Background/objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight, such as the UAE. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze available data on vitamin D levels in apparently healthy individuals in the UAE, categorizing findings by demographic factors, including age, gender, and ethnicity. The goal is to assess the extent of deficiency and identify potential contributing factors.Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies reporting serum vitamin D levels in healthy individuals in the UAE. Eligible studies included cross-sectional, retrospective, prospective, and comparative designs. Data were extracted and analyzed, with vitamin D levels categorized as deficient, insufficient, or normal. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale for single-arm studies.Results: A total of 35 studies involving 28,260 participants were included. Reported vitamin D levels ranged from 5.2 ± 2.8 ng/mL to 42.5 ± 19.5 ng/mL. The pooled mean (SD) for adults above 18 years was 17.63 ng/mL (95% CI: 14.28 to 20.99) indicating widespread deficiency. Among participants, 65% were female, 34% were male, and 1% were infants. Severe deficiency was noted in infants and children, though limited studies focused on these groups.Conclusion: Despite high sunlight exposure, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the UAE, likely due to cultural clothing practices, limited outdoor activities, darker skin pigmentation, and dietary insufficiencies. Further research on vulnerable populations is needed. Variations in assay methods used across studies (e.g., RIA, ECLIA, LC–MS/MS) may have influenced reported vitamin D levels and contributed to heterogeneity in findings.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024587972, Identifier, CRD42024587972.

Pediatric cancer treatment has evolved significantly in recent decades. The implementation of risk stratification strategies and the selection of evidence-based chemotherapy combinations have improved survival outcomes. However, there is large interindividual variability in terms of chemotherapy-related toxicities and, sometimes, the response among this population. This variability is partly attributed to the functional variability of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) and drug transporters (DTS) involved in the process of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). The DTS, being ubiquitous, affects drug disposition across membranes and has relevance in determining chemotherapy response in pediatric cancer patients. Among the factors affecting DTS function, ontogeny or maturation is important in the pediatric population. In this narrative review, we describe the role of drug uptake/efflux transporters in defining pediatric chemotherapy-treatment-related toxicities and responses. Developmental differences in DTS and the consequent implications are also briefly discussed for the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs in the pediatric population.

Hirsutism, characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas, presents significant medical and psychosocial challenges in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This narrative review explores the epidemiology, endocrine factors, molecular basis of pathophysiology, cultural influences, and management approaches to hirsutism within the GCC. Regional factors such as consanguinity, rising obesity rates, and lifestyle habits contribute to a higher prevalence of hirsutism and related endocrine disorders, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cultural stigmas surrounding body hair further delay diagnosis and treatment, compounding psychological distress. The review examines the role of androgen excess, genetic susceptibility, and emerging molecular insights, including epigenetic dysregulations. Diagnostic limitations and the need for region-specific screening tools are discussed, alongside the current reliance on pharmacological, cosmetic, and traditional therapies. Public health initiatives targeting stigma reduction and early detection are emphasized. Future recommendations include culturally tailored research, enhanced public awareness, and the adoption of advanced diagnostic strategies to improve patient outcomes. This review aims to guide healthcare practices and inform policy development for the better management of hirsutism in the GCC context.

The rise of digital technology has significantly impacted students’ learning behaviors, resulting in shorter attention spans and decreased focus, especially in medical education. This article explores how the constant engagement with digital platforms contributes to these challenges and emphasizes the need for more effective strategies to counteract these trends. The article presents that while digital tools can enhance learning, they must be balanced with active, observation-based methods to maintain deep concentration and critical thinking. By focusing on the integration of traditional, hands-on learning with modern digital techniques, the article discusses how a hybrid approach could promote sustained attention and improve clinical reasoning skills. Additionally, the article proposes observation-based teaching learning and assessment methods for fostering both scientific and artistic domains of a medical students. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of integrating digital learning tools thoughtfully while prioritizing in-person, experiential learning to equip students with the skills needed for effective patient care and professional development.

Background: Childhood and adolescent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survival outcomes have improved significantly, but treatment-related toxicities (TRTs) remain a major concern affecting dose intensity and quality of life. Germline pharmacogenetic variations contribute to inter-individual differences in chemotherapy response, yet consistent replication of associations has been limited by differences in treatment protocols, ethnic backgrounds, and toxicity definitions. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42021229748) included 68 studies in the qualitative synthesis, with 42 high-quality studies undergoing structured synthesis and, where appropriate, quantitative meta-analysis. Studies focused on the toxicities of thiopurines, methotrexate, glucocorticoids, vincristine, and asparaginase. Results: Meta-analyses showed strong evidence linking the NUDT15 rs116855232 variant to thiopurine-induced myelosuppression (OR 19.0, 95% CI 1.6–224; I² = 86.5%) and a significant association between the TYMS enhancer repeat polymorphism and osteonecrosis (OR 6.66, 95% CI 3.67–12.11; I² = 0%). In contrast, MTHFR variants and VDR polymorphisms showed no significant associations with methotrexate-induced myelosuppression or osteonecrosis, respectively. Narrative synthesis highlighted clinically actionable associations: TPMT and NUDT15 with thiopurine toxicity; CEP72 with vincristine neuropathy; and HLA haplotypes with asparaginase hypersensitivity. Population allele frequency comparisons (IndiGenomes, gnomAD, UK Biobank) showed strong concordance (r = 0.919–0.997), supporting the broad generalisability of identified variants, which remains to be evaluated prospectively. The main limitations included heterogeneous toxicity definitions, non-uniform genetic models, evolving treatment protocols, population heterogeneity, and a lack of harmonised reporting. Conclusions: The review supports routine TPMT and NUDT15 genotyping and highlights the need for harmonised definitions, multi-ethnic studies, standardised data representation, and prospective validation. A literature-based candidate gene list for future PGx association studies was generated.