NobleBlocks

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain

UniversityAl Muharraq, Bahrain

Research output, citation impact, and the most-cited recent papers from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain (Bahrain). Aggregated across the NobleBlocks index of 300M+ scholarly works.

Total works
2.0K
Citations
44.7K
h-index
87
i10-index
1.0K
Also known as
RCSI-BahrainRCSI-MUBRoyal College of Surgeons in Ireland - BahrainRoyal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrainجامعة البحرين الطبية

Top-cited papers from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain

Definitions of Sexual Dysfunctions in Women and Men: A Consensus Statement From the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015
Marita P. McCabe, Ira D. Sharlip, Elham Atalla, Richard Balon +4 more
2016· The Journal of Sexual Medicine581doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.019

INTRODUCTION: Definitions of sexual dysfunctions in women and men are critical in facilitating research and enabling clinicians to communicate accurately. AIMS: To present the new set of definitions of all forms of sexual dysfunction in women and men adopted by the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) held in 2015. METHODS: Classification systems, including the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and systems that focus on only specific types of sexual dysfunctions (e.g., the International Society for Sexual Medicine definition for premature ejaculation) were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evidence-based definitions were retained, gaps in definitions were identified, and outdated definitions were updated or discarded. Where evidence was insufficient or absent, expert opinion was used. Some definitions were self-evident and termed clinical principles. RESULTS: The evidence to support the various classification systems was carefully evaluated. A more comprehensive analysis of this evidence can be found in two other articles in this journal that consider the incidence and prevalence and the risk factors for sexual dysfunction in men and women. These data were used to shape the definitions for sexual dysfunction that have been recommended by the 2015 ICSM. CONCLUSION: The definitions that have been adopted are those that are most strongly supported by the literature at this time or are considered clinical principles or consensus of experts' opinions. As more research and clinical studies are conducted, there likely will be modifications of at least some definitions.

Incidence and Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Consensus Statement from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015
Marita P. McCabe, Ira D. Sharlip, Ron Lewis, Elham Atalla +4 more
2016· The Journal of Sexual Medicine549doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.034

INTRODUCTION: The incidence and prevalence of various sexual dysfunctions in women and men are important to understand to designate priorities for epidemiologic and clinical research. AIM: This manuscript was designed to conduct a review of the literature to determine the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women and men. METHODS: Members of Committee 1 of the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (2015) searched and reviewed epidemiologic literature on the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunctions. Key older studies and most studies published after 2009 were included in the text of this article. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures were the reports in the various studies of the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women and men. RESULTS: There are more studies on incidence and prevalence for men than for women and many more studies on prevalence than incidence for women and men. The data indicate that the most frequent sexual dysfunctions for women are desire and arousal dysfunctions. In addition, there is a large proportion of women who experience multiple sexual dysfunctions. For men, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are the most common sexual dysfunctions, with less comorbidity across sexual dysfunctions for men compared with women. CONCLUSION: These data need to be treated with caution, because there is a high level of variability across studies caused by methodologic differences in the instruments used to assess presence of sexual dysfunction, ages of samples, nature of samples, methodology used to gather the data, and cultural differences. Future research needs to use well-validated tools to gather data and ensure that the data collection strategy is clearly described.

Qualitative Methods in Health Care Research
Vishnu Renjith, Renjulal Yesodharan, Judith A Noronha, Elissa Ladd +1 more
2021· International Journal of Preventive Medicine490doi:10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_321_19

Healthcare research is a systematic inquiry intended to generate robust evidence about important issues in the fields of medicine and healthcare. Qualitative research has ample possibilities within the arena of healthcare research. This article aims to inform healthcare professionals regarding qualitative research, its significance, and applicability in the field of healthcare. A wide variety of phenomena that cannot be explained using the quantitative approach can be explored and conveyed using a qualitative method. The major types of qualitative research designs are narrative research, phenomenological research, grounded theory research, ethnographic research, historical research, and case study research. The greatest strength of the qualitative research approach lies in the richness and depth of the healthcare exploration and description it makes. In health research, these methods are considered as the most humanistic and person-centered way of discovering and uncovering thoughts and actions of human beings.

COVID-19: breaking down a global health crisis
Saad I. Mallah, Omar Ghorab, Sabrina Al-Salmi, Omar S. Abdellatif +4 more
2021· Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials375doi:10.1186/s12941-021-00438-7

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the second pandemic of the twenty-first century, with over one-hundred million infections and over two million deaths to date. It is a novel strain from the Coronaviridae family, named Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2); the 7th known member of the coronavirus family to cause disease in humans, notably following the Middle East Respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS). The most characteristic feature of this single-stranded RNA molecule includes the spike glycoprotein on its surface. Most patients with COVID-19, of which the elderly and immunocompromised are most at risk, complain of flu-like symptoms, including dry cough and headache. The most common complications include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and cardiovascular manifestations. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is mainly via respiratory droplets, either directly from the air when an infected patient coughs or sneezes, or in the form of fomites on surfaces. Maintaining hand-hygiene, social distancing, and personal protective equipment (i.e., masks) remain the most effective precautions. Patient management includes supportive care and anticoagulative measures, with a focus on maintaining respiratory function. Therapy with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and tocilizumab appear to be most promising to date, with hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, ritonavir, and interferons falling out of favour. Additionally, accelerated vaccination efforts have taken place internationally, with several promising vaccinations being mass deployed. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and stakeholders have taken varying precautions to combat and contain the spread of the virus and dampen its collateral economic damage. This review paper aims to synthesize the impact of the virus on a global, micro to macro scale.

Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction Among Women and Men: A Consensus Statement From the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015
Marita P. McCabe, Ira D. Sharlip, Ron Lewis, Elham Atalla +4 more
2016· The Journal of Sexual Medicine317doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.015

INTRODUCTION: This article presents a review of previous research concerning risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women and men. AIM: The aim is to evaluate past research studies to determine the contribution of all risk factors to the development and maintenance of sexual dysfunction among women and men. METHODS: Studies were organized under a biopsychosocial framework, with the bulk of studies of women and men having investigated the role of biological factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures were the data on factors for sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Many more studies investigated risk factors for sexual dysfunction in men than in women. For women and men, diabetes, heart disease, urinary tract disorders, and chronic illness were significant risk factors for sexual dysfunction. Depression and anxiety and the medications used to treat these disorders also were risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women and men. In addition, substance abuse was associated with sexual dysfunction. Many other social and cultural factors were related to sexual dysfunction in women and men. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors are clearly risk factors for sexual dysfunction. Women and men with sexual dysfunction should be offered psychosocial evaluation and treatment, if available, in addition to medical evaluation and treatment. The impact of social and cultural factors on sexual function requires substantially more research. The evidence that erectile dysfunction is a harbinger of other forms of cardiovascular disease is strong enough to recommend that clinical evaluation for occult cardiovascular disease should be undertaken in men who do not have known cardiovascular disease but who develop organic erectile dysfunction, especially in men younger than 70 years.

Metabolic signature of obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Haya Al‐Sulaiti, Ilhame Diboun, Maha Victor Agha, Fatima F. S. Mohamed +4 more
2019· Journal of Translational Medicine179doi:10.1186/s12967-019-2096-8

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, some obese individuals maintain their insulin sensitivity and exhibit a lower risk of associated comorbidities. The underlying metabolic pathways differentiating obese insulin sensitive (OIS) and obese insulin resistant (OIR) individuals remain unclear. METHODS: In this study, 107 subjects underwent untargeted metabolomics of serum samples using the Metabolon platform. Thirty-two subjects were lean controls whilst 75 subjects were obese including 20 OIS, 41 OIR, and 14 T2DM individuals. RESULTS: Our results showed that phospholipid metabolites including choline, glycerophosphoethanolamine and glycerophosphorylcholine were significantly altered from OIS when compared with OIR and T2DM individuals. Furthermore, our data confirmed changes in metabolic markers of liver disease, vascular disease and T2DM, such as 3-hydroxymyristate, dimethylarginine and 1,5-anhydroglucitol, respectively. CONCLUSION: This pilot data has identified phospholipid metabolites as potential novel biomarkers of obesity-associated insulin sensitivity and confirmed the association of known metabolites with increased risk of obesity-associated insulin resistance, with possible diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Further studies are warranted to confirm these associations in prospective cohorts and to investigate their functionality.

Work‐family interference, emotional labor and burnout
Anthony Montgomery, Efharis Panagopolou, Martijn de Wildt, Ellis Meenks
2006· Journal of Managerial Psychology174doi:10.1108/02683940610643206

Purpose The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between emotional display rules/job focused labor, work‐family interference (WFI) and burnout among a sample of workers in a Dutch governmental organization. Design/methodology/approach The research is a cross‐sectional study of 174 workers from a Dutch governmental organization. Findings Emotional display rules and job‐focused labor were related to burnout and psychosomatic complaints. More specifically, the need to hide negative emotions and engage in surface acting was related to negative outcomes. In addition, WFI partially mediated the relationship between the hiding of negative emotion/surface acting and burnout/psychosomatic complaints. Research limitations/implications The present study is cross‐sectional and thus the postulated relationships cannot be interpreted causally. Practical implications In terms of training and/or interventions, there is a need for the worksite to provide structured opportunities for employees to decompress from the emotional demanding aspects of their jobs. Originality/value Emotional labor has been rarely examined as an antecedent of WFI. In addition, while emotional labor has been studied with individuals in the service sector, it has been rarely examined among individuals whose jobs are highly ceremonial in nature.

Investigating Inflammatory Markers in Wound Healing: Understanding Implications and Identifying Artifacts
Nouf N. Mahmoud, Khawla M. Hamad, Aya Al Shibitini, Sarah Juma +3 more
2024· ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science173doi:10.1021/acsptsci.3c00336

Understanding the complex interplay of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is crucial in the field of wound healing, as it holds the key to developing effective therapeutics. In the initial stages of wound healing, pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and various chemokines play vital roles in recruiting cells for debris clearance and the recruitment of growth factors. Careful regulation and timely resolution of this early inflammation are essential for optimal wound repair. As the healing process progresses, anti-inflammatory proteins such as IL-10 and IL-4 become instrumental in facilitating the transition to later stages where pro-inflammatory cytokines promote angiogenesis and wound remodeling. This Perspective underscores the complexity of inflammatory cytokines in wound healing research and emphasizes the need for comprehensive and unbiased methodologies in their evaluation. For robust and reliable results in wound-healing research, a more holistic approach is necessary-one that considers the roles, interactions, and timing of biological molecules, alongside careful sampling and evaluation strategies.

The Global, Regional, and National Burden of Adult Lip, Oral, and Pharyngeal Cancer in 204 Countries and Territories
GBD 2019 Lip, Oral, and Pharyngeal Cancer Collaborators, Amanda Ramos da Cunha, Kelly Compton, Rixing Xu +4 more
2023· JAMA Oncology163doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.2960

Importance: Lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers are important contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and a comprehensive evaluation of their burden globally, regionally, and nationally is crucial for effective policy planning. Objective: To analyze the total and risk-attributable burden of lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) and other pharyngeal cancer (OPC) for 204 countries and territories and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) using 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study estimates. Evidence Review: The incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to LOC and OPC from 1990 to 2019 were estimated using GBD 2019 methods. The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportion of deaths and DALYs for LOC and OPC attributable to smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in 2019. Findings: In 2019, 370 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 338 000-401 000) cases and 199 000 (95% UI, 181 000-217 000) deaths for LOC and 167 000 (95% UI, 153 000-180 000) cases and 114 000 (95% UI, 103 000-126 000) deaths for OPC were estimated to occur globally, contributing 5.5 million (95% UI, 5.0-6.0 million) and 3.2 million (95% UI, 2.9-3.6 million) DALYs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, low-middle and low SDI regions consistently showed the highest age-standardized mortality rates due to LOC and OPC, while the high SDI strata exhibited age-standardized incidence rates decreasing for LOC and increasing for OPC. Globally in 2019, smoking had the greatest contribution to risk-attributable OPC deaths for both sexes (55.8% [95% UI, 49.2%-62.0%] of all OPC deaths in male individuals and 17.4% [95% UI, 13.8%-21.2%] of all OPC deaths in female individuals). Smoking and alcohol both contributed to substantial LOC deaths globally among male individuals (42.3% [95% UI, 35.2%-48.6%] and 40.2% [95% UI, 33.3%-46.8%] of all risk-attributable cancer deaths, respectively), while chewing tobacco contributed to the greatest attributable LOC deaths among female individuals (27.6% [95% UI, 21.5%-33.8%]), driven by high risk-attributable burden in South and Southeast Asia. Conclusions and Relevance: In this systematic analysis, disparities in LOC and OPC burden existed across the SDI spectrum, and a considerable percentage of burden was attributable to tobacco and alcohol use. These estimates can contribute to an understanding of the distribution and disparities in LOC and OPC burden globally and support cancer control planning efforts.

Psychological interventions for women with non-metastatic breast cancer
Ghufran Jassim, David L Whitford, Anne Hickey, Ben Carter
2015· Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews156doi:10.1002/14651858.cd008729.pub2

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. It is a distressing diagnosis and, as a result, considerable research has examined the psychological sequelae of being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety and reduced quality of life. As a consequence, multiple studies have explored the impact of psychological interventions on the psychological distress experienced after a diagnosis of breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of psychological interventions on psychological morbidities, quality of life and survival among women with non-metastatic breast cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to 16 May 2013: the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO; and reference lists of articles. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) search portal and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials in addition to handsearching. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions for non-metastatic breast cancer in women. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently appraised and extracted data from eligible trials. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion. Extracted data included information about participants, methods, the intervention and outcome. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-eight randomised controlled trials comprising 3940 participants were included. The most frequent reasons for exclusion were non-randomised trials and the inclusion of women with metastatic disease. A wide range of interventions were evaluated, with 24 trials investigating a cognitive behavioural therapy and four trials investigating psychotherapy compared to control. Pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) from baseline indicated less depression (SMD -1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.83 to -0.18; P = 0.02; 7 studies, 637 participants, I(2) = 95%, low quality evidence), anxiety (SMD -0.48, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.21; P = 0.0006; 8 studies, 776 participants, I(2) = 64%, low quality evidence) and mood disturbance (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.13; P = 0.0003; 8 studies, 1536 participants, I(2) = 47%, moderate quality evidence) for the cognitive behavioural therapy group than the control group. For quality of life, only an individually-delivered cognitive behavioural intervention showed significantly better quality of life than the control with an SMD of 0.65 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.23; P = 0.03; 3 studies, 141 participants, I(2) = 41%, very low quality evidence). Pooled data from two group-delivered studies showed a non-significant overall survival benefit favouring cognitive behavioural therapy compared to control (pooled hazard ratio (HR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.32; P = 0.63; 530 participants, I(2) = 84%, low quality evidence). Four studies compared psychotherapy to control with one to two studies reporting on each outcome. The four studies were assessed as high risk of bias and provided limited evidence of the efficacy of psychotherapy. Adverse events were not reported in any of the included studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: A psychological intervention, namely cognitive behavioural therapy, produced favourable effects on some psychological outcomes, in particular anxiety, depression and mood disturbance. However, the evidence for survival improvement is still lacking. These findings are open to criticism because of the notable heterogeneity across the included studies and the shortcomings of the included studies.

Peer support for patients with type 2 diabetes: cluster randomised controlled trial
Susan M. Smith, Gillian Paul, Ayano Kelly, David L Whitford +2 more
2011· BMJ155doi:10.1136/bmj.d715

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of peer support for patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Cluster randomised controlled. SETTING: 20 general practices in the east of the Republic of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: 395 patients (192 in intervention group, 203 in control group) and 29 peer supporters with type 2 diabetes. INTERVENTION: All practices introduced a standardised diabetes care system. The peer support intervention ran over a two year period and contained four elements: the recruitment and training of peer supporters, nine group meetings led by peer supporters in participant's own general practice, and a retention plan for the peer supporters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HbA(1c); cholesterol concentration; systolic blood pressure; and wellbeing score. RESULTS: There was no difference between intervention and control patients at baseline. All practices and 85% (337) of patients were followed up. At two year follow-up, there were no significant differences in HbA(1c) (mean difference -0.08%, 95% confidence interval -0.35% to 0.18%), systolic blood pressure (-3.9 mm Hg, -8.9 to 1.1 mm Hg), total cholesterol concentration (-0.03 mmol/L, -0.28 to 0.22 mmol/L), or wellbeing scores (-0.7, -2.3 to 0.8). While there was a trend towards decreases in the proportion of patients with poorly controlled risk factors at follow-up, particularly for systolic blood pressure (52% (87/166) >130 mm Hg in intervention v 61% (103/169) >130 mm Hg in control), these changes were not significant. The process evaluation indicated that the intervention was generally delivered as intended, though 18% (35) of patients in the intervention group never attended any group meetings. CONCLUSIONS: A group based peer support intervention is feasible in general practice settings, but the intervention was not effective when targeted at all patients with type 2 diabetes. While there was a trend towards improvements of clinical outcomes, the results do not support the widespread adoption of peer support. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN42541690.

Anticoagulation in COVID-19
Bassam Atallah, Saad I. Mallah, Wael Almahmeed
2020· European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy138doi:10.1093/ehjcvp/pvaa036

As hospitals worldwide continue to admit an influx of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, the puzzling pathogenesis behind the witnessed mortality rates is progressively being pieced together. Aside from the established respiratory involvement, the cardiac system has recently been implicated, albeit with controversial mechanisms. New data from cohort studies and autopsies suggest a potential role for coagulopathy in COVID-19. Although the exact mechanism may likewise remain controversial, several clinical implications are now imperative for discussion.

Analysis of Gender Equity in Leadership of Physician-Focused Medical Specialty Societies, 2008-2017
Julie K. Silver, Reem Ghalib, Julie A. Poorman, Dana Al-Assi +3 more
2019· JAMA Internal Medicine133doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.5303

This cross-sectional study examines gender equity in the presidential leadership of medical specialty societies over a 10-year period.

Using an e-Delphi technique in achieving consensus across disciplines for developing best practice in day surgery in Ireland
Babak Meshkat, Seamus Cowman, Georgina Gethin, Kiaran Ryan +4 more
2014· Journal of Hospital Administration125doi:10.5430/jha.v3n4p1

Background: The benefits of day surgery are supported internationally by the provision of standards. However, standards from one health jurisdiction are not readily transferable to others as national health strategy, policy and funding are influencing factors. Objective: To determine, through consensus from experts in day surgery, a list of best practice statements for day surgery in Ireland. Methods: A three round e-Delphi technique. Professionals in surgery, anaesthesia, nursing and management involved in day surgery across all hospitals in Ireland were invited to participate as the expert panel. In round 1 a list of proposals for best practice were obtained from panel members. In round 2 experts were asked to rank each statement according to their importance on a nine point scale (1 = not important, 9 = high importance) using an online questionnaire. Consensus was set at 70%, meaning the items that 70% of people deemed to be important were carried over to round 3. A repeat online questionnaire was conducted with the remaining statements in round 3. Results: Round 1 provided 261 statements. These were grouped and reduced to 62 statements for ranking. Following the iterative process over the subsequent two rounds a final list of 40 statements were developed and grouped into six thematic areas. Conclusion: By using an e-Delphi process of gaining consensus among experts working in day surgical services, a list of best practice statements were developed.

Neutrophils: Need for Standardized Nomenclature
Ellen McKenna, Aisling Ui Mhaonaigh, Richard Wubben, Amrita Dwivedi +4 more
2021· Frontiers in Immunology125doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.602963

Neutrophils are the most abundant innate immune cell with critical anti-microbial functions. Since the discovery of granulocytes at the end of the nineteenth century, the cells have been given many names including phagocytes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (G-MDSC), low density neutrophils (LDN) and tumor associated neutrophils (TANS). This lack of standardized nomenclature for neutrophils suggest that biologically distinct populations of neutrophils exist, particularly in disease, when in fact these may simply be a manifestation of the plasticity of the neutrophil as opposed to unique populations. In this review, we profile the surface markers and granule expression of each stage of granulopoiesis to offer insight into how each stage of maturity may be identified. We also highlight the remarkable surface marker expression profiles between the supposed neutrophil populations.

Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries
Local Burden of Disease Vaccine Coverage Collaborators, Alyssa N. Sbarra, Sam Rolfe, Jason Q. Nguyen +4 more
2020· Nature123doi:10.1038/s41586-020-03043-4

Abstract The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) 1–4 . Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 5–8 . Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 × 5-km 2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children.

The prevalence of metal-based drugs as therapeutic or diagnostic agents: beyond platinum
Declan Gaynor, Darren M. Griffith
2012· Dalton Transactions123doi:10.1039/c2dt31601c

Metal complexes and metal salts have a wide range of medicinal applications and are extensively administered to patients or purchased over the counter as a matter of routine. The abundance and variety of non-platinum metal complexes, which are approved for use as therapeutic or diagnostic agents, are highlighted. Current insights into the mechanism of action or indeed lack thereof of a selection of metallodrugs are discussed. Ultimately this perspective seeks to inspire chemists to tackle new challenges and raise awareness of opportunities in the area of inorganic therapeutic and diagnostic medicine.

Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Hibiscus rosa sinensis Flowers and Their Antibacterial Activity
Farah Buarki, H. AbuHassan, Fatima Al Hannan, Fryad Z. Henari
2022· Journal of Nanotechnology122doi:10.1155/2022/5474645

Iron oxide nanoparticles (α- Fe2O3) were synthesized using an unconventional, eco-friendly technique utilizing a Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower (common name, China rose) extract as a reducer and stabilizer agent. The microwave method was successfully used for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. Various volume ratios of iron chloride tetrahydrate to the extract were taken and heated by the microwave oven for different periods to optimize iron oxide nanoparticle production. The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized using the ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of α- Fe2O3 nanoparticles (hematite). The average size of iron oxide nanoparticles was found to be 51 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized iron nanoparticles was investigated against different bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli. The results showed that the synthesized iron nanoparticles exhibited an inhabitation effect on all studied bacteria.

Effects of gum Arabic ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage in healthy adult females: two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial
Rasha Babiker, Tarig Merghani, Khalifa Elmusharaf, Rehab Mustafa Badi +2 more
2012· Nutrition Journal122doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-111

BACKGROUND: Gum Arabic (acacia Senegal) is a complex polysaccharide indigestible to both humans and animals. It has been considered as a safe dietary fiber by the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the 1970s. Although its effects were extensively studied in animals, there is paucity of data regarding its quantified use in humans. This study was conducted to determine effects of regular Gum Arabic (GA) ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage among healthy adult females. METHODS: A two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Khartoum University. A total of 120 healthy females completed the study. They were divided to two groups: A test group of 60 volunteers receiving GA (30 gm /day) for 6 weeks and a placebo group of 60 volunteers receiving pectin (1 gm/day) for the same period of time. Weight and height were measured before and after intervention using standardized height and weight scales. Skin fold thickness was measured using Harpenden Skin fold caliper. Fat percentage was calculated using Jackson and Pollock 7 caliper method and Siri equation. RESULTS: Pre and post analysis among the study group showed significant reduction in BMI by 0.32 (95% CI: 0.17 to 0.47; P<0.0001) and body fat percentage by 2.18% (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.83; P<0.0001) following regular intake of 30 gm /day Gum Arabic for six weeks. Side effects caused by GA ingestion were experienced only in the first week. They included unfavorable viscous sensation in the mouth, early morning nausea, mild diarrhea and bloating abdomen. CONCLUSIONS: GA ingestion causes significant reduction in BMI and body fat percentage among healthy adult females. The effect could be exploited in the treatment of obesity.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Combating High Antimicrobial Resistance Rates
Ali A. Rabaan, Saad Alhumaid, Abbas Al Mutair, Mohammed Garout +4 more
2022· Antibiotics122doi:10.3390/antibiotics11060784

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of science and engineering that focuses on the computational understanding of intelligent behavior. Many human professions, including clinical diagnosis and prognosis, are greatly useful from AI. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the most critical challenges facing Pakistan and the rest of the world. The rising incidence of AMR has become a significant issue, and authorities must take measures to combat the overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics in order to combat rising resistance rates. The widespread use of antibiotics in clinical practice has not only resulted in drug resistance but has also increased the threat of super-resistant bacteria emergence. As AMR rises, clinicians find it more difficult to treat many bacterial infections in a timely manner, and therapy becomes prohibitively costly for patients. To combat the rise in AMR rates, it is critical to implement an institutional antibiotic stewardship program that monitors correct antibiotic use, controls antibiotics, and generates antibiograms. Furthermore, these types of tools may aid in the treatment of patients in the event of a medical emergency in which a physician is unable to wait for bacterial culture results. AI's applications in healthcare might be unlimited, reducing the time it takes to discover new antimicrobial drugs, improving diagnostic and treatment accuracy, and lowering expenses at the same time. The majority of suggested AI solutions for AMR are meant to supplement rather than replace a doctor's prescription or opinion, but rather to serve as a valuable tool for making their work easier. When it comes to infectious diseases, AI has the potential to be a game-changer in the battle against antibiotic resistance. Finally, when selecting antibiotic therapy for infections, data from local antibiotic stewardship programs are critical to ensuring that these bacteria are treated quickly and effectively. Furthermore, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have underlined the necessity of selecting the appropriate antibiotic and treating for the shortest time feasible to minimize the spread of resistant and invasive resistant bacterial strains.