Thyroid Functions and Cognitive Decline in the Elderly.

Background The maintenance of cognitive health depends on thyroid hormones, and it is becoming more widely acknowledged that thyroid hormone issues may be a factor in cognitive decline in the aged. Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid hormone levels and cognitive decline among elderly individuals, considering the influence of age-related factors and comorbidities. Methodology Over the course of two years, 218 adults 60 years of age and older with clinically diagnosed hypothyroidism or subclinical thyroid disease were included in a prospective observational research.

Radiomics-driven spectral profiling of six kidney stone types with monoenergetic CT reconstructions in photon-counting CT.

Objectives: Urolithiasis, a common and painful urological condition, is influenced by factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and medication. Differentiating between different types of kidney stones is crucial for personalized therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) in combination with radiomics and machine learning to develop a method for automated and detailed characterization of kidney stones.

Long-acting injectable antipsychotic use in patients with bipolar disorder: Findings from the REAP-BD study.

Aims: This study aimed to assess treatment patterns and the effectiveness of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) across various Asian countries. The study focused on comparing the choices of LAIs, other psychotropic medications, and their psychotropic drug load to explore real-world usage and evaluate the potential benefits of LAIs in BD treatment across different countries.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with BD patients diagnosed according to ICD-10-CM codes F31.

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Slowing Cognitive Decline Among Elderly Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review explores the impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Omega-3 fatty acids are widely recognized for their neuroprotective properties, but the evidence regarding their efficacy in mitigating cognitive decline remains mixed. Through a comprehensive analysis of eleven randomized controlled trials, we aimed to assess the role of DHA in improving cognitive functions and slowing brain atrophy.

Recurrent Osteosarcoma Presenting as Hepatic Metastasis: A Case Report.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor, derived from primitive bone-forming mesenchymal cells, and its aggressive nature often leads to significant morbidity and mortality, with amputation being routinely performed in localized cases. Post-amputation morbidity has a significant impact on the quality of life of the affected individuals. The tumor frequently metastasizes to the lungs and bones, and widespread disease remains the leading cause of most patient deaths.

Unprofessional Behavior Among House Officers in Pakistan's Public and Private Hospitals: Prevalence, Perceptions, and Participation.

Background: Professionalism in healthcare is crucial for maintaining patient trust and delivering high-quality care. Unprofessional behaviors among house officers (recent medical graduates undergoing training) raise concerns about their impact on healthcare outcomes. This study aims to assess the prevalence and perceptions of unprofessional behavior, as well as participation in it, among house officers in both public and private hospitals in Pakistan.

Assessing the Efficacy of Novel Antiviral Therapies in Treating Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health burden, with an estimated 58 million people chronically infected worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While many people remain asymptomatic during the early stages of infection, chronic hepatitis C can cause long-term liver damage, significantly increasing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. The primary objective of this technical report is to find the efficacy of novel antiviral therapies in treating hepatitis C in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore.

Comparative Efficacy of MRI and CT in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, and accurate imaging is essential for effective diagnosis, management, and prognosis. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to computed tomography (CT) in assessing TBI across various severities. Through a comprehensive search strategy, studies were selected that directly compared MRI and CT in TBI diagnosis, incorporating advanced MRI techniques such as susceptibility-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery.

Outcomes of Bolus Dose Furosemide Versus Continuous Infusion in Patients With Acute Decompensated Left Ventricular Failure and Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: This prospective, randomized trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different intravenous diuretic regimens in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients.

Methods: ADHF patients were enrolled and randomized into three groups: continuous intravenous furosemide infusion (cIV), bolus furosemide injection (bI), and furosemide plus hypertonic saline solution (HSS). Clinical outcomes were assessed over 48 h.

Automated Kidney Stone Composition Analysis with Photon-Counting Detector CT, a Performance Study-A Phantom Study.

Background: For treatment of urolithiasis, the stone composition is of particular interest, as uric acid (UA) stones can be treated by chemolitholysis. In this ex vivo study, we employed an advanced composition analysis approach for urolithiasis utilizing spectral data obtained from a photon-counting detector CT (PCDCT) to differentiate UA and non-UA stones. Our primary objective was to assess the accuracy of this analysis method.

The impact of curative cancer treatment on sexual health - clinical results from the EORTC QLQ-SH22 validation study.

Background: The European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has recently developed and validated a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for sexual health (SH) in cancer patients. Here, we present results from a secondary analysis of the EORTC QLQ-SH22 validation study. The objective was to investigate the impact of cancer treatment on SH over the disease trajectory into survivorship in patients who underwent curative treatment.

Evaluating the Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Malaria Tests in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges, particularly in pediatric populations in developing countries. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been widely adopted due to their ease of use and quick results, but their diagnostic accuracy, compared to microscopy, the gold standard, remains a topic of interest. Early and accurate detection of malaria is crucial in reducing complications and mortality in children, who are especially vulnerable to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses.

Dapagliflozin's Role in Heart Failure: An Overview of Clinical Trial Evidence.

Heart failure (HF) has become a global health threat, necessitating the development of novel treatment options to address this crisis. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin, may offer significant advantages in the treatment of HF, particularly in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This systematic review combines the findings from clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of dapagliflozin in HF patients.

The Impact of Diet on Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with complex etiology. Emerging evidence suggests that diet may play a role in PD risk, progression, and symptom management. However, the relationship between dietary factors and PD remains poorly understood.

A Middle-Aged Man With Diplopia, Headache, and Hyperglycemia.

A 60-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with diplopia and vertigo for two days. These symptoms had a gradual onset, were progressive, and were associated with a headache that had been present for 15 days. His blood sugar level was 376 mg/dl.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Editorial Boards of Medical Student Journals.

Ensuring diversity within the healthcare sector is essential for improving team dynamics and ultimately patient outcomes. Diversity among medical students is fundamental to embody this philosophy. With the demand for diversity in the admissions process gaining traction, the authors expanded this conversation to the editorial boards (EBs) of Medical Student Journals (MSJs).

Association between Hematological Parameters and Severity of COVID-19 disease.

Background: This study aimed to determine the relationships between hematological parameters- hemoglobin, Total Leucocyte Counts (TLC), platelet counts, Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII), Neutrophil Monocyte Ratio (NMR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and the severity of COVID-19 disease and their use in predicting severity of COVID-19 disease.

Methods And Material: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study of 573 symptomatic adult inpatients of COVID 19 admitted to our tertiary care center.

Statistical Analysis Used: The above-mentioned hematological parameter levels were noted and compared between the two categories of COVID-19 disease, namely non-severe and severe COVID-19 using logistic regression methods.

William Coley: The Pioneer and the Father of Immunotherapy.

William Coley was an unacclaimed hero of early cancer treatment. His work is often overshadowed by more recent advancements in immunotherapy. Coley's innovative work in the 1910s and 1930s laid the groundwork for what would become a major field in oncology.