Raised levels of Interleukin-8 and myeloperoxidase in patients with recent onset type 1 diabetes.

Aims/hypothesis: Raised levels of circulating interleukin-8 (IL-8) were reported in adults and children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this study, we measured IL-8 and IL-8 receptor expression levels in the pancreas, and IL-8 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the serum of recent-onset T1D versus controls.

Methods: Pancreatic samples from donors with T1D within 2 years of diagnosis and from non-diabetic controls were obtained from a diabetes biobank.

Suppression of adipocyte ABHD6 favors anti-inflammatory and adipogenic programs to preserve adipose tissue fitness in obesity.

Some individuals exhibit metabolically healthy obesity, characterized by the expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) without associated complications. The monoacylglycerol (MAG) hydrolase α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) has been implicated in energy metabolism, with its global deletion conferring protection against obesity. However, the immunometabolic roles of adipocyte ABHD6 in WAT remodeling in response to nutri-stress and obesity are not known.

The Association Between Serum Alpha-Carotene and Root Caries in U.S. Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Root caries is a form of decay affecting root surfaces of teeth, often exacerbated by periodontal disease, reduced salivary flow, and compromised mucosal health, all factors strongly influenced by nutrition. Despite this connection, few studies have addressed the role of vitamins in oral health. This study examines the association between serum levels of alpha-carotene (α-carotene), a potent antioxidant and proxy for vitamin A, and the experience of root caries.

Mitochondrial haplogroup M contributes to asthma risk in the Kuwaiti population.

Background: Asthma is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease characterized by intermittent airflow obstruction, which may result in irreversible pathological remodelling of the airways. In Kuwait, the prevalence of asthma among young adults is approximately 11%, with a strong maternal influence on asthma risk. While nuclear genetic studies have identified several asthma-associated loci, the role of maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in asthma susceptibility remains poorly understood, particularly in Middle Eastern populations.

Association of wrist circumference with metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease in the KADEM cohort.

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is linked to metabolic dysfunction and to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The early detection of individuals at high risk of MAFLD is essential for timely interventions. This study explores the association between wrist circumference and MAFLD among participants in the Kuwait Adult Diabetes and Epidemiological Multidisciplinary (KADEM) program, aiming to evaluate wrist circumference as a potential noninvasive diagnostic marker.

Depressive symptoms and associated factors among patients with diabetes in public primary healthcare facilities in Kuwait city, 2024.

Depression affects nearly one in four diabetes patients globally, with regional variations in prevalence. Previous studies show that nearly one-third of type 2 patients screened positive for depression. This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to March 2024 at diabetic clinics in three government primary healthcare centers in Kuwait City, aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among diabetes patients.

Bridging Global Frameworks and Local Practice: Quantitative Evaluation of Electronic Health Record Safety in Kuwait's Public Hospitals.

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) play a critical role in today's health care by enhancing data management, improving workflows, and supporting clinical decision-making. However, EHR implementation introduces technical and clinical challenges that can compromise patient safety. The Safety Assurance Factors for Electronic Health Record Resilience guides, developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, provide a structured framework for evaluating and optimizing EHR safety practices.

GLUT4 Trafficking and Storage Vesicles: Molecular Architecture, Regulatory Networks, and Their Disruption in Insulin Resistance.

Insulin-regulated glucose uptake is a central mechanism in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis, primarily occurring in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. This process relies on the insulin-stimulated translocation of the glucose transporter, GLUT4, from specialized intracellular compartments, known as GLUT4 storage vesicles (GSVs), to the plasma membrane. Disruption of this pathway is a hallmark of insulin resistance and a key contributor to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

Elevated IGFBP4 and Cognitive Impairment in a PTFE-Induced Mouse Model of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder linked to metabolic complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By fragmenting normal sleep architecture, OSA perturbs the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis and alters circulating levels of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). A prior clinical observation of elevated IGFBP4 in OSA patients motivated the present investigation in a controlled animal model.

Dental treatment affordability and oral outcomes among U.S. adults: NHANES 2015-2018.

Background: Despite the increase in dental care utilization in the U.S., access to dental care is limited by many barriers, particularly financial ones.

Assessing Digital Accessibility of Arabic-Language Health Information Websites for Older Adults.

Digital accessibility of websites ensures that websites are usable by people with different abilities, such as older adults. Due to the large number of Arabic speakers, assessing the digital accessibility of websites offering health information to promote inclusivity and allow Arabic speakers equal access to health information is crucial. This study aims to investigate whether websites offering health information for older adults in Arabic are digitally accessible.

From Bytes to Bites: Evaluating Weight Management Apps for Arabic Speakers.

Obesity is a growing global health concern, with the Middle East and North Africa region experiencing particularly high prevalence rates due to lifestyle, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. Weight management apps supporting the Arabic language present a unique opportunity to address this issue, leveraging the widespread use of smartphones. This study examines the current landscape of Arabic weight management apps, analyzing their features, functionalities, and adherence to evidence-informed practices.

The quest for a complete understanding of the human genome.

An integrated roadmap toward clinical interpretation of the complete human genome is in dire need. We discuss approaches to meet this goal, including integrating data from diverse, well-phenotyped populations with enhanced long-read genome assemblies, variant calling as well as improved predictive models and scalable functional assays.

Patterns of claims and determinants of claim rejections in Kuwait's National Health Insurance for Retirees (AFYA): a comprehensive analysis.

Introduction: Health insurance claim rejections can impose significant administrative and financial burdens, yet data from emerging national programs are limited. Kuwait's AFYA program, launched in 2016 for retirees, provides a valuable opportunity to study rejection patterns and identify the demographic and service-level factors that influence denial rates in a rapidly evolving high-income context.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 4.

Self-perceived general health and its impact on oral health in the U.S. adult population: NHANES 2015-2018.

Introduction: Oral health is crucial to overall well-being and is often described as a "window to general health" due to the strong bidirectional relationship between the two. This paper aims to assess the relationship between self-perceived general health and oral health among U.S.

Impact of Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonist Therapy on Circulating Angiopoietin-like Protein 8 (ANGPTL8) Levels in Crohn's Disease-A Prospective Multi-Center Study.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic disease perpetuated through key pro-inflammatory molecules, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) may contribute to inflammation cascades. This study aimed to investigate how ANGPTL8 levels are influenced in patients with CD prior to and following anti-TNF therapy.

Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Distinct Immune Dysregulation in Early-Stage Sepsis Patients.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by dysregulated immune responses to infection. To elucidate early transcriptional changes in sepsis, we conducted a case-control study profiling gene expression in whole blood from 20 early-stage sepsis patients and 9 healthy controls. Using Affymetrix Clariom D Human Arrays and robust preprocessing, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using standard bioinformatic pipelines.

Clinical and Behavioural Heterogeneity Among Women at Increased Risk for Gestational Diabetes: A Four-Country Analysis.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing global health concern due to its impact on maternal and infant health. GDM risk factors vary across populations, but international comparisons using standardised assessment tools are lacking. This study aimed to examine variations in risk factors, demographics and health behaviours among pregnant women at increased risk of GDM across four international sites and to investigate factors associated with maternal body mass index (BMI), a modifiable risk factor for GDM.

Investigating the Role of GDF-15 in Diabetes and Obesity: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Cohort from the KDEP Study.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is upregulated under cellular stress conditions and has emerged as a potential biomarker for metabolic disorders. However, its expression in relation to diabetes and obesity across different demographic groups remains understudied. This study investigated the association between plasma GDF-15 levels, diabetes mellitus, and obesity in individuals of varying ages, ethnicities, and genders.

Real-World Effectiveness of My Dose Coach™-Assisted Basal Insulin Titration in People with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Introduction: My Dose Coach (MDC) is a digital smartphone application approved in multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, to help people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) titrate their basal insulin as per their clinician-guided, individualized diabetes care plan.

Methods: A retrospective, observational cohort analysis was conducted on MDC user data collected from 1 January 2021 to 1 June 2023 in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Primary outcome was change in fasting blood glucose (FBG).

Statistical analysis plan for the 24-week randomised trial of hypoglycaemia prevention, awareness of symptoms, and treatment: HypoPAST.

Background: The HypoPAST (Hypoglycaemia Prevention, Awareness of Symptoms, and Treatment) randomised controlled trial aims to examine the effectiveness of an online psycho-educational intervention for reducing fear of hypoglycaemia among adults with type 1 diabetes. This statistical analysis plan provides the framework to assess the primary, secondary, and safety outcomes of the trial. The plan was written prior to database lock and in accordance with the SPIRIT guidelines.

Environmental co-benefits of a Mediterranean-style dietary intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in adults: results from the Curbing Anxiety and Depression using Lifestyle Medicine randomised controlled trial.

This study explored whether lifestyle therapy that promoted adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet as a treatment for depression led to environmental co-benefits. Participants ( 75 complete case) were Australian adults in the Curbing Anxiety and Depression using Lifestyle Medicine non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial, which showed that lifestyle therapy was non-inferior to psychotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms, when delivered in group format via video conferencing over an 8-week treatment period. In this secondary analysis, we hypothesised that the lifestyle arm would be superior to the psychotherapy arm in reducing the environmental impact of self-reported diet over time.

Empagliflozin Enhances Hepatic Glucose Production and Reduces Total-Body Norepinephrine Turnover Rate: A Randomized Trial.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) cause an increase in hepatic glucose production (HGP). We previously showed that SGLT2i cause a rapid (within 4 h) increase in the total-body norepinephrine (NE) turnover rate, which could explain the increase in HGP. Because the increase in HGP caused by SGLT2i is long-lasting, we examined the long-term effect of SGLT2i on the NE turnover rate.