Malaria elimination challenges in countries approaching the last mile: a discussion among regional stakeholders.

Background: The national malaria control programmes in Cambodia, Nepal, and Bhutan aim to achieve malaria elimination by 2025-2030. While the vivax malaria burden remains challenging, the consistent decline in falciparum malaria in these countries over the last five years suggests that the goal is achievable. However, unexpected cases in previously falciparum malaria-free districts continue to occur.

Evaluation of Bayesian Linear Regression derived gene set test methods.

Background: Gene set tests can pinpoint genes and biological pathways that exert small to moderate effects on complex diseases like Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). By aggregating genetic markers based on biological information, these tests can enhance the statistical power needed to detect genetic associations.

Results: Our goal was to develop a gene set test utilizing Bayesian Linear Regression (BLR) models, which account for both linkage disequilibrium (LD) and the complex genetic architectures intrinsic to diseases, thereby increasing the detection power of genetic associations.

Female patients with acute aortic dissection type A (AADA): A gender-selective evaluation of the intensity of the surgical treatment.

Objective: Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a condition that affects both genders and requires urgent surgical intervention as non-operative treatment is often associated with a poor prognosis. Studies have proven that less aggressive surgical treatments influence the outcome for female patients in the fields of several diseases. The purpose of this study was to report and analyze our results in the selective cohort of female patients with AADA to detect differences in the treatment of this group of patients.

Biofilm Formation and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes at Varying Quinolone Inhibitory Concentrations in Quinolone-Resistant Bacteria Superinfecting COVID-19 Inpatients.

The likelihood of antimicrobial failure in COVID-19 patients with bacterial superinfection arises from both phenotypic (biofilms) and genotypic mechanisms. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the inhibitory concentrations of quinolones-nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin-in biofilm formers (minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration [MBIC]) and nonformers (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]) and correlate inhibitory concentrations with plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in quinolone-resistant bacteria isolated from COVID-19 inpatients. Quinolone-resistant bacteria (n = 193), verified through disc diffusion, were tested for quinolone inhibitory concentrations using broth microdilution and biofilm formation using microtiter plate methods.

A Case Report of a Rare Mesenteric Schwannoma: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Schwannomas, also known as neurilemmomas, are neurogenic, benign tumors of Schwann cells arising from peripheral nerve sheaths that may be present at almost any anatomical site. A primary mesenteric schwannoma is an extremely rare tumor, with only 12 cases reported in the literature to date. Preoperative diagnosis of mesenteric schwannomas is almost impossible because of the rarity of the case and their nonspecific symptoms.

Differences in Utilization of Preventive Services for Primary Care Clinicians Participating in MIPS and ACOs.

Background And Objective: Value-based payment programs link payments to the performance of providers on cost and quality of care to incentivize high-value care. To improve quality and lower costs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the Quality Payment Program (QPP) for clinicians in 2017. Under the Medicare QPP, most eligible clinicians participate in one of the payment models: (a) Advanced Alternative Payment Models (A-APMs) through eligible APMs like Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) or (b) the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).

Evaluation of Bayesian Linear Regression models for gene set prioritization in complex diseases.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits, yet interpreting their results remains challenging due to the polygenic nature of most traits. Gene set analysis offers a solution by aggregating genetic variants into biologically relevant pathways, enhancing the detection of coordinated effects across multiple genes. In this study, we present and evaluate a gene set prioritization approach utilizing Bayesian Linear Regression (BLR) models to uncover shared genetic components among different phenotypes and facilitate biological interpretation.

Pathological tissue changes in brain tumors affect the pH-sensitivity of the T1-corrected apparent exchange dependent relaxation (AREX) of the amide protons.

Measuring the intracellular pH (pHi) is of interest for brain tumor diagnostics. Common metrics of CEST imaging like the amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) MTR are pHi sensitive and allow differentiating malignant tumor from healthy tissue. Yet, the image contrast also depends on additional magnetization transfer effects and T1.

The relationship between the ages and stages questionnaire, 3rd edition scores in early childhood and future cognitive abilities in young Nepalese children.

Background: The Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd edition (ASQ-3) could be a feasible tool in resource-poor settings. Little is known on the relationship between scores on the ASQ-3 and later intellectual abilities in these settings.

Aims: To examine the relationship between ASQ-3 scores during the first and second year of life and intellectual abilities at 4 years of age in Nepalese children.

Cervical Cancer Screening Services in Nepal: A Descriptive Crosssectional Study.

Introduction: Cervical cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women, is also the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in reproductive age women in Nepal. The study aims to assess the situation of cervical cancer screening services in Nepal.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used quantitative methods to understand the situation of cervical cancer screening in 572 health facilities of Nepal.

Congenital Heart Disease among Children Undergoing Echocardiography in the Department of Paediatrics of Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Congenital heart disease in children are a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity. It is important to detect and manage these disorders timely as they are preventable. The objective of this study was to find out proportion of congenital heart disease in children in paediatric department in a tertiary hospital.

Early Behavioural Signs among Nepalese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Early identification of symptoms is crucial for timely intervention, yet diagnosing very young children can be challenging due to the variability in symptom presentation and the influence of other developmental factors. This study aimed to find the prevalence of the emergence of early behavioural signs in Nepalese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Gastric Ulcer From Prolonged Oral Iron Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia worldwide and is commonly treated with oral iron supplements, which are known for their GI side effects. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman with a history of GI bleeding and multiple comorbidities who developed a gastric ulcer after prolonged oral iron therapy. Although GI side effects are frequent with iron supplements, ulceration is rare, with only a few documented cases.

Influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in a Northeastern province in Thailand: Findings of a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for influenza vaccination due to their increased risk of infection. However, their uptake remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify and measure influenza vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand.

Spatial scales of COVID-19 transmission in Mexico.

During outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, internationally connected cities often experience large and early outbreaks, while rural regions follow after some delay. This hierarchical structure of disease spread is influenced primarily by the multiscale structure of human mobility. However, during the COVID-19 epidemic, public health responses typically did not take into consideration the explicit spatial structure of human mobility when designing nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).

Loco-regional recurrence of adrenocortical carcinoma: A case report.

Introduction: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive endocrine malignancy with a high recurrence rate. Approximately half of the patients are asymptomatic, while others experience symptoms due to the tumor's size or hormone secretion. Ro resection if possible is the best option for treatment of primary as well as locoregional recurrent ACC.

Infection-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report.

Introduction: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory disorder characterized by fever, cytopenia, splenomegaly, and hemophagocytosis. Without prompt treatment, HLH can rapidly progress to life-threatening multiorgan failure. The authors present a case of occult HLH with severe bicytopenia and organ dysfunction requiring intensive care.

Tobacco use and its associated factors among students of medical college at tertiary care center of Eastern Nepal.

Background: Despite declining smoking prevalence globally, South Asia faces a rising burden. In Nepal, existing tobacco control laws haven't curbed use, with 28.9% of young adults engaging in tobacco use.

Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma With Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) is a type of malignancy that usually appears as a tumor in the bone. However, in a few patients with ES/PNET, it can occur outside of the bone. Although extraosseous ES/PNET can appear in various parts of the body, involvement of small bowel is rare.