Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 December 2022

Shaikha Khaled AL-Enezi, Nermin Kamal Saeed, Naeema A.A. Mahmood, Mohd Shadab, Ali Al Mahmeed and Mohammad Shahid

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is quite common and linked with serious public health issues such as premature delivery and spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study aims to…

913

Abstract

Purpose

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is quite common and linked with serious public health issues such as premature delivery and spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study aims to identify different genital mycoplasmas (GM) in high vaginal swabs (HVS) from adult females in Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 401 HVS were collected and cultured on MYCOFAST® RevolutioN 2 test for identification and antibiotic susceptibility. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for detection of Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), Mycoplasma hominis (Mh) and Ureaplasma species. DNA-probe based detection for Gardnerella, Candida and Trichomonas was performed by BD Affirm Assay. Representative PCR amplicons were sequenced by Sanger sequencing.

Findings

In PCR, Ureaplasma sp. was the most common GM, followed by Mg and Mh; the prevalence being 21.2, 5.2 and 1.5%, respectively. On the contrary, 10.7% samples showed positivity for Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) and 1.7% for Mh in MYCOFAST® RevolutioN 2. The concordance rates between MYCOFAST® RevolutioN 2 and PCR for Mh and Ureaplasma sp. were 97.7 and 84%, respectively. Considering PCR as gold standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MYCOFAST® RevolutioN 2 were 33.3, 98.8, 28.6, 98.9 and 37.7, 96.5, 74.4, 85.2% for Mh and Ureaplasma sp., respectively. The Uu and Mh isolates showed antibiotic-resistance ranging from 53%–58% and 71%–86%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The prevalence of Ureaplasma sp. was high. Significant co-occurrence of GM was noticed with BV. MYCOFAST® RevolutioN 2 had lower detection-rate than PCR, so a combination is suggested for wider diagnostic coverage.

Practical implications

The research reflects on status of prevalence of GM in adult females in Bahrain, and their co-occurrence with bacterial vaginosis. Diagnostic approach with combination of tests is suggested for wider coverage. The research has epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications.

Originality/value

This is the first report from the Kingdom of Bahrain reflecting on burden of GM from this geographic location. The diagnostic efficacy of MYCOFAST® RevolutionN 2 test and polymerase chain reaction was evaluated for GM detection.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2022

Nadeem Rais, Akash Ved, Mohd. Shadab, Rizwan Ahmad and Mohammad Shahid

Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid; C2H7NO3S) is a nonprotein sulfur-containing β-amino acid present in nearly all mammalian tissues and the most ubiquitous free endogenous…

5820

Abstract

Purpose

Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid; C2H7NO3S) is a nonprotein sulfur-containing β-amino acid present in nearly all mammalian tissues and the most ubiquitous free endogenous biomolecule in human cells. Taurine is commonly known as a conditionally essential amino acid because taurine is one of the few amino acids that are not incorporated in protein synthesis. The purpose of this study is to review the existing articles related to taurine and to give an account how useful is taurine to the different body systems. In this thorough overview, taurine is covered in terms of its essentiality, sources, advantages for neonates and the elderly, the effects of taurine deficiency, and the safety and toxicity of taurine supplements.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a narrative review into the subject matter. Published articles were searched on different portals like PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubChem etc. The authors also evaluated the availability of taurine in commercially available energy drinks.

Findings

This comprehensive review, presents the potential clinical benefits and functional properties of taurine as a conditionally essential amino acid. Energy drinks containing taurine (and their concentration) are also reported in this review.

Originality/value

This is the first data that the authors are aware of that shows taurine content in a variety of energy drinks on the market.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 March 2023

Nadeem Rais, Akash Ved, Rizwan Ahmad, Kehkashan Parveen and Mohd. Shadab

Renal failure is an end-stage consequence after persistent hyperglycemia during diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the etiology of DN has been linked to oxidative stress. The purpose…

1244

Abstract

Purpose

Renal failure is an end-stage consequence after persistent hyperglycemia during diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the etiology of DN has been linked to oxidative stress. The purpose of this research was to determine the beneficial synergistic effects of S-Allyl Cysteine (SAC) and Taurine (TAU) on oxidative damage in the kidneys of type 2 diabetic rats induced by hyperglycemia.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental diabetes was developed by administering intraperitoneal single dose of streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg) with nicotinamide (NA; 230 mg/kg) in adult rats. Diabetic and control rats were treated with SAC (150 mg/kg), TAU (200 mg/kg) or SAC and TAU combination (75 + 100 mg/kg) for four weeks. The estimation of body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), oxidative stress markers along with kidney histopathology was done to investigate the antidiabetic potential of SAC/TAU in the NA/STZ diabetic group.

Findings

The following results were obtained for the therapeutic efficacy of SAC/TAU: decrease in blood glucose level, decreased level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and increased levels of GSH, glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT). SAC/TAU significantly modulated diabetes-induced histological changes in the kidney of rats.

Originality/value

SAC/TAU combination therapy modulated the oxidative stress markers in the kidney in diabetic rat model and also prevented oxidative damage as observed through histopathological findings.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Matheus Francescatto, Alvaro Neuenfeldt Júnior, Flávio Issao Kubota, Gil Guimarães and Bruna de Oliveira

Recently, several areas are successfully applying the Lean Six Sigma methodology, specifically in healthcare, public services, higher education institutions and manufacturing…

1785

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, several areas are successfully applying the Lean Six Sigma methodology, specifically in healthcare, public services, higher education institutions and manufacturing industries. This study aims to present an extensive literature review involving Lean Six Sigma practical applications in the last five years, described in a case studies format.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted, and 39 articles were selected and analyzed.

Findings

An increase in Lean Six Sigma applications in healthcare and higher education institutions was identified. Furthermore, Lean Six Sigma is effectively applied in several areas and is continuously used in traditional industries. The main critical success factor identified was leadership and management involvement, project management and organizational infrastructure, as well as training and education. Also, the main difficulties found are related to the organization's culture and developing communication with leaders and managers.

Research limitations/implications

The main difficulties found in this research are related to the lack of data presented in some articles analyzed, where only information about how the Lean Six Sigma application was conducted is shown, not mentioning difficulties or success factors identified.

Originality/value

Case studies are fundamental to help popularize Lean Six Sigma applications, showing a real-life scenario of how the methodology is implemented, the main difficulties encountered and critical success factors found. Thus, the value of this study is promoting and developing research involving Lean Six Sigma case study applications to guide new researchers and practitioners on the subject.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050