Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition responsible for up to 20% of all global deaths. Kidneys are among the most common organs implicated, yet the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is not completely understood, resulting in the treatment being nonspecific and responsive. In situations of stress, the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) may play a role. This systematic review focuses on analyzing the impact of the RAAS on the development of S-AKI and discussing the use of RAAS antagonists as an emerging therapeutic option to minimize complications of sepsis. Methods: Studies were identified using electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Google Scholar) published within the past decade, comprised from 2014 to 2023. The search strategy was conducted using the following keywords: sepsis, S-AKI, RAAS, Angiotensin II, and RAAS inhibitors. Studies on human and animal subjects were included if relevant to the keywords. Results: Our search identified 22 eligible references pertaining to the inclusion criteria. Treatment of sepsis with RAAS inhibitor medications is observed to decrease rates of S-AKI, reduce the severity of S-AKI, and offer an improved prognosis for septic patients. Conclusion: The use of RAAS antagonists as a treatment after the onset of sepsis has promising findings, with evidence of decreased renal tissue damage and rates of S-AKI and improved survival outcomes. Registration: INPLASY202360098.

Intermittent fasting is an increasingly popular dieting technique with many well-studied benefits, such as permitting weight loss in obese patients, lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and triglyceride levels, and optimizing circadian rhythms. A special type of intermittent fasting occurs during Ramadan, when Muslims worldwide fast daily from dawn to sunset for a month. Ramadan fasting has demonstrated several health benefits, including improving the gut microbiome, modifying gut hormone levels, and lowering proinflammatory markers such as cytokines and blood lipids. Although fasting has many health benefits, fasting during Ramadan may aggravate chronic medical conditions. We aim to review the literature devoted to Ramadan fasting and its effects on Muslim patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), upper GI bleeding (UGIB), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and liver conditions. We will discuss recommendations for diet and medication compliance during Ramadan in the recommended pre-Ramadan counseling sessions. In this study, we used PubMed to research journals using the key terms "Ramadan," "intermittent fasting," and "gastrointestinal diseases." The current literature studying the impact of Ramadan on gastrointestinal disorders shows that patients with IBD have a minimal risk of disease exacerbation, although older men with ulcerative colitis (UC) were more prone to exacerbation during fasting. Patients with duodenal ulcers were at a higher risk of hemorrhage after Ramadan fasting. Although with mixed results, studies show patients with liver disease demonstrated improvements in liver enzymes, cholesterol, and bilirubin after Ramadan. Physicians should offer pre-Ramadan counseling to educate patients on the risks of fasting and encourage shared decision-making. To facilitate more definitive discussions between the physician and a Muslim patient, clinicians should seek a deeper understanding of how Ramadan fasting affects certain health conditions and offer accommodations, such as diet and medication adjustments.

Introduction Academic medicine is an important field that has had a notable decline in physician interest. The aim of this study was to introduce academic medicine to medical students early in their careers with a workshop in the medical school setting, beyond conferences, to promote even greater interest in the field. Methods This workshop consisted of (1) an informational didactic session using a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, (2) small-group breakout discussion sessions to review case scenarios, and (3) a faculty panel to provide personal anecdotes and advice to students. The authors administered online pre- and post-workshop surveys to the students. One workshop was presented to first-year medical students and another to second-year medical students at California University of Science and Medicine. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 for Windows. Pre- and post-workshop survey question means were compared using a paired t-test. Results There were 104 pre-clerkship student attendees, 83 of whom were in their first year and 21 in their second. Within each class year, there was a statistical significance in pre- and post-workshop survey responses for questions one through four (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), but question five responses were not statistically significant (p = 0.78). Conclusion Academic medicine workshops held early in medical students' careers are an effective way to foster interest in the field. Implementing academic medicine scholars' programs, in addition to these workshops, can help provide guidance and resources for students who want to pursue a career in academic medicine.