PatCen: A blockchain-based patient-centric mechanism for the granular access control of infectious disease-related test records.

The recent global outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, yellow fever, and Ebola have highlighted the critical need for robust health data management systems that can rapidly adapt to and mitigate public health emergencies. In contrast to traditional systems, this study introduces an innovative blockchain-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) access control mechanism that effectively safeguards patient data integrity and privacy. The proposed approach uniquely integrates granular data access control mechanism within a blockchain framework, ensuring that patient data is only accessible to explicitly authorized users and thereby enhancing patient consent and privacy.

Development of a Study Tool to Measure Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among Cancer Patients and Their Intention to Recommend the Vaccine.

Background: Literature suggests that there is poor awareness and uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in India. The role of cancer patients as potent advocates for HPV vaccine in their community is vital due to their first-hand experience with the turmoil that accompanies cancer. Hence, we have developed a study tool to measure the psychometric constructs "Awareness" of HPV vaccine among cancer patients and "Intention" to recommend the vaccine.

Sarcopenia: recent advances for detection, progression, and metabolic alterations along with therapeutic targets.

Sarcopenia, a disorder marked by muscle loss and dysfunction, is a global health concern, particularly in aging populations. Sarcopenia is intricately related to various health conditions, including obesity, dysphagia, and frailty, which underscores the complexity. Despite recent advances in metabolomics and other omics data for early detection and treatment, the precise characterization and diagnosis of sarcopenia remains challenging.

Characteristics and motivational factors of candidates applying to the Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE) program.

Objective: To determine characteristics and motivational factors of applicants applying for MHPE program at a Public-sector University, Karachi.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted from September till October 2022, included all 60 applicants of MHPE program at Jinnah Sindh Medical University. The survey questionnaire was administered (google form) and comprised questions seeking demographic information, few questions with options to select and 34 statements to be responded on 5-point scale.

The Role of 5% Minoxidil versus Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Alopecia Areata.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of topical minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of alopecia areata (AA).

Study Design: Randomised control trial. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan, from December 2021 to June 2022.

Determining the psychometric properties of a written test to assess safe dental practice.

Introduction: Safe practice in medicine and dentistry has been a global priority area in which large knowledge gaps are present.Patient safety strategies aim at preventing unintended damage to patients that can be caused by healthcare practitioners. One of the components of patient safety is safe clinical practice.

Bioethics curriculum for undergraduate medical students: an evaluation study utilizing mixed methods approach.

Background: The undergraduate bioethics curriculum introduced in a private medical college in Pakistan in 1988 and revised in 2009 has evolved over time to incorporate globally relevant innovations, including integration of bioethics spirally within an existing problem-based learning curricular framework. The present evaluation study shares the results of this integrated bioethics curriculum delivered for 10 years across the five-year undergraduate medical curriculum. The study assessed the effectiveness of the curriculum in terms of student achievement, appropriateness of course contents and efficiency of instructional methods.

Polyphenolic characterization and biological assessment of Acacia nilotica (L.) wild. Ex delilie: An In vitro and In vivo appraisal of wound healing potential.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Acacia nilotica (L.) Wild. Ex Delilie is a shrub with significant ethnomedicinal stature.

Enhancing caregivers self-management for their children who require medical technology: A feasibility study for the COPE-STAR intervention.

Purpose: To test feasibility of the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment: Symptom and Technology Management Resources intervention for caregivers of children who require medical technologies of tracheostomies and feeding tubes.

Design And Methods: Quasi-experimental one group design with measures at baseline and at 4 weeks. Intervention feasibility was tested from August 2019-June 2021, including recruitment, retention, and adherence, and caregiver satisfaction.

Small molecular exogenous modulators of active forms of MMPs.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases, and their activity depends on calcium and zinc metal ions. These enzymes are expressed originally in zymogenic form, where the active site of proteins is closed by a prodomain which is removed during activation. A homeostatic balance of their activity is primarily regulated by a 'cysteine switch' located on a consensus sequence of the prodomain and natural endogenous inhibitors, called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).

Relationship of Emotional Intelligence with academic scores and gender in students of Masters in Health Professions Education (MHPE) at a Public Sector University.

Objective: To determine the correlation between Emotional Intelligence (EI) scores and academic scores and identify other factors that have a relationship with EI.

Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the year 2021 on 52 students enrolled in three batches of the MHPE program of a public sector university in Karachi. Data was collected by using Sterrett's Emotional Quotient Self-Assessment Checklist along with a self-constructed form for obtaining demographic profile information.

Frequency of TP53 Mutation in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and its Association with Lymphocyte Doubling Time.

Objective: To determine the frequency of TP53 mutation at diagnosis of B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (B-CLL) in Pakistani patients, and to investigate whether lymphocyte doubling time (LDT) of less than 1 year could be used as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutation.

Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Haematology, Liaquat National Hospital, from January 2020 to December 2022.

Identification of contributing factors, microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance involved in the complication of diabetic foot ulcer treatment.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a neurological and peripherical complication of diabetes with unknown etiology that is often associated with polymicrobial infections. The present study was conducted to investigate the contributing factors in 285 DFU patients, which included 200 patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI). Identification and characterization of infecting bacterial isolates were done followed by assessment of their pattern of susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics.

Toxicity assessment of heavy metal (Pb) and its bioremediation by potential bacterial isolates.

Lead (Pb) is a non-essential metal with high toxicity, is persistent, is not biodegradable, and has no known biological function. It is responsible for severe health and environmental issues that need appropriate remediation. Therefore, microbes have thrived in a lead-contaminated environment without exhibiting any negative impacts.

Simultaneous Recording of Objective Sleep in Mothers and School-aged Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study of Actigraphy and Videosomnography.

Mothers of school-aged children ages 3 to 17 years with developmental disabilities (DDs) commonly report sleep problems in their children associated with impaired maternal sleep. However, existing research relies heavily on mothers' self-reported sleep. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of objectively measuring child and mother sleep-wake patterns using actigraphy and videosomnography.

Relationship between musculoskeletal discomfort and cell phone use among young adults: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Cell phone usage is highly prevalent among young adults. They are used for multiple purposes including communication, studies, social networking and entertainment. However, its excessive usage has been associated with adverse health outcomes.

Oral myiasis: A known case of scar epilepsy in a 45-year-old.

Key Clinical Message: Oral myiasis (OM) is brought on by parasitic larvae that consume both living and dead tissue. Our study aims to present the possible circumstances under which people suffer from this deteriorating condition in juxtaposition to scar epilepsy.

Abstract: A uncommon disease known as oral myiasis (OM) is brought on by parasitic larvae that consume both living and dead tissue.

Niche suitability and spatial distribution patterns of anurans in a unique Ecoregion mosaic of Northern Pakistan.

The lack of information regarding biodiversity status hampers designing and implementing conservation strategies and achieving future targets. Northern Pakistan consists of a unique ecoregion mosaic which supports a myriad of environmental niches for anuran diversity in comparison to the deserts and xeric shrublands throughout the rest of the country. In order to study the niche suitability, species overlap and distribution patterns in Pakistan, we collected observational data for nine anuran species across several distinct ecoregions by surveying 87 randomly selected locations from 2016 to 2018 in Rawalpindi District and Islamabad Capital Territory.

Remote Delivery of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity: A Pilot Study to Assess Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity.

Objective: To develop a remote protocol for the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (reFMA) and assess the reliability and validity with in-person delivery.

Design: Feasibility testing.

Setting: Remote/virtual and in-person in participants' homes.