Factors associated with phosphate homeostasis in children with beta-thalassemia major: An analytical cross sectional study from Pakistan.

Introduction: Children with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) commonly experience metabolic bone diseases. Understanding fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels in these children can shed light on phosphate dysregulation. This study aimed to assess changes in phosphate homeostasis and associated factors, including FGF-23 and explore relationships between iron overload, FGF23 levels, and phosphorus regulation for clinical management of phosphate disorders, in children with β-TM.

Implantable cardiac defibrillator outcomes in octogenarians.

Background: Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) are essential for preventing sudden cardiac death. Despite inclusion in national guidelines, older adults are often underrepresented in trials. Evaluating ICD use in the aging population, particularly with advancements in heart failure treatment, is crucial.

The intersection of finTech adoption, HR competency potential, service innovation, and firm growth in the banking sectors using Entropy and TOPSIS.

The adoption of Financial Technology (FinTech), along with the enhancement of Human Resource (HR) competencies, service innovation, and firm growth, plays a crucial role in the development of the banking sector. Despite their importance, obtaining reliable results is often challenging due to the complex, high-dimensional correlations among various features that affect the industry. To address this issue, this research introduces a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model that integrates the Entropy-Weighted Method (EWM) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS).

The impact of common and rare genetic variants on bradyarrhythmia development.

To broaden our understanding of bradyarrhythmias and conduction disease, we performed common variant genome-wide association analyses in up to 1.3 million individuals and rare variant burden testing in 460,000 individuals for sinus node dysfunction (SND), distal conduction disease (DCD) and pacemaker (PM) implantation. We identified 13, 31 and 21 common variant loci for SND, DCD and PM, respectively.

Novel Single Perovskite Material for Visible-Light Photocatalytic CO Reduction via Joint Experimental and DFT Study.

Developing advanced and economically viable technologies for the capture and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO) is crucial for sustainable energy production from fossil fuels. Converting CO into valuable chemicals and fuels is a promising approach to mitigate atmospheric CO levels. Among various methods, photocatalytic reduction stands out for its potential to reduce emissions and produce useful products.

Preparation of interconnected tin oxide nanoparticles on multi-layered MXene for lithium storage anodes.

MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional (2D) materials known for their excellent electronic conductivity and hydrophilicity, have emerged as promising candidates for lithium-ion battery anodes. This study presents a simple wet-chemical method for depositing interconnected SnO nanoparticles (NPs) onto MXene sheets. The SnO NPs act as both a high-capacity energy source and a spacer to prevent MXene sheets from restacking.

Long term follow-up of bilateral internal thoracic artery use in young coronary artery bypass grafting patients: 29 year single surgeon experience.

Background: Improved long term survival has demonstrated by grafting left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). This study investigated the prognostic benefits of BITA versus single LITA with common anastomotic configurations of BITA.

Methods: Elective patients age below 60 years, undertaken by a single surgeon, between 1992 and 2014 were explored.

CardioGuard: AI-driven ECG authentication hybrid neural network for predictive health monitoring in telehealth systems.

The increasing integration of telehealth systems underscores the importance of robust and secure methods for patient data management. Traditional authentication methods, such as passwords and PINs, are prone to breaches, underscoring the need for more secure alternatives. Therefore, there is a need for alternative approaches that provide enhanced security and user convenience.

From Practice to Proficiency: Evaluation of a Novel Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) in a Postgraduate Chemical Pathology Residency Program in Pakistan.

Introduction: A workplace-based assessment (WBA) model was implemented in the postgraduate (PG) residency program of Chemical Pathology at the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University (AKU). PGs were assessed using direct observation of practical skills (DOPS), evaluation of clinical events (ECE) and case-based discussion (CBD) on a virtual learning environment (VLE) platform.

Objectives: To evaluate WBA frequency, case mix, feedback, and satisfaction levels of faculty and PGs of Chemical Pathology at AKU.

The Diagnostic Utility of Holter Monitoring in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

Background: Holter monitoring may raise suspicion of an underlying catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) diagnosis. Although not a primary investigation for CPVT, Holter monitoring is ubiquitously used as a diagnostic tool in the heart rhythm clinic.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore Holter monitoring in CPVT diagnosis.

A comprehensive survey on exploring and analyzing COVID-19 mobile apps: Meta and exploratory analysis.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, many digital solutions around the world have been proposed to cope with the deadly virus but the role of mobile-based applications is dominant one. In Pakistan, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, an array of mobile health applications (apps) and platforms have been launched to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 situation. In this survey, our major focus is to explore and analyze the starring role of mobile apps based on the features and functionalities to tackle the COVID-19 disease, particularly in Pakistan.

Modeling security evaluation framework for IoHT-driven systems using integrated decision-making methodology.

The intensification of the Internet of Health Things devices created security concerns due to the limitations of these devices and the nature of the healthcare data. While dealing with the security challenges, several authentication schemes, protocols, processes, and standards have been adopted. Consequently, making the right decision regarding the installation of a secure authentication solution or procedure becomes tricky and challenging due to the large number of security protocols, complexity, and lack of understanding.

Long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of catheter vs thoracoscopic surgical ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation using continuous cardiac monitoring: CASA-AF randomized controlled trial.

Background: Long-term clinical outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) compared to thoracoscopic surgical ablation (SA) to treat patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) are not known.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term (36-month) clinical efficacy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of SA and CA in LSPAF.

Methods: Participants were followed up for 3 years using implantable loop recorders and questionnaires to assess the change in quality of life.

Insights into microorganisms, associated factors, and the oral microbiome in infective endocarditis patients.

Introduction: Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a rare, life-threatening infection of the endocardium with multisystem effects. Culprit microorganisms derived from different niches circulate through the bloodstream and attach to the endocardium, particularly the heart valves. This study aimed to investigate culprit microorganisms among a cross-sectional cohort of IE patients, their associated factors, and to explore the potential relationship to the oral microbiome.

Study protocol for a cross-sectional online survey investigating patient preferences and experiences of waiting for elective cardiac surgery.

Introduction: Being on a waiting list for elective (planned) cardiac surgery can be physically and psychologically challenging for patients. Research suggests that stress associated with waiting for surgery is dependent on different individual and contextual factors. However, most data on patients' experiences of waiting for surgery and preferences for waiting list management derives from non-cardiac clinical populations.

Long-Term Outcomes of Resynchronization-Defibrillation for Heart Failure.

Background: The Resynchronization-Defibrillation for Ambulatory Heart Failure Trial (RAFT) showed a greater benefit with respect to mortality at 5 years among patients who received cardiac-resynchronization therapy (CRT) than among those who received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). However, the effect of CRT on long-term survival is not known.

Methods: We randomly assigned patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III heart failure, a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30% or less, and an intrinsic QRS duration of 120 msec or more (or a paced QRS duration of 200 msec or more) to receive either an ICD alone or a CRT defibrillator (CRT-D).

Efficacy and safety of supraclavicular and pectoralis nerve blocks as primary peri-procedural analgesia for cardiac electronic device implantation: A pilot study.

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are routinely implanted using intravenous drugs for sedation. However, some patients are poor candidates for intravenous sedation.

Objective: We present a case series demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a novel, ultrasound-guided nerve block technique that allows for pre-pectoral CIED implantation.