Circulating Isthmin-1 Levels and Their Relationship with Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases in Kuwaiti Adults.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with significant alterations in various metabolic biomarkers. Isthmin-1 (Ism1) has recently emerged as a potential marker of metabolic health and was shown in animal studies to associate with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the circulatory levels of Ism1 in individuals with obesity compared to non-obese individuals and evaluate their association with insulin resistance, MAFLD, and T2D.

Analysis of Acute Cerebrovascular Accidents following Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures: A Comprehensive 17-year study involving 24,412 patients at a leading Tertiary care institution in the United Kingdom.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to quantify the incidence of stroke following cardiac surgery over 17 years at our centre. Additionally, we evaluated the potential risk factors leading to postoperative stroke in these patients.

Methods: Patient characteristics and perioperative data were collected for 24,412 patients undergoing surgery at our centre between January 2005 and December 2021.

Network Meta-Analysis: Comparison of Endoscopic Dysplasia Detection Technologies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: Novel colorectal cancer endoscopic surveillance techniques for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have recently been developed.

Aims: Compare the efficacy of currently available techniques for dysplasia detection in colonic IBD.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search from inception to March 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective cohort studies enrolling adults with IBD and having surveillance colonoscopy for dysplasia screening.

Using flow-cytometry in measuring platelet activity in type 2 diabetes and predicting macrovascular complications.

Platelets are hyperactive in patients with type2 diabetes (T2DM), they adhere to vascular endothelium and play a key role in macrovascular complications. Platelets activity can be measured by flow-cytometry (cluster of differentiation (CD) 41, CD 42, CD 62, CD 63), which allows detection of surface antigens in a sensitive and specific manner. This study aimed to describe platelets activity in T2DM in association with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in relation to duration of diabetes (DM).

Relationship Between Patient Demographics and Biologic Therapy Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. A Single Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Biologic therapies treat patients with moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to investigate the demographics of biologic therapy use and its association with patient characteristics, a topic that has not yet been thoroughly assessed in our region.

Methods: Electronic health record data from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023, were collected at a tertiary care IBD center in Kuwait.

Development of three biofuel CRMs for the quality parameters in biodiesel and wood pellet via a joint research project.

Biomass is a key element in biofuels which can be defined as a fuel produced through contemporary biological processes, and its increased use can support the EU's aims of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Information on the nature and the quality of the biomass or biofuel is important in order to support the optimization of their combustion with respect to realizing higher efficiencies and lower emissions during energy production. Three reference materials were produced by a collaborative approach among national metrology institutes and designated institutes within the scope of the EMPIR project: BIOFMET.

Evaluation of cardiothoracic ratio as a potential predictor of cardiovascular abnormalities in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

Cardiovascular complications represent a significant health concern for individuals with diabetes mellitus. The relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is complex and multifaceted, involving a variety of pathophysiological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of the cardiothoracic ratio as a prognostic tool for cardiovascular disorders in patients with diabetes.

Comparative Efficacy of Biologics and Small Molecule in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: Treatment options for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) are increasing rapidly, but the lack of comparative efficacy trials makes treatment choices a clinical challenge. This network-meta-analysis aimed to compare the relative efficacy of biologics and small molecules in achieving remission in patients with moderate to severe UC.

Methods: The literature was searched up to May 2024.

Outcome of a dedicated complex aortic surgery fellowship program.

Introduction: Advancements in endovascular therapy, especially in complex aortic procedures, underscore the need for additional post-certification training. Dedicated post-residency vascular fellowship programs offer exposure to diverse cases, research opportunities, and professional networking. The study aims to describe and present outcomes from the complex aortic fellowship program at the Vascular Surgery Department of the Uppsala University Hospital.

Relationship between Ustekinumab trough concentrations and clinical, biochemical and endoscopic outcomes in Crohn's disease: A multi-center nationwide retrospective study (TARGET STUDY).

Ustekinumab has been shown to be effective in inducing and maintain clinical and endoscopic remission in Crohn disease (CD). We aim to assess whether ustekinumab trough levels are associated with improved outcomes in CD in real-life. We recruited patients with CD who were treated with ustekinumab for at least 6 months from January 2017 to June 2023.

Clinical Characteristics, Functional Outcome, and Socioeconomic Impact of Ischemic Stroke among Young Egyptian Adults.

Background: Stroke in young patients results in disproportionately high societal cost given the productive life-years lost. Little is known about stroke in young Egyptian patients. We aimed to analyze clinicodemographic characteristics, functional outcome, and socioeconomic impact of ischemic stroke among young Egyptian adults.

Six Years' Experience With a Novel Dissection-Specific Stent-Graft to Prevent Distal Stent-Graft-Induced New Entry.

Introduction: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in chronic dissection is associated with a risk for distal stent-graft-induced new entry (dSINE) in up to a quarter of cases. We assess the mid-term outcome of a novel dissection-specific stent-graft (DSSG), which is a custom-made device based on the Cook Alpha platform, with a modified graft design and a distal endovascular elephant trunk without any supporting stent to reduce the radial force on the dissection membrane at the distal landing zone.

Methods: A retrospective single-center study of chronic dissection patients at high risk of dSINE who received an elective endovascular repair with DSSG from January 2017 to June 2023.

Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Patients Who Underwent Post Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring Procedures: A Tertiary Center Experience in Bahrain.

Background: Incidence of body contouring surgeries (BCS) rose significantly to overcome problems resulted from post-Bariatric Surgery (BS). We aimed to evaluate satisfaction level and quality of life (QOL) in patients' post-BCS.

Methods: In this retrospective prospective study, patients who underwent BCS in Plastic Surgery Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain, in 2017-2018, were enrolled.

Accuracy and Feasibility of Using a Smartphone Application for Carbohydrate Counting Versus Traditional Carbohydrate Counting for Adults With Insulin-Treated Diabetes.

Background: Patients with insulin-treated diabetes struggle with performing accurate carbohydrate counting for proper blood glucose control. Little is known about the comparative accuracy and feasibility of carbohydrate counting methods.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether carbohydrate counting using a smartphone application is more accurate and feasible than a traditional method.

An IL-17A-centric response to Epstein-Barr virus DNA mediated by dendritic Cell-T cell interactions.

The Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with a considerable number of autoimmune diseases. We have previously demonstrated that EBV DNA enhances the production of IL-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, via endosomal Toll-like receptor signalling. We used RNA-seq to analyze the transcriptional profile of mouse immune cells treated with EBV DNA.

Chemosensory changes during chemotherapy.

Background: Chemosensory changes that occur during chemotherapy can significantly impact food enjoyment, quality of life and recovery.

Aim: To investigate chemosensory changes reported by oncology patients during chemotherapy.

Methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional study design was used to explore 100 cancer patients' experiences of chemosensory changes during chemotherapy.

High Sodium Ion Storage by Multifunctional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Sustainable Sodium Batteries.

Rechargeable sodium batteries hold great promise for circumventing the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the limited supply of lithium. However, efficient sodium ion storage remains a great impediment in this field. In this study, we report the designed synthesis of a multifunctional two-dimensional covalent organic framework featuring hexaazatrinaphthalene cores linked by imidazole moieties and demonstrate its effective performance in sodium ion storage.