Hebron University is a non profit, public university in the city of Hebron, West Bank. It has an undergraduate enrollment of more than ten thousand students.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory condition caused by a single-gene mutation, inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, and characterized by recurrent episodes of self-limited inflammation. Studies suggest that vitamin D levels may be lower in FMF patients, but evidence remains unclear. This study aims to assess the relationship between FMF and serum vitamin D levels. We followed PRISMA guidelines and registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD420261299635). We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2025 for observational studies comparing FMF patients with healthy controls. Our main outcomes were serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and C-reactive protein (CRP). We combined the data as mean differences using a random-effects model. Ten studies (563 FMF patients) were included. The pooled analysis showed a significant drop in vitamin D levels in FMF patients compared to healthy controls. However, there was high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 89
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an acute neurological condition characterized by a spectrum of clinical and radiological features. It is most often associated with severe hypertension, renal dysfunction, autoimmune disease, sepsis, and exposure to cytotoxic or immunosuppressive agents. Although increasingly recognized in emergency and critical care practice, its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood and diagnostic challenges frequently delay treatment. Reported mortality ranges from 10 to 19
Background and Aims:Organ donation is a vital component of modern healthcare, yet its acceptance varies across populations. Understanding perceptions among future generations and educators is crucial for effective awareness initiatives. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness regarding organ donation among high school students and teachers in the West Bank, Palestine. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 participants (370 high school students and 138 teachers) between March and May 2025. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire following ethical approval. Electronic informed consent was obtained, and anonymity was maintained. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Results:Participants reported moderate mean scores for attitudes (24.16 ± 7.995) and knowledge (6.87 ± 1.598). Students had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than teachers (7.01 vs. 6.51; p = 0.004). Willingness to donate to strangers (students: 20.0%, teachers: 12.3%) or register at a donation center (students: 28.4%, teachers: 39.1%) was low. Among students, gender was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitudes (p = 0.02). Among teachers, urban residence was associated with knowledge (p = 0.002) and attitudes (p = 0.03). Key influencing factors included family support, religious guidance, and low trust in the healthcare system. Conclusion:This study reveals a significant gap between knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to donate organs. Culturally tailored educational programs, religious engagement, and enhanced trust in the healthcare system are essential to promote organ donation in Palestine.
Medical students often face significant psychological and lifestyle challenges during examination periods, including sleep disruption, increased caffeine intake, altered dietary habits, low physical activity, and higher tobacco use. These behaviors may influence academic performance, yet evidence remains inconsistent. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2025 among 403 medical students from five universities in Palestine. Data were collected via an Arabic-language, self-administered online questionnaire covering sociodemographic, dietary and beverage habits, smoking, sleep, and physical activity. Academic performance was self-reported for the last two semesters. Statistical analysis included correlation, Mann–Whitney U, and regression models to assess relationships between lifestyle behaviors and academic performance. Participants reported low sleep duration (< 7 h/day: 89.3
BackgroundJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatologic disease of childhood and includes a heterogeneous group of subtypes with varying clinical presentations, laboratory profiles, and outcomes. Data from the Middle East, including Palestine, remain limited. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and short-term outcomes between oligoarticular and non-oligoarticular JIA and to identify factors associated with disease subtype and six-month remission or relapse.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at pediatric rheumatology centers in Hebron, Palestine, including children diagnosed with JIA between January 2019 and August 2025. ILAR criteria were used for subtype classification. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were extracted from medical records. The primary outcome was remission or relapse at six months based on Wallace criteria. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression to identify variables associated with subtype and relapse.ResultsA total of 171 children were included. Persistent oligoarticular JIA was the most common subtype (38.0%), followed by polyarticular RF-negative (PRF-) (22.8%) and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) (14.6%). Systemic JIA patients tended to have a younger age at onset and demonstrated a higher inflammatory burden. Knee arthritis was the most frequent joint involvement (63.7%), and extra-articular manifestations, particularly oral ulcers, rash, and uveitis, differed across subtypes. NSAIDs were used in 62.0% of patients, methotrexate in 79.5%, and biologics in 22.2%. After six months, 53.8% achieved remission while 46.2% relapsed, with systemic JIA and PRF- showing the highest relapse rates. Multivariable analysis showed that younger age, knee involvement, lower ESR, and six-month remission were independently associated with the oligoarticular subtype. Predictors of relapse included PRF- subtype, systemic JIA, and family history of rheumatologic disease.ConclusionThis study provides the first detailed characterization of JIA in Palestinian children, highlighting clinically meaningful differences between subtypes and identifying factors associated with remission and relapse. Systemic and PRF- JIA were linked to higher inflammatory activity and poorer short-term outcomes. These findings may support improved risk stratification and therapeutic planning and demonstrate the importance of long-term prospective studies in the region.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.
