Metformin for preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Background: Metformin has been used in the management of diabetes for decades. It is an effective, low-cost intervention with a well-established safety profile. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin targets a number of pathways that lead to chronic kidney damage, and long-term use may, therefore, slow the rate of kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.

Rural generalist medicine: a developing approach to health care in rural and island Japan.

Introduction: Despite universal health coverage and high life expectancy, Japan faces challenges in health care that include providing care for the world's oldest population, increasing healthcare costs, physician maldistribution and an entrenched medical workforce and training system. Primary health care has typically been practised by specialists in other fields, and general medicine has only been certified as an accredited specialty since 2018. There are continued challenges to develop an awareness and acceptance of the primary health medical workforce in Japan.

Glomus tumor of the foot dorsum: A case report of a neglect podiatric entity.

Key Clinical Message: Podiatrists and orthopedists should be vigilant for chronically evolving, hyperalgic soft lumps in the foot with vascular radiological features, prompting early detection of glomus tumor, timely mass removal, providing pain relief and improving patient's quality of life.

Abstract: Glomus tumors refers to a rare group of benign perivascular neoplasms that originate from a neuromyoarterial structure called a glomus body. These tumors are characterized by their painful nature and predominant distribution in the extremities mainly the fingers, the hands and the feet.

Assessing the predictive validity of Provincial Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).

Objective: To assess the predictive validity of Punjab Provincial Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).

Methods: A retrospective correlational study was conducted at the Fatima Memorial Hospital College of Medicine & Dentistry in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were analysed from 415 medical students who had completed the MBBS program from 2018-2020.

Correlation of Serum Sodium and Potassium With Thiamin Levels in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Introduction Chronic metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus (DM) are becoming a global health concern. According to recent studies, the pathophysiology of DM may involve factors other than traditional glycemic control, such as electrolyte balance and thiamin status. Therefore, this study evaluated the relationship between sodium and potassium and serum thiamin levels in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM.

Strength together: examining risk and protective factors associated with dementia and cognitive impairment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through harmonisation of landmark studies.

Background: Rates of dementia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are three to five times greater compared to non-Indigenous Australians, with earlier age of onset. However, the risk and protective factors that drive these higher rates vary across existing cohort studies, with minimal findings on the role of vascular risk factors beyond stroke. Harmonisation of data across studies may offer greater insights through enhanced diversity and strengthened statistical capabilities.

Frequency and Types of Anemia in Primary Hypothyroidism Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from inadequate production of thyroid hormones. Anemia is a common condition that can occur in hypothyroidism. Anemia may occur due to nutrient deficiency, such as iron or vitamin B12 deficiency due to chronic disease in hypothyroidism.

Understanding how neglected tropical diseases programs in five Asia-Pacific countries adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Background: Following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, the World Health Organization recommended suspending neglected tropical diseases (NTD) control activities as part of sweeping strategies to minimise COVID-19 transmission. Understanding how NTD programs were impacted and resumed operations will inform contingency planning for future emergencies. This is the first study that documents how South-East Asian and Pacific NTD programs addressed challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revolution in sepsis: a symptoms-based to a systems-based approach?

Severe infection and sepsis are medical emergencies. High morbidity and mortality are linked to CNS dysfunction, excessive inflammation, immune compromise, coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction. Males appear to have a higher risk of mortality than females.

Comparison of Soft Tissue Chin Thickness in Adult Patients With Various Mandibular Divergence Patterns.

Objective This study aimed to compare the soft tissue chin (STC) thickness at different levels in patients presenting for orthodontic treatment with different vertical facial types. Materials and methods This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Sharif Medical & Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan, on 195 subjects. Patients presenting for orthodontic treatment, both genders, aged from 18 to 32 years, and Pakistani nationals were included.

Effect of methotrexate hold on COVID-19 vaccine response in the patients with autoimmune inflammatory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate (MTX), can suppress the COVID-19 vaccine response in patients with autoimmune diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of MTX hold following COVID-19 vaccination on vaccine efficacy response. A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies retrieved from Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and CENTRAL from inception until Oct 1, 2023, was conducted.

Assessment of the Nasopalatine Canal Length and Shape Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Morphometric Study.

The anatomical position of the nasopalatine canal in the anterior maxilla makes it one of the most important vital structures in the region. Surgical and implant procedures in this area require local anesthesia to be administered. It is, therefore, important to morphologically assess the length and shape of the nasopalatine canal for performing surgical procedures with more accuracy in this area.

Safety evaluation of adenosine, lidocaine and magnesium (ALM) intranasal therapy toward human nasal epithelial cells in vitro.

Adenosine, lidocaine and Mg (ALM) solution is an emerging therapy that reduces secondary injury after intravenous administration in experimental models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Intranasal delivery of ALM may offer an alternative route for rapid, point-of-care management of TBI. As a preliminary safety screen, we evaluated whether ALM exerts cytotoxic or inflammatory effects on primary human nasal epithelial cells (pHNEC) in vitro.

Mycophenolate mofetil vs. cyclophosphamide-based induction regimens for lupus nephritis: Outcomes at a tertiary care centre in Lahore, Pakistan.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil with intravenous cyclophosphamideas induction therapy in lupus nephritis.

Methods: The observational, prospecrive, cohort study was conducted at the Rheumatology Department of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from July 2016 to June 2019, and comprised lupus nephritis patients. For induction therapy, the patients were assigned at the discretion of the treating rheumatologist to mycophenolate mofetil group MMF, and intravenous cyclophosphamide group CYC.

Sexual lives and reproductive health outcomes among persons with disabilities: a mixed-methods study in two districts of Ghana.

Introduction: People with disabilities (PwDs) constitute a large and diverse group within the global population, however, their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are often neglected, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. This may result in adverse outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and experience of interpersonal violence (IV). This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the sexual lives of PwDs in two districts of Ghana.

Trends in Traumatic Brain Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Center Review of Patient Charts From Pakistan.

Introduction A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths, making it a public health concern of extreme importance. In a developing country such as Pakistan, TBIs are significantly underreported, with the treatment frequently being delayed and inadequate, especially in rural healthcare setups all across the country. This concern is further magnified by insufficient epidemiological data on TBIs available in Pakistan.

Pharmacist-led medication management services: a qualitative exploration of transition-of-care cardiovascular disease patient experiences.

Objective: Hospitalisation due to medication-related problems is a major health concern, particularly for those with pre-existing, or those at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Postdischarge medication reviews (PDMRs) may form a core component of reducing hospital readmissions due to medication-related problems. This study aimed to explore postdischarge CVD patients' perspectives of, and experiences with, pharmacist-led medication management services.

Blood volume reduction due to rapid plasma loss after birth in preterm piglets.

Background: Understanding changes in blood volume after preterm birth is critical to preventing cardiovascular deterioration in preterm infants. The aims were to determine if blood volume is higher in preterm than term piglets and if blood volume changes in the hours after birth.

Methods: Paired blood volume measurements were conducted in preterm piglets (98/115d gestation, ~28wk gestation infant) at 0.

Interventions aimed at increasing syphilis screening among non-pregnant individuals in healthcare settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Syphilis remains a pressing public health concern with potential severe morbidity if left untreated. To improve syphilis screening, targeted interventions are crucial, especially in at-risk populations. This systematic review synthesises studies that compare syphilis screening in the presence and absence of an intervention.