Influence of alkaline activators on mechanical properties of environmentally friendly geopolymer concrete under different curing regimes.

Previous studies highlighted the significance of tailoring alkaline activators (AA) to specific fly ash (FA) sources for optimal properties of geopolymer concrete (GPC). This study examines the influence of various AA's properties on mechanical properties and microstructures of local low-calcium FA-based GPC under varying curing conditions. A comprehensive investigation consists of several factors such as NaOH molarities (10 M, 12 M, 14 M, 16 M), ratios (1.

A case-control regression analysis of liver enzymes in obesity-induced metabolic disorders in South Asian females.

Excessive body weight may disrupt hepatic enzymes that may be aggravated by obesity-related comorbidities. The current case-control study was designed to evaluate the extent of liver enzyme alteration in obesity-related metabolic disorders. Obese females with BMI ≥ 30 suffering from metabolic disorders were grouped according to existing co-morbidity and their hepatic enzymes were compared with non-obese healthy females.

Divergent responses of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria with P-laden biochar for enhancing nutrient recovery, growth, and yield of canola (Brassica napus L.).

The growing global population has led to a heightened need for food production, and this rise in agricultural activity is closely tied to the application of phosphorus-based fertilizers, which contributes to the depletion of rock phosphate (RP) reserves. Considering the limited P reserves, different approaches were conducted previously for P removal from waste streams, while the adsorption of ions is a novel strategy with more applicability. In this study, a comprehensive method was employed to recover phosphorus from wastewater by utilizing biochar engineered with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Comparative analysis of multiorgan toxicity induced by long term use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

The constant use of disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs affects the functioning of multiple organs inside the body. Some drugs are more toxic than others. The present case control investigation was designed to evaluate the comparative toxicity of methotrexate and leflunomide on multiple organs in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Adjunct posterior wall isolation reduces the recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) remain high even after complete wide area circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In recent years adjunct posterior wall isolation (PWI) has been performed in patients with more persistent forms of AF but the benefits remain unclear.

Aim: The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of adjunct posterior wall isolation in reducing recurrence rates of AF using cryoballoon ablation (CBA).

Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Sheep and Goats in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, results in congenital disorders and miscarriages among livestock and humans worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Pakistan from 2000 to 2020.

Validation of questionnaire regarding online teaching (QOT) during Covid-19 in Karachi, Pakistan.

The present study involved an extra-cultural adaptation and validation of questionnaire regarding online teaching (QOT) to know faculty perception, attitude and experiences of online teaching. Cronbach's alpha was determined for assessing internal reliability of QOT and found to be 0.886, confirmed that the scale have good reliability.

Pediatric Off-Label COVID-19 Vaccination: The Concerns of Healthcare Professionals in Pakistan.

Global health authorities have emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) as a reliable source of vaccination information for patients in primary care. However, HCPs are concerned whether COVID-19 vaccinations can be used off-label. Hence, the current study was conducted to assess their perspectives towards off-label COVID-19 immunization in children.

Corrigendum to "Prospective Analysis of Lipid Variations in Hyperthyroid Subjects from Lahore, Pakistan".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/9936782.].

Health management during COVID-19 pandemic-contribution of women health informaticians, medical physicists and veterinarians from Bangladesh and Malaysia during the world crisis.

This article aims to highlight some of the contributions from Bangladeshi and Malaysian women scientists in the fields of health informatics, medical physics and biomedical engineering, and veterinary science in combating the COVID-19 world crisis. The status of COVID-19 situations in Bangladesh and Malaysia in respect to global scenario, some relevant government policies, lessons learnt from previous pandemics, socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, the impact on healthcare system and health management approaches taken by individual/institutional research group led by women scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic have been discussed and demonstrated in this article. These promising activities and initiatives will eventually motivate other women in science and extend their roles from laboratory to society in more aspects.

Prospective Analysis of Lipid Variations in Hyperthyroid Subjects from Lahore, Pakistan.

Perturbations in the actions of T and T influence the normal metabolic pathways. Responsiveness of lipid biomarkers like LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, TG, Apo-A, and Apo-B after rehabilitation of thyroid profile attaining euthyroid state was determined. A total of 179 age-matched subjects of both genders were recruited for this research.

Tick-borne Diseases in Sheep and Goats in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites and transmit various types of protozoal, bacterial, and viral diseases in a wild as well as domestic animals and humans globally. Only a few  published reports are avaliable on the prevalence of tick-borne diseases in sheep and goats in Pakistan.

Aim And Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence (2000-2020) of tick-borne disease (theileriosis, babesiosis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever infection, and anaplasmosis) in sheep and goats in Pakistan.

International, multicenter retrospective trial comparing the efficacy and safety of bi-flanged versus lumen-apposing metal stents for endoscopic drainage of walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Background: To compare fully covered bi-flanged metal stents (BFMS) and lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage/debridement of pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON).

Methods: Patients with WON managed by EUS-guided therapy were divided into those who underwent: 1) drainage using BFMS; and 2) drainage using LAMS and scheduled direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). Clinical success (resolution of the WON), technical success (successful stent placement), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.

Unilateral versus bilateral hilar stents for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter international study.

Background: Endoscopic placement of hilar stents is an accepted palliative therapy for patients with advanced, unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. However, whether unilateral versus bilateral stent placement provides optimal relief continues to be a subject of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the technical and clinical outcomes in patients with inoperable cholangiocarcinoma who received unilateral or bilateral self-expanding metal stents (SEMS).

Barriers to use of radial access for percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify barriers to transradial access percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Transradial access yields fewer vascular complications, earlier ambulation, and more patient comfort. However, the adoption to practice is slow, and transfemoral access is still commonly used.

Coronary Angiography in Patients with Arteria Lusoria via Right Radial Access: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Transradial is becoming the access of choice for coronary angiography (CAG). Arteria lusoria (AL) poses a challenge for right transradial access because it can cause difficulty in accessing the ascending aorta. Of 18,686 patients who underwent CAG in Geisinger Medical Center from 2012 to 2018, 6 had a diagnosis of AL.

Discontinuation of proton pump inhibitor use reduces the number of endoscopic procedures required for resolution of walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Background And Objectives: Endoscopic drainage/debridement of symptomatic walled off necrosis (WON) using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) is both safe and effective. While endoscopic management of WON is the standard approach to treatment, the ideal concomitant medical therapy remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to further elucidate the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) therapy on the technical and clinical success of endoscopic treatment of WON.

Cysteine-induced alterations in physicochemical parameters of oat (Avena sativa L. var. Scott and F-411) under drought stress.

Introduction: Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that drastically reduces crop yield throughout the world. Being precursor of glutathione biosynthesis and involvement in other metabolic processes, cysteine (Cys) has been shown to alter growth and development in plants. In this context, we investigated Cys-induced physicochemical alterations in oat (Avena sativa L.

Three-way comparative study of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural gallbladder drainage using lumen-apposing metal stents versus endoscopic transpapillary drainage versus percutaneous cholecystostomy for gallbladder drainage in high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis: clinical outcomes and success in an International, Multicenter Study.

Background: Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PTGBD), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with transpapillary gallbladder drainage (TP), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural gallbladder drainage (EGBD) using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have been offered for gallbladder decompression for acute cholecystitis in high-risk surgical patients. Yet, there are limited data comparing these therapies. Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of EGBD to TP and PTGBD for gallbladder drainage.

Analgesic activities of crude ethanolic extract and various fractions of Adansonia digitata L. grown at the sindh province of Pakistan.

The current study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of crude extract and fractions of leaves of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae). Fresh leaves were collected, dried under shade and then powdered.

Use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents for benign biliary etiologies: a large multi-center experience.

Background: Fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used in benign biliary diseases although reported data is limited. These devices are most commonly used to treat biliary leaks, strictures, or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of FCSEMS in treating benign biliary disease and recognize the associated complications.

Translation, validation and effectiveness of self-care inventory in assessing adherence to diabetes treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an Urdu translation of Self Care Inventory for measuring adherence to diabetes treatment.

Methods: The correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in October and November, 2011, and data was collected from outpatient department of public-sector hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Patients included had diabetes type1 or type 2, while those with severe diabetic complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, diabetic foot, and renal disease or any psychiatric comorbidity, were excluded.

Improved patient education facilitates adherence to preoperative fasting guidelines.

Preoperative fasting is recognised as an important factor in perioperative patient care. Implementation of guidelines on preoperative fasting remains sub-optimal. We audited perioperative fasting in a district general hospital, implemented changes to the preoperative information leaflet and improved fasting practices.