The 2023 Gaza War has had profound psychological impacts on Palestinian students, particularly those at Al-Quds University. Students at Al-Quds University face significant mental health challenges due to exposure to conflict-related trauma, which is exacerbated by direct and indirect stressors, including displacement and the influence of social media. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PTSD among Al-Quds University students and investigate its associations with demographic, psychological, and academic factors, specifically gender, living arrangements, academic specialization, and geographic origin. This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed PTSD prevalence among students at Al-Quds University using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), a validated tool for PTSD assessment in this context. A bilingual (Arabic and English) self-administered questionnaire was distributed online. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and ANOVA, were conducted using SPSS version 20.0 to examine associations between PTSD symptoms and demographic or psychological factors. High PTSD symptom severity was reported in 71.3% of participants, with 14.7% identified as probable cases and 10.7% with clinical concerns. Gender differences were evident, as males showed higher mean PTSD scores than females (49.39 vs. 43.22, p < 0.001). Students in student housing exhibited significantly higher PTSD scores than those living with family (49.37 vs. 42.16, p < 0.001). Psychological factors, such as perceived academic disruption and guilt during positive events, were significantly associated with PTSD severity (p = 0.037, p = 0.005). The findings emphasize the urgent need for trauma-informed mental health interventions tailored to students in conflict zones. Addressing systemic stressors and providing targeted support can mitigate the psychological burden in these vulnerable populations. Not applicable.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of cardiovascular-related deaths, often occurring outside hospitals in undiagnosed individuals. Our study aims to assess the baseline awareness and skills in performing CPR among the population in Palestine. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to assess CPR knowledge among residents of the West Bank, Palestine. Convenience sampling targeted 300 participants via social media. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations. The study surveyed 555 participants, revealing that 58.2% lacked CPR training. Awareness of cardiac arrest signs varied, with chest pain being the most recognized 19%. CPR training significantly improved participants’ recognition and response to cardiac emergencies. Addressing the fear of legal consequences is crucial to encourage bystander assistance. We recommend increasing first aid awareness through scientific conferences, free training courses, media campaigns, and incentivized competitions.

Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder that remains misunderstood and stigmatized, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Palestine. Misconceptions may hinder diagnosis, treatment, and social inclusion.Objective: To assess knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward epilepsy in the Palestinian population and identify sociodemographic predictors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and April 2025 using an online, self-administered questionnaire. A total of 570 adults (aged 18–65) participated. Scores for knowledge (0–16), awareness (0–10), and attitude (0–28) were calculated and categorized as “good” or “positive” using predefined cutoffs. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression identified significant predictors.Results: Among the 570 participants, 297 (52.1%) had good knowledge, 282 (49.5%) had good awareness, and 471 (82.5%) held positive attitudes toward people with epilepsy. Higher education, especially postgraduate, was the strongest predictor of all three outcomes. For example, postgraduate education was associated with significantly greater odds of favorable awareness (OR = 5.60) and positive attitude (OR = 4.38). Male gender was independently associated with lower awareness (OR = 0.59).Conclusion: While knowledge and awareness remain moderate, attitudes toward people with epilepsy in Palestine are broadly supportive. Educational level is a consistent determinant of improved epilepsy literacy. Targeted public health interventions, especially for men and those with less formal education, can build on existing social acceptance to reduce stigma and promote better care.

Background: Effective sedation is critical for bronchoscopy, ensuring patient comfort and procedural success. Midazolam, though widely used, has limitations such as longer induction and recovery times. Remimazolam, a novel ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, offers rapid onset, faster recovery, and a safer profile, making it a potential alternative.Study design and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 630 patients compared remimazolam with midazolam for bronchoscopy sedation. Primary outcomes included induction time, recovery time, and rescue sedation rates. Secondary outcomes assessed procedural duration and adverse events. Random-effects models were used for analysis, and evidence quality was graded using GRADE criteria.Results: Remimazolam reduced induction time by 3.2 min (95% CI: −5.51 to −0.91, p = 0.006) and recovery time (SMD: -0.976, 95% CI: −1.48 to −0.47, p < 0.001) compared to midazolam. Patients receiving remimazolam required less rescue sedation (OR: 0.223, 95% CI: 0.107 to 0.467, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in bronchoscopy duration or the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including hypoxia, hypotension, and nausea.Conclusion: Remimazolam may reduce induction and recovery times and decrease the need for rescue sedation compared to midazolam. However, due to high heterogeneity and the limited number of studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Due to the limited number of studies and observed heterogeneity, further high-quality trials are necessary to confirm these findings.Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov, identifier: CRD42024623846.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by the proliferation of Langerhans cells that affects multiple organs. It presents variably in children, complicating diagnosis and treatment strategies. Understanding its genetic and clinical characteristics is crucial for its effective management. We report the case of a 13-year-old male with multisystem LCH involving the temporal bone, parotid gland, and lymph nodes, who presented with auricular pain and swelling. Despite the initial non-specific treatment, advanced imaging and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent a treatment regimen according to the LCH4 protocol, which included Prednisolone and Vinblastine, and showed significant improvement. This case highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosing and managing LCH and illustrates the potential of genetic research and targeted therapies to improve outcomes. Future studies should explore the genetic basis of LCH and the potential links between immunization and disease onset, aiming to refine treatment protocols and enhance patient prognosis.

Background: General anesthesia (GA) can pose significant risks in patients with advanced comorbidities. Thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia (TSSA) is an underutilized alternative that offers hemodynamic stability and enhanced postoperative recovery. This case series highlights the application of TSSA in three high‐risk surgical patients with complex cardiovascular, renal, or oncologic conditions. Case Presentation: We describe three patients (ASA Classes III‐IV) undergoing laparoscopic or endourological procedures who received TSSA instead of GA due to high anesthetic risk. Each patient received isobaric levobupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine via thoracic or thoracolumbar spinal injection. All patients remained awake, hemodynamically stable, and spontaneously breathing throughout their procedures. No sedation, vasopressor support, airway intervention, or ICU admission was required. Postoperative pain was minimal, with early ambulation and no reported complications. Conclusion: TSSA is a safe and effective anesthetic technique for selecting high‐risk patients undergoing abdominal or urological surgery. It provides excellent intraoperative conditions, avoids the systemic effects of GA, and facilitates rapid recovery. With proper technique and patient selection, TSSA offers a valuable alternative to GA in complex surgical cases.