Colloidal Hydrogel with Staged Sequestration and Release of Molecules Undergoing Competitive Binding.

Competitive binding of distinct molecules in the hydrogel interior can facilitate dynamic exchange between the hydrogel and the surrounding environment. The ability to control the rates of sequestration and release of these molecules would enhance the hydrogel's functionality and enable targeting of a specific task. Here, we report the design of a colloidal hydrogel with two distinct pore dimensions to achieve staged, diffusion-controlled scavenging and release dynamics of molecules undergoing competitive binding.

Quality of life of pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma: A retrospective series from a low-middle-income country with more than 4 years follow-up.

Background: Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare, low-grade tumors characterized by a range of debilitating symptoms. Most of the existing literature reports postoperative outcomes of the different treatment modalities of childhood CP. However, few studies have reported the impact of these different treatment methods on the quality of life (QoL) of survivors of childhood CP.

Stimulation of Biological Structures on the Nanoscale Using Interfaces with Large Built-In Spontaneous Polarizations.

The electric potential stimulation of biological structures in aqueous environments is well-known to be a result of the gating of voltage-gated ion channels. Such voltage-gated ion channels are ubiquitous in the membranes of a wide variety of cells and they play central roles in a wide variety of sensing mechanisms and neuronal functions in biological systems. Experimental studies of ion-channel gating are frequently conducted using path-clamp techniques by placing a cumbersome external electrode in the vicinity of the extracellular side of the ion channel.

Burns in South Asia: Outcomes from South Asian Burn Registry (SABR).

Background: South Asian region contributes 59 % to the global mortality due to burns. However, we find a paucity of literature on the outcomes of burns from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). South Asian Burn Registry (SABR) is a facility-based burns registry that collected data on in-patient burn care.

Molecular Imaging of Diffuse Cardiac Fibrosis with a Radiotracer That Targets Proteolyzed Collagen IV.

Purpose To develop an approach for in vivo detection of interstitial cardiac fibrosis using PET with a peptide tracer targeting proteolyzed collagen IV (T-peptide). Materials and Methods T-peptide was conjugated to the copper chelator MeCOSar (chemical name, 5-(8-methyl-3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaaza-bicyclo[6.6.

Capacity building for pediatric neuro-oncology in Pakistan- a project by my child matters program of Foundation S.

Introduction: Initiated in June 2019, this collaborative effort involved 15 public and private sector hospitals in Pakistan. The primary objective was to enhance the capacity for pediatric neuro-oncology (PNO) care, supported by a My Child Matters/Foundation S grant.

Methods: We aimed to establish and operate Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MTBs) on a national scale, covering 76% of the population (185.

Factors associated with emergency department disposition among burn injury patients: Analysis of prehospital and emergency care characteristics using South Asia Burn Registry (SABR) data.

Introduction: Improvement in burn injury data collections and the quality of databanks has allowed meaningful study of the epidemiologic trends in burn care. The study assessed factors associated with disposition of burn injury patients from emergency department accounting for pre-hospital care and emergency care.

Methods: This prospective observational pilot study of the South Asia Burn Registry project was conducted at selected public sector burn centers in Bangladesh and Pakistan (September 2014 - January 2015).

Sustainability in Dentistry: Assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental practitioners about green dentistry.

Objective: Green dentistry is an emerging concept necessary to address the worsening climatic changes. It is essential to compile the existing literature on knowledge, attitude, and practice on green dentistry that can be accomplished by conducting a literature review. The objective of this literature review was to summarize and present the existing knowledge that dentists have regarding green dental practices, their attitude about this shift towards sustainability, and steps that they have taken in their personal practice to adhere towards an eco-friendlier dental approach.

The Use of Semiconductor Quantum Dots with Large, Built-In Spontaneous Polarizations for the Electric Potential Stimulation of Biological Structures on the Nanoscale.

The feasibility of using quantum dots fabricated from materials with built-in spontaneous polarizations for the electric potential stimulation of biological structures in aqueous environments is evaluated by modeling the electric potential produced in the vicinity of such quantum dots. By modeling the external potential created by the spherical nanoscale region of a material with spontaneous polarization, and by considering Debye screening in the vicinity of the quantum dot, it is found that electric potential around these nanostructures is sufficient to cause physiological effects in selected biological systems. These findings suggest that quantum dots may be used in lieu of quantum dots with polarizations produced using an external laser to cause physiological effects.

The effect of photobiomodulation on tinnitus: a systematic review.

Objective: To establish outcomes following photobiomodulation therapy for tinnitus in humans and animal studies.

Methods: A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The databases searched were: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials ('Central'), ClinicalTrials.

The effect of photobiomodulation on hearing loss: A systematic review.

Objectives: To assess outcomes associated with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for hearing loss in human and animal studies.

Design: Systematic review and narrative synthesis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Setting: Data bases searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.

Integration measurement and its applications in low- and middle-income country health systems: a scoping review.

Background: Despite growing interest in and commitment to integration, or integrated care, the concept is ill-defined and the resulting evidence base fragmented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Underlying this challenge is a lack of coherent approaches to measure the extent of integration and how this influences desired outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to identify measurement approaches for integration in LMICs and map them for future use.

Improving emotional and psychosexual well-being screening in women living with polycystic ovary syndrome: experiences from the United Kingdom and India.

With increasing evidence of emotional well-being disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), effective screening processes are of utmost importance. We studied the impact of using questionnaires to screen for emotional and psychosexual well-being across different models of care for PCOS. We analysed the data from the surveys to assess the difference in the prevalence of emotional and psychosexual ill-being across ethnicity and region.

Perceptions, barriers, and strategies regarding helmet use by female pillion riders in Pakistan: A qualitative study.

Introduction: Despite the existence of a national motorcycle helmet law that applies to both riders and pillion riders, the use of helmets among female pillion riders is low in Pakistan. This study aimed to explore perceptions, barriers, and strategies related to helmet use by female pillion riders.

Methods: Data was collected from nine focus group discussions held with female pillion riders and male riders working at the Aga Khan University.

Public sector rehabilitation services for physical disabilities in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan: A qualitative study.

Background: Around the globe there are 2.4 billion people in need of rehabilitation. Disability and rehabilitation have not gained much importance in the public health arena, possibly due to limited research and awareness regarding the significance of rehabilitation.

The complex role of post-operative magnesium on the long term serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in patients undergoing total and near-total thyroidectomy.

Objective: To assess the role of hypomagnesaemia in the development of permanent hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy.

Methods: The prospective cohort study was conducted from April 3, 2017, to January 2, 2020, at Surgical Unit 1, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised of patients of both genders undergoing total and near total thyroidectomy. Post-operative calcium and magnesium levels were noted, and the patients were followed up after 6 months and fasting serum calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels were checked.

Prioritizing rehabilitation in low- and middle-income country national health systems: a qualitative thematic synthesis and development of a policy framework.

Background: There is a large and growing unmet need for rehabilitation - a diverse category of services that aim to improve functioning across the life course - particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Yet despite urgent calls to increase political commitment, many low- and middle-income country governments have dedicated little attention to expanding rehabilitation services. Existing policy scholarship explains how and why health issues reach the policy agenda and offers applicable evidence to advance access to physical, medical, psychosocial, and other types of rehabilitation services.

Early and late complications of thyroidectomy: A descriptive cohort study in Rawalpindi.

Objective: To assess the epidemiology of thyroid disorders and early and late complications following thyroidectomy..

Methods: The descriptive cohort study was conducted at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April 2017 to Janurary 2020, and comprised of patients undergoing total and near-total thyroidectomy.

Establishment of a core outcome set for burn care research: development and international consensus.

Objective: To develop a core outcome set for international burn research.

Design: Development and international consensus, from April 2017 to November 2019.

Methods: Candidate outcomes were identified from systematic reviews and stakeholder interviews.

Widely tunable 2 µm hybrid laser using GaSb semiconductor optical amplifiers and a SiN photonics integrated reflector.

Tunable lasers emitting in the 2-3 µm wavelength range that are compatible with photonic integration platforms are of great interest for sensing applications. To this end, combining GaSb-based semiconductor gain chips with SiN photonic integrated circuits offers an attractive platform. Herein, we utilize the low-loss features of SiN waveguides and demonstrate a hybrid laser comprising a GaSb gain chip with an integrated tunable SiN Vernier mirror.

Emotional and psychosexual well-being is influenced by ethnicity and birthplace in women and individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome in the UK and India.

Objective: To assess the association of ethnicity and birthplace on emotional and psychosexual well-being in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Community recruitment via social media campaigns.

Follow-up household assessment for child unintentional injuries two years after the intervention: A community-based study from Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Unintentional childhood injuries are a growing public health concern, and the home is the most common location for non-fatal injuries in children less than 5 years of age. This study describes the long-term effects of two injury prevention educational interventions for caregivers-an educational pamphlet and an in-home tutorial guide-by comparing the change in the prevalence of home injury hazards before and after the interventions.

Methods: This was a pre- (June and July 2010) and post-study with short-term follow-up (November-December 2010) and long-term follow-up (November 2012- January 2013).