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Objective: The study aims to evaluate the motivation levels of dental students, with an emphasis on first-year BDS students, by utilizing the Strength of Motivation for Medical School (SMMS) questionnaire. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study targeting 89 first-year BDS students enrolled at Lahore Medical and Dental College from 5th June to 18th August 2023. The Strength of Motivation for Medical School (SMMS) questionnaire was given to the participants after ethical board approval. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 26. The SMMS score was presented as the means standard deviation and an independent t-test was used to find the difference between the groups. The maximum score possible is 80 and the minimum is 16. The higher the score, the greater the strength of motivation. Results: In this study, a total of 89 first-year BDS students completed motivation questionnaires, with 34.8% males and 65.2% females. The average age was 19.92±3.13. The overall Strength of Motivation Score (SMMS) averaged 45.53±6.82. Results indicated 9% low, 89.9% moderate, and 1.1% strong motivation. Females had a slightly higher mean SMMS (45.93±6.88) than males (44.80±6.76), but the difference was deemed insignificant (p = 0.462) via independent t-test. Conclusion: Motivation is vital to achieving excellence in academic pursuits. Nevertheless, there isn’t a single criterion that can be utilized to assess success and motivation. Our primary focus must be on every possible outcome of success, not just the scoring criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress is characterized as a condition of anxiety or tension spurred on by challenging circumstances. Stress is a normal human reaction that motivates us to deal with obstacles and dangers in our lives. The study aimed to investigate the levels of stress that employees in the medical emergency unit (MEU) industry face and any possible relationship between work satisfaction, and perceived stress. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the stress levels of MEU workers in different teaching hospitals in Lahore using the PSS-10 stress scale. Our research aims to examine and compare the perceived stress based on gender, profession, and marital status. Methods: The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design to assess and compare stress levels among MEU workers in teaching hospitals across Lahore. The target population consisted of MEU workers in teaching hospitals across Lahore. The perceived stress levels were measured using the PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaire, a widely accepted, validated, and reliable instrument for assessing stress perception in individuals. The data was subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using the SPSS. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were employed to summarize stress levels among medical emergency unit workers in different teaching hospitals. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were utilized to compare stress levels across teaching hospitals. Results: In this study involving 304 medical professionals, participants, on average, were 29.95 years old with a mean stress score of 20.99. The majority were female (62.8%), married (50.7%), and affiliated with Mayo Hospital (17.4%). Occupation-wise, 66.45% were doctors, and no significant difference in perceived stress was observed among professional categories. However, there was a significant difference in stress scores among hospitals, with FMH participants exhibiting lower stress compared to others (p<0.005). Conclusion: The study found significant differences in stress among medical emergency unit staff in teaching hospitals in Lahore. The results highlight the significance of targeted interventions and support initiatives to improve worker resilience and well-being in high-stress healthcare settings. It provides valuable information for improving stress management and preventive tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine physicians' acceptance rate of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program ASP interventions in critically ill patients and to compare the clinical outcomes between accepted and rejected ASP groups. The study included patients on carbapenem therapy who were advised ASP interventions between 18-75 years of age and admitted in ICU/HDU from December 2020 to May 2021 at Liaquat National Hospital Karachi. Based on acceptance by the primary physician, data is divided into two groups. Outcomes were observed based on clinical improvement within seven days, 30-day mortality and readmission rates. Among 134 non-adherent prescriptions, Carbapenem ASP interventions were accepted in 117 (87.3%) patients. The accepted interventions improved clinical outcomes for most patients within seven days, 99 (84.6%). An insignificant association in death between the accepted versus rejected group within 30 days (p=1.000) was observed. On the other hand, a significant association in readmission was seen between both groups within 30 days (p=0.036). This study concluded that carbapenem prescriptions guided by the 'Antimicrobial stewardship program' are widely accepted in Pakistan and have improved clinical outcomes within 30 days of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The emphasis on prevention in English health policy continues to centre predominantly on major diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. A number of key documents detailing self-management techniques and prevention of osteoarthritis (OA) are currently available, including the NICE guidelines and the Arthritis Foundation’s National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis. However, few investigations have explored preventative knowledge of knee OA amongst the population. In particular, asymptomatic members of the population may use further information in considering how to prevent knee pain. This study considers perceptions around the prevention of knee pain amongst an asymptomatic population; this target population may provide alternative insights by which to stimulate preventative behaviours. Methods A sample of thirteen patients with no current knee pain was selected from responders to a population survey. Each interview was tape recorded and fully transcribed. Qualitative computer software package NVivo8 was used to manage the data. Thematic analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method. Results The definition and causes of knee pain were interpreted in a multitude of ways. The importance of prevention was recognised by a sub-set, while a small proportion of participants negated the role of prevention. A range of social factors, including early adoption of actions, influenced the implementation and continuation of preventative behaviours. Individual responsibility for prevention was a key theme, although the role of society was also considered. Exercise was cited as a principal preventative strategy, although some participants viewed exercise as a destructive activity. A number of participants deemed pharmacotherapy to be harmful and at odds with normal physiology, instead preferring to adopt preventative behaviour over medication usage. Conclusions This asymptomatic population exhibit considerable breadth and variation in knowledge of preventative strategies for knee pain. Similarities in perceptions of prevention exist when comparing to the symptomatic population. These range from emphasis on individual responsibility, through to observations on the role of exercise and pharmacotherapy in knee pain. In general individuals are agreeable to act upon recommended treatments in line with NICE guidance. This receptiveness demands a greater consideration of preventative strategies in consultations, as well as wider availability and promotion of preventative strategies in order to improve the musculoskeletal health of the general population.

Nelumbo nucifera fruit (NNF) is frequently used for the treatment of many diseases in Asian countries without proper scientific evidence of its safety. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicological effects of NNF. Toxicity study was conducted on 28 male Wister rats weighing 180-230 g that were allocated equally to 4 treatment groups; a control and 3 test groups. Parameters assessed were clinical signs, body weight, hematology, blood biochemistry and histopathology after administration of NNF to rats for 13 weeks. No major toxicity was revealed throughout the study, though some biochemical changes were observed in hepatic and renal tissues but these changes did not correspond with histopathology findings. There was no mortality and evidence of systemic toxicity following 13 weeks administration of NNF. Hematology and blood biochemistry did not reveal any toxicity at any dose; however, histopathological evaluation of hepatic tissues of few animals treated with 200 mg/kg showed areas of necrosis at lesser extent in few animals after 13 weeks exposure of fruit. Histopathology of renal tissues of group treated with 200 mg/kg revealed areas of moderate tubular disruption and few foci of tubular necrosis. Although only few adverse effects were observed but NNF administration if necessary for a prolonged period, then it may be used in a dose rage of 50-100 mg/kg in order to avoid intractable effects. Additional studies are required to clinically evaluate the safety profile of NNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It highlights the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and then provides a spotlight on workplace health in the context of long-term sickness absence and capability to work. It discusses some of the actions that need to be taken by a range of stakeholders in order to implement NICE guidance in this area and aid employees in ensuring good workplace health. The NICE guidance on workplace health, discussed in this article, predates the current pandemic. Comment is made specifically on fitness for work assessments, where the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a range of unique clinical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS) can exhibit poor emotional control and aggression. We explored anger in young patients with TS. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with TS and 41 healthy controls completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). Parents and teachers completed the child behavior checklist and Conners’ Parent/Teacher Rating Scales-Revised. STAXI scores were not significantly different between patients with TS and controls. However, many proxy-rated measures linked to anger and externalizing problems were significantly higher in TS. As proxy-rated instruments revealed more oppositional and aggressive behaviors in young patients with TS, they are important in the multidimensional assessment of TS. These findings offer useful insights into the nature of anger symptoms in young patients with TS and provide a basis for more effective diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]