Medical gases were primarily used for respiratory therapy and anesthesia, which showed promising potential in the cancer therapy. Several physiological and pathological processes were affected by the key gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide. Oxygen targets shrinking the tumor via hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and once combined with radiation therapy it enhances its effect. Nitric oxide has both anti- and pro-tumor effects depending on its level; at high doses, it triggers cell death while at low doses it supports cancer growth. The same concept is applied to hydrogen sulfide which promotes cancer growth by enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics and supporting angiogenesis at low concentrations, while at high concentrations it induces cancer cell death while sparing normal cells. Furthermore, carbon dioxide helps induce apoptosis and improve oxygenation for cancer treatments by increasing the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Moreover, high-dose carbon monoxide gas therapy has demonstrated significant tumor reductions in vivo and is supported by nanomedicine and specialized medicines to boost its delivery to tumor cells and the availability of hydrogen peroxide. Despite the promising potentials of these gases, several challenges remain. Gas concentrations should be regulated to balance pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects for gases such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, effective delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, should be developed for targeted therapy.

Mpox has spread beyond endemic regions, with cases reported in Lebanon. Public knowledge, perceptions, and vaccine acceptability may have evolved due to increased media coverage and global outbreaks. This study assesses the Lebanese population’s knowledge and attitudes toward mpox during the second wave, as well as their willingness to receive the vaccine. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 2343 Lebanese residents. Participants’ knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a 26-point knowledge index and a Likert scale via an online validated questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses identified determinants influencing knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine acceptance. The mean knowledge index for the second wave was 9.36 with a standard deviation (SD) of 6.76, showing no significant improvement from the first wave. Key predictors of higher knowledge included healthcare worker status and the presence of comorbidities, while reliance on social media was associated with lower scores. Attitudes remained stable and moderately positive (mean: 11.76, SD: 2.62), yet vaccine acceptance declined from 56.4% to 37.1%. A correlation matrix revealed a weak negative link between knowledge and attitude, and a modest positive association between attitude and vaccine acceptability. Hesitancy was highest among women and rural residents. Targeted public health strategies and trusted communication channels are needed to improve vaccine confidence.

Background: Mortality surveys in conflict-affected settings are essential for documenting the human cost of armed conflict, guiding the humanitarian response, and promoting accountability. The success of such studies relies on the participation of the affected populations. Yet, we know little about how the public in conflict-affected countries perceives such studies, their willingness to participate, or the barriers they face to participate. This study aimed to explore public perceptions, willingness and barriers to participate in mortality surveys in six conflict-affected countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Methods: An exploratory, cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen between March and June 2025. An online self-administered questionnaire captured both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate tests, while qualitative responses underwent inductive content analysis. Results: Among 3455 participants (median age 29 years; 56.5% female), 94% ( n = 3254) considered mortality surveys during armed conflicts important. Two-thirds (66.7%, n = 2306) expressed willingness to participate in mortality surveys, with a preference for electronic surveys. Willingness to participate was positively associated with older age, male sex, nationality, presence in the country during conflict, comfort with data sharing in social media, and absence of perceived cultural and religious barriers ( p < 0.05). More than 40% of respondents reported trusting to provide death data to the government (44.3%, n = 1529) and international organizations (43.8%, n = 1515). Respondents reporting no trust to provide this data mentioned lack of credibility and political bias were the main reasons for distrust. Only 13.1% ( n = 453) of the respondents perceived mortality surveys as harmful; key concerns included retaliation, political manipulation, and psychological distress. 19% ( n = 658) cited cultural or religious barriers, most linked to sectarianism, honor, and the sanctity of death, as an obstacle to participation. Conclusion: Perceptions captured across the six conflict-affected EMR countries among the digitally-active adult respondents reflect both recognition of the importance of mortality surveys and concerns about safety, trust, and cultural sensitivities. Enhancing confidentiality, engaging trusted institutions in data collection, and adopting culturally sensitive approaches are critical to strengthening participation and ensuring the ethical implementation of mortality surveys in conflict zones.

Beta-thalassemia is a prevalent autosomal recessive hematological disorder characterized by defective β-globin chain production. Splenectomy is commonly performed in severe cases to alleviate transfusion dependency, but persistent post-splenectomy thrombocytosis poses significant clinical challenges. This Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-compliant retrospective cohort study included β-thalassemia major patients who underwent splenectomy at Al-Bashir Hospital between 2018 and 2024. Hematologic and biochemical parameters before and 1 year after surgery were compared using paired t tests after verifying data normality with the Shapiro–Wilk test ( P > .05). A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. Persistent thrombocytosis was observed in all patients, with mean platelet counts of 965.36 ± 413.50 × 10 ⁹ /L immediately after surgery, decreasing slightly to 843.23 ± 320.08 × 10 ⁹ /L at the 1-year follow-up. Hemoglobin levels significantly increased from 8.91 ± 0.96 g/dL pre-splenectomy to 9.65 ± 1.49 g/dL post-splenectomy. Blood transfusion requirements decreased by 42.49%, and transfusion intervals lengthened significantly, confirming the procedure’s effectiveness in reducing transfusion burden. Ferritin levels declined, reflecting improved iron overload management. Nevertheless, adherence to postoperative medications, including aspirin and hydroxyurea, was suboptimal, potentially elevating thrombotic risk. Splenectomy in β-thalassemia major is associated with sustained hematologic improvement but persistent thrombocytosis. These findings underscore the importance of long-term platelet monitoring and strict adherence to antithrombotic prophylaxis to ensure optimal safety and clinical outcomes. Further multicenter studies are warranted to establish standardized monitoring and management protocols for this population.