Palestine Ahliya University

Probiotics are well recognized for their ability to modulate host immune responses; however, growing evidence indicates that many of their beneficial effects are mediated by structural components rather than by viable microorganisms. Among these components, probiotic-derived peptidoglycan has emerged as a key immunologically active molecule with a critical role in regulating both innate and adaptive immunity. Although substantial experimental data exist regarding its underlying mechanisms, the context-dependent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions of peptidoglycan have not been comprehensively integrated. In this review, we provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the immunoregulatory properties of probiotic-derived peptidoglycan. We first discuss the structural diversity and processing of peptidoglycan and their implications for host recognition via pattern-recognition receptors, particularly Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain proteins 1 and 2 (NOD1/2). We then critically evaluate current evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of probiotic-derived peptidoglycan in infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), autoimmune disorders, allergic inflammation, and cancer. Collectively, these findings suggest that peptidoglycan holds considerable promise for the development of next-generation microbiota-based immunotherapeutic strategies.

Introduction This study investigated the constraints hindering smallholder goat farmers in Misungwi District, Mwanza, Tanzania, from accessing reliable market information and effectively participating in the goat value chain. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 63 participants (50 farmers, 6 traders, and 7 key stakeholders) and employed structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participatory rural appraisal techniques. Results The findings revealed that the goat value chain is largely informal and fragmented, with minimal coordination among actors. Farmers face challenges including inadequate extension services, weak bargaining power, poor infrastructure, dependence on intermediaries, and informal marketing channels. Seasonal price fluctuations and limited access to timely market information further undermine income stability. Despite these constraints, the majority of farmers (86%–88%) expressed strong interest in farm management training, commercial production, and marketing, indicating a strong willing ness to transition toward more market-oriented systems. Discussion The study recommends strengthening extension service delivery, promoting cooperative structures, improving institutional linkages, and implementing targeted capacity-building programs. These strategies are essential to improving commercialization, income generation, and rural livelihoods among smallholder goat farmers in Tanzania.

Introduction Early mobilization (EM) in intensive care units (ICUs) improves patient outcomes, such as reducing ICU‐acquired weakness, shortening mechanical ventilation, and decreasing hospital stays. However, its implementation is suboptimal, especially in resource‐limited settings like Palestine, where challenges like limited physiotherapist availability, staffing shortages, and high nurse–patient ratios prevail. This study aimed to evaluate barriers related to nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding EM in Palestinian ICUs. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 with 159 ICU nurses across eight hospitals in the South West Bank, Palestine. Data were collected using Hoyer et al.’s validated scale to assess knowledge (4 items), attitudes (9 items), and behaviors (13 items) on a 5‐point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including ANOVA, were performed using SPSS. Results The response rate was 96.4% (159/165). Participants were mostly young (57.2% ≤ 25 years), male (59.7%), and had bachelor’s degrees (56.0%). Knowledge deficits ( M = 3.9 ± 0.7) were the most significant barrier, followed by behavioral ( M = 3.3 ± 0.3) and attitudinal barriers ( M = 2.8 ± 0.5). Age influenced knowledge ( F = 3.6, p < 0.05), while higher education ( F = 4.8, p < 0.05), and more work experience ( F = 4.9, p < 0.05) correlated with better attitudes. Post hoc analysis showed nurses with master’s degrees or ≥ 6 years of experience had significantly better attitudes toward EM ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Knowledge gaps, particularly among younger and less‐educated nurses, are a primary barrier to EM in Palestinian ICUs. Addressing these gaps through structured educational interventions, locally adapted standardized protocols, and ongoing mentorship programs is essential for improving EM adoption in low‐resource settings. Furthermore, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and investing in adequate resources are critical steps that can improve EM adoption and patient outcomes in low‐resource critical care settings.

Background Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction have been identified as essential factors in the disease’s pathophysiology. Methods Coenzyme Q10 has gathered considerable attention as a potential therapeutic agent due to its dual function in antioxidant defense and mitochondrial bioenergetics. It is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress, a primary cause of neuronal degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Results Coenzyme Q10 supplements can enhance mitochondrial activity, reduce oxidative stress, and protect dopaminergic neurons from degeneration. To improve Coenzyme Q10 formulations and ascertain its effectiveness in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease, more study is required. Conclusion This review examines the neuroprotective mechanisms of Coenzyme Q10 and its potential as a therapeutic option for Parkinson’s disease.

Background/Aims Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common but avoidable healthcare-associated infection in intensive care units, leading to preventable deaths. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of, adherence to and barriers against evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia among nurses at an intensive care unit in Palestine. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a convenience sampling method to recruit 250 intensive care nurses working in the southern region of Palestine. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising four sections: sociodemographic characteristics; knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention (scored as a %); adherence to evidence-based guidelines (scored as a %); and barriers to adherence (rated on a 5-point Likert scale). Independent t-tests, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation were used to assess relationships between variables. Significance was set at P<0.05. Results Most participant had a moderate or low level of knowledge, while 61.2% reported good adherence to evidence-based guidelines for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Significant positive relationships were found between adherence scores and experience working in intensive care (P=0.033) and knowledge scores and completion of specific infection-prevention training (P=0.034). Barriers with the highest mean scores were lack of knowledge, lack of educational programmes and lack of time. Conclusions Intensive care nurses may be lacking knowledge regarding evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia, leading to difficulties implementing these guidelines in practice. Adherence may improve with experience working in intensive care, but interventions are needed to improve nurses' knowledge of infection prevention and ensure that this is translated to practice. Implications for practice Mentorship programmes should be implemented to enhance adherence to evidence-based guidelines in intensive care units. Incorporating guidelines for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention into the nursing curriculum should also be considered, to ensure that all nurses are equipped for safe and effective practice.

This paper discusses different supervised machine learning models in order to come up with a predictive model of crop yield, which utilizes the soil and environmental parameters. The data is a creation of the Kaggle in the project of Samrudha hackathon and is intended to support AI-based applications to smart and sustainable farming. We have done strict data preprocessing, which includes the elimination of outliers, the processes of duplicate and missing data. Various regression algorithms, such as K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Linear Regression, Ridge and Lasso Regression, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Decision Trees, and Random Forests were used and tested. R 2 and Mean Squared Error (MSE) were used as performance measurements. The Random Forest Regressor was the best performing model out of all the models tested with a test R 2= 0.9394 and a test MSE= 4.0840. This indicates the strength and capability of generalizing of ensemble approaches of agricultural yield forecasting activities. The originality of this study lies in its systematic and rigorous comparison of multiple supervised machine learning models for crop yield prediction using carefully preprocessed soil and environmental data. It further contributes by demonstrating the superior generalization capability of ensemble methods, particularly Random Forests, in supporting accurate and sustainable smart farming applications.

This review explores the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on diabetes management and discusses the potential mechanism. Recent studies have highlighted that gut dysbiosis has emerged as a key factor in the development of diabetes. In this context, probiotics, specifically Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, offer potential benefits in modulating gut microbiota and improving metabolic health. Several studies have demonstrated the positive impact of L. plantarum on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers in diabetic animal models. The potential mechanisms of action of L. plantarum in diabetes management include inhibiting enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, modulating inflammatory responses, improving insulin sensitivity, restoring gut microbiota, and producing short-chain fatty acids. The article concludes that L. plantarum is a promising candidate for managing glucose hemostasis, thus offering a potential alternative or adjunct to conventional approaches. However, further clinical studies are necessary to understand the exact mechanism and long-term effects of L. plantarum in humans.

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى رصد استراتيجيات الاستجابة التي استخدمتها وزارة التربية والتعليم الفلسطينية، خلال أزمة إضراب المعلمين وتحليلها، أثناء فترة الدراسة من تاريخ (1/2/2023 حتى 1/5/2023)، على صفحة الفيسبوك الخاصة بوزارة التربية والتعليم الفلسطينية، في ضوء معطيات النظرية الموقفية للاتصال في الأزمات، كما وظف الباحث نموذج اتصال الأزمات بوساطة اجتماعية، لدراسة تأثير شكل الرسالة ومصدرها على مستوى تقبل المعلمين للاستراتيجيات المستخدمة، كما هدفت الدراسة إلى تحديد المشاعر المتشكلة لدى المعلمين، عند التعرض للرسائل بناءً على شكل الرسالة (إعلام تقليدي، وسائل تواصل اجتماعي، تواصل شفهي بدون انترنت)، ومصدر الرسالة (من داخل المؤسسة، من طرف خارج المؤسسة) ضمن استراتيجيات الاستجابة.لتحقيق أهداف الدراسة استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، الذي يعتمد على أسلوب المسح الكيفي والكمي، حيث قام الباحث باستخدام تحليل المضمون كأداة أولية، لرصد البيانات وتحليلها التي تخص أزمة إضراب المعلمين، للتعرف على استراتيجيات الاستجابة ،ومن ثم تم تصميم استبانة الكترونية تم توزيعها على عينة متاحة من المعلمين، في محافظات (نابلس، جنين، طولكرم، قلقيلية) حيث شهدت هذه المحافظات إضرابات، مثل باقي محافظات الضفة الغربية، وتم استرجاع (318) أي ما يعادل 85% من حجم العينة، بهدف التعرف إلى درجة تقبل المعلمين للرسائل الاتصالية، المستخدمة خلال الأزمة، بالإضافة إلى التعرف على المشاعر المتشكلة لديهم باختلاف مصدر المعلومات وشكلها.خلصت الدراسة إلى أن استراتيجيات الاستجابة الثانوية، حسب تصنيف كومبس