Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice and academia,
we are pleased to release the current issue of Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical
Sciences on time and with the usual blend of stimulating subjects for a wide range
of readers with varying interests. We do hope it benefits the readers of the journal,
both researchers and practicing clinicians.
Samir Kahwash from Ohio State University, in a personal paper, writes on the “Palmyra
Motivation Curve” and shares his experience within the context of an entertaining
historical tale.[[1]] The two review articles address different subjects. The first by colleagues from
Brazil presents an overview of femoral neuropathy after kidney transplantation through
an updated literature review of case reports and case series.[[2]] The second from the Dammam group, updating us on select aspects of gastric cancer
focusing on environmental risk factors, treatment, and prevention.[[3]] Six original research articles come from several parts of the world reflecting
differing interests and concerns. The UK physicians' perceptions and practices regarding
the prescribing of adrenaline auto-injectors for children at risk of anaphylaxis revealed
inhomogeneous practices even from the same country.[[4]] Another report details the effect of Ramadan on glucose levels, serum lipid profile,
and blood pressure among fasting and nonfasting medical students in a public university
of Karachi.[[5]] This may help to understate the impact of fasting on metabolism in various chronic
conditions where fasting should be avoided. A comprehensive systematic review and
meta-analysis on the hematologic, biochemical, and infection biomarker abnormalities
associated with COVID-19 were conducted by the Benghazi group.[[6]] It may help the prediction of outcomes using readily available measurements, particularly
in resource-limited settings. Although admittedly a rare condition, clinical presentations
of Sjogren's syndrome in Libya are described very well by the Benghazi group of rheumatologists.[[7]] Furthermore, the characteristics of risk factors of acute respiratory infections
in children at Tripoli University Hospital, Libya, with a rich discussion comparing
and contrasting their findings with published work from other settings.[[8]] People with serious and chronic medical conditions are exempted from fasting during
the holy month of Ramadan, many however do insist on fasting even against medical
advice. Elbarsha et al. report a comparison between high- and low-risk diabetic patients
who choose to observe the fasting of Ramadan in a prospective cohort study from Benghazi,
Libya.[[9]] Rare, unusual, or simply illustrative case reports remain a regular feature of
the journal. In this issue, three case reports are included: (1) early-onset antibiotic-induced
autoimmune hemolytic anemia, (2) a rare case of intra-auricular sinus presenting as
recurrent perichondritis, and (3) urinary diversion in patients with muscle-invasive
bladder cancer and severe ureteral stricture – A case report of a new surgical technique.
With the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, the usually largest diabetes congress
of the American Diabetes Association turned into a virtual meeting. However, many
found it difficult to follow this and many other programs online, partly due to time
zone differences and lack of dedicated study leave time. A resume of the contents,
mainly for practicing clinicians, was highlighted by a group of Abu Dhabi dialectologists
to allow those who missed completely catch up.[[10]]
The long-standing concern of the journal's editor remains the same. The “double trouble”
of low volume of submissions coupled with the low and slow response to peer-reviewing
requests. However, our two competing points also remain the same. First, a totally
free submission and publication process for all authors with no hidden costs, and
second, a genuine and strict peer-reviewing process, even if it means a long submission
to publication time. Under all circumstances, we remain committed to the principles
of true scholarly publishing under the genuine open-access model. The issue of lack
of PubMed indexation remains the main challenge for the editors as it is, indeed,
to many other emerging journals. We reiterate our commitment and promise, we will
persevere with our goals and strategy, and we appeal to all readers, authors, and
reviewers to reciprocate support.
Authors' contributions
Equal.
Compliance with ethical principles
Not applicable (Editorial).
