The Effects of Voriconazole on Metabolism of All-Trans Retinoic Acid in the Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Case Report.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a derivative of vitamin A and is the mainstay treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Hypercalcemia is a rare yet important side-effect of ATRA, especially when it is used concomitantly with a medication that impedes its metabolism by inhibiting cytochrome P-450 in the liver and thus increasing the duration of exposure to ATRA. Azole antifungal drugs such as voriconazole are frequently used in patients undergoing chemotherapy due to a high incidence of fungal infections.

Safety and outcomes of combined carbon dioxide angiography and OCT-guided femoro-popliteal chronic total occlusion crossing and directional atherectomy in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Carbon dioxide angiography with addition of optical coherence tomography imaging may improve procedural success and clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease and chronic kidney disease.

Methods: Single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent carbon dioxide angiography and optical coherence tomography-guided chronic total occlusion crossing and/or optical coherence tomography-guided directional atherectomy was performed. Patient and procedure-related characteristics, along with peri- and one-year post-procedural major adverse events, were analyzed.

Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Detection of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol Using CuO/Nafion/GCE: A Practical Sensor for Environmental Toxicants.

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (2,4,6 TCP) is one of the hazardous toxicants, which has severe impacts on the environment and human health. This study is designed to develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on CuO nanostructures for the detection of 2,4,6 TCP. The CuO nanostructures were synthesized through an aqueous chemical growth method and characterized by versatile analytical techniques, for example, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction.

Prevalence of Falls and Fractures in Alzheimer's Patients Compared to General Population.

Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD), found in the aging elderly population, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to worsening memory loss and cognitive impairment. Falls and fractures are common in the overall elderly population. Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of falls and fractures in Alzheimer's patients compared to the general population.

Gamma aminobutyric acid signaling disturbances and altered astrocytic morphology associated with Bisphenol A induced cognitive impairments in rat offspring.

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-recognized endocrine disruptor and is globally used in the manufacture of many plastic items. Multiple studies suggest links between prenatal BPA exposure and alterations in neurodevelopment and behaviors in children, even at lower levels. This study was conducted to reveal the role of astrocyte morphology and Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in BPA induced cognitive defects in the offspring of Wistar albino rats when exposed during the prenatal and postnatal periods.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Hepatitis B Virus Screening via Rapid Immunoassay Chromatographic Test.

Introduction:  In low-income and high hepatitis B and C virus burden countries like Pakistan, it is important to develop cheap yet efficient strategies in diagnosing as well as treating hepatitis. The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity and specificity of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) via Rapid Immunoassay Chromatographic Test (RICT) for the screening of hepatitis B, compared to the gold standard laboratory-based method.

Methods:  The study was conducted in the Hepatology Clinic of Civil Hospital, Sukkur.

Patterns of Peripheral Nerve and Tendon Injury in Hand Trauma Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan.

Introduction Traumatic injury to peripheral nerves is a major medical problem worldwide. Moreover, injury to the hand and wrist can lead to extreme morbidity and disable the injured for life. In this study, we highlight the most commonly damaged nerves and tendons that get ruptured in different types of hand trauma patients.

The Effect of Preoperative Hematocrit Levels on Early Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft.

Introduction Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is the most potent of surgical procedures; in this procedure, the narrowing of the coronary artery due to atherosclerotic plaque is bypassed by forming an alternate route for blood flow to the heart. There are various risk factors associated with the procedure. The aim of this study was to observe if postoperative outcomes are affected by preoperative hematocrit (hct) levels in patients.

Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Frequency of Symptoms in the General Population of Pakistan.

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic and debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder. Risk factors include infective enteritis, female sex, antibiotic exposure, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of IBS in healthy population and determine the characteristics of symptoms.

Environmental Friendly Synthetic Modification of Amberlite XAD-2 Resin for the Removal of Highly Toxic Hexavalent Chromium from Water.

Amberlite XAD-2 functionalized by coupling through -C=N- spacer with isatin via an environmental friendly protocol. The modified resin was used for the evaluation of its sorption capacity towards toxic Cr (VI) ions using spectrophotometer. pH, volume, sorbent amount, initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions, and agitation time were optimized.

Do COVID-19 Antibodies Provide Long-Term Protection?

Introduction: Post severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, an immune response is generated among healthy, immunocompetent individuals with immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) antibodies. IgM rises earlier than IgG, indicating a recent infection. However, a detailed analysis is required to assess long-term immune reactions induced by antibodies.

Antegrade and retrograde in-stent tibial artery chronic total occlusion recanalization with double kiss crush (DK crush) stenting of previous stent.

Below the knee (BTK) peripheral arterial disease often presents with critical limb ischemia (CLI) clinically with involvement of more than one tibial vessels. Drug eluting stent (DES) technology for treatment of BTK disease has shown promising long-term durable results; however, currently only coronary DESs are available for application in the United States. Although coronary bifurcation stenting techniques are backed by extensive data in literature, there is a scarcity of data for the treatment of tibial bifurcation disease.

The Effects of Antifreeze Protein III Supplementation on the Cryosurvival of Goat Spermatozoa During Cryopreservation.

Antifreeze protein (AFP) has been shown to have beneficial effects on frozen mammalian spermatozoa. However, rare reports have been published regarding the use of AFPs in storage of goat spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AFPIII on the quality of goat semen during cryopreservation.

Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, and multisystem disease, which, along with the joints, can involve the cardiovascular system. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis itself can lead to atherosclerosis, which is considered one of the major causes by which it can affect the cardiovascular system. In this study, we will assess the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as compared to the general population.

Prevalence and Symptom Characteristics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Bronchial Asthma Patients in Pakistan.

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that leads to a variety of symptoms including abdominal discomfort and change in stool frequency and consistency. Asthma is a common disease of the airway. Some studies have suggested that a relationship between IBS and asthma exist, while others have contradicted the claim.

Comparison of Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Introduction Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are two common treatment options used in patients suffering from coronary artery disease. Selection and favorability of one over the other depend on individual clinical scenarios. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes after treatment with PCI and CABG.

Correlation of Leptin With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Control Study.

Introduction: Leptin, a satiety hormone, has the ability to inhibit hunger and is thus, a regulator of body weight. Leptin is also elevated in cardiovascular events such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and hence is considered as modifiable risk factors for AMI. The purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the correlation of leptin with AMI.

Association of Leptin With Obesity and Insulin Resistance.

Introduction Leptin, a hormone released by the body to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger, decreases fat storage in adipocytes. Leptin is thought to play some role in obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, our aim is to see the association of leptin with obesity and insulin resistance.

Comparison of the Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction Between Hypertensive and Normotensive Participants: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction Hypertension is a very common risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). In recent time, changes in lifestyle has led to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension, which has increased the risk of ED. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of ED in hypertensive patients and compare various domains of sexual activity between hypertensive and normotensive participants.

Sensitivity, Specificity and Accuracy of Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Male (ADAM) Questionnaire for the Clinical Detection of Androgen Deficiency in the Male Population in Pakistan.

Introduction: Androgen deficiency in relation to the increasing age is quite prevalent worldwide. However, diagnosing it in low-income countries is quite a challenge due to cost concerns. Through this study, we plan to measure the sensitivity and specificity of the Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Male (ADAM) questionnaire in the Pakistani population.

An experience of mass administration of fractional dose inactivated polio vaccine through intradermal needle-free injectors in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Background: Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) campaign was conducted in February 2019 in Karachi where needle-free injectors were introduced for the administration of the fractional dose of IPV (fIPV) on a large scale. This study aimed to determine the impact of needle-free injectors on vaccination coverage.

Methods: In four towns of Karachi, fIPV was given using needle-free injectors "PharmaJet Tropis ID".

Gas Chromatographic and Spectrophotometric Determination of Diclofenac Sodium, Ibuprofen, and Mefenamic Acid in Urine and Blood Samples.

Objectives: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for the treatment of acute to chronic pain. A simple, fast, and reliable gas chromatographic (GC) method with flame ionization detection has been developed for the determination of NSAIDs such as diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, and mefenamic acid after derivatization with ethyl chloroformate.

Materials And Methods: The GC conditions were optimized as elution from a DB-1 column (30 mx0.

Role of Montelukast as Monotherapy in Improving Quality of Life of an Asthmatic Patient in Pakistan.

Introduction: Uncontrolled and inadequately managed asthma substantially reduces Quality of Life (QOL) and can lead to premature death. The aim of this study is to understand the role of montelukast in improving quality of life in asthmatic patients by comparing it with placebo.

Methods: This prospective, single-arm, interventional study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 in the pulmonology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Clinical Characteristics and Precipitating Factors.

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of hyperglycemia. Through this study we plan to study the clinical features of DKA and precipitating factors responsible for DKA in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Sukkur, Pakistan from August 2019 to February 2020.

The Risk Factors for the Wearing-Off Phenomenon in Parkinson's Disease.

Introduction: First-line treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) includes a dopamine analog, levodopa, administered in combination with carbidopa to increase efficacy. Wearing-off (WO) phenomenon is a frequent complication which is defined as a reoccurrence of motor and non-motor symptoms during levodopa free interval, which has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Through this study, we aim to determine risk factors that lead to the manifestation of the WO phenomenon among patients presenting in our out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.