Exploring Neurohormonal Modulation by Acetazolamide in Heart Failure.

Background Heart failure (HF) is commonly managed by addressing water and sodium (Na) balance, with arterial circulation playing a major role in influencing renal Na and water excretion. Recently, chloride (Cl) has been recognized as an important factor in HF, associated with volume regulation and its modulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity through macula densa signaling, which impacts Na retention and neurohormonal activation. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, can enhance decongestion in HF by increasing urinary Na and Cl excretion when added to loop diuretics, a mechanism supported by prior studies demonstrating improved urine output and decongestion.

Frequency and Predictors of Diabetes Mellitus in Smear-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by . Various studies have established an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and pulmonary TB. This study describes the prevalence of DM and its predictors in smear-positive TB patients.

Impact of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease on the Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Radical Resection: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Although metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming more common in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is still unknown how this condition relates to postoperative complications of HCC. While hepatitis B/C virus (HBV/HCV) infection and alcohol use are primary risk factors, MAFLD has emerged as a significant contributor to HCC incidence. Understanding the prognostic impact of MAFLD on HCC outcomes, particularly post-radical resection, is essential.

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.

A cross-sectional study to correlate nasal profile and chin position with cephalometric lip profile.

Objective: To determine the effect of the nose and chin on the cephalometric lip profile.

Methods And Material: The pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 177 adult patients with no history of orthodontic treatment were manually traced. The sample size was divided into three vertical and horizontal groups using angle ANB and MMA to assess the difference in nose and chin forms.

Ultrasound-guided embolization for renal artery pseudoaneurysm in solitary kidney.

Introduction: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare yet serious complication following percutaneous nephrolithotomy, especially in patients with solitary kidneys. Effective management is crucial to prevent further renal damage.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 41-year-old male with a solitary kidney who experienced gross hematuria and renal insufficiency 3 months after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Clinical characteristics of dengue virus infections in Karachi from 2019 to 2023: a cross-sectional study.

Dengue fever is a vector-borne, acute, febrile, and self-limiting systemic viral infection that affects tropical and subtropical regions, including Pakistan. Karachi has a significant burden of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus due to suitable breeding sites, weather, and rapid and unplanned urbanization of squatter areas. The country has limited surveillance studies on circulating serotypes of the dengue virus and the patient's clinical features evolving over temporal changes.

Insight into the Environmental Health Consciousness of Medical Students Regarding the Perceived Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health.

Climate change represents an unprecedented global public health crisis with extensive and profound implications. The Lancet Commission identified it as the foremost health challenge of the 21st century. In 2015, air pollution alone caused approximately 9 million premature deaths worldwide.

Efficacy and safety of misoprostol compared with dinoprostone for labor induction at term: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention, increasingly performed worldwide, often using prostaglandins like misoprostol and dinoprostone.

Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of intravaginal misoprostol versus dinoprostone for inducing labor, examining their impact on various maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using four databases-PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library-from January 2000 to April 2023.

Access and knowledge of contraceptives and unmet need for family planning in Pakistan.

Background: Family planning facilities provide an extensive choice of assistance that is beneficial for women and the society. It may limit the fatality risk for mothers and babies by reducing the rate of pregnancies and abortions. The Government of Pakistan has been continuously trying to persuade the people about the importance of family planning.

Problematic smartphone use in a representative sample of US adults: Prevalence and predictors.

The exponential growth in worldwide smartphone adoption has led to mounting concerns about problematic smartphone use (PSU), with some studies of variably defined PSU yielding prevalence rates as high as 20 to 30%. The present study aims to (a) estimate the prevalence of PSU while emphasizing functional impairment, and (b) examine the degree to which a set of demographic, contextual, behavioral and mental health variables can predict PSU. A representative U.

Assessing the Efficacy of Modified CT Severity Index Versus Conventional CT Severity Index in Determining Severity and Clinical Outcomes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the computed tomography severity index (CTSI) and the modified CTSI (MCTSI) and to assess their correlation with clinical outcome measures. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of these indices in predicting moderate to severe COPD, based on patient outcomes. Materials and methods In this prospective study, conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, two radiologists, blinded to clinical outcomes, independently assessed CTSI and MCTSI.

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.

Role of Supplementation with Selenium and Myo-Inositol Versus Selenium Alone in Patients of Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The main objective was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of selenium alone versus a combination of myo-inositol and selenium (MI + Se) in treating patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). The study aims to determine which treatment option is more effective in restoring euthyroid state, as indicated by changes in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb).

Methods: Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that reported outcomes of combined treatment (MI + Se) in restoring a euthyroid state, specifically comparing it with selenium-only (Se-only) treatment.

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.

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.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MANUAL THERAPY, PHYSICAL THERAPY IN CONJUNCTION WITH PATIENT EDUCATION FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY.

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders represent a significant health concern affecting a substantial portion of the population worldwide. The management of TMJ disorders often involves a multifaceted approach including physiotherapy techniques, manual exercise interventions, patient education, and medication therapy. The purpose of this research is to examine the "Effectiveness of manual therapy, and physical therapy in conjunction with patient education for temporomandibular disorders".

SYNERGISTIC ANTIBIOFILM ACTIVITY OF PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS AND PUNICA GRANATUM L., AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA BIOFILM.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent public health concerns. Biofilm formation is well linked with chronic wounds, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, urinary tract infections, and cystic fibrosis. Our goal was to assess the biofilm activity of P.

PECTORALIS MAJOR MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP SUCCESS RATE IN THE SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ORAL CANCER.

Background: The recurrence rate of Oral squamous cell carcinoma is between 26.5% and 56.3% of cases.

Evaluation of post-extraction healing after atraumatic extraction in gutka chewers and non-gutka chewers using the modified inflammation proliferation remodeling scale.

Background: Gutka, a smokeless tobacco mixture containing tobacco and areca nut, is widely consumed in South Asia and impairs wound healing due to vasoconstrictive and cytotoxic effects. Wound healing assessment in oral surgery lacks standardisation, and phase-specific evaluation tools are seldom used. This study aimed to compare post-extraction healing after atraumatic tooth extraction in gutka chewers and non-chewers using the modified Inflammation Proliferation Remodeling (IPR) scale to validate this scale for clinical use.

Morphometric Analysis of the Dimension and Distance to Anatomical Structures From the Mental Foramen Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the dimensions and differences in distances from several anatomical structures to the mental foramen (MtF) in Pakistani participants using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: For this cross-sectional study, retrospective CBCT data of Pakistani individuals from both genders were assessed using the Mimics software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The participants were selected from the Mahajir and Pukhtoon ethnic groups in Pakistan.

Social Acceptability and Health Concerns of Smoking and Vaping Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess tobacco and vaping habits among university students, exploring awareness of university policies, attitudes, and behaviors related to smoking and vaping.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed among students from various universities, including institutions in Pakistan, covering demographics, smoking and vaping behaviors, awareness of policies, and beliefs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Binomial tests, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression.