Exploring the Cardiovascular Benefits of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Expanding Horizons Beyond Diabetes Management.

Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of cardiovascular disease is markedly increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), making managing cardiovascular health a top priority. Initially developed for their glucose-lowering properties, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a transformative class of pharmaceuticals with profound cardiovascular benefits that extend far beyond glycemic control.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Modern Era: Optimizing Recovery and Reducing Recurrence.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a prominent issue in global health, emphasizing the necessity for efficient cardiac rehabilitation programs. This narrative review provides a detailed analysis of the current state of cardiac rehabilitation, focusing on maximizing recovery and minimizing the likelihood of recurrence. This paper examines the historical progression of cardiac rehabilitation, explores the epidemiological background of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and provides an overview of the many stages of the rehabilitation process.

Holistic Approaches to Arrhythmia Management: Combining Medication, Ablation, and Device Interventions.

This narrative review investigates the severe health issue of arrhythmias, which affects millions of people worldwide. A multifaceted strategy incorporating medicine, catheter ablation, and advanced device interventions is necessary to manage these disorders effectively. Medication is the cornerstone, and as antiarrhythmic medications develop, their efficacy and side effects are reduced.

Influence of lip position on esthetics perception with respect to profile divergence using silhouette images.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the facial divergence and lip position combinations that are most and least preferred, and to investigate whether age or gender has an impact on these preferences.

Methods: The current investigation was carried out on a sample of 1077 individuals who were not experts in the field (253 men and 824 females). The research employed black silhouette photographs of profiles featuring different lip locations and profile divergences.

Comparative in-vitro microscopic evaluation of vertical marginal discrepancy, microhardness, and surface roughness of nickel-chromium in new and recast alloy.

Reusing of alloy has become a need of time due to the increasing demand, depletion of resources, and substantial increase in their price. The alloys used require a long-term stay in the oral cavity exposed to a wet environment, so they must have good wear resistance, biocompatibility, and mechanically good strength. In this study, the vertical marginal discrepancy, surface roughness, and microhardness of the new and recast nickel-chromium (base metal) alloys were evaluated.

Comparison of Marginal Fracture Between Conventional and Bonded Amalgam Restorations in Posterior Permanent Molar Teeth.

Background/objectives Dental amalgam has been a successful restoration for over a century. However, restoration failures due to secondary caries, fractured teeth or restorations, marginal deficiencies, tooth wear, and secondary caries remain significant concerns. Amalgam-bond, known for its ability to bond amalgam to the tooth structure and prevent percolation, forms a strong bond with vital dentin.

Frequency and Types of Periapical Radiographic Lesions Associated With Pulpitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency and types of periapical radiographic lesions (PARLs) associated with pulpitis in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital. Methodology A sample of patients diagnosed with pulpitis, aged 18 years or older, was recruited following a convenient sampling technique. Clinical examinations were conducted to confirm the diagnosis, and radiographic evaluations, including periapical (PA), occlusal, orthopantomogram (OPG), and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs were obtained.

Alveolar bone loss and root resorption in mesialized second molars in mandibular first molar extraction cases as compared to contralateral non-extraction side in young adults: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The alveolar bone loss (ABL) and external apical root resorption (EARR) depict the safety of mesialization of mandibular second molars into the extraction space of mandibular first molars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ABL and EARR after closure of mandibular first molar extraction space by mesialization of second molar on extraction side (ES) as compared to the contralateral non-extraction side (NES).

Material And Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using the pre and posttreatment orthodontic records of young adults with complete set of permanent dentitions treated with extraction of unilateral mandibular first molar and non-extraction treatment on the contralateral side.

Speech language pathologists' self-report on counselling.

Objective: To determine the level of understanding among speech language pathologists regarding counselling.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted online from July 2020 to January 2021, and comprised speech language pathologists of either gender working in public or private institutions or clinics of Punjab, Sindh and KPK. Data was collected using the Self-report on counselling and interpersonal communication skills' questionnaire.

Double-Blind Parallel Treatment Randomized Controlled Trial of Prebiotics' Efficacy for Children Experiencing Severe Acute Malnutrition in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

The prevalence of malnutrition among children under five is alarmingly high in Pakistan. However, there are ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) available which may be used to treat children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This study aims to assess the efficacy of prebiotics as a synergistic additive to RUTF to enhance blood parameters and anthropometric measurements in children with uncomplicated SAM living in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of front line health workers after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional study in Pakistan.

Background: Globally, there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection among front-line health workers (FHW). This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of FHW of Pakistan after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods: A population web-based survey on COVID-19 vaccine was conducted on 635 FHW in Pakistan between April 15, 2021, and July 15, 2021.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome among harvesting farmers: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan.

Background: Constant use of hand-held vibratory tools may cause health issues, including hand dysfunction, among farmers. Thus, exposure to these vibratory instruments may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Objective: The study aimed to measure the prevalence of HAVS and evaluate neurological and vascular symptoms among farmers.

Association Of Liver Fatty Acid Binding Protein With Acute Kidney Injury In Paediatric Patients After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Like Creatinine level, the role of L-FABP in renal injury and its recovery had been shown by studies, so by using/measuring urinary Liver fatty acid-binding protein (uL-FABP) levels it can be a valuable biomarker for monitoring and diagnosis of various renal diseases. The study aimed to determine L-FABP as a biomarker for early diagnosis of AKI acute kidney injury in paediatric patients after cardiac surgery so that early treatment interventions can prevent AKI morbidity.

Medical and Dental Applications of Titania Nanoparticles: An Overview.

Currently, titanium oxide (TiO) nanoparticles are successfully employed in human food, drugs, cosmetics, advanced medicine, and dentistry because of their non-cytotoxic, non-allergic, and bio-compatible nature when used in direct close contact with the human body. These NPs are the most versatile oxides as a result of their acceptable chemical stability, lower cost, strong oxidation properties, high refractive index, and enhanced aesthetics. These NPs are fabricated by conventional (physical and chemical) methods and the latest biological methods (biological, green, and biological derivatives), with their advantages and disadvantages in this epoch.

Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Potassium Gel in Sports Injuries with and without Phonophoresis.

Pain remains a global public heath priority. , also known as sonophoresis or ultrasonophoresis, is when an ultrasound is used to maximize the effects of a topical drug. The objective of this study was to test, in patients injured in sports or accidents (N = 200), the efficacy of diclofenac potassium (DK) 6%, 4%, and 2% formulated gels with and without phonophoresis in comparison with market available standard diclofenac sodium (DS or DN) gel.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dental Trauma in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia.

Aim: This study will aid in determining the prevalence and risk factors for dental trauma. This will assist in developing a treatment budget plan, thereby, fend off complications.

Materials And Methods: This study was an observational study, having a cross-sectional design, in which information was obtained from 555 participants.

Procalcitonin Testing With Secondary Coinfection in Patients With COVID-19.

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) virus has caused millions of deaths. It is difficult to differentiate between pure viral COVID-19 pneumonia and secondary infection. Clinicians often use procalcitonin (PCT) to decide on empiric antibiotic therapy.

Prevalence, workplace risk factors and coping strategies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders cause a significant occupational problem for healthcare workers (HCWs).

Objective: This study aimed to measure the prevalence, associated occupational risk factors and coping strategies for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among HCWs working in five hospitals in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Methods: A previously used validated questionnaire, which consisted of four sections, including demographic information, occupational health questions, and associated occupational risk factors and coping strategies, was used as a survey tool to collect data on health workers working in five hospitals located in the Faisalabad District.

Rehabilitation Professional and Patient Satisfaction with Telerehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Telerehabilitation offers an alternative healthcare delivery remotely in a patient's environment at a lower cost, better accessibility, and equivalent quality to the standard approach. Several studies had examined the effectiveness of telerehabilitation inpatients with musculoskeletal disorders, and although there is evidence that it is at least equally effective as the standard care, the patient and rehabilitation professional satisfaction with the delivery method is not conclusive. A systematic review was conducted to study the patients' and rehabilitation professionals' satisfaction with telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomic risk factors among computer office workers for complaints of arm, neck and shoulder and workstation evaluation.

Background: Studies have suggested an association between computer work and the development of musculoskeletal disorders. However, studies examining the workplace ergonomics assessment of computer offices are scarce in the Pakistani population.

Objective: To determine the presence of ergonomic risk factors in the office using the Rapid Assessment Office Strain (ROSA) method for complaints of arm, neck and shoulder (CANS) among office computer workers.

Ocular Syphilis Mimicking Giant Cell Arteritis.

Syphilis is a rare cause of vision loss that mostly occurs after an infection of the meninges, brain tissue, and parenchyma. Syphilis can mimic auto-immune disease like giant cell arteritis which also manifest as sudden vision loss. Spirochete can spread through sexual contact and cause painless ulcers.

Molecular characterization and risk factors of oral high-risk human papillomavirus among females in Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: The development of oral and oropharyngeal cancers is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, debate exists about the prevalence of high-risk oral HPV (HR-HPV) and its associated risk factors. This study evaluated the distribution of genotypes and associated risk factors of oral HR-HPV infection in the normal oral mucosa of the Pakistani female population with general gynecological problems.

Clinical and Epidemiological Spectrum of Acute Viral Hepatitis Due to Hepatitis A and E in Children: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional, Hospital-Based Study.

Objective: Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in children is a serious and major public health concern globally and in developing countries such as Pakistan. We conducted this study to determine the clinical and epidemiological spectrum of AVH due to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in children.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Medicine Department of a tertiary care hospital from February 20, 2020, to February 20, 2022.

Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles with a Novel Biogenic Process for Dental Application.

The prevalence of dental caries has been largely consonant over time despite the enhancement in dental technologies. This study aims to produce novel GIC restorative material by incorporating TiO nanoparticles synthesized by for the treatment of dental caries. The TiO nanoparticles were prepared by inoculating a fresh culture of into a nutrient broth for 24 h, which was then characterized by XRD, DRS, FTIR, AFM, SEM, TEM and EDX.