Pak J Med Sci
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Ischemia and inflammation play a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Plasma neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and 25- hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) were used as a biomarker for inflammation and atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate a link between NLR, vitamin D and ischemia in AD. ⋯ NLR was higher in AD while there was no difference between the Fazekas-0 and Fazekas-3 AD groups. Vitamin D was lower in the Fazekas-3 AD group. These data suggested that NLR increased independently of ischemia in AD. Also vitamin D deficiency could trigger ischemia in AD.
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To observe the efficacy and imaging of surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures via the paravertebral muscle space approach. ⋯ For the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, the clinical efficacy of the paravertebral muscle space approach is superior to that of the traditional posterior median approach, and the clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive percutaneous approach is similar to that of the posterior median approach. All the three approaches can effectively improve the postoperative function and pain symptoms of patients without increasing the incidence of complications. Compared with the posterior median approach, the surgery via the paravertebral muscle space and minimally invasive percutaneous approaches presents shorter surgical duration, less bleeding and shorter hospital stay, which is more conducive to postoperative recovery of patients.
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To determine the frequency and associated risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI), and its effect on the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant Pakistani women. ⋯ UI is a common problem in pregnant women in Pakistan. It affects sexual functions the most, with a severe impact on the QOL, however, it commonly remains unreported. Thus the health care providers need to enquire all pregnant women on this issue, especially those at risk, and educate them on the available management options.
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Understanding the epidemiology of upper gastrointestinal cancers in Pakistan may help in identifying important demographic risk factors for upper gastrointestinal malignancies in a particular rural population group. This will benefit in implementing tailored prevention approaches as well as effective management of health services. ⋯ The average age of patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy among rural community of Karachi was relatively low. The burden of upper GI malignancies was significantly higher among elderly. Male patients had significantly greater burden of premalignant and malignant lesions as compared to females. No differences in the distribution of diagnostic outcomes were observed on the basis of ethnicity.
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To investigate the relationship between isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutation, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter mutation and the prognosis of human glioma patients. ⋯ IDH1/2 gene and TERT promoter mutations are more frequent in patients with human glioma. These related factors can be used as molecular markers to aid in the prognosis of patients with glioma.