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    VARIATIONS OF THE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THREE REGIONS IN PALESTINE
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-11-11) Saleem, Azeeza
    Currently, our world is very interested in herbal medicine and people tend to use plants for many disease treatments. Due to the benefits of guava, which is known for its traditional uses, it was chosen as a basic plant in this research. Where the research was carried out on various pharmacological characteristics of guava leaf oil for three different regions in Palestine to study all chemical and medicinal properties of guava oil, to clarify the different composition and what follow that of different pharmacological uses. Guava leaves were picked and collected from three different regions (Qalqilya, Jericho, and Hebron (, using the Hydro-distillation method to extract oils. The oils are used to conduct various tests of their chemical components and laboratory tests to verify the oil’s anti-oxidation and alpha-inhibiting properties of DPPH, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucose lipase as well as against cancer cell lines, according to their constituents that approved by using GC-Ms. As a result, the three types of guava leaf oil have rich chemo diversity while the main components were D-Limonene for Qalqilya and Jericho regions, but beta-Caryophyllene in Hebron region. Qalqilya's oil is better as an anti-obesity and antioxidant because of Benzaldehyde and alpha-Curcumene presenting, and 1,8-cineol and Aromadendrene, respectively. Jericho's oil is the best as antidiabetic according to E-Cinnamaldehyde and verbenone contents, comparing to the less type of three regions was Qalqilya's oil, while Hebron oil is closure to Jericho oil properties. As well as Hebron has more effect on different types of cancer cell lines as Jericho (Hek293t, HepG2, HeLa and MCF-7), Qalqilya oil has an effect on Caco-2 type. These differences were due to geographical locations that make a variation in chemical constituents in these oils. Guava leaves and its components are suggested to be used and targeted for the future researches and medications.
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    THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIOSOMAL DELIVERY SYSTEM CO-LOADED WITH SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL FOR SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-12-21) Rattrout, Alaa
    Antimicrobial resistance has increased the demand for alternative therapeutic strategies combining natural agents and nanotechnology. This study developed and evaluated a niosomal drug delivery system co-loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ginger essential oil (GEO) to enhance antibacterial activity. Ginger essential oil (GEO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising antimicrobial agents, but their clinical use is limited by volatility, instability, and potential toxicity. In our study, Dual delivery Nano-carrier was designed to improve the physicochemical stability, control the release profile, and enhance antimicrobial potency of GEO and AgNPs. Thin film hydration method was utilized to prepare niosomal system, using non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol, all prepared formulation then characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology. All vesicles were Nano sized (blank and loaded nisosomal vesicles < 70 nm) with low PDI (≤ 0.313) and moderately negative zeta potentials (about -28 to -33 mV). Spherical, well-dispersed system of all niosomal formulation were confirmed using AFM images. Co-loaded niosomal formulations limited GEO and AgNPs release at 48h to 71.9%, 56.88%, respectively. Marked reductions in MIC values upon encapsulation, showing the lowest MICs (e.g. 12.5 µg/ml against Klebsiella pneumoniae vs 100 and 50 µg/ml for free GEO and AgNPs, respectively). The co-loaded system showed a strong bactericidal activity against most of the tested microorganisms, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, MRSA, and S. epidermidis. Highest glutathione depletion associated with co-loading system with 75.5% depletion. Overall, the co-loaded niosomal system combine favorable nanoscale characteristics, controlled release, and synergistically enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, highlighting their potential as multifunctional antimicrobial Nano carriers.
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    SPONTANEOUS URBAN EXPANSION AROUND HISTORIC TOWN CENTERS AND ITS IMPACT ON ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY - THE TOWN OF BIDYA AS A CASE STUDY
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-12-14) Khursani, Ahmad Abed- Al-Qadir
    Background: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is defined as doses of 500 mg/m2 or higher administered intravenously and is a commonly used agent for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, HDMTX carriers a significant risk of nephrotoxicity particularly acute kidney injury (AKI), which can delay treatment, increase toxicity, and worsen outcomes. Defining the incidence and predicting renal impairment in patients receiving HDMTX is necessary to enhance patient safety and aid in therapeutic decision-making in Palestinian practice. Objective: To assess the incidence of renal impairment in patients treated with HDMTX for haematological malignancies and to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and treatment- related factors that were associated with the risk of renal impairment. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary educational referral hospital in Palestine with a 120-bed capacity. All patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancy and treated with HDMTX from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2024 (data extraction completed on 25 August 2025) were included. The study team reviewed and extracted data from medical records, including demographic information (age, gender, BMI, BSA), comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, liver disease), laboratory parameters (baseline and post-treatment creatinine, BUN, eGFR, electrolytes, liver enzymes, hematologic parameters), and treatment-related variables (protocols, dose of MTX, leucovorin rescue, supportive medications). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests (for non-parametric data). Results: The incidence of AKI in patients receiving HDMTX was 9.8%. Patients with AKI were more likely to have a higher baseline creatinine, lower eGFR, hypoalbuminemia, and more comorbidity. Use of concomitant nephrotoxic medications (aminoglycosides and vancomycin) was also significantly linked to AKI. Conclusion: Renal damage as a result of HDMTX treatment continues to be a major complication for patients with hematological malignancies in Palestine. Identifying patients at risk early by methodical targeting, frequent monitoring, and providing 13 appropriate supportive care can help mitigate nephrotoxicity and increase treatment success. Keywords: HDMTX, acute kidney injury, hematological malignancies, renal damage, nephrotoxicity, Palestine
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    EFFICACY OF INTRATHECAL CHLOROPROCAINE AND BUPIVACAINE ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING DAY-CASE SURGERY: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-11-30) Haj Hamad, Raheeq
    Background: Day-case procedures require anaesthetics with rapid onset, effective anesthesia, prompt recovery, and minimal complications. Bupivacaine provides extended analgesia but causes delayed recovery and potential hemodynamic instability. Chloroprocaine offers a swift onset and recovery; however, its use in outpatient surgery in Palestine remains inadequately investigated. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal chloroprocaine compared with bupivacaine in patients undergoing outpatient (day-case) surgery by assessing key clinical outcomes. Methods: A descriptive comparative cross sectional study was conducted at Al Itihad Hospital in Nablus, Palestine, from March to June 2025. One hundred adult patients (ages 18-65) undergoing elective outpatient procedures under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive either intrathecal chloroprocaine (Group A) or intrathecal bupivacaine (Group B). Primary outcomes measured were block properties and motor/sensory regression times. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic stability, postoperative analgesia requirements, ambulation time, and complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Chloroprocaine demonstrated faster sensory (3.12 ± 0.56 min) and motor block onset (4.92 ± 0.63 min) compared to bupivacaine (4.26 ± 0.53 min and 5.68 ± 0.86 min, respectively; p < 0.01). The chloroprocaine group experienced shorter block duration. This has lead to quicker ambulation and discharge. More chloroprocaine patients required postoperative analgesics (66% vs. 38%; p = 0.003). Hemodynamic measures including hypotension, bradycardia, and hypertension showed no significant differences between groups. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion: Both chloroprocaine and bupivacaine are safe and effective for spinal anesthesia in outpatient procedures. Chloroprocaine offers rapid onset, reduced recovery time, and expedited discharge but requires more postoperative analgesia.
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    CAN A FAILURE-TO-RESCUE PREVENTION PROGRAM ENHANCE WARD NURSES' KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IN EARLY DETECTION OF DETERIORATING PATIENT?
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-11-06) Zandeeq, Ward
    Background: Failure to rescue (FTR), marked out as death next to treatable complications, it’s a crucial index of hospitals quality and patients’ safety. Ward nurses play a critical role in early recognizing deterioration; however. Knowledge and practice deficit can delay actions and rise the mortality rates. Objectives: This thesis aimed to assess the effectiveness of FTR prevention educational program in increase ward nurses’ knowledge, practice and self-competence. Methodology: a quasi-experimental one group pre and post design was established at An-Najah National University Hospital across emergency, medical, specialized surgeries, day care, bone marrow transplant, out clinic, intermediate cardiac care unit and surgical departments. A total of 57 nurses recruited through G-Power sample size estimation. Data collection between December 2024 and April 2025 using a tool consists of: Questionnaire 10 MCQs, practice questionnaire 10 case based MCQs, and self-competence scale 12 Likert type items. Content validity confirmed by seven experts (S-CVI/Ave≥ 0.87), along with internal consistency supported by (Cronbach’s α = 0.70–0.83). data analysis done using descriptive statistics and paired t-test at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: knowledge achieved scores increased from pre-intervention 58.2% to 98.2% post-intervention (P= 0.000). practice scours improvement from 58.8% to 95.3% (P= 0.000). self-assessment enhanced from 69.7% to 83%. the results demonstrate significant improvements along with all domains after the program.