Explore our latest publications to see how we are pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge.
MARS-Global publications offer significant findings that contribute to improved patient outcomes and healthcare solutions.

A study examining Marburg virus disease (MVD) knowledge, attitudes, and practices in sub-Saharan African countries found that Tanzanians had the highest knowledge (89%), followed by Kenyans (26%). Factors affecting knowledge included marital status, knowledge of MVD transmission, and knowledge of working habits.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Abdominal Ultrasonographic Sliding Sign in the Evaluation of Severe Intra-Abdominal Adhesions involving the Uterus in Women Undergoing Repeat Cesarean Delivery
The study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the transabdominal ultrasonography sliding sign in diagnosing severe intra-abdominal adhesions with repeated Cesarian delivery. Results showed low sensitivity and high specificity, making it a practical method.

Presentation and Outcomes of Pediatric Myocarditis in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Pediatric myocarditis, a rare condition, is linked to high morbidity and mortality rates in emergency departments. A systematic review and meta-analysis found common clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and outcomes, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Effectiveness of a single dose of JYNNEOS vaccine in real world: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of 11 studies found that a single dose of JYNNEOS vaccine, containing a 78.23% estimated efficacy rate, can protect recipients from mpox infection. However, more research and ongoing surveillance are needed to understand the reasons behind breakthrough infections and improve immunization strategies for better protection against mpox. The findings highlight the need for further research and surveillance.

Closed (Verres needle) vs. open (Hasson cannula) approach to creating pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with no previous abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
A meta-analysis reveals open laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers quicker access to the pneumoperitoneum but has higher risks of complications like gas leakage and wound infection, requiring careful evaluation.

Estimating the Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases and Adherence to Dietary Habits and Physical Activity Among Healthcare Professionals in the Middle East and North Africa Regions
A study of 7130 Middle East and North African Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) found high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and smoking. Nutritionists were the most active, with 45.3% walking 150 minutes or more per week. This highlights the need for improved health behavior among HCPs.

Lumbar spine coronal balance parameters as a predictor of rehabilitation management outcomes in patients with radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation: A multicenter prospective case series study
A study in five UAE physiotherapy clinics found that age, education, and radiographic lumbar spine alignment significantly impacted conservative therapy outcomes in patients with lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Younger age, less education, and better coronal radiological lumbar spine alignment significantly impacted the likelihood of success in 6-month outcomes.

Advancing temporal sepsis biomarking: Covariate vascular endothelial growth factor A and B gene expression profiling in a murine model of SARS-CoV infection
The study investigates variations in VEGF-A/B gene expression following SARS-CoV MA15 disease initiation. Results show significant differences in TNF, VEGF-A, and VEGF-B expression between groups and over time. The study suggests that VEGF-A exhibits a more consistent response to SARS MA15 infection, despite the limited specificity of standard inflammatory biomarkers.

ACTIVE VS. CONVALESCENT KAWASAKI DISEASE: COMPREHENSIVE MOLECULAR INSIGHTS
The study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Kawasaki disease.

Infectious Disease Management in Pediatric Emergency Departments in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of Diagnostic Tools, Treatment Protocols, and Preventive Measures
This review examines the challenges faced by Pediatric Emergency Departments in low- and middle-income countries in managing infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches.

Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for Brain Delivery of Bioactives in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's cause neuron loss, affecting motor and cognitive functions. Lipid-based nanocarriers may improve brain targeting and ease BBB transportation, but no authorized nanoformulas target the CNS. Challenges include safety, formula availability, and reliable evidence.

Diagnostic performance of AI-based models versus physicians among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis compared AI models and clinicians in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma. Results showed high sensitivity and specificity for RCNN models, while AI-assisted contrast-enhanced ultrasound models had poor accuracy. Faster R-CNN models excel in image classification and data extraction.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare work force in the Middle East region C-S study
The study assesses depression, anxiety, and stress levels among the healthcare workforce in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved 4,845 healthcare workers from 11 countries. The prevalence of depression was 70.9, anxiety was 70.9, and stress was 61.4. The study highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers.

Employment and Health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region During COVID Pandemic: A Multicenter Cross- Sectional Study
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the MENA region's labor force, leading to significant job losses and health issues. Work attendance dropped significantly, and many workers did not take necessary measures. The study suggests that COVID-19 may have intensified inequalities, emphasizing the need to monitor and reverse this decline.

Perception towards vaccine effectiveness in controlling COVID-19 spread in rural and urban communities: A global survey
This study explores perceptions of vaccine effectiveness in rural and urban communities across various countries. Results show 64% agree the vaccine effectively controls viral spread, with 23% believing there's no need for vaccination. Understanding these determinants is crucial for effective COVID-19 prevention and transmission.

Clinical Characteristics, Outcomes, and Prognosis among Cancer Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Single-Center Study at Sohag Cancer Center
This study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) among 80 cancer patients in Egypt. Results showed AKI was more prevalent among elderly females with solid tumors, with common symptoms including vomiting, fatigue, anorexia, electrolyte imbalances, and hypovolemia.

Prevalence and influencing factors of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arab region: a multinational cross-sectional study
A study conducted in ten Arab countries found that 62.7% of participants practiced self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most commonly used drugs were analgesics, antipyretics, and vitamins. Factors leading to self-medication included experience with similar health conditions, urgency of the problem, and older age. Pharmacist consultation was the most common source of information.

Psychological antecedents toward COVID-19 vaccination explain the high rates of vaccine rejection among the Libyan population 2 years after starting vaccination campaigns
The study examining Libya's attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines found that confidence, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility were significantly different between vaccine acceptors and rejectors. Older age, being male, having confidence, and collective responsibility positively affected vaccination, while working in crafts and related trade work negatively affected vaccination.

The efficacy of tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld) in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
A study comparing the efficacy of two doses of Evusheld, a combination of tixagevimab and cilgavimab, as prophylaxis and treatment for immunocompromised patients, found no significant difference in infection rates, mortality rates, or hospitalization rates compared to the 300 mg dose. However, Evusheld 600 mg showed a significant decrease in infection rates and mortality rates. Further trials are needed to compare the two doses.

Unraveling the Controversy: Transarterial Chemoembolization versus Radiofrequency Ablation in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma -A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A study comparing the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early hepatocellular carcinoma patients found that RFA had better three-year and five-year overall survival rates compared to TACE. However, no significant difference was observed in one-year OS.

Predictors of Mortality among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Egypt-A Retrospective Observational Study
A retrospective observational study at Almaza Fever Egyptian Hospital found that demographic features, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and pharmacological treatment received by elderly patients with Covid-19 were predictors of mortality. Predictors like male sex, age, and hospital stay positively associated with deterioration of laboratory measures and biomarkers, indicating the importance of early patient identification.

Safety and efficacy of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Melatonin has been found to be beneficial in COVID-19 prevention and treatment, with a higher clinical improvement rate and lower mortality rate in patients taking it. Melatonin also reduced CRP levels and hospital stay length, resulting in shorter recovery times and shorter mechanical ventilation duration.

Attitudes towards Receiving Monkeypox Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis reveals that 45,926 people (56.14%) were willing to receive Mpox vaccination, while 28.94% were unwilling. Females and homosexuals were found to be less willing. Vaccination is crucial for preventing Mpox infection and fostering immunity, and targeted educational programs can help.

The effect of HIV and mpox co-infection on clinical outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis reveals that co-infection with HIV and mpox increases hospitalization and mortality rates. The study found that individuals with both conditions have a higher risk of severe disease and death due to immunosuppression caused by HIV. The findings emphasize the need for early diagnosis, prompt treatment initiation, and effective management strategies for people living with HIV and mpox.

The efficacy of intranasal oxytocin in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone, did not significantly impact hyperphagia or weight in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). The study suggests that further large-sample trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of oxytocin in PWS patients.

Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This review examines the success rate and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Results showed that cryoablation reduced AF recurrence and improved clinical outcomes, with a 3% mortality rate. The study included six studies.

The safety and efficacy of nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in morbidly obese patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis
The study compared the efficacy and safety of nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus warfarin in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with morbid obesity. Results showed a lower risk of major bleeding events in NOAC patients compared to warfarin patients. However, some outcomes were not significantly different, indicating the need for future research.

Knowledge, practice and attitude toward anabolic hormones and nutritional supplements among people practicing sports in the MENA region before and during COVID-19 lockdown
The study reveals an increase in anabolic hormones and nutritional supplements use among regular exercisers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the COVID-19 lockdown. The majority of participants were male, with a higher level of knowledge in medical fields or sports coaching. The study suggests increasing awareness of the harmful effects of unsupervised use of these substances.

Digital health literacy for COVID-19 vaccination and intention to be immunized: A cross sectional multi-country study among the general adult population
This study assesses digital health literacy's relevance to COVID-19 vaccination. A cross-sectional survey found that urban respondents had higher intention for vaccination than rural respondents. Factors such as country, education, employment, and income were associated with vaccination intention. Priority should be given to improving DHL and vaccination awareness programs targeting rural areas, lower education levels, lower income, and unemployed groups.

Introducing Circulating Vasculature-Related Transcripts as Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease
A study investigating the expression levels of seven circulating vascular-related RNA transcripts found that they could serve as potential CAD biomarkers, reflecting cellular vascular function, proliferation, and inflammatory processes in CAD patients. The study suggests that blood transcriptome analysis opens new frontiers for non-invasive diagnosis of CAD, preventing plaque rupture and sudden death.

Anxiety and Depression Among Adults and Children With Celiac Disease: A Meta‐Analysis of Different Psychiatry Scales
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the associations between Celiac disease (CD) and psychiatric disorders, specifically anxiety and depression. Results show CD patients are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms. GFD adherence may decrease anxiety and depression levels, but further studies are needed.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of public about participation in COVID-19 clinical trials: A study from Egypt and Saudi Arabia
A cross-sectional study found that a small proportion of participants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have moderate knowledge and poor attitudes towards clinical trials. Education and residence were identified as determinants of participants' knowledge and attitudes.

Perceived COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, acceptance, and drivers of vaccination decision-making among the general adult population: A global survey of 20 countries
A study conducted in 20 countries found that most adults believe vaccination is effective in controlling and preventing COVID-19. Factors such as age, education, and income were associated with vaccine effectiveness, acceptance, and hesitancy. The study suggests these factors should be considered in developing COVID-19 vaccination campaigns to boost uptake.

Laparoscopic versus Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Although the study demonstrated better decrease in BMI with RSG, this needs to be further investigated due to the small population included in analyses (182 for 6-months & 417 for 1-year). Conversely, LSG showed better outcomes in LOS, readmission, leak, conversion, & reoperation rates , cost & surgery duration. However, mortality and bleeding rates were similar amongst the two groups. Hence, LSG seems to be superior to RSG according to the available literature. Yet, better evidence can only be derived from future RCTs.