Comparison of baseline global gene expression profiles of prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and DU145.

Introduction: DU145 and LNCaP are classic prostate cancer cell lines. Characterizing their baseline transcriptomics profiles (without any intervention) can offer insights into baseline genetic features and oncogenic pathways that should be considered while interpreting findings after various experimental interventions such as exogenous gene transfection or drug treatment.

Methods: LNCaP and DU145 cell lines were cultured under normal conditions, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA conversion, library preparation, and RNA sequencing using the Illumina NovaSeq platform.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of an updated pre-service midwifery curriculum integrated with emergency obstetric and newborn care in Kenya: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Quality midwifery education is central to improving midwifery service delivery and maternal and newborn health outcomes. In many settings, midwifery educators insufficiently prepared for their teaching role and deficient curriculum compared to international standards affect the quality of healthcare provided by the midwifery graduates. This study assessed the effectiveness of an EmONC enhanced midwifery curriculum delivered by trained and mentored midwifery educators on the quality of education and student performance in Kenya.

Self -reported bruxism in patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment - a cross-sectional study.

Background: Orthodontic treatment involves manipulation of tooth position that can temporarily lead to occlusal interferences capable of inducing bruxism. The objectives of this study were to determine the self-reported incidence of bruxism and its association with factors such as facial type, divergence, skeletal and dental malocclusions in orthodontic patients.

Materials And Methods: 80 patients who underwent a minimum of six months of orthodontic treatment were surveyed using a validated self-reported bruxism questionnaire for the presence or absence of bruxism.

Preconception care interventions among adolescents and young adults to prevent adverse maternal, perinatal and child health outcomes: An evidence gap map.

Objective: To identify gaps in existing evidence on preconception health interventions to improve the health outcomes of adolescents, young adults, and their offspring.

Study Design: Evidence gap map (EGM) METHODS: Following the Campbell guidelines, we included reviews and interventional studies identified through searches on Medline and other electronic databases from 2010 to July 18th, 2023. Dual screening of titles/abstracts and full texts was conducted on Covidence software, followed by quality assessment and development of 2D-EGM using the EPPI-Reviewer and Mapper software.

Guidelines for the standardization of pre-analytical variables for salivary biomarker studies in Alzheimer's disease research: An updated review and consensus of the Salivary Biomarkers for Dementia Research Working Group.

There is a pressing need for accessible biomarkers with high diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis to facilitate widespread screening, particularly in underserved groups. Saliva is an emerging specimen for measuring AD biomarkers, with distinct contexts of use that could complement blood and cerebrospinal fluid and detect various analytes. An interdisciplinary, international group of AD and related dementias (ADRD) researchers convened and performed a narrative review of published studies on salivary AD biomarkers.

Characterization of Thrombocytopenia in Pediatric Patients in Noncritical Hospital Setting: An Institutional Review From Pakistan.

Pediatric thrombocytopenia is frequently observed in critical care and oncology settings with an increased risk of bleeding and platelet transfusions. However, little is known about low platelets in childhood during seasonal influence. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and severity of pediatric thrombocytopenia in the postflood period.

Radiological Outcomes According to the Matta Score After the Surgical Fixation of Acetabular Fractures.

Background Acetabular fractures, a rising concern in developing countries, pose a significant challenge due to their complexity and association with post-operative complications. Often caused by high-energy mechanisms like falls and motor vehicle accidents, these fractures require accurate reduction to prevent long-term issues and the potential need for hip replacement. This study investigates the radiological outcomes of acetabular fracture surgery at six months, focusing on the effectiveness of achieving anatomical reduction using the Matta criteria in a low-and middle-income country (LMIC) setting.

Diagnostic Accuracy of High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in Detecting Pneumocystis carinii in Renal Transplant Patients With Pulmonary Infection: A Study Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage As the Gold Standard.

Introduction: Patients receiving renal transplants have weakened immune systems and are more vulnerable to lung infections.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in detecting pneumocystis carinii in renal transplant patients presenting with pulmonary infection in a tertiary care transplant center, keeping bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as the gold standard.

Methods:  This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant, Karachi, from February 14, 2023, to August 13, 2023.

Engaging fathers(to-be): a pilot study on the adaptation and programme experience of SMS4baba intervention in Kenya's informal settlements.

Background: Engaging fathers(to-be) can improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes. However, father-focused interventions in low-resource settings are under-researched. As part of an integrated early childhood development pilot cluster randomised trial in Nairobi's informal settlements, this study aimed to test the feasibility of a text-only intervention for fathers (SMS4baba) adapted from one developed in Australia (SMS4dads).

Surviving the Nightmare: Massive Bleeding From Large Intraoral Arteriovenous Malformation During Airway Management for Angioembolization Procedure.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the head and neck present significant challenges due to airway management complexities and hemorrhage risks. This case report describes a 15-year-old female with a congenital facial AVM causing dyspnea and obstructive symptoms. The patient required angioembolization of the AVM, but many hospitals deferred the procedure due to the anticipated difficult airway and severe bleeding risks.

Persistent Post-dural Puncture Headaches One Year After Lumbar Puncture: A Case Report.

Post-dural puncture headaches usually occur when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks due to trauma to the dura mater. This often results in spontaneous intracranial hypotension characterized by orthostatic headaches, neck stiffness, and nausea. In this case report, we discuss a 20-year-old male patient who developed symptoms of intracranial hypotension one year following a lumbar puncture.

Thirty Days Outcomes of Limb Salvage Surgery in Pediatric Patients Treated at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Managing primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas in pediatric patients poses significant challenges, with surgical resection remaining essential for cure. While limb salvage surgery has emerged as the standard approach, concerns persist regarding post-operative complications. Our study aims to evaluate the 30-day morbidity and mortality of limb salvage surgery in pediatric tumor patients, bridging critical knowledge gaps and contributing to enhancing the standard of care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in the Background of Non-neoplastic Toxic Nodular Goiter.

Background/objective: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an uncommon thyroid cancer (TC), rarely found in hyperfunctioning goiter.

Case Report: We present a case of a woman treated for breast carcinoma (BCA) found to have a benign hyperfunctioning nodular goiter, its likely transformation to MTC, and its treatment. Family history revealed papillary thyroid cancer in her nephew.

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.

"High specificity of PCR in diagnosing mucocutaneous leshminiasis: a systematic review and meta analysis".

Background: Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is a severe form of leishmaniasis causing chronic and destructive lesions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Traditional methods, such as the Montenegro skin test is delayed hypersensitivity test.

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.

Postnatal foot length measurement as a proxy to identify low birth weight for frontline health workers in rural Sindh Province, Pakistan: a diagnostic accuracy study.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of postnatal foot length (FL) measurements as a proxy to identify low birth weight (LBW) for frontline healthcare workers in rural Sindh Province, Pakistan.

Design: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting: This study was conducted in the catchment area of Global Network's Maternal and Newborn Health Registry, Thatta, Sindh Province, Pakistan, from January to June 2023.

Beyond the Tragedy: Illuminating Challenges in Disaster Management and Mental Health Support in Resource-Constrained Environments.

In the aftermath of the 2022 Pakistan flooding, disaster management faced critical challenges, particularly in mental health support. This study analyzed an incident where eighteen internally displaced individuals lost their lives in a bus fire. The current approach involves a comprehensive analysis of the incident, exploring the difficulties encountered in managing relief efforts, and providing mental health support.

Outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in primary plasma cell leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a pivotal treatment modality for primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL). We aimed to examine the outcomes of allogeneic (allo) and autologous (auto) HCT in adult pPCL patients.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.

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.

Climate change and the emergence and exacerbation of infectious diseases: A review.

Experts expressed severe concerns over the possibility of increasing burden of infectious diseases as the planet's climate began to change years ago. There have been increased rates of climate-related catastrophes and as global temperatures rise, emergence of certain viruses has become a serious concern. Vectors are susceptible to changing temperatures as they exhibit innate responses to thermal stress to increase survivability.

Taxing tobacco as a strategy to reduce consumption and increase public health benefits in Pakistan.

Background: Tobacco consumption poses a significant challenge to global health and contributes to the increase in noncommunicable diseases and premature deaths.

Aim: To investigate the potential impact of a 70% tobacco tax on consumption and government revenue in Pakistan.

Methods: We analysed secondary data from 2011 to 2022 (after imposition of a 70% excise tax) from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan Social and Living Standard Survey, financial yearbooks and Federal Board of Revenue reports for tobacco consumption and government revenue.

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.