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.

Introductionlittle is known about the impact of conflict or war on Palestinian mental health professionals, as well as their strategies for dealing with these problems. Given the continuous war in Palestine, the purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and coping strategies among healthcare professionals.MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional research design. Self-reported questionnaires included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief COPE scale was used. The relationships between the study’s variables were examined using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression.ResultsA total of 713 health professionals were recruited. Anxiety and depression had a prevalence of 51.5% and 45.3%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that those who utilized self-distraction, active coping, substance use, emotional support, and acceptance as coping strategies were less likely to suffer depression. Also, participants who employed denial, venting, and planning as coping strategies were more likely to develop depression. In addition, males were less likely to experience anxiety than females, and those who utilized emotional support and acceptance as coping mechanisms were less likely to feel anxious. However, participants who utilized denial, behavioral disengagement, venting, and planning were more likely to experience anxiety.ConclusionThe findings revealed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among health professionals during wartime and political violence. As a result, health professionals need assistance in enhancing their mental well-being through psychological support, psychotherapy, and comprehensive training in stressor management.

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%.