Efficacy of Intravenous Versus Oral Administration of Levocarnitine in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Therapeutic Approaches to Renal Anemia.

Background And Aim: Carnitine deficiency contributes to various comorbidities in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aims to assess the impact of levocarnitine supplementation on hematological and serum iron profile parameters, comparing the efficacy of oral versus intravenous (IV) administration in these patients.

Materials And Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients undergoing MHD at the hemodialysis unit of our study center in Karachi, Pakistan.

Association Between Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Bronchial Anthracosis.

Introduction Anthracosis is black discoloration of the bronchi, which can sometimes cause anthracofibrosis. Usually, exposure to biomass fuel, air pollution, or smoke at the workplace causes it. The objective of the current study was to determine the association between tuberculosis and anthracosis.

C5aR2 in Breast Cancer and Its Relationship with Clinicopathological Features.

Objective: To determine the relation between C5aR2 and clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer.                   Study Design: Observational study.                                                                                                                                               Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Histopathology, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from January to June 2023.

Maximising Meagre Resources: Filling the Need Gaps Through Improvising, Edifying, and Training - A Dermatologist's Perspective.

Null.

Are congenital malformations associated with maternal sociodemographic and risk factors? A multicenter ultrasound-based study.

Objective: Congenital malformations (CM) are structural defects of the human body that arise during development. They significantly impact neonatal outcomes such as morbidity and mortality, hence identification of risk factors and their reduction is vital to improve materno-fetal outcomes. In Karachi, Pakistan, there is insufficient data on the incidence of congenital malformations.

Mutational analysis of cytoplasmic domain of integrin subunit alpha-1 and its association with periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment.

Background: Numerous studies reported that the healing after surgical endodontic retreatment is influenced by multiple factors which include the genetic profile of the patient, epigenetics, and immune responses. The genes which are primarily responsible for the healing potential in different individuals are those which are involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton and cellular adhesion which subsequently affects bone deposition and healing. Integrins are cell-surface molecules, possess a key role in the cytoskeleton and cellular adhesion.

Does insulin-like growth factor-I level associate with pregnancy outcomes in primary and secondary infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization? A prospective cohort study.

Infertility, which affects 8%-12% of couples worldwide and 21.9% of couples in Pakistan in particular, is a major reproductive health issue. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a prevalent therapeutic intervention.

Huntington's Disease-Related Mortality Patterns: A Two-Decade Analysis of Mortality Trends in the United States, from 1999-2019.

Background: Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder debilitating mainly in adults.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the trends in HD-related mortality regarding various demographic factors.

Methods: Death certificates from the CDC WONDER were studied from 1999 to 2019, for HD-related mortality in adults aged 25 + years.

Clinico-anatomical insight into the unusual course, branching pattern and connections of ulnar nerve: A narrative review.

Ulnar nerve originates from the lower trunk as a branch from anterior division, continuing as a branch from medial cord of the brachial plexus. It receives fibres from anterior rami of cervical nerve root 8 and the first thoracic nerve root. Ulnar nerve injury accounts for being the most common vessel of upper limb that results in hospitalisation.

Ethical consideration in programme evaluation for health professional education programmes.

Objectives: To explore the ethical considerations and measures of quality assurance during data-collection for programme evaluation in health professional education.

Methods: The qualitative case study was conducted at Bahria University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from August to November 2023, and comprised faculty members involved in programme evaluation for at least two years having done a minimum two audit cycles. System thinking philosophical framework was used during the data-collection phase.

Synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles in combination with ineffective antibiotics against multidrug resistant .

Objectives: To determine the antimicrobial activity of silver nano-particles(AgNPs) with tetracycline and ampicillin against multi-drug resistance (MDR) and extensively-drug resistance (XDR) .

Methods: Cross sectional non-probability purposive study was conducted from September, 2021 to May, 2022 at Microbiology department PNS Shifa, Hospital Karachi. Blood cultures of patients suspicious of typhoid fever were collected and incubated in automated Bact/Alert system.

Role of Mutation of NOTCH1 gene in development of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative review.

Cancer of the oral cavity has numerous types and, among all, oral squamous cell carcinoma represents >90% of all cancers of the oral area. Oral squamous cell carcinoma arises from the squamous lining of the oral cavity. Across the globe, most commonly it develops in the regions of tongue followed by floor of the mouth, and lower lip.

Identifying Medical Students in Difficulty Using Integration of Programmatic Assessment and Real-Time Evaluation Framework.

Null.

Evaluating the efficacy of different volume resuscitation strategies in acute pancreatitis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis poses a significant health risk due to the potential for pancreatic necrosis and multi-organ failure. Fluid resuscitation has demonstrated positive effects; however, consensus on the ideal intravenous fluid type and infusion rate for optimal patient outcomes remains elusive.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2005 and January 2023.

Online teaching experience of the healthcare faculty during the pandemic: A cross sectional analysis.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted the teaching in most of the educational institutes worldwide. It has tested the readiness of educational institutes in their ability to deal with crisis.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the perception of health sciences faculty toward online education during the period of pandemic in Pakistan.

Effectiveness of problem-based learning strategies compared to conventional anatomy teaching approaches.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of problem-based learning compared to conventional teaching strategies, and to determine the impact of sub-disciplines of Anatomy on learning outcomes of the subject.

Methods: The cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Bahria University Health Sciences, Karachi, from August to October 2022, and comprised 1st and 2nd year medical students and 1st year dental students of either gender who were being taught by the hybrid method including both conventional and problem-based learning strategies. Data was collected using a questionnaire circulated through Google Forms.