Pak J Med Sci
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To evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin combined with febuxostat in the treatment of gout patients with carotid atherosclerosis and to observe the effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, carotid plaques, and the adverse reactions. ⋯ Double doses of atorvastatin combined with febuxostat can effectively reduce uric acid to improve the inflammatory state in patients and reduce carotid plaques without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.
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To determine the effectiveness of levamisole in maintaining remission of proteinuria in children with frequent relapsing and steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (FR/SDNS). ⋯ Levamisole was effective in maintaining remission in 90% while on treatment, whereas it maintained remission after discontinuation in 76.4% cases. Levamisole may be used as first steroid sparing agent before other immunosuppressive therapies in children with FR/SDNS. Further studies are required for optimal duration and dosage schedule.
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We aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of bloodstream infections (BSIs) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in a Chinese population. ⋯ BSIs during ECMO therapy frequently involve Gram-negative bacteria. Stringent care and monitoring should be provided for patients with high SOFA scores.
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Review
Talipes equinovarus or Clubfoot: A review of study approaches, management and trends in Pakistan.
This paper aims to assess the status of scientific literature on talipes equinovarus (TEV) published from Pakistan, to get an insight into the trend in knowledge over the years, and to highlight study gaps in this area. A detailed review of published literature was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020. 'Talipes/congenital talipes', 'clubfoot/congenital clubfoot', 'talipes equinovarus /congenital talipes equinovarus' AND 'Pakistan' were used as key terms. Different search engines, PubMed, PakMediNet, ScienceDirect, Embase and Google Scholar were utilized to retrieve articles. ⋯ There is, however, scarcity of basic research on the prevalence, etiology, risk factors, clinical heterogeneity, associated anomalies, genetics, and molecular diagnostics of TEV. In conclusion, prudent scientific evidence is required for any policy-making and relevant public health action. Hence, large scale population-based studies are required for a broader overview and understanding the clinical spectrum of TEV.
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We aimed to investigate the knowledge of medical students about COVID-19, the effects of the traumatic situation they experienced, the stress they perceived and the factors affecting them. In addition, we aimed to learn the thoughts of the students about the virus due to the uncertainties. ⋯ It was found that medical students were highly worried about being infected with COVID-19. The scores obtained from the pre-clinic students' anxiety to become infected with COVID-19, PSS and IES-R total scores were found to be significantly higher than their clinical students.