Molecular Screening of Carbapenem-Resistant (CRKP) Clinical Isolates for Concomitant Occurrence of Genes (CTX-M, TEM, and SHV) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing , including CRKP infections, has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to explore the presence of genes (CTX-M, TEM, and SHV) in CRKP isolates. A total of 24 CRKP isolates were randomly selected from the Salmaniya Medical Complex Microbiology Laboratory.

Clinical carbapenem-resistant isolates simultaneously harboring , types and qnrS genes from the Kingdom of Bahrain: Resistance profile and genetic environment.

The prevalence of Carbapenem-resistant (CRKP) is currently increasing worldwide, prompting WHO to classify it as an urgent public health threat. CRKP is considered a difficult to treat organism owing to limited therapeutic options. In this study, a total of 24 CRKP clinical isolates were randomly collected from Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain.

Variability of ophthalmology residents' perception toward different major training programs in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: The constant demand for ophthalmologists has nationally resulted in creating more programs in different regions of the kingdom. We have previously reported the overall residents' satisfaction with the current local ophthalmology curriculum and the competency of the ophthalmic training (clinical and surgical) in our local programs in Saudi Arabia compared to international standards. In this study, we aim at comparing the major local training programs and analyze the differences among them aiming at improving our training.

Perception of online and face to face microbiology laboratory sessions among medical students and faculty at Arabian Gulf University: a mixed method study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all spheres of society including medical education and healthcare systems. In response to the pandemic, there has been a transition in medical education practice from traditional forms of teaching to online instruction delivery and virtual learning. Effective clinical microbiology education involves a combination of 'hands-on' practical learning and instructional delivery of scientific knowledge.

Incidence of posterior capsule opacification following phacoemulsification in patients with uveitis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in patients with inactive uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification with acrylic hydrophobic intraocular lens.

Methods: Thus was a retrospective review of 25 consecutive patients (31 eyes) with uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification. A group of 100 patients (140 eyes) without uveitis served as historical controls.

Hydroxychloroquine dosing and toxicity: A real-world experience in Saudi Arabia of 63 patients.

Purpose: To assess the ocular toxicity in patients on high doses of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) per weight, as per the latest American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) screening guidelines for HCQ toxicity.

Methods: This is a multi-center study looking at consecutive patients attending the ophthalmology clinics at a tertiary hospital and a private clinic in Saudi Arabia. A data collection sheet was used to collect patient's information regarding the dose per body weight, duration of HCQ use and any risk factors associated with the use of the medication as per the latest AAO guidelines for HCQ screening.

Evaluation of Curricular Adaptations Using Digital Transformation in a Medical School in Arabian Gulf during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Several institutions adopted innovative approaches to ensure continued learning for their students during the COVID-19 pandemic. All curricular innovations should undergo curriculum evaluation; hence, the objective of this paper was to share the salient features of evaluation using faculty and student's feedback on curricular adaptations implemented through digital transformation in a Medical School in Arabian Gulf during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a structured questionnaire.

Methodology: After getting informed consent, feedback about acceptability and limitations regarding various aspects of curricular adaptations was obtained from students and faculty, using a structured and validated questionnaire.

Student Perception of Microbiology Laboratory Skills Learning Through a Problem-Based Learning Curriculum: Arabian Gulf University Experience.

Introduction: The curriculum at medical school at Arabian Gulf University is centered on small group learning and real-life problems provided to students and guiding students to learn actively. In microbiology, laboratory skills are taught in an innovative manner using mini cases and different lab sessions and are integrated with other basic sciences. This article describes the format and pattern of laboratory skills sessions conducted using PBL methods at Arabian Gulf University and discusses the perception of students towards PBL in laboratory skill learning and way forward for the same.

T Regulatory Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis with Reference to Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibody and TNF-alpha Inhibitor Therapy.

T regulatory cells (Tregs) plays an important role in maintaining self-tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases by inhibiting proliferation and cytokine production of self-reactive T cells. Controversy was reported regarding the frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in the peripheral circulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to normal controls. Also, some showed that treatment with TNF-α inhibitor restored the capacity of Tregs.

Is there a role for HLA-G in the induction of regulatory T cells during the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy?

Problem: Pregnancy remains an immune challenge for the uterus that has to adapt to a semi-allogeneic fetus using various regulatory mechanisms. Both HLA-G and regulatory T cells (CD4  CD25  FOXP3  T ) are upregulated in successful pregnancy, but not in abortion. It is unclear if HLA-G plays a role in the upregulation of regulatory cells.

Aqueous penetration of topical tacrolimus.

Purpose: To evaluate the penetration of topical tacrolimus 0.05% into the aqueous humor.

Observations: A total of four patients scheduled for routine cataract surgery were included prospectively.

Topical Tacrolimus in Thygeson Superficial Punctate Keratitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.02% eye drops in the treatment of patients with Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis.

Methods: Ten consecutive patients with Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis were included retrospectively.

Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of the Maastricht Clinical Teaching Questionnaire in Bahrain.

Objectives: The Maastricht Clinical Teaching Questionnaire (MCTQ) was developed to evaluate clinical teachers' supervisory skills during undergraduate clinical rotations. Evidence exists supporting the reliability and validity of this questionnaire. Our study sought to examine the reliability and validity of the MCTQ in a Middle Eastern context.

Assessment of Ophthalmology Residency Programs in Saudi Arabia: A Trainee-Based Survey.

Purpose: To assess the satisfaction and competency of Saudi ophthalmology residents and compare their performance against International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) standards.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of senior ophthalmology residents (postgraduate years [PGY] 3-4) and recent graduates (from 2010 to 2015) assessed various aspects of training. The questionnaire was sent to the participants and was divided into 3 main domains: demographics, training program evaluation, and preparedness for board exams and clinical practice.

Initial misdiagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Purpose: To report the initial misdiagnosis of patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

Methods: The medical records of 76 consecutive patients diagnosed with VKH disease were reviewed retrospectively at The Eye Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients were referred to The Eye Center from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

Correction: Non-GVHD ocular complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation: expert review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and Transplant Complications Working Party of the EBMT.

In the original version of this article, author 'Aisha Al-Khinji' was incorrectly listed as 'Aisha Ahmed'. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article to 'Aisha Al-Khinji'.

Non-GVHD ocular complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation: expert review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and Transplant Complications Working Party of the EBMT.

Non-graft-vs.-host disease (non-GVHD) ocular complications are generally uncommon after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), but can cause prolonged morbidity affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of non-GVHD ocular complications in a collaboration between transplant physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Non-Graft-versus-Host Disease Ocular Complications after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Expert Review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Non-graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) ocular complications are generally uncommon after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) but can cause prolonged morbidity affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of non-GVHD ocular complications in a collaboration between transplantation physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Complications discussed in this review include cataracts, glaucoma, ocular infections, ocular involvement with malignancy, ischemic microvascular retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment and ocular toxicities associated with medications.

Topical tacrolimus solution in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome-1-associated keratitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrloimus eye drops in the treatment of keratitis associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS)-1.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of 10 patients with APS-1. The patients were treated with topical tacrolimus 0.

Efficacy of topical cysteamine in nephropathic cystinosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of topical cysteamine 0.55% eye drops in the treatment of corneal cystine crystal deposits in patients with nephropathic cystinosis.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with nephropathic cystinosis were prospectively included in the study.

Ocular findings in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease. Ocular complications occur in up to one-third of patients with SLE. The ocular findings may represent the initial manifestation of the disease and may lead to severe ocular morbidity and loss of vision.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose topical tacrolimus in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical low-dose tacrolimus (0.01%) solution in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Patients And Methods: A total of 62 consecutive patients with VKC refractory to conventional treatment were included retrospectively.