Exploring the associations between elevated plasma SP-D levels and OSCAR gene expression as potential biomarkers in patients with COPD: a cross-sectional study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Spirometry is the most widely used test to diagnose the disease; however, a surrogate marker is required to predict the disease pattern and progression. The aim of the current study was to explore the association of elevated levels of plasma surfactant protein D (SP-D) with gene expression of osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and lung functions as potential diagnostic biomarkers of COPD.

Molecular Analysis of Carbapenem and Aminoglycoside Resistance Genes in Carbapenem-Resistant Clinical Strains: A Challenge for Tertiary Care Hospitals.

Carbapenem-resistant () strains have become a global threat due to their remarkable capability to survive and disseminate successfully by the acquisition of resistance genes. As a result, the treatment strategies have been severely compromised. Due to the insufficient available data regarding resistance from Pakistan, we aimed to investigate the resistance mechanisms of 249 strains by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, polymerase chain reaction for the detection of carbapenemases, aminoglycoside resistance genes, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), sequence typing and plasmid typing.

Association of Surfactant Protein D Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs721917, rs2243639, rs3088308 with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis in Pakistani Population.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a benign ulcerative condition, defined by the recurrent formation of non-contagious mucosal ulcers. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is secreted frequently at surfaces exposed directly to body fluids. This study aims to investigate the association of SP-D single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the onset of RAS.

Estimation, Evaluation and Characterization of Carbapenem Resistance Burden from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Pakistan.

Carbapenem resistance has become major concern in healthcare settings globally; therefore, its monitoring is crucial for intervention efforts to halt resistance spread. During May 2019-April 2022, 2170 clinical strains were characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, replicon and sequence types. Overall, 42.

Emergence of multidrug-resistant ST11 blaKPC-2 producing Klebsiella pneumoniae coharboring blaCTX-M and blaSHV in Pakistan.

Introduction: Carbapenemases are primarily responsible for the intensified spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae by virtue of antibiotics overuse. Therefore, frequent investigation of high-risk clones especially from developing world is crucial to curtail global spread.

Characterization of Genomic Diversity among Carbapenem-Resistant Clinical Isolates and Antibacterial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles from Pakistan.

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant () is considered an important threat to public health resulting in resistance accumulation due to antibiotics misuse and selection pressure. This warrants periodic efforts to investigate and develop strategies for infection control. A total of 184 carbapenem-resistant clinical strains of were characterized for resistance pattern, resistance genes, plasmids, sequence types and in vitro efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

Investigation of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme 2 gene (G8790A) polymorphism in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy in Pakistani population.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease that escalates the risk of other associated complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular condition that leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There are several genes involved in disease development and it is a challenging task to investigate all of these.

Novel Carbapenem-Resistant ST147 Coharboring , and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases from Pakistan.

Purpose: The emergence of multidrug-resistant is associated with the acquisition of multiple carbapenemases. Their clonal spread is a worldwide concern due to their critical role in nosocomial infections. Therefore, the identification of high-risk clones with antibiotic resistance genes is very crucial for controlling its global spread.

Estimation of serum matrix metalloproteinases among patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To estimate the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and in healthy subjects.

Methods: In this observational study, biopsy diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (n= 38) were recruited from Mayo Hospital, Lahore during 2016 to 2017. Age and gender matched Controls (n= 38) were also included.

Serum levels of androgens in acne & their role in acne severity.

Objectives: To correlate acne severity with elevated androgen levels and to compare androgen levels between cases and controls.

Methods: This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from March 2016 - March 2017. Two hundred and seventy patients and eighty age and gender-matched controls were recruited after ethical approval and informed consent and categorized into mild, moderate and severe acne.

Umbilical Cord Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells can Differentiate into Skin Cells.

Autologous skin grafts are used to treat severe burn wounds, however, the availability of adequate donor sites makes this option less practical. Recently, stem cells have been used successfully in tissue engineering and in regenerative medicine. The current study aims to differentiate umbilical cord tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (CT-MSCs) into skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) for use to treat severe burn wounds.

Changing haematological parameters in dengue viral infections.

Background: Dengue Fever is the most common arboviral disease in the world, and presents cyclically in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The four serotypes of dengue virus, 1, 2, 3, and 4, form an antigenic subgroup of the flaviviruses (Group B arboviruses). Transmission to humans of any of these serotypes initiates a spectrum of host responses, from in apparent to severe and sometimes lethal infections.