Evaluation of dentists' clinical practices and antibiotic use in managing endodontic emergencies in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Endodontic emergencies, often presented as acute pain or swelling, constitute a substantial challenge in dental practice. While effective management emphasizes prompt intervention, antibiotics are typically indicated only when systemic signs and symptoms are present. There is limited research exists on evaluating the knowledge and clinical approach of dental practitioners in managing endodontic emergencies from our region of the world.

Blood transfusions in craniotomy for tumor resection: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Background: Blood transfusions (BT) are often needed in neurosurgical procedures, especially craniotomies for tumor resections, due to risks of anemia, ischemic brain injury, and hemorrhage. However, BT may increase the risk of perioperative complications. This study aimed to determine the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of BT in patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumor resection.

Assessing availability and trainees' perceptions of simulation and augmented reality in prosthodontics postgraduate education in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) and augmented reality (AR) /virtual reality (VR) are increasingly adapted and investigated globally to aid traditional teaching methods of clinical skills in several fields of clinical dentistry. This cross-sectional study was, therefore, aimed to assess the availability of such technology to Prosthodontics postgraduate trainees in Pakistan, as well as their introspective views regarding the effectiveness of adapting to simulation-based learning methods.

Method: Total population sampling yielded a sample of 200 participants.

Whole exome-seq and RNA-seq data reveal unique neoantigen profiles in Kenyan breast cancer patients.

Background: The immune response against tumors relies on distinguishing between self and non-self, the basis of cancer immunotherapy. Neoantigens from somatic mutations are central to many immunotherapeutic strategies and understanding their landscape in breast cancer is crucial for targeted interventions. We aimed to profile neoantigens in Kenyan breast cancer patients using genomic DNA and total RNA from paired tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples of 23 patients.

Quality of life after myocardial infarction in the pakistani population - insights from a single-center cohort study.

Background: Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) assessment is essential for optimizing patient care, treatment adjustments, and medical decision-making, particularly in post-Myocardial Infarction (MI) patients, but limited data exists on HRQOL post-MI from Pakistan. This study aimed to assess HRQoL and its determinants in the Pakistani population.

Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Variations in medicare reimbursements among surgical oncologists who are US versus international medical graduates.

Introduction: We sought to assess the variations in practice metrics and billing practices among US Medical Graduates (USMGs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in surgical oncology who serve a fee-for-service population.

Methods: Medicaid Services Medicare fee-for-service provider utilization and payment files were used to obtain publicly available data between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Comparisons were conducted using the t-test for parametric variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum for nonparametric variables.

The influence of orthodontist change on treatment duration and outcomes in patients treated with Clark's twin block appliance followed by non-extraction fixed mechanotherapy - a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Post-graduate resident turnover in public and teaching hospital orthodontic clinics often leads to challenges in maintaining the same level of efficacy when a care provider changes during orthodontic treatment. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the duration and quality of treatment outcomes between two patient groups: the transfer group, who underwent orthodontic care from multiple residents, and the non-transfer group, whose entire treatment was overseen by a single resident.

Methods: Sixty-six patients were enrolled and equally divided into transfer and non-transfer groups.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant in Hematological Disorders: A Decade of Experience.

: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a complex procedure with the potential to provide curative treatment for various hematological disorders. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of allo-HCT in hematological diseases and identify significant complications in a single-center setting. : We conducted a retrospective analysis of 180 patients with hematological diseases who underwent allo-HCT between January 2011 and December 2021.

Plasma transfusion in the intensive care unit.

Background: Current guidelines discourage prophylactic plasma use in non-bleeding patients. This study assesses global plasma transfusion practices in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their alignment with current guidelines.

Study Design And Methods: This was a sub-study of an international, prospective, observational cohort.

Significant association of miRNA 34a with BRCA1 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: an insight on miRNA regulatory pathways in the Pakistani population.

Background: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most aggressive cancers, characterized by high mortality rates. Studies on various cancers across the globe indicate that regulatory miRNAs play a vital role in cellular signaling. However, the expression and interactions of these miRNAs in the Pakistani patients with PDAC is yet to be explored.

From Harmless to Harmful: A Case Series of Hepatic Abscess Induced by Gut Microbiota Due to Fish Bone.

Accidental ingestion of fish bones can lead to serious complications, such as gastrointestinal perforation and hepatic abscesses. This case series presents three instances where fish bone ingestion led to secondary GI tract perforation and the development of hepatic abscesses. It also emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent serious consequences.

Orthopantomogram teeth segmentation and numbering dataset.

With the digitization of radiographs, vast amounts of data have become accessible, enabling the curation and development of extensive datasets. Among radiographic modalities, Orthopantomograms (OPGs) are widely utilized in clinical practice. The integration of automated diagnostic processes into routine clinical practice holds great potential as an adjunct for dentists.

A Decade of Achievements: International Society of Paediatric Oncology Baseline Nursing Standards.

The six International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Baseline Nursing Standards provide the first evidence-based framework for assessing and improving pediatric oncology nursing practice settings in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Over the past 10 years, the standards have been translated to six languages, endorsed by 13 organizations, surveyed at 101 hospitals in 54 countries, and initiatives have been documented at over 63 institutions in 31 countries. Going forward, the SIOP Nursing Network's Baseline Standards Special Interest Group has established a 5-year strategic plan to guide advocacy, research, and standards implementation through global multidisciplinary collaboration.

Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of quality-of-life outcome in children and young people with primary brain tumour in Karachi, Pakistan: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Children and young people (CYP) with primary brain tumour (PBT) are at high risk for developing late effects, potentially affecting long-term quality of life (QoL). In low-income and middle-income countries, QoL has not been studied in depth in CYP. In the present study, CYP treated for PBTs in Pakistan were evaluated regarding (A) mean change in QoL scores pretreatment and 12 months post-treatment and (B) predictors of change in QoL scores 12 months post-treatment.

Varicella zoster meningoencephalitis without exanthem: immunocompetent host.

In an immunocompetent person, varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an uncommon cause of aseptic meningoencephalitis. Reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus from nerve infection results in shingles, a condition marked by rash, intense pain, and dermal involvement in immunocompromised hosts. We present an unusual case of a 22-year-old immunocompetent male diagnosed as VZV meningoencephalitis without exanthem.

A tale of colorectal carcinoma metastases in the head and neck region: a case report.

Colorectal cancer ideally spreads via the haematogenous or lymphatic route with the most common metastasis to the liver or lungs. Metastasis of this cancer to the parotid gland has not been previously reported. This paper presents a case of rectal adenocarcinoma in a 34-year-old Pakistani male, who presented with histopathological evidence of metastasis in the parotid gland within one year of treatment.

Predictive value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in assessing the outcomes of diabetic foot ulcer.

Objectives: To assess the correlation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio with clinical outcomes in diabetic foot ulcer cases.

Methods: The retrospective, cross-sectional, single-centre study was conducted at Section of Vascular Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (Pakistan), and comprised data from January 2019 to January 2022 of diabetic foot inpatients of either gender aged at least 18 years. Hospital complications and outcomes were noted along with other data on a self-designed proforma.

Comparison of ketoacidosis in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients with and without concurrent COVID-19 and determining the factors affecting their treatment and survival: a retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To assess the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis in coronavirus disease-2019 patients and their survival rate, and to compare their outcomes with diabetic ketoacidosis patients without coronavirus disease-2019.

Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, related to patients. who had diabetic ketoacidosis with coronavirus disease- 2019 in group A, and those who had diabetic ketoacidosis without coronavirus disease-2019 in group B.

Emerging paradigm: Molecularly targeted therapy with Dabrafenib and Trametinib in recurring pediatric gliomas with BRAF mutations: A narrative review.

Gliomas are tumors arising in the central nervous system, frequently associated with Class I mutations and BRAF fusions. These mutations are adverse prognostic factors in juvenile gliomas, leading to high rates of recurrence and poor response to current treatments. The blood-brain barrier and the heterogeneity of gliomas complicate the development of a single treatment strategy for all cases.

Filling the Gaps: Vitamin D Status in Diffuse Hair Fall Among Pakistanis.

Introduction: Hair loss can happen for various reasons, including emotional stress, physical strain, certain medical issues, and nutritional gaps. When it comes to nutrition, a lack of vitamin D3 could be linked to diffuse hair loss.

Objectives: The aim was to look for the frequency of vitamin D3 deficiency with diffuse hair fall, especially in the Pakistani population.

An Act of Auto-Eroticism: Self-Urethral Insertion of Sewing Needle by an Old Man-A Case Report With Literature Review.

Self-insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra is uncommon and is often associated with complex psychological or behavioral factors. Many cases of foreign bodies in the urethra have been reported worldwide with variable complaints of penile pain, penile itching, dysuria, hematuria, and complete obstruction of urine. These foreign objects are managed to remove according to their size, complexity of shape, and location in the urethra.

Response to the Letter on Pakistani Postgraduate Medical Education by Shaikh AJ and Burney I.

Null.

Association Between Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Hypertension: A Potential Clinical Correlation.

Null.