Effects of Radiotherapy Alone Versus Concomitant Radiotherapy With Temozolomide Chemotherapy on the Outcome of IDH-wildtype Glioblastoma Patients.

Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase [IDH]-wildtype glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer associated with high recurrence and poor overall survival.

Aim: Our study aims to explore the prognostic effects of radiotherapy [RT] alone versus concomitant RT with temozolomide [TMZ].

Methods: A multicentre retrospective study included a cohort of 244 patients diagnosed with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, and it was analysed from 2013 to 2020.

Evaluation of a Risk Screening Tool for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in a German Cohort.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of the DIGIROP-Birth algorithm in identifying infants at risk for developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: In a retrospective study, we included preterm infants over 11 years, 2010-2020, meeting the inclusion criteria for the DIGIROP-Birth calculator (24 + 0/7 to 30 + 6/7 weeks of gestational age). We assessed the validity of DIGIROP-Birth using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated area-under-curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

Thrombocytosis and Thrombocytopenia in Treatment-Naïve Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Single-Centre Retrospective Data-Based Study From Pakistan.

Background and objective This study aims to investigate thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia in treatment-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, addressing the lack of data on their prevalence and clinical significance. By focusing on untreated patients, this study seeks to clarify the disease's natural course without confounding factors from prior therapies. The research is particularly important in the Pakistani context, where regional variations in RA presentation are underexplored.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Its Relationship With Disease Activity: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan.

Objective This study aims to determine whether disease activity was associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Pakistani population with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Rheumatology Department of the National Hospital & Medical Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, from April 2021 to June 2022. A sample of 60 patients, both male and female, diagnosed with a case of SLE was collected through the purposive sampling technique.

Glottic widening procedures (GWPs) to avoid tracheostomy in infants' bilateral vocal cord paralysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of various glottic widening procedures (GWPs) in avoiding tracheostomy in infants with bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP).

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2023, without any timeframe limitations. Studies reporting GWPs (Endoscopic anterior-posterior cricoid split, Botox injection, suture lateralization, and other procedures including laser posterior cordotomy/arytenoidectomy) in infants with BVCP were included.

Cumulative human impacts on global marine fauna highlight risk to biological and functional diversity.

Anthropogenic stressors to marine ecosystems from climate change and human activities increase extinction risk of species, disrupt ecosystem integrity, and threaten important ecosystem services. Addressing these stressors requires understanding where and to what extent they are impacting marine biological and functional diversity. We model cumulative risk of human impact upon 21,159 marine animal species by combining information on species-level vulnerability and spatial exposure to a range of anthropogenic stressors.

Frequency of Restless Legs Syndrome in Pakistani Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective To determine the frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS) among Pakistani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods This observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Medicine at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from January 2024 to May 2024. The National Institute of Health (NIH) diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose RLS.

Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon-alpha-2a in Chronic Hepatitis Delta: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi.

Background: Chronic hepatitis D (CHD) along with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. It is a potentially curable infection that has long awaited a good treatment option.

Objective: To ascertain the efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-alpha-2a in patients suffering from CHD.

Clinical Spectrum of Celiac Disease among Adult Population: Experience from Largest Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune enteropathy triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Celiac disease affects 0.6-1.

Hepatitis B Risk Factors are Frequently Present in Children at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi.

Background: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a serious threat to global public health. More than 300 million instances of chronic hepatitis are brought on by it, which is the primary cause of liver disease. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of HBV in children at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Spatial and life history variation in a trait-based species vulnerability and impact model.

Anthropogenic pressures threaten biodiversity, necessitating conservation actions founded on robust ecological models. However, prevailing models inadequately capture the spatiotemporal variation in environmental pressures faced by species with high mobility or complex life histories, as data are often aggregated across species' life histories or spatial distributions. We highlight the limitations of static models for dynamic species and incorporate life history variation and spatial distributions for species and stressors into a trait-based vulnerability and impact model.

Sinus Node Dysfunction Triggered by Tonsillar Abscess: Effects of Vagal Nerve Compression.

BACKGROUND Compression of the vagus nerve by a pharyngeal mass is a well-documented condition that can result in sinus node dysfunction (SND). However, there is scarce literature on extrinsic vagal nerve compression from a tonsillar abscess. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old woman with a history of asthma and chronic throat discomfort presented to the Emergency Department with bradycardia, palpitations, and voice changes.

Risk factors and outcomes of peptic ulcer bleed in a Pakistani population: A single-center observational study.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant healthcare burden, contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in therapies, its prevalence persists, particularly in regions with widespread nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use and infection.

Aim: To comprehensively analyse the risk factors and outcomes of PUD-related upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in Pakistani population.

Expectations and outcomes of varying treatment strategies for CML presenting during pregnancy.

Diagnosing chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) during pregnancy is rare. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have traditionally been contraindicated owing to their teratogenicity. Management decisions should consider the risks to mother and foetus of uncontrolled disease and teratogenic medications.

Refractory Sarcoidosis.

A multi-organ granulomatous disease with characteristic lung manifestations, sarcoidosis generally responds well to glucocorticoid therapy but 10% of cases are refractory necessitating immunosuppressive therapy. A 58-year-old lady presented with a dry cough and progressively worsening shortness of breath for the last 12 months. On investigation, her ESR was raised but cultures, malignancy screen and TB quantiferon were negative.

Lupus Vasculitis.

We present the case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with 8-month history of intermittent fever, joint pains with morning stiffness, recurrent oral ulcers, photosensitivity, weight loss and hair fall. For the last 2 months, she had developed a dry cough with progressive shortening of breath. On examination, a cachexic lady with malar hyperpigmentation, alopecia, pallor, nail dystrophy and erythema over her hands and feet were noted.

Frequency and risk factors of malabsorption in patients presenting at tertiary care hospital, Karachi.

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out frequency and risk factors of malabsorption in patients presenting at tertiary care hospital, Karachi.

Methods: This was a prospective-observational study conducted through a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Ninety two adult patients presenting with a history of chronic diarrhea (diarrhea having duration of more than four weeks), age ≥14 years, both males & females, and diagnosed as malabsorption syndrome visiting out-patient or admitted in the department of Gastroenterology of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi between June 2018 and July 2020 were enrolled.

Outcomes of liver diseases in pregnant females: A study from a tertiary care medical center in Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the etiologies and outcomes of liver disease in pregnancy in a developing country.

Method: A total of 336 consecutive pregnant women with liver disease were included in this prospective cohort study conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from August 2019 to August 2021. Patients' baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and outcomes were collected on a pre-designed questionnaire.