Background. Cervical cancer incidence is highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), accounting for nearly 80% of cases worldwide. The circumstances in Pakistan are to a great extent obscure due to a lack of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and the lack of screening programs at population level. HPV screening is unavailable in many regions of Pakistan, and Pap smear testing is rarely performed even in gynecological clinics. Recently, the frequency of HPV has risen extensively in Pakistan. Methods. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the awareness level of HPV, the attitude towards HPV vaccine, and screening of HPV among students of ten medical colleges across Pakistan. The study was a self‐administered questionnaire‐based survey. A total of 4007 questionnaires were collected and analyzed from medical students studying at different colleges in Pakistan. Results. The current study revealed a significant lack of knowledge and awareness concerning HPV among medical students in Pakistan as well as low screening rate of (11.1 %) due to many barriers. In the absence of cervical screening program, cancer of cervix remains a major health problem. Conclusion. Education initiatives in Pakistani schools remain crucial to raise awareness on HPV and promote HPV screening, especially among medical students, who represent the country's future and healthcare system.

Background. Energy drink (ED) intake is associated with acute changes in cardiovascular indices. However, the amplitude of electrocardiographic (ECG) waves have been scarcely studied and gender difference has not been explored either. The current study aims to observe changes in ECG under the influence of ED with focusing on gender differences. Methods. Twenty healthy participants with an average age of 22 years were enrolled in this study. Half of the participants were male and half were female. This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, University of Karachi from July 2019 to October 2019. The participants were asked to drink 500 ml of ED. Later limb lead ECG was performed before (Before-ED) and 2 hours after (After-ED) intake. Recording and data analysis was done through Powerlab. Heart rate (HR) corrected QT interval (QTc), R wave, and T wave amplitudes and HR were calculated and analyzed. Results. QTc was found to increase (10%) in After-ED as compared to Before-ED. In contrast, T wave was found to reduce (37%) in After-ED. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). These changes in QTc and T waves were similar in both male and female subjects. The HR did not change in males. In females, it increased from an average of 82 bpm in Before-ED to 92 bpm in After-ED and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Acute intake of energy drinks produces acute changes in ECG with no gender difference. Thus, regular intake of these drinks should be avoided.

Background. Contrast sensitivity (CS) is the innate ability of the eyes to discern any variation in luminance or brightness between an object and its background within a given space. CS is important for recognizing lane markers, road signs, and oncoming traffic while driving, especially in low contrast environments, such as at night or during foggy weather. This survey aimed to evaluate the risk factors and prevalence of CS impairment among drivers of commercial motor vehicles in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods. This study employed an observational cross-sectional survey of 341 drivers of commercial motor vehicles aged 20-70 years (with the mean age of 48.09 years ± 11.21 years) in Benin City. The sample comprised 326 (96.6%) male drivers and 15 (4.4%) female drivers. The sample was selected using the purposive random sampling technique. The data was collected through the adjusted National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25. Pelli-Robson test was performed to assess contrast sensitivity. Data was analysed using IBM-SPSS (version 29.0). Chi-square test was used to observe significant differences between CS and the associated risk factors. Results. The prevalence of impaired CS in this study was 21.7%. It increased with the increase in age from 7.9% among the age group 20-30 years to 48.0% among the age group > 60 years. Higher educational level was found to correlate with decreased CS impairment. Conclusion. The high prevalence of CS in this study could be a threat to safe driving, especially in low contrast environments, if appropriate measures are not put in place to identify drivers with CS impairment. Routine CS assessment of drivers is recommended preceding the issuance of driver’s license and relicensing.

Introduction. There are several threats to the human body from the potentially hazardous chemicals used in crop fields, such as pesticides. This investigation aims to assess variations in the serum lipid profile associated with pesticide exposure. Methodology. For this case-control study, 131 participants were recruited. These included 71 pesticide sprayers and 60 healthy individuals who served as the control group, all from the rural areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. The lipid biomarkers of the participants were evaluated using a biochemistry analyzer and the results were statistically analyzed through GraphPad Prism. Results. The results indicated that TG (triglycerides) and TC (total cholesterol) levels significantly (p<0.001) increased with a prominent increase in LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and VLDL-C (very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) (p<0.001 and 0.011 respectively). However, a significant decrease in HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) (p=0.006) was observed in sprayers as compared to the control group. Conclusion. These alterations may be attributed to oxidative stress and hepatic dysfunction induced by prolonged pesticide exposure. The results are based on the hypothesis that significant alterations in the lipid profile anticipate potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure. Introduction. There are several threats to the human body from the potentially hazardous chemicals used in crop fields, such as pesticides. This investigation aims to assess variations in the serum lipid profile associated with pesticide exposure. Methodology. For this case-control study, 131 participants were recruited. These included 71 pesticide sprayers and 60 healthy individuals who served as the control group, all from the rural areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. The lipid biomarkers of the participants were evaluated using a biochemistry analyzer and the results were statistically analyzed through GraphPad Prism. Results. The results indicated that TG (triglycerides) and TC (total cholesterol) levels significantly (p<0.001) increased with a prominent increase in LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and VLDL-C (very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) (p<0.001 and 0.011 respectively). However, a significant decrease in HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) (p=0.006) was observed in sprayers as compared to the control group. Conclusion. These alterations may be attributed to oxidative stress and hepatic dysfunction induced by prolonged pesticide exposure. The results are based on the hypothesis that significant alterations in the lipid profile anticipate potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure.

Background. Phytotherapy has been practiced against many acute and chronic diseases by different ethnic groups around the globe. Among these medicinal plants, the species of Arecaceae family stands out due to their vast economic importance. Most of the family members contain rich phytochemicals and secondary metabolites, being part of this family, Rhapis excelsa contains flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and many other bioactive metabolites which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties, potentially offering therapeutic benefits against Diabetes mellitus which is a complex metabolic disorder that has become a major global health concern. The aim was to identify and select the potential bioactive compounds from Rhapis excelsa by using computational approaches for the treatment and management of DM. Methods. C-reactive protein (CRP) was selected as the target protein. Three different ligands from Rhapis excelsa underwent both physicochemical and toxicity assessments using SwissADME and ProTox-II. Computational approaches, such as molecular docking and virtual screening were used to evaluate binding affinity. Results. The leading compound identified was apigenin which was then compared to the standard anti-diabetic drug, Glibenclamide. The results indicated that apigenin and Glibenclamide have similar functions when selected as ligands against the target protein. Literature evidence also supports the anti-diabetic effects of apigenin. Conclusion. The current study identified potential phytochemical compounds from Rhapis excelsa using computational approaches for their application in diabetes drug development. Computational analyses including molecular docking and virtual screening revealed some bioactive compounds within Rhapis excelsa.

Background.Hydrocephalus is defined by an abnormal build-up of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles.The long-term effects of hydrocephalus can range considerably and are frequently unpredictable.Due to its life-threatening nature, particularly in newborns and toddlers, the treatment of hydrocephalus is of utmost importance.The exact epidemiology of infantile hydrocephalus in Pakistan is unknown.This retrospective cohort study intended to examine the clinical importance of hydrocephalus patients under 6 years.Furthermore, it also addressed the potential gaps in medical knowledge on the local epidemiology, risk factors, and therapeutic methods of this condition at a tertiary care centre of Quetta Baluchistan, Pakistan.Results.A total of 29 hydrocephalus patients (18 congenital and 11acquired) were included in the study.A comprehensive questionnaire was designed to collect the demographic and clinical information of the patients.After statistical analysis, it was determined that gender and age distribution between the two groups, congenital and acquired hydrocephalus, was similar, showing no significant differences (p=0.196,p=0.867).The most common symptoms were irritability, drowsiness, and a head growing through seizures.Moreover, sun-setting eyes also appeared commonly.Post-natal diagnosis and imaging (CT and MRI) dominated the diagnostic methods of congenital hydrocephalus.Whereas brain MRI accounted for most cases with acquired hydrocephalus.The origin of acquired hydrocephalus was frequently unknown, aqueduct stenosis was the primary cause of congenital hydrocephalus.Medical treatment, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, and ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy) were similar in all groups.The most frequent side effect for medications and VP shunts was irritation, while the most frequent side effect for ETV operations was sore throat. Conclusion.This study underlined the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment, and continuous follow-up in hydrocephalus patients.Though the treatment approaches in accordance with clinical practices, the frequency of complications has necessitated continued medical care to achieve the best possible outcomes.Further research into the local epidemiology and more effective therapeutic approaches is very important to enhance care for hydrocephalus patients in the region.

Objective. The current study was aimed to evaluate the impact of molecular and blood biomarkers on the severity of dengue fever. Method. This study was conducted at the Center for Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan from June 2022 to November 2022. A total of 2,400 individuals exhibiting prominent signs and symptoms of dengue fever were enrolled. These subjects were screened for the presence of NS1, IgG, and IgM antibodies, as well as molecular biomarkers, using PCR. Results. Out of the 2,400 suspected cases, 801 (33.37%) were confirmed for dengue fever based on NS1 antigen (33.37%), as well as IgG (3.37%) and IgM (11.25%) antibodies, with RT-PCR demonstrating 98.2% sensitivity. The DENV-3 serotype was identified as the most prevalent (61.18%). The highest infection rate was observed in men (56.05%), as compared to women (43.95%). The most affected age group was 16-30 years (46.19%). Common symptoms among the patients included fever (100%), muscle pain (100%), headache (69.78%), vomiting (49.2%), and skin rash (35.08%). The study found a significant association (p < 0.05) between hematological parameters and dengue infection, highlighting a significant decrease in total leucocyte count (TLC), eosinophils, neutrophils, and platelets, as well as a significant increase in monocytes and lymphocytes. Additionally, mild cases exhibited fewer clinical signs as compared to severely infected cases. Conclusion. Based on the current report, it was concluded that climate change, rapid urbanization, and the emergence of different serotypes may escalate dengue outbreaks in District Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan. This highlights the critical necessity for extensive insect-control operations, public education campaigns, and climate-responsive strategies to successfully prevent future dengue epidemics.

Background. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii are important causes of both hospital and community acquired infections in human beings. In this regard, the current study aimed to assess the frequency of GNB pathogens circulating in Hyderabad, Sindh and to obtain locally applicable data for the prevention and spread of infections caused by GNBs. Methodology. A total of 360 clinical specimens including blood, pus, wound, urine, sputum, and body fluids from suspected indoor and outdoor patients were collected from various diagnostic centers of Hyderabad, Sindh. The isolation, identification, and characterization of GNB pathogens was performed by using standard conventional methods including morphological, cultural, and biochemical testing. Results. A total of 143 GNBs were isolated and characterized in the current study. The data demonstrated that male patients were more affected with GNBs accounting for 55.94% (n=80) of infected specimens, whereas 44.06% (n=63) of specimens were from female patients. Moreover, specimen wise data of sample positivity revealed that 13.29% (n=19) of GNBs were isolated from pus specimens, 58.59% (n=70) from urine specimens, 34.97% (n=50) from blood specimens, 1.40% (n=2) from fluid specimens, and 1.40% (n=2) of GNBs were isolated from sputum specimens. Bacteriological profiling revealed that 41.26% (n=59) of the isolated bacteria were E. coli, considered as the predominant bacteria isolated from urine specimens. Whereas, S. enterica serover Typhi was the most frequently isolated bacteria from blood specimens accounting for 20.28% (n=29) of all bacteria. Other less prevalent but important pathogenic bacteria included K. pneumoniae accounting for 12.59% (n=18) of all bacteria, P. aeruginosa accounting for 8.39% (n=12) of all bacteria, Acinetobacter spp. accounting for 6.99% (n=10) of all bacteria, and Enterobacter spp. accounting for 2.10% (n=3) of all bacteria. Conclusion. To conclude, the high frequency of GNBs isolated from clinical specimens at Hyderabad, Sindh poses an alarming situation and warrants an urgent need to monitor and control the spread of pathogenic bacteria.

The modern scholarly journal is currently faced with the challenge of upholding its principles in order to attract a continuous stream of authors to maintain its publishing status. Further, it also needs to be weary of unscrupulous players (including competitors) lurking in the global knowledge stream that pose an existential threat by diverting academics away from legitimate journals using underhanded or unfair practices, such as the use of spam or journals that employ copycat names. It is not always easy to distinguish predatory from exploitative journals, or underhanded from unfair practices, and even the use of or reliance on publishing blacklists does not offer potential authors a safe selection of journals to publish in. Authors and journals thus live in a volatile publishing environment in which they are confronted with constant threats. In biomedicine, these can translate into reputational damage to the journal and publisher if fake science or pseudoscience is published, since it puts at stake the journal’s reliability for biomedical information. For authors, particularly younger or less experienced ones whose careers depend on publishing advances, a mistake such as making a submission to a hijacked or copycat journal that impersonates the original journal may carry long-term negative reputational consequences. So, such a decision can be career altering.