Fipronil in sub-lethal doses leads to immuno-toxicological effects in broiler birds.

Pesticides, including fipronil, are used mainly in agriculture; however, in veterinary and animal husbandry, their potential use is to control the pests responsible for vector-borne diseases. Their residues in agriculture products and direct use on farms are responsible for potentially harming livestock and poultry. So, this study was designed to evaluate the toxico-pathological effects of fipronil on the immune system of poultry birds.

Prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients based on ultrasonograhic-clinicopathologic features.

Background & Objective: Determination of axillary lymph-node status plays a pivotal role in decision making for breast cancer treatment. Biopsy is the current standard of care but hold risks of complications as well. We aimed to find out the correlation of sonographic features of lymph node and histo-pathological findings, to predict axillary lymph-node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Degradation of fenamates.

Fenamates are the most crucial non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain-related diseases. The clinically prescribed drugs of the fenamate group include mefenamic acid, tolfenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, and niflumic acid. Due to their widespread use, all these drugs are considered as the most common water and sewerage pollutants.

Cyclodextrins and their applications in pharmaceutical and related fields.

This chapter presents an overall account of cyclodextrins (CDs) with a brief description of the history, classification, and properties of these macromolecules. CDs act as complexing agents for drugs to form CD-drug inclusion complexes by various techniques. These complexes lead to the modification of the physicochemical properties of drugs to make them more soluble, chemically, and photochemically stable, and less toxic.

Formulation development of highly stable collagenase-containing hydrogels for wound healing.

Collagenases are enzymes that break down collagen and are used in wound healing and treating various disorders. Currently, collagenase is commercially available in only ointment and injectable forms and is sensitive to various environmental factors. In the present study, different hydrogel formulations of collagenase have been prepared at pH 6.

Comparison of Research Knowledge in Postgraduate Trainees of Clinical and Basic Health Sciences of a Tertiary Healthcare Setup: A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment.

Background:  All recent advances in healthcare, including diagnostics, surveillance, management, and disease prevention, have depended on good-quality research that has brought new information to light. Therefore, in Pakistan, it is important to develop good research skills as, for many years, our physicians have relied on research knowledge from the Western world, which does not necessarily provide solutions to a developing country. Considering the gap in research knowledge among young doctors, the study was planned to compare the research knowledge of postgrad trainees of clinical and basic health sciences (BHS) of private tertiary care hospitals in Karachi.

A kinetic study for the estimation of riboflavin sensitized photooxidation of pyridoxine HCl using green UV-visible spectrometric and HPLC methods.

Riboflavin (RF) sensitized photooxidation of pyridoxine HCl (PD) in the pH range of 2.0-12.0 has been carried out under UV and visible irradiation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: from genetic insights to a multimodal therapeutic approach with mavacamten, aficamten, and beyond.

Background: A cardiac condition marked by excessive growth of heart muscle cells, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, microvascular ischemia, myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), a subset of HCM, involves significant obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), leading to symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening cardiac events. With advancements in genetic understanding and the introduction of novel pharmacologic agents, including cardiac myosin inhibitors like mavacamten and aficamten, there is a paradigm shift in the therapeutic approach to oHCM.

Implementation strategies for providing optimised tuberculosis and diabetes integrated care in LMICs (POTENTIAL): protocol for a multiphase sequential and concurrent mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Almost a quarter of patients with tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan may also have diabetes, with an additional quarter in a pre-diabetic state. Diabetes is a risk factor for TB. When it co-occurs with TB, it leads to poorer outcomes for both conditions, considerably increasing the burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system.

Understanding childhood obesity in Pakistan: exploring the knowledge, attitudes, practices of mothers, and influential factors. A cross-sectional study.

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue with far-reaching implications. The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, around 38 million children under five were overweight or obese globally, and in 2016, 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were affected. In Pakistan, the situation is alarming; 66.

Comparison of Surgery test scores using Concept Maps and Interactive Lectures among the Undergraduate Medical Students.

Objective: Concept Maps (CM) aid in the acquisition of new information, and comprehend prior knowledge with better retention. Their use is not explored in undergraduate surgical education in our country, hence this study aimed to compare the surgery test scores of undergraduate medical students taught by concept maps and interactive lectures.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Department of Surgery, at a Private University Hospital among 60 students of fourth year MBBS from 2017-2018.

Anticancer potential of Diospyrin and its analogues: An updated review.

Cancer, characterized as one of the leading causes of death owing to its heterogeneity and complexity, hence poses a significant challenge to health care system across the globe. Current therapies for cancer curtailment are considered to have associated side effects, therefore discovery of novel alternative approaches is need of the time. In this context, natural products have attained an essential spot in the scientific community for the development of novel cancer treatments.

Comparing DCE-MRI and DSA: Understanding the embolization of hypervascular spinal metastases.

This study aims to examine and compare the effectiveness of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) in evaluating hypervascular spinal metastases. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, utilizing top-tier databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, to compile an authoritative and up-to-date overview of the current advancements in the field. We synthesized key studies focusing on the advantages, limitations and efficacy of both imaging techniques.

Anticancer therapeutic potential of genus : From phytochemistry to clinical applications-A review.

The genus has gained significant attention in the scientific community owing to its diverse bioactivities ascribed to specific bioactive constituents present in different species of this plant. Phytochemicals like flavonoids, terpenoids, and xanthones have been reported to be present in other species responsible for their pharmacological properties. These compounds are well known for their diverse potent therapeutic potentials, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

Comparative and combination study of simvastatin alone and in combination with Beta vulgaris in hyperlipidemia patients.

Phytomedicine is gaining acceptance as well preference in health care management for various diseases. Drug combinations are mostly used clinically for hyperlipidemia, as single-agent therapy is insufficient. Statins remain the cornerstone of hyperlipidemia.

Breaking resistance: in silico subtractive and comparative genomics approaches for drug targeting in Bacteroides fragilis.

The purpose of this study was to identify potential novel drug targets for Bacteroides fragilis infections using bioinformatics techniques, such as subtractive and comparative genomics. Bacteroides fragilis is a frequently isolated anaerobic pathogen, particularly in the human digestive tract, where its pathogenesis and persistence are influenced by various virulence factors. By understanding these factors, the study aims to explore alternative therapeutic strategies and provide insights for the development of treatments against B.

Diagnostic accuracy of low dose CT-Scan abdomen in patients with clinical features of acute appendicitis.

Background & Objective: Acute appendicitis is one of the commonest causes of acute abdominal pain presenting to emergency department (ED) and Computerized Tomography scan (CT) is considered gold standard for its diagnosis. Internationally Low Dose Computerized Tomography scan (LDCT) in emergency department is recommended as a beneficial tool to diagnose acute appendicitis with less exposure to radiation and reduction in the rate of negative laparotomy. Local trials are needed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of LDCT as the first line imaging test for acute appendicitis.

Impact of Cachexia on Chemotherapy Efficacy and Survival in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Objective: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited curative options and high rates of cachexia, a debilitating syndrome associated with poor prognosis. While previous research has linked sarcopenia to poor outcomes in PC, the correlation between cachexia and treatment outcomes remains underexplored. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the association between cachexia and overall survival and time to treatment failure in advanced PC patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy.

Effects of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) supplements on selective enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is not only associated with iron deficiency but has shown strong association with the over production of free radicles and deficiency of antioxidant enzymes. The result of this imbalance is oxidative stress (OS) which is now considered as an important associated factor with various diseases. Treating IDA in most of cases with oral iron supplements results in more OS as iron is a transition metal.

Comparison of light microscopy and digital microscopy for learning oral pathology practicals among second year dental students.

Background/purpose: Previous studies have shown that digital microscopy is an indispensable tool for teaching oral pathology laboratory course. Despite this, our institute relies solely on recommended/reference book images for oral pathology practicals, neglecting both light and digital microscopy methods. Gathering students' feedback on these methods is essential before considering digital microscopy as part of the oral pathology curriculum.

Assessment of blood pressure measurement technique amongst nurses working at a tertiary care cardiac center.

Background: Accurate measurement is indispensable for effectively managing hypertension (HTN); any error in technique or instrumentation can lead to misdiagnosis and improper management. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of blood pressure (BP) measurement among nurses at a tertiary care cardiac center in Karachi.

Materials And Methods: Nursing staff responsible for BP assessment at various stations were identified, observed, and interviewed to evaluate their skill and knowledge levels regarding BP measurement techniques.

Incidence of Infective Endocarditis Post-TPVR with MELODY Valve in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Infective Endocarditis (IE) has emerged to be one of the most impactful adverse complications post-transcatheter procedures, especially Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of identifying the incidence of IE post-TPVR with the MELODY valve in the pediatric population.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across several prominent databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Science Direct.