palestine since October 7, 2023. Assessing the efficacy and difficulties of electronic distance learning (EDL) requires an understanding of undergraduate nursing students' experiences with it during this period.AimThe study aimed to assess the levels of satisfaction, awareness, attitudes, preferences, and barriers towards EDL distance learning among undergraduate nursing students during the war.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess the levels of satisfaction, awareness, attitudes, preferences, and barriers toward EDL among undergraduate nursing students.ResultsA total of 292 nursing students participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants demonstrated an overall positive attitude toward EDL (M = 3.02, SD = 0.529), particularly regarding flexibility and ease of use. However, overall satisfaction with EDL was low (M = 2.84, SD = 0.885), revealing a clear contrast between favorable perceptions and actual learning satisfaction. Most students (80.9%) were aware of EDL. Infrastructural barriers were the most prominent challenges, with electricity shortages (64.7%), high internet costs (62.7%), and poor connectivity (61.6%) dominating the EDL experience. Satisfaction levels differed significantly by sex, age group, and digital tool used; however, causal inferences are limited due to the cross-sectional design.ConclusionThe study's findings highlight how crucial it is to continue planning and coming up with solutions that both fill in the gaps in EDL and capitalize on its benefits. The educational institution decision-makers should give this issue a top priority and create a blended learning system to improve communication between instructors and students. Taking into account the security of students during pandemics and wars.

Poor glycemic control and inadequate self-management drive the global diabetes mellitus (DM) burden. In conflict-affected Palestine, structural barriers worsen outcomes, yet diabetes management self-efficacy (DMSE) remains understudied. To assess diabetes management self-efficacy and glycemic control, their interrelationship, and the independent predictors of each among patients with diabetes mellitus in conflict-affected Palestine. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 adults with type 1 or type 2 DM attending governmental diabetes clinics in the Hebron governorate, West Bank, Palestine. Data were collected using the Arabic-validated Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES) and a structured clinical questionnaire. Non-parametric tests and two multiple linear regression models were applied to identify independent predictors, with HbA1c and DMSE scores specified as the two dependent variables. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was suboptimal (median = 7.50, IQR = 2.30), while DMSE was moderate (median = 3.45/5, IQR = 1.10). Blood glucose management was the strongest subdomain, whereas physical exercise was the weakest. Former smoking (β = 0.202, 95