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BACKGROUND A subset of patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD) has been shown to possess higher risk of experiencing late adverse outcomes. Therefore, we conducted an analysis to investigate the role of descending aorta diameters, including total descending aorta diameter and false lumen diameter, as predictor of late adverse outcomes in patients with uTBAD. METHODS A systematic search was performed through Pubmed, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. Our primary outcome was the composite late adverse events following their first episode of hospitalization. All meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.4. RESULTS A total of 2,339 (male 68.8%) patients from a total of 15 cohorts were included in our analysis. During follow-up period, there were 655 (27.3%) and 149 (6.3%) cases of late adverse events and mortality, respectively. Patients with higher initial descending aorta diameter were at higher risk of developing late adverse events (RR 2.99 [2.60, 3.44]; p

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis worldwide, resulting in pain and often chronic disability and a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, intra-articular corticosteroid injections are of little value in the long term, and opioids may have ominous consequences. Radiotherapy of knee OA has no added value. Physical therapy, exercises, weight loss, and lifestyle modifications may give pain relief, improve physical functioning and quality of life. However, none of them has articular cartilage regenerating potential. Due to a better understanding of osteoarthritis, innovative new treatment options have been developed. In this narrative review, we focus on emerging OA knee treatments, relieving symptoms, and regenerating damaged articular cartilage that includes intra-articular human serum albumin, conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), metformin, lipid-lowering agents (statin), nerve growth factors antagonists, bone morphogenetic protein, fibroblast growth factors, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC), exosomes, interleukin-1 blockers, gene-based therapy, and bisphosphonate.

Objective. The present study was aimed at investigating the possible antiulcer activities of some natural phytochemicals Aloe perryi leaf extract (APLE) and flower extract (APFE) in addition to the date palm seed extract (DPSE) and the oily samples of DPSE in a pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model using ranitidine as a standard antiulcer drug. Background. Peptic ulcer is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder due to hypersecretion of gastric acid. It affects four million people worldwide, and 2-10% of these ulcers are perforated and cause bleeding. This increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. So we aimed to introduce a primary study alternatively safe method for treating peptic ulcer. Materials and Methods. Forty-two Wistar Albino rats of either sex were randomly divided into seven groups (6/each). The pylorus ligation was done to induce ulcer in pretreated albino rats. The antiulcer activities of extracts were estimated at different dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg) using ranitidine as a standard drug (50 mg/kg). Gastric volume, pH, and total and free acidity as well as ulcer index and percentage of ulcer inhibition were measured to elucidate the antiulcerogenic effects. Histological examination of gastric ulcer was also performed. Statistical analysis for the results was done where P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Pylorus ligation for 6 h in control rats resulted in gastric ulcer which was indicated by the accumulation of gastric secretion and increased total acidity and decreased pH. The pretreatment of rats with APLE, APFE, and DPSE in addition to the oily samples of DPSE significantly inhibited the ulcers induced by pylorus ligation. These effects were attributed to significant reductions in total and free acidity, ulcer index, and gastric volume while there is a marked decrease in gastric pH (the antisecretory) as well as mucosal strengthening properties of these phytochemicals. Conclusion. These findings give these extracts the potential to be a promising tool for the management of gastric ulcer after performing further clinical and experimental studies. Our study demonstrated the promising antiulcer activity of extracts and oils in pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the antiulcer activity of these extracts; however, further investigations may be recommended for full details about this antiulcerogenic capacity.

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis is a potent pre-malignant condition of Oral cavity, which is prevalent in South Asian countries, due to social habit of pan, gutka, areca nut and betel quid chewing, which is mostly practiced in South-East Asia. A decreased pattern of lipid profile has been observed in literature in many precancerous conditions, this study is based on observation of lipid profile pattern among Oral submucous fibrosis patients in relation with age, gender, body mass index and duration of disease. Objective: A descriptive study to determine mean lipid profile values among oral sub-mucous fibrosis patients. Study Design: Descriptive (cross-sectional) study. Settings: Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital-Karachi Pakistan. Duration: 1st January 2017 till 30th June 2017, for a period of six months. Methodology: Oral Sub-mucous Fibrosis (OSMF) patients, who also met with inclusion criteria of study were selected. Lipid Profile values of TC (total cholesterol), HDL (high density lipids), LDL (low density lipids) and triglycerides were observed among OSMF patients in relation to duration of disease, their different age groups, gender and body mass index (BMI). Results: Out of 104 clinically diagnosed patients of OSMF, 34 females and 70 were males. Mean age was 38.9, most of the patients were in the age group of 20-40 years. Mean and standard deviation of TC, triglycerides, LDL and HDL was 132.19±13.29, 142.25±8.71, 101.87±17.57 and 30.43±2.56 respectively. Conclusion: Results of this study revealed that there is no significant change in pattern of lipid profile among OSMF patients in relation to their different age groups, gender and BMI, but an inverse relation does exist between lipid panel and duration of disease.

BACKGROUND Microbial pathogens, mainly bacteria, are a major cause of food spoilage resulting in several foodborne diseases. Food spoilage can be prevented by the application of chemical preservatives in the food industry but such process has harmful effects on human health and causes the introduction of chemicals in several food chains, leading to toxicity and long-term complications. Due to such adverse effects, the need to find natural preservatives that are safer to use, effective and less complicated is increasing. OBJECTIVES This study is based on plant extracts that play a major role in microbicidal action (the use of natural preservatives is preferred over chemical ones). Antimicrobial action of different plant extracts was assessed using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as experimental bacterial strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ethanolic extracts of different plants like Punica granatum, Acacia catechu and Phyllanthus emblica were highly effective against the both analyzed bacterial strains at a dosage of 10 mg/mL, while the extracts of Ocimum bacilicum and Quercus infectoria were effective only against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. RESULTS Punica granatum and Phyllanthus emblica extracts were found to be the most effective and exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against the highly infectious strains of pathogenic bacteria causing food spoilage, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 5 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS The plant extracts used in the study were highly effective in reducing bacterial contamination and can be used as an alternative to chemical preservatives to avoid and control foodborne diseases and for preservation of food with no health-related hazards caused by chemicals.

To further define the epilepsy phenotype in a cohort of children with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome.We retrospectively reviewed the phenotypic spectrum of all children aged18 years with epilepsy and 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome.Thirteen children were included, 69% were female. The median age of children in the cohort was 12 years (age range: 3 years-15 years). Median age at seizure onset was 4 years. Eleven children (85%) had intellectual disability. Nine of 13 children (69%) had a history of typical absence seizures with median age of onset at 5 years (2 had absence status epilepticus). Thirty-one percent (4/13) had focal with impaired awareness non-motor onset seizures. ILAE recognized absence epilepsy syndromes were diagnosed in 6/13 (46%). The remainder were classified as having genetic generalized epilepsies with overlap clinical features, combined or focal epilepsies. Electroencephalogram in the cohort showed generalized (85%) and focal epileptiform discharges (62%) and posterior dominant rhythm slowing (33%). One child had electrical status epilepticus of sleep. Neuroimaging was performed in 5 children (38%) and revealed abnormal findings in 3. Seizures were drug resistant in a third of the cohort. Valproate resulted in seizure freedom in 5 (42%). Oxcarbazepine caused clinical worsening in one child with combined seizure types. Two children tried cannabidiol and one tried the ketogenic diet; neither was effective.The epilepsy phenotype in children with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is defined by childhood onset absence seizures, and may have atypical features such as, early onset absences, persistence into adolescence, status epilepticus, intellectual disability and treatment resistance. Focal seizures and focal EEG findings may be observed and should be treated cautiously, given the possibility of combined seizure types. Valproate appeared effective, although other treatments must be explored further.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial illness triggered by a complicated interplay of various genetic variants with various environmental variables. The quantity of replicated common genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased rapidly with the recent genome-wide association (GWA) research. Major health issue in the public are type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common throughout the world. Diabetes mellitus incidence is growing and is anticipated to affect 300 million individuals by 2025. Diabetes has been suggested to alter patterns of cytokine expression as an immune-dependent illness. Insulin resistance (IR) is a disease that results in less than anticipated biological impact of a specified insulin concentration. Insulin resistance and insulin secretion decreased are both defined pathophysiology of T2DM. One of the most alarming health issues of the 21st century is the spread of diabetes around the globe. Our goal in this study was to identify the role of IL-10 polymorphism in T2DM patients. The average age of 60 median patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (31 males and 29 females) +-SD (45.91667 +-16.08799), fasting blood sugar (FBS) is +-SD (184.25 +-57.76387), hypertension (35 positive/25 negative) and 60 non-diabetic controls (32 males and 28 females) is +- SD (47.31667 +-15.13722). The group (T2DM patients and their control) had not a substantial distinction (P=0.33) and in each group (CC, TT, CT) there was a comparison between IL-10 gene polymorphism. T2DM patients and healthy individuals are not associated with the polymorphism of the gene IL-10 (SNP rs 3021097 (C/T). Keywords: Insulin, Diabetes Mellitis Type 2, Polymorphism, Interleukin-10, Genotype frequencies.

Background: Predicting stone clearance before intervention can be useful to plan the modality of treatment and calculate the cost of procedures. Therefore, this study aims to determine the frequency of successful stone clearance in a patient undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with different categories of Guy's Stone Score (GSS). Methodology: A total of 115 patients undergoing standard PCNL from January to December 2018 were included in this study. According to GSS I-IV, patients were then categorized into four groups after having pre-operative Computed Tomography of Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB). All the patients received standard general anesthesia and underwent standard PCNL in a prone position. The Percutaneous nephrostomy 18-gauge needle is passed into the pelvis of the kidney, Pelvi-calyceal system opacified and confirmed using fluoroscopy, a guidewire is passed, and 30 Fr Amplatz sheath is introduced after serial dilatation. A 26 Fr nephroscope is then inserted through the working sheath, and the stone is fragmented and removed. Finally, a nephrostomy drain tube is kept at the puncture site. The outcome was accessed in terms of stone clearance rate after PCNL on the 2nd postoperative day using the radiological modality of CT-KUB. Results: Among the 115 patients here were 48(41.7%) categorized as GSS I, 26(22.6%) categorized as GSSII, 20(17.4%) categorized as GSS III, and 21(18.3%) categorized as GSS IV. The overall stone clearance observed was 64.3%, individual stone clearance was GSS I=91.66%, GSS II=53.84%, GSS III=50%, and GSS IV=28.57%. Stone clearance among the different GSS categories was significantly different (p

Background: Various methods have been used to reconstruct mid-penile hypospadias; still, massive failure rates and leading complications have been indicated. The present study observes the effectiveness of a technique using a well-vascularized dartos flap as a second layer in distal and mid- penile hypospadias repair. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2017-2019. A total of 110 male children with hypospadias were operated on. The children with mid-penile or slightly more proximal hypospadias, with or without ventral chordae and with the intact prepuce, were included in the study. Outcome measures comprised of surgical results with the absence of any serious side effects, decent flow, meat stenosis, fistula and dehiscence of glans. Results: The median follow-up duration was 12 months. There were 72 cases of mid penile hypospadias (66.7%), and in 36 cases (33.3%), the meatus was slightly more dorsal. The age of the patients ranged from 1.1 to 11 years, with a mean age of 3.52 ± 2.74 years. Surgery was successful in 105 (95.5%) cases. Four patients presented with meatal stenosis and one with meatal stenosis plus fistula, more than 2 months after surgery. Meatal stenosis was managed by meatoplasty, and in the case of a urethral fistula, the patient was re-operated after at least 6 months. Conclusion: Ventral dartos flap is a safe, effective method with less adverse effect and less time-consuming in patients with distal and mid-penile hypospadias.

To evaluate changes in health-related and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among patients with noninfectious uveitis who were treated with antimetabolites.Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.Patients with noninfectious uveitis from India, the United States, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.From 2013 through 2017, 216 participants were randomized to receive 25 mg weekly oral methotrexate or 1.5 g twice daily oral mycophenolate mofetil. Median changes in quality of life (QoL) were measured using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and differences between treatment groups were measured using linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline QoL score, age, gender, and site. Among Indian patients, VRQoL scores from a general scale (the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire [NEI-VFQ]) and a culturally specific scale (the Indian Visual Function Questionnaire [IND-VFQ]) were compared using Pearson correlation tests.Vision-related QoL (NEI-VFQ and IND-VFQ) and health-related QoL (HRQoL; physical component score [PCS] and mental component score [MCS] of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36v2]) were measured at baseline, the primary end point (6 months or treatment failure before 6 months), and the secondary end point (12 months or treatment failure between 6 and 12 months).Among 193 participants who reached the primary end point, VRQoL increased from baseline by a median of 12.0 points (interquartile range [IQR], 1.0-26.1, NEI-VFQ scale), physical HRQoL increased by a median of 3.6 points (IQR, -1.4 to 14.9, PCS SF-36v2), and mental HRQoL increased by a median of 3.0 points (IQR, -3.7 to 11.9, MCS SF-36v2). These improvements in NEI-VFQ, SF-36v2 PCS, and SF-36v2 MCS scores all were significant (P0.01). The linear mixed models showed that QoL did not differ between treatment groups for each QoL assessment (NEI-VFQ, IND-VFQ, PCS SF-36v2, and MCS SF-36v2; P0.05 for all). The NEI-VFQ and IND-VFQ scores for Indian participants were correlated highly at baseline and the primary and secondary end points (correlation coefficients, 0.87, 0.80, and 0.90, respectively).Among patients treated with methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil for uveitis, VRQoL and HRQoL improved significantly over the course of 1 year and did not differ by treatment allocation. These findings suggest that antimetabolites could improve overall patient well-being and daily functioning.

Background and purpose We report the results of intra-arterial injection of lidocaine in the middle meningeal artery in patients with intractable headache or status migrainosus. Methods We treated four patients with intra-arterial lidocaine (2 mg/ml) in doses up to 50 mg in each middle meningeal artery via a microcatheter bilaterally (except in one patient). In two patients with intractable headache, the daily maximum intensity of headache (graded by 11-point numeric rating scale) was recorded for 7 days postprocedure. In two patients with status migrainosus, migraine-related disability 3 months prior and after treatment using MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment) questionnaire was recorded. Results Intra-arterial lidocaine reduced the headache intensity from 8/10 and 10/10 to 0/10 in the two patients with intractable headaches for 2 days (day 0 and day 1) postprocedure. Despite recurrence of headache on day 2, the intensity was less than preprocedure intensity up to the last day recorded (by 3 and 2 points on day 7). In the two patients with status migrainosus, there was immediate reduction in headache intensity following intra-arterial lidocaine. The post treatment 3-month MIDAS score was lower in both patients compared with pretreatment 3-month score; 3 versus 30 and 55 versus 90. Severe disability preprocedure by MIDAS was reduced to little or no disability postprocedure in one patient. Conclusions Intra-arterial lidocaine resulted in amelioration of headache in patients with intractable headache and those with status migrainosus with improvement lasting longer than the short half-life of lidocaine possibly related to central desensitization.

A 37-year-old Bangladeshi woman presented with low back and several joints pain and swelling for months together; there was significant morning stiffness for more than two hours. Repeated abortions, dry eye, hair fall, photosensitivity, and oral ulcer were the additional complaints. Clinical examination unveiled asymmetrical peripheral and both sacroiliac joint tenderness, positive modified Schober’s test, and limited chest expansion. Schirmer’s test was positive. The history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) among 1st-degree relatives was also significant. Biochemical analysis revealed pancytopenia, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and mild microscopic proteinuria. The patient was seropositive for rheumatoid factor (RF), antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Sm antibody, anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen A and B (anti-SSA/SSB), antiphospholipid (aPL-IgG/IgM), and HLA B27; however, serum complement (C3 and C4) levels were normal. Basal cortisol level measured elevated. Besides, X-ray and MRI of lumbosacral spines demonstrated sacroiliitis. There was radiological cardiomegaly, echocardiography unveiled atrial regurgitation, and ascending aorta aneurysm. Based on the abovementioned information, RA, AS, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been diagnosed. Moreover, the patient developed Sjogren’s syndrome (SS), antiphospholipid lipid syndrome (APS), Cushing syndrome, ascending aorta aneurysm, and atrial regurgitation. Her disease activity score for RA (DAS28), DAS for AS (ASDAS), SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) scores were 3.46, 2.36, 23, and 5, respectively. The patient received hydroxychloroquine (200 mg daily), pulsed cyclophosphamide, prednisolone (20 mg in the morning), and naproxen 500 mg (twice daily). To our best knowledge, this is the first report documenting RA, AS, and SLE with secondary SS and APS.

Introduction Tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths each year. Behavioral interventions such as group therapy, which provides counselling for smoking cessation, can be delivered in group form and smokers who receive cessation counselling are more likely to quit smoking compared to no assistance. We review the evidence of group-based counselling for smoking cessation for smokers in Asian countries. Methods The review aims to determine the availability of group-based therapy for smoking cessation in Asian countries. The outcome measured was abstinence from smoking following group therapy. Electronic database searches in PubMed, OVID Medline, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO, using keywords such as: 'smoking', 'cigarette', 'tobacco', 'nicotine', 'group therapy' and 'cessation' (smok*, *cigarette*, tobacco, nicotine, group therap*, cessation) were used. The results were reported following PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines. Review Manager was used for data analysis. Results A total of 21251 records were retrieved for screening the abstracts. In all, 300 articles for review were identified and assessed for eligibility. Nine articles, including Cochrane reviews, randomized control trials, cohort, observational and cross-sectional studies, were included in the final review. There were three observational qualitative studies, two prospective cohort studies, two crosssectional studies, one non-randomized quasi-experimental study and a single cluster-randomized, controlled trial. Group therapy was found to significantly increase the abstinence rate. Group therapy provided at the workplace, smoking cessation services, availability of pharmacotherapy, and socioeconomic status, appear to be key factors determining success. Conclusions Evidence of the use of group therapy for smoking cessation in Asian countries is still lacking despite publications in the Western population showed that group therapy was effective. Further research on group-based interventions for smoking cessation in Asian countries is required and direct one-to-one comparisons between group therapy and individual therapy for smokers who want to quit smoking, are needed.

BackgroundRandomized clinical trials have failed to prove that the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is better than that of medical management. A recent study using a self-expandable stent showed acceptable lower rates of periprocedural complications.ObjectiveTo study the safety and efficacy of a balloon-mounted stent (BMS) in the treatment of symptomatic ICAD.MethodsProspectively maintained databases from 15 neuroendovascular centers between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were included if they had severe symptomatic intracranial stenosis in the target artery, medical management had failed, and they underwent intracranial stenting with BMS after 24 hours of the qualifying event. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stroke and mortality within 72 hours after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and mortality on long-term follow-up.ResultsA total of 232 patients were eligible for the analysis (mean age 62.8 years, 34.1% female). The intracranial stenotic lesions were located in the anterior circulation in 135 (58.2%) cases. Recurrent stroke was the qualifying event in 165 (71.1%) while recurrent TIA was identified in 67 (28.9%) cases. The median (IQR) time from the qualifying event to stenting was 5 (2–20.75) days. Strokes were reported in 13 (5.6%) patients within 72 hours of the procedure; 9 (3.9%) ischemic and 4 (1.7%) hemorrhagic, and mortality in 2 (0.9%) cases. Among 189 patients with median follow-up time 6 (3–14.5) months, 12 (6.3%) had TIA and 7 (3.7%) had strokes. Three patients (1.6%) died from causes not related to stroke.ConclusionOur study has shown that BMS may be a safe and effective treatment for medically refractory symptomatic ICAD. Additional prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted.

We recently reported that adoptive transfer of cytolytic Natural Killer cells (cNKs) from the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) rat induces a preeclampsia (PE)-like phenotype in pregnant rats, accompanied by increased TNF-α. The purpose of this study was to investigate a role for increased TNF-α to induce oxidative stress (ROS), decrease nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and induce vascular dysfunction as mechanisms of hypertension (HTN) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in RUPPs. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats underwent the RUPP or a Sham procedure on gestation day (GD) 14. On GDs 15 and 18, a subset of Sham and RUPP rats received i.p.injections of vehicle or 0.4 mg/kg of Etanercept (ETA), a soluble TNF-α receptor (n = 10/group). On GD18, Uterine Artery Resistance Index (UARI) was measured, and on GD19, mean arterial pressure (MAP), fetal and placental weights were measured, and blood and tissues were processed for analysis. TNF-α blockade normalized the elevated MAP observed RUPP. Additionally, both fetal and placental weights were decreased in RUPP compared to Sham, and were normalized in RUPP + ETA. Placental ROS was also increased in RUPP rats compared to Sham, and remained elevated in RUPP + ETA. Compared to Sham, UARI was elevated in RUPPs while plasma total nitrate was reduced, and these were normalized in ETA treated RUPPs. In conclusion, TNF-α blockade in RUPPs reduced MAP and UARI, improved fetal growth, and increased NO bioavailability. These data suggest that TNF-α regulation of NO bioavailability is a potential mechanism that contributes to PE pathophysiology and may represent a therapeutic target to improve maternal outcomes and fetal growth.

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a relatively common and severe complication of SCI and an independent risk factor for mortality. Sickle cell disease is considered one of the most common diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. When a healthy disease related to cardiovascular health is highlighted, sickle cell anemia may be the most common and related disease in high pulmonary pressure. In this study, we aimed to determine prevalence of PHTN in SCA patient, and associated risk factors with it. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in kingdom of Saudi Arabia (General population, SCA patient and CVD patient), from 29/7/2020 till 15/11/2020. The study was depending on online self-reported questionnaire that included assessing the demographic factors as gender, nationality besides, disease-related information: SCA patient , CVD patient and DM patient. Results: we received 794 responses to our questionnaire where 93.5% of them were Saudi Arabian. The prevalence of sickle cell anemia is 8.8%. Male represented 29.8% of patients while female represented 52.2% of patients. In SCA patients, the prevalence of PHTN was 31.8%. Moreover, it was found that having cardiac disease is considered a risk factor for developing PHTN where 37.7% of patients having cardiac disease had PHTN compared with 6.2% of health patients (OD: 9.16, 95% CI: 5.5479 to 15.13, P=0.000) while diabetes mellitus increase risk for developing PHTN by more than seven fold (OD: 7.6, 95% CI; 4.7175 to 12.4, P=0.000) and disorder of nervous system by 12 folds (OD: 12.7; 95% CI: 7.6658 to 21.09, P=0.000). Conclusion: we had found that the prevalence if SCA among Saudi Arabia is 8.8% with a higher prevalence in female than male. Moreover, the prevalence of PHTN in SCA patients was high about 31.8% which is much higher than its prevalence in normal individuals. Moreover, it was found that having cardiac disease is considered a risk factor for developing PHTN besides, having diabetic condition and disorder of nervous system which increased risk for developing PHTN in SCA by nine, seven and 12-fold respectively.

Objective: To determine the frequency of deranged cardiac biomarkers and associated socio-demographic factors among patients of epilepsy presenting at our hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zyed Al-Nyhan Hospital Rawalakot. Period: August 2019 to September 2020. Material & Methods: We evaluated 85 consecutive patients who presented at Department of Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zyed Al-Nyhan hospital. Cardiac Biomarkers (Troponin I, CK-MB and pro-BNP) and EKG were requested in all patients. The questionnaire used for interview consisted of demographic details and disease related parameters (duration of epilepsy and number of antiepileptic drugs). Results: Out of 85 patients included in the study, 35 (41.2%) were male while 45 (58.8%) were female. Out of these 85 patients of epilepsy, 15 (17.6%) had one or more cardiac biomarker positive while 70 (82.4%) had no change in ECG or any positive cardiac biomarker. All ECG changes were non-specific. After applying the logistic regression, we found that long duration of illness and poly-pharmacy had significant association with the presence of positive cardiac biomarkers among the patients of epilepsy. Conclusion: Less than 1/5th of the patients with epilepsy had positive cardiac biomarkers or ECG changes in our study. Patients with longer duration of epilepsy or those whose epilepsy has been managed with more than one drug were found more at risk of having abnormal cardiac biomarkers in our target population.

Objective: To observe pattern and variation of root morphology of maxillary 1st premolar teeth in orthodontic extraction cases among local population. Study Design: Prospective Observational study. Setting: Dental College-HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences-Taxilla Cantt. Period: 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2019. Material & Methods: A total of 120 patients and 320 maxillary 1st premolars were studied clinically for gross root morphology after orthodontic tooth extraction, variation of gross root morphology was studied among extracted teeth, frequency distribution was observed on basis of gender and both quadrants in each patient, a critical analysis is also made about variation of root morphology among various populations across the world. Result: Out of 160 patients, 49 were males and 111 were females. 151 patients had bilateral similar root morphology, out of 320 clinically examined teeth 206 had two roots, and 123 teeth had fused root morphology, 83 teeth had two bifurcated (separate) roots while 114 teeth were single rooted. Conclusion: Maxillary 1st premolar is unique in terms of wide variation in root morphology which is evident among various population studies. Two roots with fused root morphology is most prevalent in Pakistani population.

Objective: To compare midvastus and subvastus approach regarding operative parameters(lateral retinacular release, operative time, neurovascular injury) and outcome (Knee Society Score, Straight Leg Raise) at 12 weeks in single stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial study Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery and South City Hospital Karachi from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2018. Methodology: Fifty two patients of both genders ofmore than 50 years with osteoarthritis grade III or IV and bony changes confirmed by AP and lateral radiographs of knee were included. Patients with previous knee surgeries including high tibial osteotomy, deformities >20°(on mechanical axis), any neuromuscular problem and BMI ≥30 were excluded. Final assessment was done at 12 weeks. Isometric quadriceps strength was assessed by holding of contraction in seconds during the lifting (10cm above the plinth) phase of SLR (patient lying supine).Knee score (preoperative and final follow-up) was performed by Knee Society Score. Results: Thirty five were females and 21 males with mean age 65.3 years (50-78 years). Mean body mass index was 27.8 Kg/m2 (26.4-29.9). In midvastus TKR, the mean operative time was 61.7 minutes (range 52-70) whereas the same was 68.3 minutes (range 58-74) in subvastus TKR with p value 0.002. Rate of lateral retinacular release (LLR) was significantly (p=0.011) different between the midvastus TKR 5 (8.9%) and subvastus TKR 11 (19.6%). Neither group had neurovascular injury or early infection of the knee. Active SLR in subvastus group was achieved in shorter time (mean 3.1 days) as compared to midvastus group (mean 4.7 days). There was no difference (p=0.173) in isometric quadriceps strength at 12 weeks between subvastus TKR (mean 18 seconds) and midvastus TKR (mean 17 seconds). Knee society pain and functional scores were comparable between the two approaches at final follow up. Conclusion: Subvastus exposure has advantage of achieving active straight leg raise earlier while midvastus has lower frequency of lateral retinacular release. No difference in hospital stay and postoperative pain scores. Both subvastus and midvastus approaches are safe and offer comparable Knee Society Score outcomes. Keywords: Midvastus, Subvastus, Total knee arthroplasty, Knee Society Score, Straight leg raise

Objective: The study objective is to compare the pain frequency and mean hospital stay in patients with and without drain insertion, following laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acutely inflamed gallbladder. Methods: Randomized control trial was carried out in General Surgery Department Shifa International Hospital for a period of 1 year from October 2017 to October 2018. All patients with acutely inflamed gallbladder admitted underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy using conventional 4 port method. Applying Lottery method patients were sorted into two groups; (Group A) – without drain and (Group B) – with drain. Post operatively parameters of pain and total hospital stay were assessed. Data was entered into a standard SPSS sheet version 15.0. Results: Mean age of patients in without drain (group A) was 52.00±14.84 years and in with drain (group B) was 47.50±18.28 years. In without drain (group A), there were 9 (30.0%) males and 21 (70.0%) females, mean VAS was 2.37±1.22, 16.7% (5 of 60 patients) had pain, and mean hospital stay was 1.93+/-0.79 days. In with drain (group B), 13 (43.3%) were males and 17 (56.7%) were females, mean VAS was 3.2 +/-1.36, 36.7% (11 of 60 patients) had pain and mean hospital stay was 3.17+/- 0.87 days. The difference between the two groups for mean VAS was significant (P0.05). Conclusions: It has been concluded that without drain, more appropriate results have been obtained as compared to drain. Clinical Trial Number: NCT04346550

Background and Aims Although venous thromboembolism [VTE] is a well-known complication of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] in adults, limited data exist on the risk in children. We report the incidence of VTE among children with and without IBD. Methods We conducted a matched cohort study within a distributed network of population-based Canadian provincial health administrative databases. Children Results The 5-year incidence of VTE among 3593 children with IBD was 31.2 [95% CI 23.7–41.0] per 10 000 person-years [PY] compared to 0.8 [95% CI 0.4–1.7] per 10 000 PY among 16 289 children without IBD [unadjusted IRR 38.84, 95% CI 16.59–90.83; adjusted HR 22.91, 95% CI 11.50–45.63]. VTE was less common in Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis [unadjusted IRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.27–0.83; adjusted HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29–0.94]. The findings were similar for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism when comparing children with and without IBD. Conclusions The risk of VTE is much higher in children with IBD than controls without IBD. While the absolute risk is low, we found a higher incidence rate than previously described in the pediatric literature. Conference Presentation: An abstract based on the data included in this paper was presented at Canadian Digestive Diseases Week [Montréal, Canada] in March 2020.

Summary There is limited understanding of the impact of frailty on clinical outcomes in patients with myelofibrosis (MF). In this retrospective cohort study on 439 chronic phase MF patients [mean age: 68·7 ± 12 years; median follow‐up: 3·4 years (IQR 0·4–8·6)] from 2004 till 2018, we used a 35‐variable frailty index (FI) to categorise patient’s frailty status as fit (FI

Background: Previous studies have established the fact that diabetic patients are predominantly inclined towards silent myocardial infarction (SMI). The objective of the present study is to determine the incidence of SMI in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, patient data was gathered on a predesigned proforma regarding the detailed history of dyspnea, DM and its duration, chest pain either present or not. Those patients who had normal ECG labeled negative for SMI, while those who had either ST-segment elevation or ST-segment deviation on resting ECG were positive for SMI. Study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi- Pakistan. Results: The mean age of the enrolled patients was 54.21±8.65 (40-70) years. Out of 210, majority were female (51.90%).Overall, 94(44.76%) patients were obese, 122(58.09%) were hypertensive, 90(42.85%) had dyslipidemia and 98(46.66%) diabetic patients were smokers. There were 93 (44.3%) DM patients who had SMI. Moreover, 109(51.90%) patients had a family history of myocardial ischemia. Conclusion: The SMI incidence among diabetic patients was found higher in local population. It is proposed that diabetic patients with demonstrated cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy must be screened for the manifestation of SMI.

Renal replacement therapies including dialysis and transplantation for patients with end-stage kidney failure are treatment options beyond the reach of a large segment of the population, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Health care professionals practicing within developing countries face unique ethical issues in the provision of these treatment options despite the existence of free treatment at different centers. Apart from issues of accessibility of dialysis services, initiation of treatment can have disastrous consequences for the entire family unit, which is magnified in collectivist societies. Several cost-cutting measures also may have to be used that raise moral dilemmas for physicians. Although transplantation is considered the most cost-effective solution in developing countries, leading to significantly better quality of life, issues of consent from biologically related living donors and the use of marginal donors may place physicians in a quandary. Policy making in developing countries must consider the socioeconomic implications of treatment choices that extend far beyond the treatment cost.

BackgroundIndividuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis are vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 infection, with mortality as high as 31 % in this group. Population demographics in the UAE are dissimilar to many other countries and data on antibody responses to COVID-19 is also limited. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients who developed COVID-19, the impact of the screening strategy, and to assess the antibody response to a subset of dialysis patients.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the outcomes of COVID19 infection in all our haemodialysis patients, who were tested regularly for COVID 19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. In addition, IgG antibody serology was also performed to assess response to COVID-19 in a subset of patients.Results152 (13 %) of 1180 dialysis patients developed COVID-19 during the study period from 1st of March to the 1st of July 2020. Of these 81 % were male, average age of 52​ years and 95 % were on in-centre haemodialysis. Family and community contact was most likely source of infection in most patients. Fever (49 %) and cough (48 %) were the most common presenting symptoms, when present. Comorbidities in infected individuals included hypertension (93 %), diabetes (49 %), ischaemic heart disease (30 %). The majority (68 %) developed mild disease, whilst 13 % required critical care. Combinations of drugs including hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, lopinavir, ritonavir, camostat, tocilizumab and steroids were used based on local guidelines. The median time to viral clearance defined by two negative PCR tests was 15 days [IQR 6–25]. Overall mortality in our cohort was 9.2 %, but ICU mortality was 65 %. COVID-19 IgG antibody serology was performed in a subset (n = 87) but 26 % of PCR positive patients (n = 23) did not develop a significant antibody response.ConclusionsOur study reports a lower mortality in this patient group compared with many published series. Asymptomatic PCR positivity was present in 40 %. Rapid isolation of positive patients may have contributed to the relative lack of spread of COVID-19 within our dialysis units. The lack of antibody response in a few patients is concerning.

Objective: Determine the duration and post-operative complications of surgery in patients who underwent rectus sheath sling for correction of vault prolapse. We started doing this novel technique and found it very safe with least side effects so wanted to study it. Study Design: Experimental study. Setting: Nishtar Hospital Multan Pakistan. Period: July 2016 to June 2018. Material & Methods: Patients were applied autologous sling of rectus sheath at Nishtar Hospital Multan and were followed for 2 years. Patients with diabetes mellitus and any other chronic disease were excluded. Patients who had previous surgery for vault prolapse were also excluded from the study. Data were recorded and analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 23.0, percentages are given for previous surgery duration (how long before the previous surgery was done), duration of current surgery, post-operative fever, post -operative urinary tract infection(UTI), duration of stay in the hospital after surgery, parenteral analgesia requirement. Parameters were tested using Pearson Chi Square test with type of previous surgery. Results: The total number of patients in the study were 19.The mean age of the patients was 59.7 years (SD = ±9.7) and mean weight was 59.4kg (SD = ±12.5). The duration of surgery was less than 1 hour in 84 % of patients. Same percentage had less than 36 hours requirement of post- operative parenteral analgesia and thus less than 2 days of post-operative stay in hospital. Postoperatively 31.6 % had fever, 26.3% had Urinary tract infection. On 2 years follow-up of this surgery, no patient had any recurrence of vault prolapse and 85.7% showed no coital difficulty. Conclusion: This surgical procedure is a simple, time saving method with less complications and is best suited for low resource countries like Pakistan.

Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies in both domestic and wild ruminants are very common. Indigestible foreign materials can be ingested during free range grazing or under captivity in zoos or game parks. There are different types of bezoars in literature. The most common in animals are phytobezoars, trichobezoars, lactobezoars, phytotrichobezoars, lithobezoars or pharmacobezoars. This is a case study of an adult (4 years old), 40 kg body weight female Fallow Deer (Dama dama) which was reared with other four more Fallow Deer does at Riyadh Zoological Garden. The doe was found sluggish and weak. On presentation the veterinarian of the zoo noticed the anorexia, pale mucous membranes and dullness. There was Normocytic Normochromic anaemia, low RBCs and Haematocrit level, high neutrophil count and leucocytosis. The doe was subjected to medicinal and supportive therapy but she could not recover and found dead on very next day. On post-mortem examination, an unusual large polythene bezoar along with calcified stony mass recovered from the rumen. The results suggested that the rumen impaction in the Fallow Deer might be due scavenging on refused Plastic dumps in the premises left over by visitors to the zoo and that the blood biochemical alterations, alongside clinical signs, might be of some diagnostic assistance.

Objective: To determine the frequency of perinatal outcomes (macrosomia, large for gestational age, birth asphyxia) in pregnant diabetic women with low and high plasma glucose levels between 36-40 weeks. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, DHQ Hospital, Lodhran. Period: 2017 to 2019. Material & Methods: Total 285 diabetic women of age 25-40 years with singleton pregnancy of gestational age 36-40 weeks were selected. Patients with multiple pregnancies, GDM, renal disease and hypertension were excluded. Plasma glucose levels (fasting & 2 hour post-prandial) measured and mean values (fasting + postprandial/2) calculated. The mean values falling between 100-139 mg/dl were taken as low plasma glucose level where as ≥140 mg/dl noted as high plasma glucose level. The perinatal outcomes (macrosomia, large for gestational age, birth asphyxia) were assessed at the time of delivery. Results: Mean age was 29.44 ± 6.01 years. Mean plasma glucose levels were 109.77 ± 6.81 mg/dl. Perinatal outcome i.e. macrosomia, large for gestational age infants and birth asphyxia was found in 7.72%, 27.37% and 22.81% respectively. In this study that pregnant women with mean plasma glucose of 100-139 mg/dl showed frequency of macrosomia by 3.59%, large for gestational age 16.17% and birth asphyxia 14.35% while women with mean plasma glucose of ≥140 mg/dl showed frequency of macrosomia by 13.56%, large for gestational Age 43.22% and birth asphyxia 34.75%. Conclusion: Pregnant diabetic women with high plasma glucose levels have significantly high percentage of large for gestational age, birth asphyxia and macrosomia as compared to diabetic mothers with low plasma blood glucose levels. Consider diabetic mothers at risk and implement efficacious treatment in order to reduce the perinatal complications.

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but risk factors, in-hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We analyzed the data from 54 health care facilities using the Cerner deidentified COVID-19 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19. Results: A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8163 patients with COVID-19. Among all patients with COVID-19, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.6–2.4]; P P =0.03) after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with COVID-19 and usually occurs in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased 2-fold with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19.

Phaseolus vulgaris Linn commonly known as red kidney bean, it is enriched in protein, carbohydrates and dietary fibres. Beans have nutritional and health benefits and also possess antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and anticancer activity due to presence of bio-active chemical constituents. The following study was carried out to evaluate the anti-depressant activity of Phaseolus vulgaris fixed oil (PVFO) using forced swim test and tail suspension test in mice. In this study animals assigned into four groups (n=7). Group I: Control normal saline (2 mL/Kg), Group II: PVFO I (2 mL/Kg), Group III: PVFO II (4 mL/Kg) and Group IV: standard amitriptyline (10 mg/Kg). The results were significant and indicated the possible anti-depressant role of Phaseolus vulgaris fixed oil.

OBJECTIVES: To report changes in practice brought about by COVID-19 and the implementation of new guidelines, and to explore factors relating to unscheduled re-presentations for patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: Prospective multicentre national audit over 12 weeks from 6th April 2020. SETTING: UK secondary care ENT departments. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with acute epistaxis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Re-presentation within 10 days for patients discharged from the ED. RESULTS: Eighty three centres from all four UK nations submitted 2631 valid cases. The majority of cases were ED referrals (89.7%, n = 2358/2631). 54.6% were discharged from the ED following ENT review (n = 1267/2322), of whom 19.5% re-presented within 10 days (n = 245/1259) and 6.8% were ultimately admitted (n = 86/1259). 46.7% of patients had a non-dissolvable pack inserted by ED prior to referral to ENT (n = 1099/2355). The discharge rates for ED patients and their subsequent re-presentation rates were as follows: non-dissolvable packs, 29.5% discharged (n = 332/1125), 18.2% re-presented (n = 60/330); dissolvable products, 71.1% discharged (n = 488/686), 21.8% re-presented (n = 106/486); cautery only, 89.2% discharged (n = 247/277), 20.0% re-presented (n = 49/245); and no intranasal intervention, 85.5% discharged (n = 200/234), 15.2% re-presented (n = 30/198). Univariable logistic regression showed that not being packed by ED, antiplatelet medications, failed cautery and recent epistaxis treatment were significant predictors of re-presentation within 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Management of acute epistaxis was notably affected during the initial peak of the pandemic, with a shift towards reduced admissions. This national audit highlights that many patients who may previously have been admitted to hospital may be safely discharged from the ED following acute epistaxis.

Understanding the immune response to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is crucial for disease prevention and vaccine development. We studied the antibody responses in 48 human MERS-CoV infection survivors who had variable disease severity in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected for 6 years postinfection.

Background: Pain is a common complaint of patients after surgery. Different techniques or medications including local anesthetics infiltration, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids have been used for postoperative analgesia. Lidocaine is an amide local anesthetic agent that works by influencing the complex phenomenon of pain. Aim: To compare the mean pain score with intraoperative lidocaine versus control in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: 350 patients aged 20-60 years of either sex scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. Patients with allergy to lidocaine; patients with neuromuscular disease, endocrine or metabolic disorder and pregnant patients were excluded from study. Patients were randomly divided in two groups by using lottery method after taking informed consent. On arrival to the operating room, monitor was attached to display continuous ECG, mean arterial blood pressure, and arterial oxygen saturation. Results: In lidocaine group, the mean age of patients was 39.93±11.56years. In control group, the mean age of patients was 37.93±11.83years. In lidocaine group, there were 91 (52%) males and 84 (48%) females. In control group, there were 77 (44%) males and 98 (56%) females. In lidocaine group, the mean BMI of patients was 26.66±4.81kg/m2. In control group, the mean BMI of patients was 26.77±4.76kg/m2. In lidocaine group, the mean pain score of patients was 1.00±0.84. In control group, the mean pain score of patients was 2.39±1.10. The difference was significant (p

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a relatively common and severe complication of SCI and an independent risk factor for mortality. Sickle cell disease is considered one of the most common diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. When a healthy disease related to cardiovascular health is highlighted, sickle cell anemia may be the most common and related disease in high pulmonary pressure. In this study, we aimed in this study to determine prevalence of PHTN in SCA patient, and associated risk factors with it. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in kingdom of Saudi Arabia (General population, SCA patient and CVD patient), from 29/7/2020 till 15/11/2020. The study was depending on online self-reported questionnaire that included assessing the demographic factors as gender, nationality besides, disease-related information: SCA patient , CVD patient and DM patient. Results: we received 794 responses to our questionnaire where 93.5 % of them were Saudi Arabian. The prevalence of sickle cell anemia is 8.8 %. Male represented 29.8 % of patients while female represented 52.2 % of patients. In SCA patients, the prevalence of PHTN was 31.8 %. Moreover, it was found that having cardiac disease is considered a risk factor for developing PHTN where 37.7 % of patients having cardiac disease had PHTN compared with 6.2 % of health patients (OD: 9.16, 95 % CI: 5.5479 to 15.13, P=0.000) while diabetes mellitus increase risk for developing PHTN by more than seven fold (OD: 7.6, 95 % CI 4.7175 to 12.4, P=0.000) and disorder of nervous system by 12 folds (OD: 12.7 95 % CI: 7.6658 to 21.09, P=0.000). Conclusion: we had found that the prevalence if SCA among Saudi Arabia is 8.8 % with a higher prevalence in female than male. Moreover, the prevalence of PHTN in SCA patients was high about 31.8 % which is much higher than its prevalence in normal individuals. Moreover, it was found that having cardiac disease is considered a risk factor for developing PHTN besides, having diabetic condition and disorder of nervous system which increased risk for developing PHTN in SCA by nine, seven and 12-fold respectively.

Teledentistry, with the use of an intra-oral camera (IOC), can overcome numerous challenges. The visual nature of oral diseases and dental treatments is ideal for practising teledentistry, especially during COVID-19. Images or videos of the oral cavity to evaluate caries, plaque, calculus, tooth wear, fluorosis, and stains can be captured by a trained and calibrated examiner with IOC. The IOC was shown to be a reliable tool to identify common oral diseases. Certain limitations like low illumination can be overcome by using IOC as they are equipped with a light-emitting diode which can offer superior visualisation and inbuilt magnification of the oral cavity. However, there is a possibility of overestimation of the disease. IOC can also be used for patient education through the “show and tell” concept in real-time like showing the areas where the disease may be a concern like plaque, calculus, and early signs of tooth decay. However, it may be challenging to diagnose diseases remotely in real-time and simultaneously seek specialist consultations and recommendations relating to the treatment protocols for numerous conditions. This manuscript reviews the challenges concerning communication, ethics, teamwork, consumables, data storage, and analysis which could be encountered with the use of IOC in this era of teledentistry and COVID-19.

Background The role of tracheostomy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear, with several consensus guidelines advising against this practice. We developed both a dedicated airway team and coordinated education programme to facilitate ward management of tracheostomised COVID-19 patients. Here, we report outcomes in the first 100 COVID-19 patients who underwent tracheostomy at our institution. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study of patients confirmed to have COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. The primary outcome measure was 30-day survival, accounting for severe organ dysfunction (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health [APACHE]-II score>17). Secondary outcomes included duration of ventilation, ICU stay, and healthcare workers directly involved in tracheostomy care acquiring COVID-19. Results A total of 164 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the ICU between March 9, 2020 and April 21, 2020. A total of 100 patients (mean [standard deviation] age: 55 [12] yr; 29% female) underwent tracheostomy; 64 (age: 57 [14] yr; 25% female) did not undergo tracheostomy. Despite similar APACHE-II scores, 30-day survival was higher in 85/100 (85%) patients after tracheostomy, compared with 27/64 (42%) non-tracheostomised patients {relative risk: 3.9 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.3–6.4); P

The novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic primarily affects the respiratory system. Elderly individuals with comorbidity are severely affected. Survivors weaned from mechanical ventilation are at a higher risk of developing post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). This scoping review, based on 40 recent publications, highlights pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in COVID-19. There is a paucity of high-quality research on this topic. However, rehabilitation societies including the Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation have issued PR recommendations in COVID-19 pneumonia with productive cough can benefit from diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and resistance-breathing training. Besides, those in mechanical ventilation and post-PICS COVID-19 cases, oxygen therapy, early mobilization, airway clearance, aerobic exercise, gradual-graded limb muscle resistance exercise, nutritional and psychological interventions should be consideration. During PR, careful evaluation of vital signs and exercise-induced symptoms is also required. When in-person PR is not possible, telerehabilitation should be explored. However, the long-term effects of PR in COVID-19 need further evaluation.

Privacy and confidentiality are considered a cornerstone in the practice of medical ethics. However, these notions may play out differently in the cultural context of Pakistan. In order to understand the perceptions and expectations of privacy and confidentiality, a cross-sectional mixed method study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. While the subjects demonstrated unfamiliarity with the Western terms, majority of them also exhibited a high expectation for privacy (both informational and physical) and confidentiality. Patients appeared most comfortable with sharing private medical information with the primary physician, indicating the level of trust placed in the physician. Participants also showed high expectations for confidentiality, thus, even in a collectivist society, patients may not want their private information shared across the medical team and also among family members. The onus is, therefore, on healthcare professionals to assess patients’ preferences and choices. Keywords: Privacy, Confidentiality, Patient perception, Continuous...

Objective To ascertain the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithomy in patients with previous open renal surgery. Study design Descriptive study. Place and duration of study The Kidney Centre Postgraduate Training Institute, Karachi from January to December 2018. Methodology Patients with previous open renal surgery underwent percutaneous nephrolithomy during study period (Group A). Equal number of percutaneous nephrolithomy patients without previous open surgery taken as controls (Group B). Safety was defined in terms of 'blood loss' as change in hemoglobin (HB) level and 'blood transfusion,' while efficacy was defined in terms of 'stone clearance' and were compared between both the groups. Results There were a total of 87 patients. Both groups had comparative gender ratio [p = 0.858]. Mean age [p = 0.132] and BMI [p = 0.879] of patients in both groups was not significantly different from each other. Both groups showed no statistically significant difference in terms of values of stone size [p = 0.186], stone laterality [p = 0.437] stone location [p = 0.949], preoperative Hb [p = 0.095], postoperative Hb [p = 0.423] and change in Hb (indicating blood loss, p = 0.398). Puncture levels were significantly different among both groups (supracostal puncture in 18 and 36 patients; infracostal puncture in 63 and 51 patients in groups A and B, respectively, p = 0.006), while operative time [p = 0.787], calyx punctured [p = 0.051], double puncture [p = 0.787], nephrostomy tube [p = 0.288] were statistically not different among groups. Similar number of patients demonstrated residual stones [p = 0.773], along with residual stone sizes [Group A (0.5; 0.5) and Group B (0.65; 0.38)] [p = 0.445]. Intra- and postoperative complications like blood transfusion [p = 0.700] and fever [p = 1.000] along with hospital stay [p = 0.614] were comparable among groups. Conclusion Percutaneous nephrolithomy is safe and effective in previously operated kidneys despite the possibility of calyceal anatomy distortion and scarring. Key Words: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Open surgery, Kidney calculi.

Background and aim Plaque is a common etiological factor for common oral conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries and halitosis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel herbal dentifrice in control of plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis in comparison to control dentifrice. Experimental procedure We conducted a randomized controlled, single center, double-blinded parallel arm clinical trial. Participants were randomly distributed with commercially available herbal dentifrice or control dentifrice. Assessments of plaque, gingivitis, halitosis, unstimulated saliva pH were done at baseline and at one month by a trained and calibrated periodontist. All the participants were given new toothbrushes one week before the start of the study. They were asked to brush with the designated dentifrices for 2–4 min, twice daily for one month. Results and conclusion A total of 79 participants were recruited for this study, out of which 75 participants completed the follow-up. Inter-group comparisons of all the variables at baseline showed no significant differences in the mean plaque index, gingival index, halitosis and pH between test and control groups respectively. Intra-group comparisons showed a significant decrease in mean plaque, gingival and halitosis at follow-up than at baseline in both test and control groups. No significant differences between test and control groups were seen in the mean plaque index (P = 0.792), gingival index (P = 0.292), halitosis (P = 0.266), pH (P = 0.742) at follow-up after adjusting the respective baseline scores. The novel herbal dentifrice could be a suitable alternative for the control of plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Significant decrease in clinical indices at follow-up than baseline in both groups. • Significant increase in salivary pH at follow-up than baseline in both groups. • No significant differences were seen clinical indices between test and control.

Objectives: To compare the outcome in terms of carrying angle with medial versus lateral approach in the treatment of these fractures among children. Study Design: Randomized Clinical trial. Setting: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Civil Hospital Bahawalpur and Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: From June 2018 to September 2019. Material & Methods: A total of 154 children of both genders, aged 2-14 years having supracondylar humeral fracture of type II and III, with duration of fracture within 7 days, were enrolled. Patients were divided in two groups (77 in each group), group A and group B. Group A was managed by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with cross K-wire through medial approach and group B underwent lateral approach. Results: Out of 154 cases, 102 (66.2%) were boys and 52 (33.8%) were girls. Overall, mean age was noted to be 7.98 ± 2.23 years. Obesity was present in 16 (10.4%) cases. Mean duration of fracture was noted to be 4.21 ± 1.34 days while 106 (68.8%) had duration less than 5 days. There were 119 (77.3%) cases with history of fall and 35 (22.7%) had history of road traffic accidents (RTA). Sixty one (39.6 %) cases were classified as Gartland type II fractures while remaining 93 (60.4 %) were type III fractures. Excellent outcome with carrying angle 0–5o in group A was noted to be 67 (87 %) while that of group B was 54 (70.1%) (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Medial approach for the treatment of pediatric SHF was noted to be superior in terms of postoperative carrying angle having satisfactory outcome in comparison with the lateral approach.

Background Spinal arachnoid webs are a rare anatomic entity manifesting as neuropathic back pain, compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy and hydrocephalus. Typical treatments include hemi or full laminectomy with durotomy and microsurgical resection which can result in secondary scarring, and recurrent blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow perpetuating the cycle. Case Description A 66-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening gait and memory. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an arachnoid web in the high thoracic region, causing cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction and hydrocephalus. A standard lumbar drainage catheter was introduced percutaneously into the lumbar thecal sac, and advanced in a cephalad direction, across the arachnoid web, to the high thoracic region. The patient underwent continuous cerebrospinal fluid drainage through this catheter for a total of three days, displaying measurable clinical improvement that persisted at the three months follow up visit. Phase-contrast MRI demonstrated interval reconstitution of dorsal synchronous cerebrospinal fluid flow at the 2nd thoracic vertebral level, both on day three, as well as at the three months control imaging study. Conclusion This minimally invasive approach seems useful in achieving restoration of spinal fluid flow at the thoracic region when the underlying blockage results from an arachnoid web and leads to quantifiable clinical improvement.

Objectives: To determine the failure of DHS (dynamic hip screw) in terms of lag screw cutout. Study Design: Hospital Based Cross Sectional study. Setting: BVH and Civil Hospital Bahawalpur. Period: From 2013 to 2018. Material & Methods: 273 patients of both genders with age more than 50 years having stable intertrochanteric fractures were included in this study. With the help of C arm, the best possible anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation was done with 135 degree DHS. Lag screw position and TAD determined on first postoperative day on radiographs (Anteroposterior & Lateral). Failure of fixation was determined on the radiographs during follow up. Lag screw cut-out was the projection of the screw from the femoral head by more than 1mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.6 years (50-88). There were 132 (51.1 %) males and 126 (48.8%) females. Overall lag screw cutout rate was 11.2%. 21(30.8%) had screw cutout while 47 (69.1%) healed successfully among 68 patients with TAD ≥ 25mm. On the other hand 8(4.2%) had screw cutout while 182 (95.7%) healed successfully among 190 patients with TAD < 25mm. Middle middle and inferior middle position had highest success rate (˃ 92%) while inferior posterior position had highest cutout rate (36.2%). Among different age categories high failure rate (17.8%) seen in patients more than 70 years. Conclusion: The incidence of lag screw cutout is 11.2 % and risk of cutout can be minimized by placing lag screw in middle middle or inferior middle position and keeping the TAD < 25mm. More attention during follow up should be paid to patients with age ˃ 70 years.

Objective: To determine the frequency of anemia and its causative risk factors in patients attending the gynecology outpatient department of Nishtar Medical University and Hospital. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Gynecology Outpatient Department attendees of Nishtar Medical University and Hospital. Period: 1st September to 31st December 2019. Material & Methods: Total 361 females between 19-49 years of age were enrolled and included those patients who consented to be tested for blood hemoglobin estimation. Their brief history was taken after proper consent according to predesigned proforma to rule out the risk factors. Patients with chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases and liver diseases were excluded. Blood test was done by obtaining the blood sample by finger prick method. Hemoglobin analysis was performed by portable Hemocueanalyser. Frequency of anemia, severity of anemia and their stratification was performed against the risk factors like age, educational status, socioeconomic status, status of pregnancy, parity and contraception were obtained to rule the causative factors. Anemia was defined per standard criteria as hemoglobin less than 11gm/dl. Results: Majority of patients 65% were between 19-35 years of age and 34% were 36-49years of age. Frequency of pregnant patients and non-pregnant patients was 63.4% and 36.6%. Frequency of anemia was 56.8%, mean hemoglobin 10.48±1.18 with mild, moderate and severe anemia were 36.8%, 17.2% and 2.8%. Majority of females 82.9%, never went to school and had primary education, 71.70% belong to very poor and poor socioeconomic status, 79.02% were multipara and 81.95% never and infrequently practiced the contraceptive methods. Conclusion: Frequency of anemia is very high in females presenting to tertiary care hospital being more common in younger age group. Frequent pregnancies, poor socioeconomic status and low level of educational attainment were the major determinants of anemia in females.

Schizophrenia is a disorder of mental debility characterized by abnormal social behavior in which person is unable to recognize reality. The sign and symptoms are variable and heterogeneous. Due to the diverse symptoms and variable treatment response, it is challenging to treat. Recent advancements in genomic, epidemiology and neurosciences can provide the appropriate medicines and treatments for minimizing symptoms and consequences of schizophrenia. This literature review was highlights the etiology, pathophysiology, neurotransmitter system, novel treatment and management of schizophrenia.The mainstay treatment of schizophrenic patients included antipsychotic drug with psychotherapy, social rehabilitation and job training

Background Since year 2000 the diagnostic criterion for fast track (FT) referrals for patients with suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) is used in the UK. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is one of the diagnostic criteria. There is a strong evidence in the literature which suggests that Iron deficiency (ID) alone has a strong relationship with CRC. Non-anaemic Iron deficiency (NAID) and all other types of anaemia are investigated outside the scope of FT clinics. We postulated that patients with ID regardless of degree of anaemia have an increased risk of CRC. By confirming this hypothesis, we can broaden the scope of the diagnostic criterion for referral that can help to increase diagnostic yield of FT CRC services. Methods A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted from a dedicated data for FT clinics from 2016-2018. Association between CRC and different forms of anaemia, Iron deficiency alone and bowel symptoms was determined. Results Patients with iron deficiency (low MCV, MCH and ferritin) regardless of degree of anaemia were found more likely to have CRC. Factors like age, gender, family history and bowel symptoms (except abdominal mass) showed a very weak association with CRC in patients with ID. Conclusions ID without anaemia has a strong relationship with CRC and should be investigated with the same priority as IDA is investigated.

Purpose Determining the role of DYNC2H1 variants in nonsyndromic inherited retinal disease (IRD). Methods Genome and exome sequencing were performed for five unrelated cases of IRD with no identified variant. In vitro assays were developed to validate the variants identified (fibroblast assay, induced pluripotent stem cell [iPSC] derived retinal organoids, and a dynein motility assay). Results Four novel DYNC2H1 variants (V1, g.103327020_103327021dup; V2, g.103055779A>T; V3, g.103112272C>G; V4, g.103070104A>C) and one previously reported variant (V5, g.103339363T>G) were identified. In proband 1 (V1/V2), V1 was predicted to introduce a premature termination codon (PTC), whereas V2 disrupted the exon 41 splice donor site causing incomplete skipping of exon 41. V1 and V2 impaired dynein-2 motility in vitro and perturbed IFT88 distribution within cilia. V3, homozygous in probands 2–4, is predicted to cause a PTC in a retina-predominant transcript. Analysis of retinal organoids showed that this new transcript expression increased with organoid differentiation. V4, a novel missense variant, was in trans with V5, previously associated with Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD). Conclusion The DYNC2H1 variants discussed herein were either hypomorphic or affecting a retina-predominant transcript and caused nonsyndromic IRD. Dynein variants, specifically DYNC2H1 variants are reported as a cause of non syndromic IRD.