Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in children is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ocular manifestations are common but often overlooked, despite their potential to cause long-term visual impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of ocular findings in pediatric TBI patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Method: We prospectively reviewed records of pediatric patients (≤16 years) with TBI admitted to the Neurosurgery ICU at King Abdullah University Hospital (January 2022–December 2024). TBI was defined using U.S. CDC criteria and confirmed by clinical and radiological findings. Ocular manifestations were identified from ophthalmology consultations, neurosurgical notes, and bedside examinations. Demographics, injury details, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Thirty-eight patients (median age: 8 years; 55.3% male) were included. Ocular findings were present in 20 patients (52.6%). These patients were significantly older (median age 10 vs. 6 years, p = 0.007) and had lower admission GCS scores (11 vs. 14, p = 0.016). Male predominance was higher in the ocular group (75.0% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.030). Ocular findings were significantly associated with surgical intervention (60.0% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.025), orbital fractures (40.0% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.021), basal skull fracture signs (p = 0.036), and extraocular muscle limitation (p = 0.048). On multivariable analysis, orbital fracture remained the only independent predictor of ocular findings (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.17–3.57, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Over half of pediatric ICU TBI patients demonstrated ocular manifestations, closely linked to greater injury severity and craniofacial trauma. Routine, comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation should be integrated into the multidisciplinary management of severe pediatric TBI to optimize visual and functional outcomes.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and maternal infections worldwide While general data on GBS prevalence in the Middle East exist, specific studies investigating GBS colonization and its outcomes among healthcare workers remain limited. This study aimed to determine the outcome of rectovaginal GBS colonization among pregnant women in northern Jordan and to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between medical and non-medical staff. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital, including 257 GBS-positive pregnant women who delivered during the study period. Participants were categorized as medical staff (n=37) or non-medical staff (n=220). Maternal demographic, obstetric, and neonatal data were collected from hospital records. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and t-tests, with multivariable logistic regression adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, parity, and body mass index. Maternal age was significantly higher among medical staff (p=0.017), while other baseline variables showed no significant differences. There were no significant differences between medical and non-medical groups in maternal morbidity, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, or neonatal mortality (all p≥0.05). Adjusted models confirmed that occupation was not significantly associated with NICU admission (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 0.46–4.09, p=0.575) or maternal morbidity (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.35–2.00, p=0.685). Occupational exposure among healthcare workers did not significantly influence GBS-related maternal or neonatal outcomes, and GBS colonization among pregnant women in northern Jordan aligns with global prevalence estimates. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess antimicrobial resistance trends in the region.

Background: Substance P is a key neuropeptide involved in the transmission of nociceptive (pain) signals. The choice of anesthesia for childbirth, particularly for cesarean section (CS), is a critical decision that directly impacts the mother’s physiological response to the procedure. This study aims to compare the levels of salivary SP in pregnant women undergoing CS under spinal versus general anesthesia. Methods: Eighty-three patients participated in this prospective comparative study. They were categorized into two groups: general and spinal anesthesia groups. The primary outcome was to measure the mean difference in salivary substance P level at three different time points of CS, and to compare these values between both groups. The secondary outcome was to assess the factors affecting the substance P levels in the mothers. Results: The study included 44 (53%) who received spinal anesthesia and 39 (47%) who received general anesthesia. Median substance P levels were significantly higher in the spinal anesthesia group (761 pg/mL [IQR 532– 1335]) compared with the general anesthesia group (409 pg/mL [IQR 118– 1094]; U = 1188.0, p = 0.0026). On multiple regression analysis, type of anesthesia was the independent variable influenced the levels of salivary substance P. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that participants receiving spinal anesthesia have significantly higher salivary substance P levels compared to those undergoing general anesthesia for CS. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this observation and to determine its clinical implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Background : Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a sensory-emotional phenomenon characterized by tingling sensations and a deep sense of relaxation in response to specific auditory and visual stimuli. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies have suggested the engagement of reward, emotion, and sensory processing networks in ASMR experiences, yet the neural underpinnings remain inconsistently defined due to methodological heterogeneity and reliance on self-report measures. Objective : This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize current evidence on brain activation and emotional modulation associated with ASMR, using functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and psychological assessments. Methods : Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases identified 18 eligible studies across 11 countries. Data were extracted on study design, stimuli, neuroimaging outcomes, and mood measures. Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was performed on MNI-transformed fMRI coordinates using GingerALE software. Results : ASMR stimuli consistently activated regions implicated in reward (nucleus accumbens), emotional regulation (medial prefrontal cortex, insula), and sensory processing (inferior parietal lobule, postcentral gyrus). EEG studies revealed increased alpha and theta oscillations associated with relaxation and reduced stress. A single significant ALE cluster was identified in the left parietal lobe (Brodmann areas 2 and 40). Engagement with ASMR stimuli also resulted in mood improvement, reduced physiological arousal, and enhanced sleep and emotional stability. Conclusion : This meta-analysis highlights reproducible neural signatures of ASMR and supports its potential as a non-invasive modality for emotional regulation and stress reduction. Future research should adopt standardized stimuli and controlled designs to refine ASMR’s therapeutic applications.

Background: Intra-axial brain schwannomas are exceptionally rare, accounting for less than 1% of all intracranial schwannomas. Their rarity and non-specific radiological features make diagnosis and management challenging. This study provides a systematic review of the existing literature to summarize the clinical, radiological, histopathological, surgical, and outcome characteristics of reported cases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus was performed using predefined keywords. Studies reporting intra-axial brain schwannomas were included. Data were extracted on patient demographics, clinical presentation, radiological features, tumor location, surgical management, histopathological findings, and outcomes. In total, 80 studies comprising 131 patients were included. Results: The pooled analysis showed that intra-axial schwannomas most commonly occur in young adults, with a median age of 23 years. The most frequent presenting symptoms were seizures, headache, and focal neurological deficits. Radiologically, lesions typically demonstrated heterogeneous contrast enhancement with frequent cystic degeneration. The frontal and temporal lobes were the most commonly affected sites. Surgical resection, most often via craniotomy with gross total resection, was the predominant management strategy. Overall, most reported cases demonstrated favorable postoperative outcomes. Conclusions: Intra-axial brain schwannomas are rare entities that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intra-axial brain tumors. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment and is generally associated with excellent outcomes.