Valproate-Autism Labyrinth.

Valproate and Autism complexity is manifold. From an established environmental risk factor for autism, to a translational animal model, valproate's composite mode of action might unfold to address core autistic domains transcending mere aggressive behavioural control.

Artificial intelligence and health information: A bibliometric analysis of three decades of research.

Information on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is needed to align healthcare transformation efforts. This bibliometric analysis aims to establish the patterns of publication activities on the application of AI in health. A total of 1083 scholarly papers published between 1993 and 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases.

Third Kuwaiti Multicenter Survey of Antibiotic Susceptibility of Anaerobic Bacteria: A Comparative Analysis of 20-Year Data.

This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance trends among clinically significant anaerobes in Kuwait hospitals from 2013 to 2022, comparing these findings with data from 2002 to 2012. The study prospectively collected 2,317 anaerobic isolates from various body sites across four Kuwaiti hospitals between January 2013 and December 2022. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for 11 antianaerobic antibiotics were determined using E-test methodology.

TC-325 Superiority in Malignant Gastrointestinal Bleeding: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

Introduction: The efficacy of topical hemostatic agents, recommended for peptic ulcer bleeding, remains poorly characterized in malignant gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB).

Methods: We performed an individual patient data meta-analysis assessing the efficacy of topical hemostatic agents in malignant GIB. The literature was searched using OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases (database inception to November 2023).

Immunoglobulin-Mediated Cardiac Protection From Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats Is Associated With Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase/Glucose Transporter-4 Signaling Pathway.

The role of intravenous immunoglobulin in protecting the diabetic heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is unclear. Hearts isolated from adult diabetic and nondiabetic Wistar rats (n = 8 per group) were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) either 2 hours before euthanasia, before ischemia, or at reperfusion. Hemodynamic data were acquired using the Isoheart software version 1.

Aptima HPV Genotypes in Abnormal Cervical Samples in Different Age Groups - Implication on Vaccination Strategies.

Context: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) types is associated with high-grade cervical abnormalities.

Aims: The aim of the study was to find most hr-HPV types causing persistent infection in abnormal cytological samples using Aptima HPV testing and discuss the compatibility of the Gardasil 9 vaccine in targeting most types.

Settings: The study was conducted in a cytology laboratory in a tertiary hospital.

Singlet oxygen detection in vivo is hindered by nonspecific SOSG staining.

Singlet oxygen is considered an important cell damaging agent due to its propensity to react with organic compounds. This drives the interest in developing methods for determination of O. Simplicity of application and high sensitivity makes fluorescent probes a popular choice for in vivo O detection.

Circulation of new lineages of RSV-A and RSV-B in Kuwait shows high diversity in the N- and O-linked glycosylation sites in the G protein between 2020 and 2022.

The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant health concern, particularly for infants, young children, and the elderly. This virus is known to evolve continuously due to environmental factors and herd immunity. In light of this, our study aimed to analyze the genetic variability of the G protein in RSV-A and RSV-B genotypes in Kuwait from 2020 to 2022.

Real-World Effectiveness of Mepolizumab in Severe Asthma: Results from the Multi-country, Self-controlled Nucala Effectiveness Study (NEST).

Introduction: The Nucala Effectiveness Study (NEST) assessed the effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with severe asthma (SA) in countries previously underrepresented in real-world studies.

Methods: A multi-country, bi-directional, self-controlled, observational cohort study conducted in Colombia, Chile, India, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Historical and/or prospective data from patients with SA were assessed 12 months pre- and post-mepolizumab initiation.

Combined impact of heat and dust on diabetes hospitalization in Kuwait.

Introduction: In Kuwait, a severe diabetes and obesity epidemic coexists with intense dust storms and harsh summer heat. While, theoretically, this interplay between dust, heat, and diabetes presents a serious public health problem, the empirical understanding of the actual risks remains limited. We hypothesized that increased exposure to heat and dust, independently and jointly, exacerbates the risk of hospitalization for diabetes patients.

Competency development for pharmacy: adopting and adapting the FIP global advanced development framework.

Background: Pharmacy education shifts toward competency-based training to meet healthcare demands. This study aims to develop and validate the Kuwait Advanced Competency Framework (KACF) for pharmacists. The study adopts the FIP Global Advanced Development Framework (GADF) to develop a country-specific framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning with global standards while adapting to local contexts.

Psychiatrists' Insights on Integrating Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care: A Multisite Middle Eastern Study.

: The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, perception, attitude, and self-efficacy of psychiatrists regarding the role of occupational therapy in mental health practice. : This study utilized a cross-sectional design to examine the perspectives of psychiatrists from various Middle Eastern countries on occupational therapy practice. A self-developed tool was mainly used to assess occupational therapy knowledge, autonomy, attitude, and self-efficacy.

Novel Hybrid Quantum Architecture-Based Lung Cancer Detection Using Chest Radiograph and Computerized Tomography Images.

Lung cancer, the second most common type of cancer worldwide, presents significant health challenges. Detecting this disease early is essential for improving patient outcomes and simplifying treatment. In this study, we propose a hybrid framework that combines deep learning (DL) with quantum computing to enhance the accuracy of lung cancer detection using chest radiographs (CXR) and computerized tomography (CT) images.

Low-Resistance Membrane vs. High-Resistance Membrane Performance Utilizing Electrodialysis-Evaporator Hybrid System in Treating Reject Brine from Kuwait Desalination Plants.

This work is an effort to mitigate the existing environmental issues caused by brine discharge from Kuwait's desalination plants and to find an economical and efficient way of managing reject brine from local desalination plants. Low- and high-resistance membranes (LRMs and HRMs, respectively) were used to produce salt and low-salinity water from brine effluent utilizing an electrodialysis (ED)-evaporator hybrid system. The effect of high current densities of 300, 400, and 500 A/m and brine flowrates of 450 and 500 L/h on the quality of produced salt and diluate were investigated for LRM and HRM.

Engaging vs. Non-Engaging Abutments: An In Vitro Study Evaluating Changes in Microgap and Screw Morphology.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the microgap size between engaging (E) and non-engaging (NE) abutments and screw morphology changes between E and NE abutments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after cyclic loading (CL).

Methods: Thirty-six implants were arranged into four groups as follows: Group 1, single units with E abutments; Group 2, single units with NE abutments; Group 3, three-unit fixed partial dentures with a hemi-engaging design; and Group 4, three-unit FPDs with two NE abutments. The microgap was evaluated using a stereomicroscope.

Evaluating Service Satisfaction and Sustainability of the Afya Insurance Scheme in Kuwait: An Exploratory Analysis.

Purpose: In 2014, the Kuwaiti parliament enacted the private health insurance law for Kuwaiti retirees ie, Afya to enhance service quality for retirees through the involvement of the private sector. The study aimed to comprehensively analyze Afya across three crucial dimensions: efficiency, inclusiveness, effectiveness, and service quality; delivery of services throughout the revenue management cycle; and its long-term sustainability in Kuwait.

Methods: Conducted between June 2021 and August 2022, the study employed both web-based and hardcopy questionnaires, reaching a response rate of 78.

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.

Empowering competence: A program-wide active learning framework for a pharmacy program.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a program-wide active learning framework to guide active learning and assessment efforts in an entry-to-practice competency-based Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Methods: The development of the framework involved 3 stages: creation of a framework aligned with the program's guiding principles, provision of training and support to faculty and students, and evaluation of the students' and academic staff satisfaction using an online survey over 2 academic years (2022-2023). Data from this survey were analyzed descriptively.

Evaluation of reference genes suitable for studying mRNAs and microRNAs expression in thyroid neoplasms.

Analysis of gene expression is a pivotal method at the core of biomarkers studies and cancer research. Currently, RT-qPCR is the most commonly used technique to investigate the expression of certain genes. The accurate and reliable result relies on an effective normalization step using suitable reference genes.