Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Nationally Representative Study.

Objectives: Given the vulnerable health condition of adult childhood cancer survivors, it is essential that they develop positive health behaviors to minimize controllable health risks. Therefore, we evaluated if adult survivors of non-childhood cancer and childhood cancer differ in the odds of each modifiable risk factor compared with each other and compared with the general population.

Methods: This nationally representative study leveraged the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample from 2000 to 2018 and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) sample from 2016 to 2021.

Dengue encephalopathy concurrent with secondary pulmonary tuberculosis in an elderly male with multiple comorbidities.

Dengue fever (DF) and tuberculosis (TB) present significant global health challenges, often with overlapping clinical features, especially when complicated by conditions like dengue encephalopathy. We present a case study involving an 84-year-old male with a complex medical history, encompassing pulmonary tuberculosis reactivation, who subsequently developed dengue encephalitis. This underscores the complexity of managing such cases in the geriatric population.

A systematic review of the benefits of breastfeeding against postpartum depression in low-middle-income countries.

Background: The positive impact of breastfeeding against postpartum depression has been increasingly reported. However, no studies have systematically and critically examined current evidence on breastfeeding practices' influences on postpartum depression in LMICs.

Aim: To review the influence of breastfeeding on postpartum depression in LMICs.

Navigating challenges in spine surgery in Nigeria: the current state and strategies for advancing spine care.

The provision of specialized spine care in Nigeria presents a pressing challenge amid limited resources and geographical disparities. This correspondence offers a comprehensive roadmap for improving spine surgery and care within the country. We examine the current state of spinal health infrastructure, highlighting barriers such as limited access to specialists and facilities, particularly in rural areas, and financial constraints for patients.

Delayed Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect with Prolonged Mechanical Support.

Introduction: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a severe complication following acute myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from mechanical disruption of the interventricular septum due to extensive myocardial necrosis. Despite advances in management, the mortality rate approaches 50%. We report a case of a 58-year-old male with VSD following MI who was successfully treated with a delayed surgical approach after haemodynamic support using Impella.

Global Neurosurgical Challenges: A Focus on Central Asia.

Objective: To evaluate the current state of neurosurgical care in Central Asia, identify the challenges and advancements, and propose recommendations to improve neurosurgical capabilities and access in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the neurosurgical infrastructure, availability of neurosurgeons, technological advancements, and healthcare policies in the five Central Asian countries. Analysis included published literature, healthcare reports, and expert opinions to assess the state of neurosurgical care and identify areas for improvement.

Spectrum of Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Cohort of Pakistani Children.

. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is increasingly seen in children worldwide and it is more severe in children compared to adults. This study highlights the biochemical and clinical aspect, treatment given and outcome of the disease including pediatric liver transplantation.

The Influence of Biological Sex on Presentation and Outcomes of Acute Myocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is growing evidence of sex-related differences in the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to highlight the sex-specific differences in the clinical features and outcomes of acute myocarditis. Electronic searches were performed on Scopus, Embase, and PubMed from inception up to June 2023 to identify studies comparing the clinical features and outcomes of acute myocarditis in males and females.

Perceptions and use of evidence-based revision methods among undergraduate medical students.

Objective: To assess awareness, perceptions and use related to evidence-based revision methods by undergraduate medical students.

Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three medical colleges of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan, from December 01, 2019, to January 31, 2020, after approval from the ethics review committee of Army Medical College, Rawalpindi. The sample comprised undergraduate medical students of either gender.

Navigating the Diagnosis and Treatment of Astroblastoma: A Pediatric Case Report.

Astroblastoma, a rare glial tumor of the central nervous system, presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its low incidence and variable clinical presentations. In this case study, we present the case of an 11-year-old boy with high-grade astroblastoma, highlighting the complexities in diagnosis and treatment. The clinical presentation initially involved right-sided motor weakness, which, after undergoing a brain MRI, revealed a large solid cystic mass in the left parietal lobe.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Comorbid With Mediastinal Small Cell Carcinoma: A Clinical Dilemma.

We present an interesting case of mediastinal small cell carcinoma (MSCC), an exceedingly rare entity, comorbid with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A 66-year-old female was first seen in the pulmonology office for abnormal chest computed tomography (CT) findings of right apical bronchiectasis and subpleural fibrotic changes with focal pleural thickening along the fissures, along with a right lower lobe nodule. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) showed an obstructive pattern with modest bronchodilator response, although subsequent PFT showed a worsening restrictive pattern with a worsening DLCO.

Paraganglioma at the cerebellopontine angle: A case report and review of literature.

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Sometimes, these tumors secrete excessive catecholamines, which results in the manifestations of various signs and symptoms, usually with a triad of hypertension, tachycardia, and headache. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman presenting with uncontrolled hypertension, right facial palsy, vomiting, and disturbed gait.

Novel Biomarkers in Early Detection of Heart Failure: A Narrative Review.

Heart failure (HF) represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by a variety of symptoms resulting from cardiac dysfunction. This dysfunction often leads to systemic and pulmonary congestion. The pathophysiology of HF is complex, involving stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is insufficiently balanced by the release of natriuretic peptide.