A nationwide provider survey of neuro-oncology tumor boards in a lower-middle-income country: Comparing centers with and without tumor boards.

Objectives: To provide information about implementation, resources, practice patterns and prevalent perceptions regarding neuro-oncology tumor boards (NOTBs) in a lower middle income country.

Methods: A nationwide survey was designed to include licensed neurosurgeons involving data on practice, structure, and perceptions of NOTBs with non-probability sampling, a pre-validated proforma, data analysis using SPSS v27, and geospatial mapping using Quantum GIS.

Results: 139 neurosurgeons were surveyed from 63 neurosurgical centers of a lower middle income country.

Self-Assessment of Medical Ethics and Professionalism: Comparison Between Preclinical and Clinical Medical Students.

Background: Ethics and professionalism are fundamental elements in the practice of medicine consisting of a set of values, behaviors, and relationships that reinforce the trust and respect for the physician in a society. It consists of several key elements that are learnt during their formative years of study. This study aims to compare knowledge and self-reported practice of ethics and professionalism between preclinical and clinical undergraduate medical students.

Acute effect of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) on mood, anxiety and cognition in UK adults with mild to moderate anxiety and depression: the MediMood randomised controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: Psychological disorders including depression and anxiety are significant public health concerns. A Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) has been associated with improved mental well-being in observational studies. Evidence of the acute (defined as postprandial to 1 week) effects of an MDP on brain function, mood, cognition and important modulators, including sleep and the gut microbiota is limited.

Role of preconception nutrition supplements in maternal anemia and intrauterine growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Impaired intrauterine growth, a significant global health problem, contributes to a higher burden of infant morbidity and mortality, mainly in resource-poor settings. Maternal anemia and undernutrition, two important causes of impaired intrauterine growth, are prioritized by global nutrition targets of 2030. We synthesized the evidence on the role of preconception nutrition supplements in reducing maternal anemia and improving intrauterine growth.

Efficacy and Safety of Polatuzumab-Vedotin plus Bendamustine and Rituximab in patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype, relapses or becomes refractory (R/R) in 40% of cases after initial treatment. Among the second-line treatments for these patients is CAR T-cell therapy, which is considered the gold standard and treatment better than SCT. For these patients, polatuzumab vedotin in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (Pola-BR) is a novel treatment.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Beta Antagonists in Patients With Burns: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

Aims: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the safety and effectiveness of beta antagonists for improving clinical care in burn patients, compared to placebo.

Methods: Articles from randomized-controlled trials were identified by a literature search on PubMed and Cochrane. We included relevant trials involving patients with burn.

Demographic and regional patterns of epilepsy-related mortality in the USA: Insights from CDC WONDER data.

Background: Epilepsy poses significant challenges globally, with varied clinical, social, and economic impacts. Despite advances in treatment, epilepsy-related mortality remains a concern. This study aimed to analyze the demographic and regional distributions of epilepsy-related mortality in the United States (U.

Efficacy of radiosurgery with and without angioembolization: A subgroup analysis of effectiveness in ruptured versus unruptured arteriovenous malformations - An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Congenital arterial defects such as cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) increase brain bleeding risk. Conservative therapy, microsurgical removal, percutaneous embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or a combination may treat this serious disease. This study compares angioembolization with SRS to SRS alone in ruptured or unruptured brain ateriovenous malformations (BAVM) patients.

Unlocking the Potential: Phytoestrogens and Cardiovascular Health.

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds resembling human estrogen and have recently gained attention due to their potential role in improving cardiovascular health. These compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, including interactions with estrogen receptors, growth factor receptors, inflammatory mediators, thrombogenic reactions, and apoptotic pathways. This results in cardioprotective effects like modulating endothelial function, decreasing vessel tone, reducing inflammation, altering lipid profiles, and influencing arrhythmogenesis.

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.

Contagion comeback: unravelling the measles outbreak across the USA.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the measles virus (MeV), poses significant global and national public health challenges despite advancements in vaccination efforts. Though measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, recent years have seen a resurgence of cases, particularly in under-vaccinated communities. This resurgence is compounded by factors such as vaccine hesitancy, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immunization rates, and international travel introducing new cases from endemic regions.

Radiation therapy, radiosurgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapies for metastatic spine tumors: WFNS Spine committee recommendations.

Objective: This review aims to formulate the most current, evidence-based recommendations regarding radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy for patients with metastatic spine tumors.

Methods: A systematic literature using PRISMA methodology was performed from 2010-2023 using the search terms "radiosurgery," "radiation therapy," "external beam radiation therapy," or "stereotactic body radiation therapy" in conjunction with "spinal," "spine," "metastasis," "metastases," or "metastatic."

Results: Spinal metastases should be managed in a multidisciplinary team consisting of spine surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists and oncologists.

A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Features of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 With Respect to Duration of Diabetes.

Objectives Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. As diabetes persists over time, more pronounced symptoms like polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular issues may develop. Therefore, this study assessed the clinical symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes regarding the duration of diabetes.

Comparative Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Beta-Blockers Alone or in Combination With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors in Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review provides a comprehensive comparison of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in the management of chronic heart failure (CHF), with a focus on their long-term efficacy and safety profiles. By synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical studies, the review highlights the significant benefits of both drug classes in reducing mortality and hospital readmissions, and improving patient outcomes. Beta-blockers, such as bisoprolol and carvedilol, demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing sudden cardiac death, particularly in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Reference Intervals for Venous Blood Gas in Healthy Adults: A One-Year Prospective Study.

Background Venous blood gas (VBG) investigation is a widespread option for arterial blood gas analysis because it is easier to draw and has a lower risk of complications during phlebotomy. This study aimed to establish reference intervals for the accurate analysis of VBG results as there is a lack of published data. Method Dr.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Comprehensive Review.

A fraction of patients (approximately 10%) undergoing heart transplantation require permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation due to sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular block, occurring either shortly after surgery or later. The incidence of PPM implantation has declined to less than 5% with the introduction of bicaval anastomosis transplantation surgery. Pacing dependency during follow-up varies among recipients.

Retraction: Insulin Pump Therapy vs Multiple Daily Insulin Injections for Glycemic Control in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52054.

Evaluating quality of life changes in patients with cleft lip or palate: a mixed method pre- and postsurgical analysis in Karachi.

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is the most common orofacial congenital disability, presenting significant medical, psychological, and social challenges. In Pakistan, the incidence of CLP is high, estimated at one in 523 live births, but accurate data are lacking due to the absence of a birth registry. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes.

Analysis of gene variants in familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma Pakistani patients.

Aim: To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2 () gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

Methods: A total of 212 POAG patients, comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial, were enrolled. For genotyping the variant rs2255680, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.

Analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae plane block versus serratus anterior plane block in breast surgery-a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery are key interventions for breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Many undergoing breast surgery experience postoperative pain compromising their functionality and quality of life. While multiple pain management strategies are available, evidence comparing the erector spinae (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane blocks (SAPB) for improving post-surgical pain management in breast cancer surgery patients is limited.

Clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and decision-making for metastatic spine tumors: WFNS spine committee recommendations.

Introduction: Spinal metastases are a significant concern for patients with advanced cancer, leading to pain, neurological deficits, and reduced quality of life. They occur in up to 70% of cancer patients, with the vertebral column being the most common osseous site for metastatic disease. An approximate 10% of patients with vertebral body metastases eventually develop spinal cord compression, which can potentially cause severe and permanent disability.