Cumulative Dispensing of Oral Corticosteroids Over 12 Months in People with COPD.

Purpose: Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are recommended for the treatment of exacerbations in people with COPD; however, high cumulative lifetime doses (≥1000mg prednisolone-equivalent) are associated with adverse health effects. This issue is well defined in asthma but is less well understood in COPD. The aim of this study was to examine cumulative OCS dispensed to people with COPD over 12 months.

Severe gastrointestinal symptoms during first year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background & Objective: Many patients after cholecystectomy, develop gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and are worried. The objective of this study was to find out the risk factors for severe GI symptoms following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during first year of follow-up.

Methods: It is a multi-center prospective observational study.

Dates fruit effects on dyslipidemia among patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Objectives: Dyslipidemias are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and other comorbidities. The focus on food and nutrition to prevent and treat cardiovascular risk factors including dyslipidemia is a paradigm shift. This is the first meta-analysis to assess the association of dates fruit and dyslipidemia in Type-2 diabetes.

Effect of seeds on Glycated hemoglobin, Cardiovascular disease risks and dyslipidemia in Type-2 diabetic patients in Karachi: A non-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To explore the effect of seeds powder { 500 mg} capsule in diabetes Type-2 (T2DM) patients in Karachi.

Methods: A randomized selection of 40 T2DM patients from Sindh Government Hospital New Karachi with their consents was done for a non-blinded controlled trial from October to December 2019 and divided into P (Positive Control, metformin 500 mg) & T (Test, + was also included, using the same dosage of CapCASP on twenty healthy volunteers. The data were analyzed using an online graph pad student's t-test and a one-way ANOVA (SPSS version 24) metformin 500mg each).

Exploring Barriers and Bridging Gaps: Perspectives of Nurses, Midwives, and Lady Health Workers in the Implementation of Emergency Obstetric Care.

Background & Objectives: Maternal mortality is a global concern primarily due to preventable obstetric complications. Challenges in implementing Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) in developing nations hinder effective reduction of these deaths. Our objective was to identify key challenges in EmOC practices among frontline healthcare providers, assess the severity and frequency of these barriers, and evaluate gaps in resources, training, and institutional support needed for effective resolution.

Measurement of angle of progression by trans perineal-ultrasound in labour to predict mode of delivery in nulliparous women.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess whether the measurement of the angle of progression in nulliparous women in labour can predict the mode of delivery.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University from 16 February to 25 March 2024. Nulliparous pregnant women in the active first stage of labour with singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation were included in the study after taking informed consent.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for Influence of Variation in Dental Implant Dimensions (Length and Diameter) on Peri-implant Bone Stress/Strain Distribution: A Systematic Review.

Background & Objective: Currently, there are many implants in clinical use, making it hard to choose the right one for the patient. The success rate of an implant depends on its diameter, length, and direction of insertion in bone. In implant dentistry, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulates intraoral conditions in vitro and analyzes the effects of implant material, diameter, size, and other components related to oral structure on the implant and peri-implant tissues.

Maternal Sepsis and associated factors: A multi-central study from two tertiary care hospitals of South Punjab, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the risk factors and outcomes of maternal sepsis.

Methods: This case-control study was performed at the departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, and Ghazi Khan Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, from June 2023 to May 2024. Cases were comprised of females aged 18-45 years diagnosed with maternal sepsis, and admitted during the study period.

The Relationship of Fatty Liver with Body Composition Indices in Individuals with Metabolic Disorders - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to screen fatty liver in individuals with metabolic disorders, and to investigate the use of some anthropometric calculations and body composition indices in demonstrating fatty liver disease.

Methods: The cross-sectional study included 224 participants with metabolic diseases. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were measured.

The burden of cutaneous fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Objective: In Pakistan, the real extent of fungal infection is unknown. Our objective was to estimate the burden of major fungal diseases here to emphasize their public health importance.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records (January 2019 - December 2019) of 863 patients diagnosed with superficial fungal infection (SFI) were reviewed at the dermatology department of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi.

Association of hip dysplasia in newborns with ethnicity using graf method ultrasound.

Objectives: To determine gender and ethnic distribution of developmental dysplasia of hip in newborns using Graf method for ultrasound. To determine the significance of association between developmental dysplasia of hip with ethnicity in newborns using Graf's method ultrasound.

Method: This analytical cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Karachi from January through June 2022 .

Factors associated with eye disorders and diseases: A retrospective study.

Objective: To retrospectively identify the factors associated with eye disorders and diseases.

Methods: The retrospective study was carried out in Bursa Uludag University Family Health Center in Turkey between 1-30 September 2023. The data of individuals who were registered with the Family Health Center and whose eye disorders and diseases were known were evaluated retrospectively.

Relationship between sleep pattern dysfunction with psychological stress, anxiety and depression among pregnant women.

Objective: To determine the relationship between sleep pattern dysfunction with stress, anxiety and depression among pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital.

Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth K.

Harm reduction associated with heated tobacco products: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised studies in humans comparing the outcomes of switching to heated tobacco products (HTPs) versus continuing conventional tobacco smoking by burning.

Methods: We searched the electronic databases which included PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Google Scholar from inception to May 2023. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) in humans comparing HTPs with conventional burnt tobacco products were selected.

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.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on well child follow-up visits and vaccination: A Single unit experience from Turkey.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on frequency of well-child follow-up visits and immunization rate in Turkish tertiary reference hospital's Well-Child Care Outpatient Clinic.

Methods: Children aged one month to 18 years who presented to the Well Child Care Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary referral hospital in Turkey for child health follow-up and immunisation were included in the study. Children with chronic diseases or children who needed to be immunised with a different scheme due to their special conditions were not included.

Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite.

Kounis syndrome also known as allergic myocardial infarction, represents the simultaneous occurrence of acute coronary syndromes with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. We present a case of a 58-years-old male who developed anaphylaxis following a leech bite, leading to myocardial infarction despite the absence of prior allergic history. He was entubated and cardiopulmonary resusciation had been performed for 10 minutes.

Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotics Sensitivity Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) Patients: A prospective study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar.

Background & Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a fatal condition owing to its propensity for intracranial extension. The inadvertent use of antibiotics has led to resistance among causative organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine causative bacteria, their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns, and their response to antibiotics after a one-month follow-up.

The Strength of a Story: Partnering With a Community Organization to Destigmatize Substance Use Disorder.

Introduction: Stigmatizing attitudes held by health care professionals against individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) result in worse clinical outcomes. Story-listening has been shown to help mitigate bias for medical trainees. We created a narrative-based small-group facilitated discussion between medical students and an individual in recovery from SUD through a direct partnership with a community peer-recovery organization.

Comparative Study of Anti-COVID Mouthwash and Remineralization Agents on Dentinal Tubular Occlusion: An Study.

Aim: Tooth sensitivity caused by exposed dentin tubules is a common clinical problem requiring correct treatment methods. Owing to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it has become common to use different mouthwashes, including 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP), before dental procedures.

Effect of a simulated patient cases software on the clinical competence of medical students during pediatric clerkship.

Simulation in medical education improves clinical competence. The Diagnostic Clinical Reasoning Program (DxR), a web-based simulated patient cases software, augments students' clinical skills in a virtual hospital setting. In the Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, it is used to train medical students before they begin the clinical clerkship.

Methodological support for forensic science in the USA and Ukraine: A comparative study.

The significant potential of proper methodological support in solving key tasks of forensic expert activity is noted. The procedure for certification and state registration of forensic examination methods introduced in Ukraine is analyzed. The composition and procedure for the activities of the advisory bodies of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine which determine the relevance and priority of forensic examination research are investigated.

Expert Usability Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Systematic Caries Management in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aims And Background: The field of mobile healthcare (mHealth) has attracted attention, and the quality of mHealth applications is also being addressed. Therefore, usability evaluation should be conducted to verify the quality of mHealth applications. The aim of this study was to conduct an expert evaluation to verify the systematic aspects and usability of a mobile application ("CAMBRA-students") developed to evaluate caries risk in children and adolescents and to provide systematic caries management.

The intersection of digital health and artificial intelligence: Clearing the cloud of uncertainty.

Digital health (DH) and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare are rapidly evolving but were addressed synonymously by many healthcare authorities and practitioners. A deep understanding and clarification of these concepts are fundamental and a prerequisite for developing robust frameworks and practical guidelines to ensure the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of DH solutions and AI-embedded technologies. Categorizing DH into technologies (DHTs) and services (DHSs) enables regulatory, HTA, and reimbursement bodies to develop category-specific frameworks and guidelines for evaluating these solutions effectively.