Faculty Publications (CoM)

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Financing health care in the United Arab Emirates
(2013) Sharif, Amer
Abstract: Newcomers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) health care system often enquire about the way in which UAE health services are financed particularly when funding issues affect eligibility for treatment. The UAE ranks alongside many western counties on measures of life expectancy and child mortality but because of the unique population structure spends less of its national income on health. In the past as a wealthy country the UAE had no difficulty ensuring universal access to a comprehensive range of services, but the health needs of the UAE population are becoming more complex and like many countries the UAE health system is facing the twin challenges of quality and cost. To meet these challenges new models of health care financing are being introduced. In this brief article we will describe the evolution of UAE health financing, its current state and likely future developments.
Gut matters in microgravity: potential link of gut microbiota and its metabolites to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal well-being
(2024-08) Soares, Nelson C
Abstract The gut microbiota and its secreted metabolites play a significant role in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health and diseases. The dysregulation of the intestinal microbiota poses a significant threat to cardiovascular and skeletal muscle well-being. Nonetheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. Furthermore, microgravity presents several challenges to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health compromising muscle strength, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic changes. The purpose of this review is to critically examine the role of gut microbiota metabolites on cardiovascular and skeletal muscle functions and dysfunctions. It also explores the molecular mechanisms that drive microgravity-induced deconditioning in both cardiovascular and skeletal muscle. Key findings in this review highlight that several alterations in gut microbiota and secreted metabolites in microgravity mirror characteristics seen in cardiovascular and skeletal muscle diseases. Those alterations include increased levels of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, elevated lipopolysaccharide levels (LPS), increased in para-cresol (p-cresol) and secondary metabolites, along with reduction in bile acids and Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria. Highlighting the potential, modulating gut microbiota in microgravity conditions could play a significant role in mitigating cardiovascular and skeletal muscle diseases not only during space flight but also in prolonged bed rest scenarios here on Earth.
Conserved role of FOXC1 in TNBC is parallel to FOXA1 in ER+ breast cancer
(2024-07) Ramachandran, Revathy; Ibragimova, Shakhzada; AlHouqani, Tamader; Gomez, Roshna Lawrence; Hachim, Mahmood Y; Ali, Fahad R
Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by lack of the estrogen (ER) receptor, progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), and standard receptor-targeted therapies are ineffective. FOXC1, a transcription factor aberrantly overexpressed in many cancers, drives growth, metastasis, and stem-cell-like properties in TNBC. However, the molecular function of FOXC1 is unknown, partly due to heterogeneity of TNBC. Here, we show that although FOXC1 regulates many cancer hallmarks in TNBC, its function is varied in different cell lines, highlighted by the differential response to CDK4/6 inhibitors upon FOXC1 loss. Despite this functional heterogeneity, we show that FOXC1 regulates key oncogenes and tumor suppressors and identify a set of core FOXC1 peaks conserved across TNBC cell lines. We identify the ER-associated and drug-targetable nuclear receptor NR2F2 as a cofactor of FOXC1. Finally, we show that core FOXC1 targets in TNBC are regulated in parallel by the pioneer factor FOXA1 and the nuclear receptor NR2F2 in ER + breast cancer.
Characteristics of non-fasting patients with diabetes type 2 in the DAR global surveys of 2020 and 2022
(2024) Hassanein, Mohamed; Hafidh, Khadija
Abstract Introduction: The decision to fast or not is quite complex. Personal, medical and religious matters may influence it for individuals with diabetes. However, a diagnosis of diabetes does not constitute an automatic exemption from Ramadan fasting. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the non-fasting cohort and explore the potential reasons during Ramadan through the global Ramadan surveys of 2020 and 2022. Method: The Diabetes and Ramadan (DaR) Global Study is an observational retrospective survey conducted between 2020 and 2022, which included adult patients (18 and older) who fasted and those who opted not to fast. The survey captured demographic data and patient characteristics (co-morbidities, duration and type of diabetes, diabetes-related complications and medications, development of acute complications during Ramadan, hospitalisations and ER visits) for both groups. Results: Of 12,059 patients, 1822 (14.5 %) did not fast during Ramadan; that population leaned towards females (54.6 %). They had an average age of 60.58 years (SD=12.12) with a statistically significant difference from the fasting population, averaging 54.29§11.45 (p = 0.000). Also of note was the more significant average duration of diabetes in the non-fasting cohort (12.54 years vs 9.44). There are notable regional differences in rates of fasting that ranged between 6.3 % and up to 51.2 % of patients opting not fast in certain regions (Chart 1). The risk factors that showed apparent differences of high statistical significance (p ≤ 0.001) included: long duration of diabetes of over ten years, age above 60+ years, HbA1c value over 9 %, use of insulin therapy, and being affected by one or more vascular complications (these include CKD, CVD, and diabetic foot problems). Conclusions: Many factors and comorbidities might influence patients’ decisions when planning Ramadan fasting. The non-fasting population’s demographic and clinical profiles reveal distinctive features, emphasising a need for tailored risk assessments. Furthermore, regional disparities in the decision to fast underscore the multifaceted nature of this decision-making process. The new IDF-DAR risk assessment tool can help to stratify patients’ risk during Ramadan fasting and bridge the gap among different populations and cultures.
Comparative proteomic analysis of saliva from chewing tobacco users and oral cancer patients reveals shared biomarkers: A case control observational study
(2024) Giddey, Alexander D
Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the salivary proteomic profile of smokeless tobacco users with that of non-users and oral cancer patients using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/ Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Methods: Saliva samples from 65 participants were collected in three groups: control (25 participants), smokeless tobacco users (25 participants), and oral cancer (15 participants). Results: The analysis revealed 343 protein groups with significantly altered abundance in the saliva samples ( P < 0.05). Among these, 43 out of 51 dysregulated proteins in the smokeless tobacco group were also dysregulated in the oral cancer group. Notably, Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and Pon1 were found to be significantly increased in both smokeless tobacco users and oral cancer patients ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, six out of the 20 most significantly altered proteins were mitochondrial proteins, and all of these were decreased relative to controls in both smokeless tobacco users and cancer samples. Conclusion: The proteomic profile of users of chewing (smokeless) tobacco (SLT) shows substantial overlap in the altered pathways and dysregulated proteins with those altered in oral cancer samples, suggesting that SLT use induces a shift toward an oncogenic state. Specifically indicated pathways included blood microparticles, platelet α-granules and protease inhibitors as well as indicators of oxidative stress and exogenous compound processing. What differentiates oral cancer samples from SLT users is enrichment of alterations related to cytoskeletal organisation and tissue remodelling.
Incidence of Persistence and Recurrence of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Post-surgical Cases From a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(2024) Ahmad, Donia
Abstract Background: Despite the excellent prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma, recurrence remains a major concern. However, the persistence of thyroid cancer post-thyroidectomy is not uncommon. We aimed to characterise patients who underwent re-operative surgery for differentiated thyroid carcinoma and analyse the percentage of re-operations that truly were for "recurrent" disease versus the management of persistent disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the hospital database, analysing patients who visited the nuclear medicine department at Mediclinic City Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between 2015 and 2022. The study included patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who underwent re-operations after total thyroidectomy. Recurrence was defined as the development of disease after a patient had undetectable thyroglobulin and negative radiological scans within one year of the first surgery. Cases were categorised as "recurrent", "persistent", or "unable to classify" in the event of missing data. Results: Out of 836 patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who visited the nuclear medicine department, 71 underwent re-operations. The mean age of these patients was 44.4 years (CI 41.7-47.0), of whom 78.9% were females. Almost half (46.5%) underwent re-operations within the first year, and 98.6% were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma. We were able to classify 63.4% of cases (n=45) as persistent disease, while 24 cases were categorised as "unable to classify". Only two cases met the criteria for recurrent disease. Conclusion: The majority of cases previously classified as "recurrent" in differentiated thyroid carcinoma were found to be a persistent disease, possibly indicating inadequate therapy. Further research may be required to explore the reasons behind this eye-opening rate of disease persistence. This highlights an area for improvement in the management and future outcomes of differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients.
Development and validation of the Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC- PAQ) in 14 countries: study protocol
(2024) Loney, Tom
Abstract Introduction: Global surveillance of physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents with questionnaires is limited by the use of instruments developed in high- income countries (HICs) lacking sociocultural adaptation, especially in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs); under- representation of some PA domains; and omission of active play, an important source of PA. Addressing these limitations would help improve international comparisons, and facilitate the cross- fertilisation of ideas to promote PA. We aim to develop and assess the reliability and validity of the app- based Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC- PAQ) among 8–17 years old in 14 LMICs and HICs representing all continents; and generate the ‘first available data’ on active play in most participating countries. Methods and analysis: Our study involves eight stages: (1) systematic review of psychometric properties of existing PA questionnaires for children and adolescents; (2) development of the GAC- PAQ (first version); (3) content validity assessment with global experts; (4) cognitive interviews with children/adolescents and parents in all 14 countries; (5) development of a revised GAC- PAQ; (6) development and adaptation of the questionnaire app (application); (7) pilot- test of the app- based GAC- PAQ; and, (8) main study with a stratified, sex- balanced and urban/ rural- balanced sample of 500 children/adolescents and one of their parents/guardians per country. Participants will complete the GAC- PAQ twice to assess 1- week test–retest reliability and wear an ActiGraph wGT3X- BT accelerometer for 9 days to test concurrent validity. To assess convergent validity, subsamples (50 adolescents/country) will simultaneously complete the PA module from existing international surveys. Ethics and dissemination: Approvals from research ethics boards and relevant organisations will be obtained in all participating countries. We anticipate that the GAC- PAQ will facilitate global surveillance of PA in children/ adolescents. Our project includes a robust knowledge translation strategy sensitive to social determinants of health to inform inclusive surveillance and PA interventions globally.
Prostate Cancer Awareness in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional International Study
(2024) Joseph, Jessie
Abstract Purpose: Prostate cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge in the Middle East, characterized by rising incidence rates and a concerning mortalityto-incidence ratio. Yet, despite these alarming trends, data regarding prostate cancer awareness in the region remain limited. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study investigates prostate cancer awareness within the Middle East. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among 5,913 men age 40 years and older across 14 Middle Eastern countries between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023. Excluding those with a history of prostate cancer, a validated questionnaire assessed prostate cancer awareness. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, medians and ranges for continuous variables, and Pearson chi-square analysis for relationships between education levels and awareness of prostate cancer. Results: The survey achieved a 74.9% response rate, with 4,431 male participants. Regarding prostate cancer awareness, 83.8% of participants had heard of the disease. However, only 31.0% correctly identified it as the most common malignancy in men, and 21.8% believed it affects both sex. Awareness of screening was limited, with just 19.1% recognizing the prostate-specific antigen test’s role. Additionally, participants had a pessimistic view, with a mean perception that 75% of patients with prostate cancer die from the disease, rather than from other causes. Higher education levels were associated with significantly increased awareness of prostate cancer (P < .001). Conclusion: This study reveals that while general awareness of the disease exists, crucial knowledge deficits regarding risk factors, screening, and prognosis are evident. Addressing these knowledge gaps through culturally tailored education may improve early detection rates, treatment outcomes, and ultimately reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the Middle East.
A Novel Variant of the PIK3R1 Gene Mutation Associated With SHORT Syndrome and Agammaglobulinemia
(2024) Al Hammadi, Suleiman
Abstract: Primary immunodeficiencies are disorders of the immune system often caused by mutations of genes required for lymphocyte development. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) gene mutations are associated with SHORT syndrome, a rare multisystem disease. The name stands for Short stature, Hyperextensibility, Ocular depression, Rieger anomaly and Teething delay. Our case describes a child who presented with agammaglobulinemia with phenotypical features of SHORT syndrome. Upon further investigation, he was found to have a rare variant of the PIK3R1 gene mutation. This new mutation combines two distinct diseases with the same gene defect, which otherwise has been reported as two separate entities. The objective of this report is to identify a new gene mutation associated with SHORT syndrome along with agammaglobulinemia and to highlight the importance of recognizing the features of SHORT syndrome. We describe a nine-year-old male who presented with developmental delay and recurrent infections at the age of 12 months. Immunological evaluation revealed agammaglobulinemia and he has been scheduled for regular intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy. In view of characteristic syndromic physical features, speech and teething delay, we investigated further for the underlying genetic reason for agammaglobulinemia. The molecular analysis demonstrated a rare homozygous variant, c.244dup, in the PIK3R1 gene. This case reveals the association of the PIK3R1 gene mutation with agammaglobulinemia and SHORT syndrome. It further demonstrates the discovery of a new pathological variant of the gene. A detailed history and examination along with an immunological and genetic workup should be carried out for children with certain distinct phenotypical features. SHORT syndrome has specific characteristics that call for awareness and early recognition for prompt diagnosis and intervention. Emphasis is placed on genetic counseling as the disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, as demonstrated by molecular genetic studies.
Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Mycobacterium spp. in the United Arab Emirates: a retrospective analysis of 12 years of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance data
(2024) Senok, Abiola
Abstract Introduction: The Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) region accounts for almost 8% of all global Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) cases, with TB incidence rates ranging from 1 per 100,000 per year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to 204 per 100,000 in Djibouti. The national surveillance data from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance trends of TB, including MDR-TB remains scarce. Methods: A retrospective 12-year analysis of N = 8,086 non-duplicate diagnostic Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB complex) isolates from the UAE was conducted. Data were generated through routine patient care during the 2010–2021 years, collected by trained personnel and reported by participating surveillance sites to the UAE National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance program. Data analysis was conducted with WHONET, a windowsbased microbiology laboratory database management software developed by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, Boston, United States (https://whonet.org/). Results: A total of 8,086 MTB-complex isolates were analyzed. MTB-complex was primarily isolated from respiratory samples (sputum 80.1%, broncho-alveolar lavage 4.6%, pleural fluid 4.1%). Inpatients accounted for 63.2%, including 1.3% from ICU. Nationality was known for 84.3% of patients, including 3.8% Emiratis. Of UAE non-nationals, 80.5% were from 110 countries, most of which were Asian countries. India accounted for 20.8%, Pakistan 13.6%, Philippines 12.7%, and Bangladesh 7.8%. Rifampicin-resistant MTB-complex isolates (RR-TB) were found in 2.8% of the isolates, resistance to isoniazid, streptomycin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, was 8.9, 6.9, 3.4 and 0.4%, respectively. A slightly increasing trend of resistance among MTB-complex was observed for rifampicin from 2.5% (2010) to 2.8% (2021). Conclusion: Infections due to MTB-complex are relatively uncommon in the United Arab Emirates compared to other countries in the MENA region. Most TB patients in the UAE are of Asian origin, mainly from countries with a high prevalence of TB. Resistance to first line anti-tuberculous drugs is generally low, however increasing trends for MDR-TB mainly rifampicin linked resistance is a major concern. MDR-TB was not associated with a higher mortality, admission to ICU, or increased length of hospitalization as compared to non-MDR-TB.
Life-Threatening Bleeding Following a Stable Fracture of the Superior Pubic Ramus: A Case Report
(2024) Nached, Yasmin; Abdelwahab, Abdulla; Al Rawi, Zeinab; Samy, Baher M
Abstract Corona mortis, an anatomical variant documented in the literature, presents a noteworthy concern due to its proximity to the superior pubic ramus. Consequently, it remains susceptible to injury, even in stable, benign fractures of the pelvis, typically addressed through conservative management. Stable pelvic fractures are infrequently associated with complications; therefore, diligent monitoring is often overlooked in clinical practice. However, it becomes crucial, particularly in the elderly population given their suboptimal hemostatic capabilities. The standard approach for managing bleeding associated with pelvic fractures involves superselective embolization, a minimally invasive procedure with favorable outcomes. We present a case involving a 61-year-old female who experienced a stable pelvic fracture following low-energy trauma. Despite the ostensibly benign nature of the fracture, the patient exhibited hemodynamic instability attributable to bleeding from the corona mortis, necessitating embolization. The pelvic fracture itself was managed conservatively, leading to the patient's subsequent discharge in a stable condition. Therefore, we advocate for a comprehensive physical examination, serial hemoglobin monitoring, and additional imaging modalities based on the patient's clinical condition.
Proteomic and metabolomic profiling of methicillin resistant versus methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus using a simultaneous extraction protocol
(2024) Boucherabine, Syrine; Giddey, Alexander ; Nassar, Rania ; Mohamed, Lobna ; Senok, Abiola
Background: Understanding the biology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is crucial to unlocking insights for new targets in our fight against this antimicrobial resistant priority pathogen. Although proteomics and metabolomic profiling offer the potential to elucidating such biological markers, reports of methodological approaches for carrying this out in S. aureus isolates remain limited. We describe the use of a dual-functionality methanol extraction method for the concurrent extraction of protein and metabolites from S. aureus and report on the comparative analysis of the proteomic and metabolomic profiles of MRSA versus methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Results: This study represents the first report on the utilization of the methanol extraction method for concurrent protein and metabolite extraction in Gram positive bacteria. Our findings demonstrate good performance of the method for the dual extraction of proteins and metabolites from S. aureus with demonstration of reproducibility. Comparison of MRSA and MSSA strains revealed 407 proteins with significantly different expression levels. Enrichment analysis of those proteins revealed distinct pathways involved in fatty acid degradation, metabolism and beta-lactam resistance. Penicillin-binding protein PBP2a, the key determinant of MRSA resistance, exhibited distinct expression patterns in MRSA isolates. Metabolomic analysis identified 146 metabolites with only one exclusive to the MRSA. The enriched pathways identified were related to arginine metabolism and biosynthesis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the methanol-based dual-extraction method, providing simultaneous insights into the proteomic and metabolomic landscapes of S. aureus strains. These findings demonstrate the utility of proteomic and metabolomic profiling for elucidating the biological basis of antimicrobial resistance.
Insights into values and emotional wellbeing of medical students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
(2024-08) Alhashimi, Fatma Mustafa; Salim, Sara; Siddiqi, Warda; Jeyaseelan, Lakshmanan; Khan, Nusrat; Sultan, Meshal A
Abstract Objective: To describe the difference in values among medical students from a first-year student' and final year student' perspective. In addition, it is designed to report associations and trends between personal values and overall emotional states. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study that involved disseminating an online survey via email to first and final year students at the College of Medicine in Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December of 2023. The survey encompassed queries on demographics, the Life Values Inventory (LVI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: The survey was completed by 84 students. About half of the participants were final year medical students (45/84; 53.6%) with the majority being females (70/84; 83.3%). Positive emotions were positively correlated to various life values, including belonging, scientific understanding, responsibility, and achievement (p < 0.05). When comparing academic years, the scores of the life value of Achievement showed a significant correlation (p = 0.04), with first-year students' mean (SD) of 12 (2) out of 15 compared to 11 (3) out of 15 for final-year students. Positive Emotions also exhibited a significant correlation (p = 0.006), with first-year students' mean (SD) 40 (5) out of 50 compared to 36 (7) out of 50 for final-year students. Conclusion: This study adds to medical education research by exploring values and emotions, shedding light on factors shaping students' professional identities. Understanding these dynamics can aid in supporting future healthcare providers and by extension the patients for whom they care.
An Interesting Case of Coronavirus NL63 Encephalitis Diagnosed in a 14-Year-Old Immunocompetent Female: A Case Report and Literature Review
(2024) Saeed, Ahsan A.
Abstract Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) belongs to the human coronavirus family but is distinct from other common coronaviruses such as HCoV-043, HCoV-229E, and SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. It causes a mild upper respiratory tract infection, affecting children and adults. The usual symptoms associated with the HCoV-NL63 infection are vomiting, a runny nose, and a sore throat. In vivo, HCoV-NL63 showed neurotropism as it can be detected in the CSF, through which it disseminates into the brain and the spinal column. Herein, we describe the case of a 14-year-old female patient who initially presented with disorientation and a drop in consciousness level and was admitted as a case of encephalitis to the pediatric intensive care unit.
Making clinical teaching visible-A time and motion study of hospital rounds in undergraduate medical teaching
(2024-08) Kilian, Paddy; Alshehabi, Nagam; Othman, Malek; Mahmoud, Anan; Preez, Leon du; Zary, Nabil; Ho, Samuel
Abstract Background: Teaching medical students in the clinical setting is frequently perceived as a demanding commitment by attending physicians. There is a paucity of data measuring the duration and efficacy of teaching during clinical rounds. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess both the quantity and quality of clinical teaching time dedicated to medical students on hospital ward rounds. Methods: A cross-sectional direct structured observational study was conducted during the morning rounds of attending physicians involved in teaching undergraduate medical students at three different clinical facilities in three different specialties. A validated observational tool was used by four observers to record teaching time and quality indicators. Results: In terms of teaching duration, it was observed that 25% of the total morning round time was allocated to teaching. However, this measure varied widely between different physicians and specialties. As for teaching quality, actions categorized as active teaching by the teachers were observed in 19% of the interactions observed per round, while active learning by the students was observed in 17% of the interactions per round. Teacher high-cognition interactions were similarly observed in 23% of actions per round, while student high-cognition interactions occurred in 16% of actions per round. Internal Medicine tended to score higher than both Pediatrics and Surgery in terms of percentage teaching time as well as percentage of active teaching observed per round. Using liberal criteria, rounds characterized overall as predominantly active or high-cognition by both teachers and students were observed in only 21% of the total number of rounds observed. Conclusion: These results indicate that the percentage of teaching time during ward rounds is highly variable, and that round teaching generally consists of passive and low-cognition interactions. Future work is needed to train clinical faculty to achieve a desired level of teaching quality, and to determine if there are any changes in teaching time commitments and student outcomes.
Vaccine breakthrough hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs
(2024-08) Uddin, Mohammed J
Abstract Life-threatening "breakthrough" cases of critical COVID-19 are attributed to poor or waning antibody (Ab) response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in individuals already at risk. Preexisting auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs underlie at least 15% of critical COVID-19 pneumonia cases in unvaccinated individuals; their contribution to hypoxemic breakthrough cases in vaccinated people is unknown. We studied a cohort of 48 individuals (aged 20 to 86 years) who received two doses of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine and developed a breakthrough infection with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia 2 weeks to 4 months later. Ab levels to the vaccine, neutralization of the virus, and auto-Abs to type I IFNs were measured in the plasma. Forty-two individuals had no known deficiency of B cell immunity and a normal Ab response to the vaccine. Among them, 10 (24%) had auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs (aged 43 to 86 years). Eight of these 10 patients had auto-Abs neutralizing both IFN-α2 and IFN-ω, whereas two neutralized IFN-ω only. No patient neutralized IFN-β. Seven neutralized type I IFNs at 10 ng/ml and three at 100 pg/ml only. Seven patients neutralized SARS-CoV-2 D614G and Delta efficiently, whereas one patient neutralized Delta slightly less efficiently. Two of the three patients neutralizing only type I IFNs at 100 pg/ml neutralized both D614G and Delta less efficiently. Despite two mRNA vaccine inoculations and the presence of circulating Abs capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs may underlie a notable proportion of hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia cases, highlighting the importance of this particularly vulnerable population.
Advancements in surgical skills through short-term training with surgical 3D exoscopes
(2024-08) Mousa, Ahmed Hafez
Abstract Introduction: Since the late 1960s, the surgical microscope has served as a fundamental instrument in neurosurgery and is still vital to the microsurgical management of diseases of the brain and spine. The invention of the operating microscope (OM) changed modern neurosurgery due to its capacity to depict in exquisite detail the neurovascular microstructures, which transcends non-magnified stereoscopic vision. The introduction of 3D exoscopes into surgical practice has transformed micro neurosurgery by improving vision and procedural accuracy. In the treatment of brain tumours, skull base surgery, aneurysm clipping, and complex spine surgery of the cervical and lumbar regions, exoscopes are a safe and useful supplement to the current binocular surgical microscope. Neurosurgeons will likely usher in a new era of neurosurgery tools and techniques. In recent years, the emergence of 3D exoscopes has drastically altered the area of micro-neurosurgery. These enhanced visualization technologies provide better depth perception and magnification than standard microscopes, improving surgical precision and results. However, competency in utilizing these exoscopes necessitates sufficient training in order to efficiently negotiate the learning curve. This letter investigates the effectiveness of short-term training programs in improving surgical abilities with 3D exoscopes.
Novel ocular observations in a child with Joubert syndrome type 6 due to pathogenic variant in TMEM67 gene
(2024) Kozak, Igor; Ali, Sayed M
Abstract Purpose: To describe unique ocular features in a child with Joubert syndrome type 6. Observations: A 4-year-old male patient presented with right microphthalmia and non-dilating pupil and left primary position nystagmus. Brain MRI revealed a “molar tooth sign” of the midbrain and a “batwing sign” of the fourth ventricle along with large retroorbital cysts bilaterally. The diagnosis of autosomal recessive Joubert syndrome type 6 due to homozygous pathogenic variant c.725A > G p. (Asn242Ser) in TMEM67 gene was confirmed by whole exome sequencing. Left eye had nystagmus and the left optic nerve and retina showed epipapillary and subretinal fibrosis, respectively. Scleral buckle was performed for left non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment which then improved and has been stable. Conclusions and Importance: We present a rare case of JS with some unique ophthalmic features which expand clinical knowledge on this complex systemic and ocular entity.
Large Language Model in Critical Care Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges
(2024) Hajijama, Sameera
Abstract Introduction: As artificial intelligence (AI) models continue to evolve and integrate into the healthcare system, it becomes vital to understand these innovative tools to maximize their potential and anticipate the risks. A large language model (LLM) is one of the largest forms of artificial neural networks that utilize algorithmic models to process and generate a natural language text resembling the human mind from user-generated prompts. Many are familiar with the famous model ChatGPT, but models such as Google Gemini are frequently utilized, and such models have been known to demonstrate creativity and precision.1 The tools are popular due to human-like-output, widespread public availability, and ease of usability.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Deep Venous Thrombosis and Its Impact on Outcome in Patients Admitted to Medical Critical Care
(2024) Jeyaseelan, Lakshmanan
Abstract Objectives: This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) while on thromboprophylaxis, in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU), and to assess its impact on outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the MICU underwent compression ultrasound of the jugular, axillary, femoral, and popliteal veins at admission, day 3 and 7 to screen for DVT. All patients were on pharmacological and/or mechanical thromboprophylaxis as per protocol. The primary outcome was the incidence of DVT (defined as occurrence on day 3 or 7). Secondary outcomes were death and duration of hospitalization. Risk factors for DVT were explored using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The incidence of DVT was 17.2% (95% CI 12.0, 22.3) (n = 35/203); two-thirds were catheter associated (23/35). There was no difference in mortality between those with and without incident DVT (9/35 vs 40/168, p = 0.81). The mean (SD) duration of hospitalization was longer in the DVT group (20.1 (17) vs 12.9 (8.5) days, p = 0.007). Although day 3 INR (RR 2.1, 95% CI 0.9–5.3), age >40 years (2.1, 0.8–5.3), vasopressor use (1.0, 0.4–2.9) and SOFA score (0.9, 0.85–1.1) were associated with the development of DVT on bivariate analysis, only central venous catheters (15.97, 1.9–135.8) was independently associated with DVT on multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Despite thromboprophylaxis, 17% of ICU patients develop DVT. The central venous catheter is the main risk factor. DVT is not associated with increased mortality in the setting of prophylaxis.

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