Efficacy and safety of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies-based therapy versus standard therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have significantly changed the multiple myeloma treatment landscape. This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of anti-CD38 mAb-based therapy versus standard therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, the Cochrane Database, and ClinicalTrials.

Emergence of Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing in mid-stream urine cultures of patients presenting in outpatient department of tertiary care hospital with uncomplicated cystitis (2016-2022): A retrospective analysis of Laboratory data.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in isolated from urine cultures of patients with uncomplicated cystitis in Pakistan. Another objective was to analyze and compare the resistance rates of to specific antibiotics, conducting a year-by-year evaluation of these rates to identify trends and changes over the past seven years.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of susceptibility data of isolated from midstream urine culture samples of patients presenting in outpatient department with uncomplicated cystitis, from January 2016 to December 2022 in the section of Microbiology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences was done.

Long-Term Management of Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome: Efficacy and Challenges of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy-A Narrative Review.

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is a respiratory disorder characterized by cessation of breathing during sleep, resulting in daytime somnolence and various comorbidities. SAHS encompasses obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by upper airway obstruction, and central sleep apnea (CSA), resulting from lack of brainstem signaling for respiration. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for SAHS, reducing apnea and hypopnea episodes by providing continuous airflow.

Incidence and Predictors of Cardiac Complications Following Elective Versus Urgent Non-cardiac Surgeries.

Cardiac complications following non-cardiac surgeries are a significant cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of cardiac complications in patients undergoing elective and urgent non-cardiac surgeries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published between 2010 and 2024.

Risk Factors and Pharmacological Interventions Impacting Cerebrovascular Ischemic Events in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Narrative Review.

Introduction: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common vasculitis predominantly affecting larger vessels, especially in individuals aged 70-79. Cerebrovascular ischemic events (CIE), such as stroke and transient ischemic attacks, are serious but rare complications of GCA, with a pooled prevalence of 4%. Some studies found that within 2 weeks of GCA diagnosis, 74% and 34% of patients experience transient or severe ischemic events, respectively.

A nationwide provider survey of neuro-oncology tumor boards in a lower-middle-income country: Comparing centers with and without tumor boards.

Objectives: To provide information about implementation, resources, practice patterns and prevalent perceptions regarding neuro-oncology tumor boards (NOTBs) in a lower middle income country.

Methods: A nationwide survey was designed to include licensed neurosurgeons involving data on practice, structure, and perceptions of NOTBs with non-probability sampling, a pre-validated proforma, data analysis using SPSS v27, and geospatial mapping using Quantum GIS.

Results: 139 neurosurgeons were surveyed from 63 neurosurgical centers of a lower middle income country.

Role of preconception nutrition supplements in maternal anemia and intrauterine growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Impaired intrauterine growth, a significant global health problem, contributes to a higher burden of infant morbidity and mortality, mainly in resource-poor settings. Maternal anemia and undernutrition, two important causes of impaired intrauterine growth, are prioritized by global nutrition targets of 2030. We synthesized the evidence on the role of preconception nutrition supplements in reducing maternal anemia and improving intrauterine growth.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Beta Antagonists in Patients With Burns: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

Aims: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the safety and effectiveness of beta antagonists for improving clinical care in burn patients, compared to placebo.

Methods: Articles from randomized-controlled trials were identified by a literature search on PubMed and Cochrane. We included relevant trials involving patients with burn.

Efficacy of radiosurgery with and without angioembolization: A subgroup analysis of effectiveness in ruptured versus unruptured arteriovenous malformations - An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Congenital arterial defects such as cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) increase brain bleeding risk. Conservative therapy, microsurgical removal, percutaneous embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or a combination may treat this serious disease. This study compares angioembolization with SRS to SRS alone in ruptured or unruptured brain ateriovenous malformations (BAVM) patients.

Reference Intervals for Venous Blood Gas in Healthy Adults: A One-Year Prospective Study.

Background Venous blood gas (VBG) investigation is a widespread option for arterial blood gas analysis because it is easier to draw and has a lower risk of complications during phlebotomy. This study aimed to establish reference intervals for the accurate analysis of VBG results as there is a lack of published data. Method Dr.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Comprehensive Review.

A fraction of patients (approximately 10%) undergoing heart transplantation require permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation due to sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular block, occurring either shortly after surgery or later. The incidence of PPM implantation has declined to less than 5% with the introduction of bicaval anastomosis transplantation surgery. Pacing dependency during follow-up varies among recipients.

Analysis of gene variants in familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma Pakistani patients.

Aim: To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2 () gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

Methods: A total of 212 POAG patients, comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial, were enrolled. For genotyping the variant rs2255680, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.

Analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae plane block versus serratus anterior plane block in breast surgery-a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery are key interventions for breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Many undergoing breast surgery experience postoperative pain compromising their functionality and quality of life. While multiple pain management strategies are available, evidence comparing the erector spinae (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane blocks (SAPB) for improving post-surgical pain management in breast cancer surgery patients is limited.

Clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and decision-making for metastatic spine tumors: WFNS spine committee recommendations.

Introduction: Spinal metastases are a significant concern for patients with advanced cancer, leading to pain, neurological deficits, and reduced quality of life. They occur in up to 70% of cancer patients, with the vertebral column being the most common osseous site for metastatic disease. An approximate 10% of patients with vertebral body metastases eventually develop spinal cord compression, which can potentially cause severe and permanent disability.

Safety and efficacy of sertraline in depression among adults undergoing dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Depression is prevalent among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis, with significant implications for their quality of life and treatment compliance. Traditional treatments for depression, including various therapies and pharmacological interventions, have limitations due to their adverse effects. Sertraline, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), offers a promising alternative, but its efficacy and safety in this population require thorough evaluation.

Baricitinib as monotherapy and with topical corticosteroids in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of dose-response.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects millions worldwide, presenting challenges in managing symptoms and quality of life. Current treatments include topical corticosteroids (TCS), but novel approaches, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, show promise. Baricitinib, a selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, targets cytokines involved in AD and offers potential benefits beyond traditional therapies.

COMPARISON OF COMMA INCISION VERSUS MODIFIED WARD'S INCISION IN MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR SURGERY-A CLINICAL STUDY.

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of the two flap/incision techniques, viz. the comma incision versus modified ward's incision in mandibular third molar surgery.

Methods: This randomized research comprised of 126 participants, 63 in every group.

The prevalence of undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among undergraduate medical students: a survey from Pakistan.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now acknowledged as a significant public health concern, a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder. It poses challenges across various life domains, persisting into adulthood, and is often undiagnosed. From July 2023 to December 2023, this study investigated the prevalence, types, participants' knowledge and perceptions, and demographic determinants of undiagnosed adult ADHD among undergraduate medical students in Pakistan.

Comparative bioavailability study of supplemental oral Sucrosomial vs. oral conventional vitamin B12 in enhancing circulatory B12 levels in healthy deficient adults: a multicentre, double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can lead to diverse health conditions, including megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues. Oral supplementation is a standard treatment for B12 deficiency.

Global burden of disease attributable to metabolic risk factors in adolescents and young adults aged 15-39, 1990-2021.

Background: Metabolic risk factors are a significant cause of global burden among adolescents and young adults, but there is a lack of attention to the burden attributable to these metabolic risk factors globally.

Aims: This study aims to provide comprehensive estimates of five important metabolic risk factors and the attributable disease burden in people aged 15-39 years from 1990 to 2021, based on the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database.

Methods: Global total deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were used to describe the burden attributable to five common metabolic risk factors, including high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high body mass index (BMI), and kidney dysfunction, in adolescents and young adults.

Extraosseous Ewing's Sarcoma Masquerading as Adolescent Neck Mass-a Case Report and Review of Literature.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare type of malignant bone tumor that arises from mesenchymal stem cells. It commonly occurs in the diaphysis and diaphyseal-metaphyseal portions of long bones, pelvis, and ribs, although any bone can be affected. A minority of the Ewing sarcoma also arise in soft tissues, and a primary tumor in the neck with metastasis is extremely uncommon.

Assessing Mortality Disparities Among Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Metabolic Dysfunction Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a major global health concern due to its association with increased mortality. While previous studies have indicated a link between NAFLD and mortality, variations in risk factors such as age, sex, and disease severity warrant a comprehensive meta-analysis to clarify these associations. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk associated with NAFLD, considering various subgroups defined by age, sex, disease severity, presence of cirrhosis or fibrosis, study quality, and follow-up duration.