Zeina Al Maaz

Zeina Al Maaz

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Zeina Al Maaz

Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research, and Education, Kigali, Rwanda

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 November 2023 in Health Science Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
VSVivek Sanker
Vivek Sanker
MKMrinmoy Kundu
Mrinmoy Kundu
SKSarah El Kassem
Sarah El Kassem
ANAhmad El Nouiri
Ahmad El Nouiri
MEMohamed Emara
Mohamed Emara
OUOlivier Uwishema
Olivier Uwishema
Background: Hydrocephalus or ventriculomegaly is a condition brought on by an overabundance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system. The major contributor to posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially in individuals with occupations set in industrial settings. A variety of criteria have been employed for the diagnosis of PTH, including the combination of neurological symptoms like nerve deficits and headache, as well as an initial improvement followed by a worsened relapse of altered consciousness and neurological deterioration, which is detected by computed tomography‐brain imaging that reveals gradual ventriculomegaly.Aim: In this article, we discuss and summarize briefly the current understandings and advancements in the management of PTH.Methods: The available literature for this review was searched on various bibliographic databases using an individually verified, prespecified approach. The level of evidence of the included studies was considered as per the Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine recommendations.Results: The commonly practiced current treatment modality involves shunting CSF but is often associated with complications and recurrence. The lack of a definitive management strategy for PTH warrants the utilization of novel and innovative modalities such as stem cell transplantations and antioxidative stress therapies.Conclusion: One of the worst complications of a TBI is PTH, which has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Even though there hasn't been a successful method in stopping PTH from happening, hemorrhage‐derived blood, and its metabolic by‐products, like iron, hemoglobin, free radicals, thrombin, and red blood cells, may be potential targets for PTH hindrance and management. Also, using stem cell transplantations in animal models and antioxidative stress therapies in future studies can lower PTH occurrence and improve its outcome. Moreover, the integration of clinical trials and theoretical knowledge should be encouraged in future research projects to establish effective and updated management guidelines for PTH.

7 September 2023 in Annals of Medicine & Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SSSanobar Shariff
Sanobar Shariff
OUOlivier Uwishema
Olivier Uwishema
JMJocelyn Mizero
Jocelyn Mizero
VTVimala Devi Thambi
Vimala Devi Thambi
Abubakar NazirAbubakar Nazir
Abubakar Nazir
Soojin LeeSoojin Lee
Soojin Lee
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought a conglomerate of novel chronic disabling conditions described as ‘Long COVID/Post-COVID-19 Syndrome’. Recent evidence suggests that the multifaceted nature of this syndrome results in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sequelae,chronic dyspnoea, persistent fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction being the most common, debilitating symptoms. Several mechanisms engender or exacerbate cognitive impairment, including central nervous system and extra-central nervous system causes, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. Both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients may suffer varying degrees of cognitive impairment, ranging from fatigue and brain fog to prolonged deficits in memory and attention, detrimental to the quality-of-life years post-recovery. The aim of this review is to understand the underlying mechanisms, associations, and attempts for prevention with early intervention of long-term cognitive impairment post-COVID-19. Methodology: A systematic search was conducted through multiple databases such as Medline, National Library of Medicine, Ovid, Scopus database to retrieve all the articles on the long-term sequalae of cognitive dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The inclusion criteria included all articles pertinent to this specific topic and exclusion criteria subtracted studies pertaining to other aetiologies of cognitive dysfunction. This search was carefully screened for duplicates and the relevant information was extracted and analysed. Results/discussion: To date, the exact pathogenesis, and underlying mechanisms behind cognitive dysfunction in COVID-19, remain unclear, hindering the development of adequate management strategies. However, the proposed mechanisms suggested by various studies include direct damage to the blood-brain barrier, systemic inflammation, prolonged hypoxia, and extended intensive care admissions. However, no clear-cut guidelines for management are apparent. Conclusion: This review of the COVID-19 pandemic has elucidated a new global challenge which is affecting individuals’ quality of life by inducing long-term impaired cognitive function. The authors have found that comprehensive evaluations and interventions are crucial to address the cognitive sequelae in all COVID-19 patients, especially in patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, the authors recommend further research for the development of relevant, timely neurocognitive assessments and treatment plans.

20 October 2024 in Health Science Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SISamuel Inshutiyimana
Samuel Inshutiyimana
NRNagham Ramadan
Nagham Ramadan
RRRawane Abdul Razzak
Rawane Abdul Razzak
ZMZeina Al Maaz
Zeina Al Maaz
MWMagda Wojtara
Magda Wojtara
OUOlivier Uwishema
Olivier Uwishema
Background and Aim: Among the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), heart failure, hypertension, and myocardial infarction are associated with the greatest number of disability‐adjusted life years due to lifestyle changes and the failure of therapeutic approaches, especially the one‐size‐fits‐all interventions. As a result, there has been advances in defining genetic variants responsible for different responses to cardiovascular drugs such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins, and beta‐blockers, which has led to their usage in guiding treatment plans. This study comprehensively reviews the current state‐of‐the‐art potential of pharmacogenomics in dramatically altering CVD treatment. It stresses the applicability of pharmacogenomic technology, the threats associated with its adoption in the clinical setting, and proffers relevant solutions.Methods: Literature search strategies were used to retrieve articles from various databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost. Articles with information relevant to pharmacogenomics, DNA variants, cardiovascular diseases, sequencing techniques, and drug responses were reviewed and analyzed.Results: DNA‐based technologies such as next generation sequencing, whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and targeted segment sequencing can identify variants in the human genome. This has played a substantial role in identifying different genetic variants governing the poor response and adverse effects associated with cardiovascular drugs. Thus, this has reduced patients' number of emergency visits and hospitalization.Conclusion: Despite the emergence of pharmacogenomics, its implementation has been threatened by factors including patient compliance and a low adoption rate by clinicians. Education and training programs targeting both healthcare professionals and patients should be established to increase the acceptance and application of the emerging pharmacogenomic technologies in reducing the burden of CVDs.

1 March 2023 in International Journal of Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HAHeeba Anis
Heeba Anis
OUOlivier Uwishema
Olivier Uwishema
AHAli E. Hamitoglu
Ali E. Hamitoglu
DEDina Essayli
Dina Essayli
SKSarah El Kassem
Sarah El Kassem
Abubakar NazirAbubakar Nazir
Abubakar Nazir
An abstract is unavailable. This article is available as a PDF only.

28 May 2024 in Annals of Medicine & Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CBChristin Berjaoui
Christin Berjaoui
CKCharbel Kachouh
Charbel Kachouh
SJSafaa Joumaa
Safaa Joumaa
MGMohammad Hussein Ghayyad
Mohammad Hussein Ghayyad
BBBisrat Abate Bekele
Bisrat Abate Bekele
OUOlivier Uwishema
Olivier Uwishema
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that impacts the central nervous system. It is distinguished by processes like demyelination, gliosis, neuro-axonal harm, and inflammation. The prevailing theory suggests that MS originates from an immune response directed against the body’s own antigens within the central nervous system. Aim: The main aim of this research paper “Neuroinflammation-on-a-Chip” for studying multiple sclerosis is to enhance our comprehension of MS development, demonstrate the application of cutting-edge technology, and potentially provide valuable insights for therapeutic approaches. Methods: The available literature for this Narrative Review was searched on various bibliographic databases, PubMed, NCBI, and many other medical references using an individually verified, prespecified approach. Studies regarding the significance of MS and its neuroinflammatory pathogenesis in addition to the development and optimization of neuroinflammatory-on-a-chip and the advancement in innovations in this field have been reviewed in this research for a better understanding of “Neuroinflammation-on-a-chip for multiple sclerosis”. The level of evidence of the included studies was considered as per the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine recommendations. Results: Several studies have indicated that the brain-chip model closely mimics cortical brain tissue compared to commonly used conventional cell culture methods like the Transwell culture system. Additionally, these studies have clearly demonstrated that further research using brain chips has the potential to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and roles of blood-brain barrier (BBB) transporters in both normal and disease conditions. Conclusion: Understanding neuroinflammation processes remains essential to establish new MS treatments approaches. The utilization of brain chips promises to advance our understanding of the molecular processes involving BBB transporters, both in normal and diseased states. Further research needs to be addressed in order to enhance the performance and understanding of neuroinflammation on a chip, hence aiming to provide more effective treatments for all CNS diseases.

4 October 2024 in BMC Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SISamuel Inshutiyimana
Samuel Inshutiyimana
OUOlivier Uwishema
Olivier Uwishema
NRNagham Ramadan
Nagham Ramadan
ZMZeina Al Maaz
Zeina Al Maaz
MWMagda Wojtara
Magda Wojtara
Skin cancer in African countries results primarily from exposure to high ambient ultraviolet radiation. It is an emerging public health issue with limited improvement in management services. Mohs surgery, a renowned surgical procedure in the treatment of skin cancer, involves exact tumor excision along with horizontal frozen tissue examination. It is known to minimize the defect size and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, Mohs surgery is highly effective for almost all nonmelanoma skin cancers. Despite its proven potential, the implementation of Mohs surgery in Africa faces various limitations. This commentary seeks to provide insights into the current threats and opportunities surrounding the execution of Mohs surgery in African healthcare systems. The role of governments, healthcare professionals, and international organizations is also highlighted in this paper. A literature search was conducted by retrieving articles from PubMed and Google Scholar. Previous articles that discuss skin cancer, Mohs surgery, and cancer in Africa were analysed to understand the implementation aspects of Mohs surgery in Africa. The implementation of Mohs surgery in Africa is very limited due to challenges such as inadequately trained healthcare professionals, costs associated with the surgery, and cultural beliefs and misconceptions. Nevertheless, telemedicine has been used in surgical consultations regarding the postoperative management of patients who undergo Mohs surgery. Despite advances in medicine, African dermatological health care remains underdeveloped. Therefore, increased investment in healthcare training, infrastructure development, and more African-based skin cancer studies are necessary and paramount factors for the expansion and accessibility of Mohs surgery in Africa.