Candidemia chronicles: Retrospective analysis of candidemia epidemiology, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns in Bahrain.

Background: Invasive fungal infections, particularly candidemia, pose significant clinical challenges globally. Understanding local epidemiology, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management despite regional variations.

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of candidemia among patients in Bahrain from 2021 to 2023.

Glucose-lowering medication associated with weight loss may limit the progression of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.

Aim: Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated the effect of glucose lowering medication associated with weight change on DPN.

Methods: Participants with T2D were grouped based on whether their glucose lowering medications were associated with weight gain (WG) or weight loss (WL).

Utilizing stimuli-responsive nanoparticles to deliver and enhance the anti-tumor effects of bilirubin.

Bilirubin (BR) is among the most potent endogenous antioxidants that originates from the heme catabolic pathway. Despite being considered as a dangerous and cytotoxic waste product at high concentrations, BR has potent antioxidant effects leading to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, which play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. The purpose of this study is to introduce PEGylated BR nanoparticles (NPs), themselves or in combination with other anti-cancer agents.

Effects of dietary curcumin on gene expression: An analysis of transcriptomic data in mice.

Background: Curcumin, a ubiquitous polyphenol in turmeric, possesses many anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. These therapeutic effects are largely resultant of curcumin's ability to modulate global gene expression. Bioinformatics-based approaches for analyzing differential gene expression are effective tools in gaining a more profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action.

Pulse oximetry in pediatric care: Balancing advantages and limitations.

Background: Pulse oximetry has become a cornerstone technology in healthcare, providing non-invasive monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Despite its widespread use, the technology has inherent limitations and challenges that must be addressed to ensure accurate and reliable patient care.

Aim: To comprehensively evaluate the advantages, limitations, and challenges of pulse oximetry in clinical practice, as well as to propose recommendations for optimizing its use.

Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in genetic and epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Aim: To explore the genetic architecture of ASD, elucidate mechanistic insights into genetic mutations, and examine gene-environment interactions.

Unfolding the empathic insights and tendencies among medical students of two gulf institutions using interpersonal reactivity index.

Background: Empathy is an essential core competency for future doctors. Unfortunately, the medical curriculum is infamously known to burn out aspiring doctors, which may potentially lead to a decline in empathy among medical students. This research was planned to understand the evolution of empathic approaches among students across the curriculum using the Interpersonal reactivity index (IRI) as a benchmark at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB) and University of Sharjah (UoS).

Alendronate for Effective Treatment of Male Osteoporosis : An Insight.

Osteoporosis is a major global health problem. The increase in the incidence of osteoporosis in the elderly poses a challenge to treat and also results in an economic burden for the nation. Osteoporosis has been given more importance in females, and there is an urgent need to address this disease in males.

The analgesic effect of curcumin and nano-curcumin in clinical and preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic pain remains a treatment challenge. Curcumin, a natural plant product found in the Curcuma genus, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin and nano-curcumin for treating chronic pain in clinical and preclinical studies.

Willingness and self-confidence of healthcare workers in Bahrain in assisting with in-flight emergencies.

Background: In-flight medical emergency (IFE) impose considerable challenges on healthcare workers (HCWs) because of limited resources, constrained environment, and medico-legal issues. This study assessed HCWs knowledge, willingness, and confidence in addressing in-flight medical emergencies.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2023 among nurses and physicians working in primary healthcare centers and governmental hospitals in Bahrain.

What factors influence patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making? A systematic review of studies from the Global South.

Background: The principle of respect for autonomy (PRA) is a central tenet of bioethics. In the quest for a global bioethics, it is pertinent to ask whether this principle can be applied as it is to cultures and societies that are devoid of the Western sociopolitical historical pressures that led to its emergence. Relational autonomists have argued for a more inclusive approach to patient autonomy which takes into account factors such as interdependency and social relations.

GLP-1 mimetics and diabetic ketoacidosis: possible interactions and clinical consequences.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious diabetes-related consequence that occurs in type 1 diabetes and less commonly in type 2 diabetes and is a major cause of death. It results from the metabolic consequences due to a lack of insulin secretion or impaired insulin activity in diabetes leading to dysregulated pathophysiologic pathways resulting in excessive ketone body formation. While ketone bodies are physiologic molecules, their high levels reduce the physiological pH of the blood and induce ketoacidosis, leading to increasing metabolic dysfunction.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, possible cellular interactions and benefits.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a newly developed class of anti-diabetics which exert potent hypoglycemic effects in the diabetic milieu. However, the evidence suggests that they also have extra-glycemic effects. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormonal system widely distributed in the body that is important for water and electrolyte homeostasis as well as renal and cardiovascular function.

Nutritional Ketosis as a Therapeutic Approach in Critical Illness: A Systematic Review.

Critical illness encompasses the dysfunction of vital organs, the risk of death, and potential reversibility; it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The pathophysiology underlying many critical illnesses includes bioenergetic failure, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This systematic review aims to explore the use of nutritional ketosis (ketogenic feeds and exogenous ketone body administration) as a potential therapy, affecting the aforementioned pathways in patients with critical illnesses.

New graduate nurses' readiness for practice, transition and integration into the workplace: A longitudinal study with mixed methods research.

Aim: To examine the readiness of new graduate nurses for practice and evaluate factors influencing their transition into the workplace.

Background: This is new research in Bahrain. Understanding readiness for practice is important during a time when there is a national initiative to promote nursing as a career among the indigenous Bahraini population.

Sustained corneal nerve loss predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: This study was undertaken to investigate whether sustained rather than a single measure of corneal nerve loss was associated with the onset of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and the progression of neuropathic symptoms and deficits in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Participants underwent clinical, metabolic testing and assessment of neuropathic symptoms, vibration perception threshold (VPT), sudomotor function, and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) at baseline, 1, 2, and 4-7 years. Sustained corneal nerve loss was defined as abnormal corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD, <24 fibers/mm), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD, <21 branches/mm), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL, <16 mm/mm) persisting for ≥50% of the study duration.

Effect of Ozone Therapy on Diabetes-related Foot Ulcer Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ozone therapy in treating Diabetes-related Foot Ulcer (DFU) and its outcomes.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases for published studies evaluating the use of ozone as an adjunct treatment for DFU, from inception to December 21, 2022. The primary outcome measure was the change in wound size after the intervention compared to pretreatment.

Fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases: Pros and cons.

Background: Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases. However, its role, pros, and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.

Aim: To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, including its advantages and limitations.

Microphallus early management in infancy saves adulthood sensual life: A ‎‎comprehensive review.

Microphallus/Micropenis is a rare condition with significant physical and psychological implications for affected individuals. This article comprehensively reviews micropenis, its etiology, epidemiology, and various treatment options. We conducted a thorough literature review to collect relevant information on micropenis and microphallus, as well as related disorders.

Metabolomic changes in children with autism.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Metabolomic profiling has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the underlying metabolic dysregulations associated with ASD.

Aim: To comprehensively explore metabolomic changes in children with ASD, integrating findings from various research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, editorials, and a book chapter.

Advancements of non-invasive prenatal testing: the role of obstetricians.

Since its debut in 2011, Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) has continually demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting an expanding number of diseases. NIPT offers a less invasive approach to prenatal chromosomal disease screening, providing prospective parents with vital information to better prepare for their potential pregnancy outcomes. NIPT was primarily designed for screening trisomy 13, 18, and 21.

The role of natural products as PCSK9 modulators: A review.

A variety of mechanisms and drugs have been shown to attenuate cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset and/or progression. Recent researchers have identified a potential role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. PCSK9 is the central protein in the metabolism of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) owing to its major function in LDL receptor (LDLR) degradation.