ADVANCES IN BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Microplastics Exposure and Health Risks in Pakistan: An Emerging Public Health Concern

Munawar Hussain Soomro, Salma Memon, Manzoor Hussain Soomro — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract is not required for Editorial

The Family Planning Challenges During COVID-19: CHW and MWRA Perspectives from Rural Pakistan

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences and coping strategies of frontline workers and rural communities regarding family planning services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan

METHODOLOGY: During the period from July 2019 to December 2020, the study was carried out among CHW communities in rural areas of the Badin district, Sindh. Interviews were done with 20 community health workers (CHWs) and 20 females from 20 villages by using a purposive sampling technique. Evaluating the main themes from the data allowed us to learn how FP services, behavior, and communities adjusted during the pandemic.

RESULTS: CHWs faced foremost challenges in enduring door-to-door FP counselling due to the COVID-19 SOPs, where they were largely unable to conduct door-to-door counselling of FP. Due to the fear of unplanned pregnancies, FP services experienced heightened demand, whereby new clients required these services due to a need to avoid such a risk. FP counselling received both positive and negative responses, with MWRAs observing decreased access, as well as depending on mobile communication and referrals. Further remote services of CHWs were welcome. Such perceptions, as well as access to supplies, affected choices of methods: approximately 25% of respondents moved to short-term methods, and 60% chose IUDs or injectables to minimize visits to health care services during lockdowns.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the adaptability of both CHWs and MWRAs in maintaining FP access during the COVID-19 crisis. Strengthening remote counselling, ensuring supply continuity, and promoting flexible service delivery models are critical to building resilient FP systems in future emergencies.

Lactogenic effects of traditional cereal-based diets on neonatal development in Wistar rat

Oluwakemi Oyelowo, Joy Unuigbe — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of maternal consumption of five natural galactagogues: Zea mays, Eleusine coracana, Panicum miliaceum, and Pennisetum glaucum on growth and metabolic outcomes in suckling Wistar rat pups. METHODOLOGY: Sixty pregnant Wistar rats were allowed to deliver. After parturition, the dams were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups and were all given normal rat chow and water. Besides that, the dams in the experimental groups received 100g/kg/day of yellow Zea mays, white Zea mays, Pennisetum glaucum, Eleusine coracana, and Panicum miliaceum respectively and a group was also administered metoclopramide (5mg/kg/day), a pharmacological galactagogue. The administrations began from postnatal day 2 (PND 2) and lasted the period of lactation. Developmental milestones were tracked, and lipid and protein profiles were analyzed in brain, serum, and liver samples from male and female pups using GraphPad Prism, with results expressed as mean ± SD.

RESULTS: Results showed that all cereal diets affected developmental milestones, milk yield and body weight, with Eleusine coracana, yellow Zea mays, and Pennisetum glaucum demonstrating particularly notable improvements in lactation, lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, cereal preparations from Zea mays, Eleusine coracana, Panicum miliaceum, and Pennisetum glaucum enhanced lactation, improved infant growth, and influenced metabolism. Notably, Eleusine coracana, Yellow Zea mays, and Pennisetum glaucum emerged as the most impactful in these areas.

Lived Experiences and Challenges of Multigravida Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Sonia Naeem, Sibra Amjad — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVES: The current research aimed to explore the lived experiences and challenges of the multigravida women with GDM.

METHODOLOGY: Qualitative research design, with use of Phenomenological Approach was used. Semi-structured interview technique was employed to collect firsthand data from multigravida, on their experiences and challenges of pregnancy with GDM. A purposive sample of five participants were recruited from different hospitals in Lahore, with the age range between 25 to 35 years. After the collection of data, the interviews were transcribed and the data was analyzed through interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS: This results of the study highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by multigravida women with GDM, including emotional and physical burdens, mental health impacts, and difficulties in adhering to dietary and medical recommendations. It also sheds light on the coping strategies women adopt and the critical role of family and social support systems. Additionally, regular glucose monitoring and education emerged as essential components for managing GDM and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Among these, disrupted mental health and the coping of GDM stood out as the most significant.

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore a holistic approach in GDM care—one that not only addresses medical management but also prioritizes psychological support and leverages social and spiritual resources. By highlighting these issues the study will be beneficial to raise awareness among women and professionals about the importance of dietary guidance, emotional well-being, social support and self-management, ultimately contributing to improved maternal care and better fetal health outcomes.

Histomorphological effects of valproic acid on the development of pancreatic islets in chick

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To determine the developmental histo-morphological effects of valproic acid on pancreatic islets by comparing the pancreatic islets of freshly hatched chicks with the pancreatic islets of chicks not receiving this medication intervention.

Study design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: At department of anatomy CPSP, Regional Centre, Islamabad, extending from February till November 2010.

Methodology: Two groups were made with thirty fertilized chicken eggs each, Group-A (experimental) and Group-B (control). Prior to incubation, Group-A's eggs were injected with valproic acid. Group-B eggs received a sham treatment using regular saline in same volume. On hatching, pancreata were removed and stained with Eosin and hematoxylin, orange G-light green and aldehyde fuchsin stain. The number of islets and the cells that make them, as well as the area of islets lobe-wise in the pancreatic splenic and third lobes were measured in each section. After statistical analysis, the collected data was contrasted with the control groups.

Results: The histo-morphological findings demonstrated that valproic acid inhibited the Pancreatic islets development in completely hatched chicks, resulting in a reduction in the quantity and area of the islets as well as in the number of component cells.

Conclusion: The formation of pancreatic islets and the cells that make them up is intensely suppressed by VPA. It causes hypotrophy and islet hypoplasia in newborns.

Key words: Pancreatic, valproic acid, chick embryo.

Prevalence and Knowledge on Needle Stick Injury among Health care Workers of Tertiary Medical center in India

Kalpana Devi.V, Janani Nandan, Indhumathi K S — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE

This study was to assess the prevalence and knowledge of needle stick injury among health care workers, which includes surgeons, emergency room workers, laboratory room professionals, nurses, class 4 workers (cleaners, sweepers, ward boys/helpers, laundry staff, ambulance staff) in a tertiary medical centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODOLOGY

This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 133 health care workers in ACS Medical College and Hospital over the period of January 2025 to March 2025. Our study includes students and staff of the institution, irrespective of their age and sex, and we excluded HCWs, administrative staff, Trainees or students with less than 6 months of clinical exposure, non-consenting individuals. Data collection was carried out using a standardised questionnaire. Data analysis was carried by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.

RESULTS

Our study showed that class 4 workers, including cleaners, sweepers, ward boys/helpers, laundry staff, ambulance staff (85.7%) had a history of needle stick injury, and the second significant incidence was amongst nurses (60.5%). 74.4% participants had posit4e attitude towards worrying about needle stick injury. 25.5% showed negative attitude towards worrying about needle stick injury.

CONCLUSIONS

There should be some preventive measures, which include training regarding the safety devices, post-exposure prophylaxis, and regular training for disposal of biomedical waste by the management to elude the occurrence of needle stick injury. Our study has a few limitations, that our self-administered questions could overestimate or underestimate the result.

Patient-Centered Evaluation of Phlebotomy Services: A Quantitative Analysis from a Clinical Setting

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the present study is to assess the satisfaction among patients with phlebotomy services in a tertiary care hospital with a standardized questionnaire to identify the key factors contributing to dissatisfaction and execute the relevant Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).

METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional (survey-based) study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from June to December 2024. A total of 100 patients were randomly selected to participate. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire, prepared in both Urdu and English, comprising twelve items rated on a Likert scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.

RESULTS: 93% of respondents reported satisfaction regarding the phlebotomy services. Approximately thirty percent (30.0%) of the participants reported excellent satisfaction with the phlebotomy services, but the majority, 40.5%, deemed them good. Furthermore, 23.5% saw the services as indifferent, 4% as dissatisfied, and 3% as severely dissatisfied. The highest satisfaction rating was achieved for the comfort level during the blood draw, while the lowest satisfaction rate was associated with the total waiting time in the phlebotomy department and the cleanliness of the phlebotomy space.

CONCLUSION: Despite overall patient satisfaction, several areas need our attention, including the waiting time for phlebotomy procedures, inadequate seating arrangements, sample collecting practices, and understanding of standard precautions. Suitable corrective and preventative measures are implemented to address issues.

Measuring body composition of primigravida females with Bioelcetrical impedence analysis- a Randomized Control Trial

Kalsoom Tariq, Hashim Khan, Bela Inayat, Hafsa Zafar, Nabila Sher — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate body composition changes (body mass, bone mass, fat mass, hydration, and BMI) during pregnancy in primigravida using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 primigravida females were included in a single‑blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in the tertiary care hospitals of KPK. They were further divided into a placebo and lipid based nutritional supplement (LNS)group of 20 each from ≤12 weeks’ gestation (first antenatal checkup). Sample size calculation was done using OpenEpi ®software. Whole‑body composition was measured with a foot‑to‑foot eight‑electrode, single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale (50 kHz reference) at ≤12 weeks (V1), 16-20 weeks (V2) and postnatally (V3). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 20). Repeated‑measures ANOVA was used to assess time effects and within-group effects. (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Across both groups, a significant time effect was observed for weight (F = 36.3, p < 0.001; η² = 0.51), BMI (F = 44.8, p < 0.001; η² = 0.57). Mean weight (F = 3.180, p < 0.048; η² = 0.086) and bone mass estimate (F = 3.63, p = 0. 05; η² = 0.096) differed between the supplement and placebo groups. Fat mass and hydration displayed the expected trimester-specific trends but did not reach statistical significance after correction.

CONCLUSION: BIA showed reliable changes in weight, BMI, and bone mass during pregnancy. When properly used, it can be a useful tool in routine antenatal settings, especially where resources are limited.

Artificial intelligence in Oral Medicine and Radiology: It’s Knowledge, Attitude and Perception among Dental Students

Maryam Qanita, Sanna Safi, Fatima Arif — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and perception of dental students towards use of AI in oral medicine and radiology.

METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study, conducted at KMU-IDS, Kohat, included 125 dental students, using a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a pre-validated questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a series of closed-ended questions to assess KAP. About 7 questions were knowledge-related, 4 questions each, regarding attitude and perception.

Categorical variables were analyzed using frequencies. Modified Likert scale was used. Mean ± SD of scores of knowledge, attitude, and perception for each qualification was calculated. Comparison of the Mean ± SD of KAP domains among qualification groups was done using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Percentile scores were checked, and categorization was done for each individual. The relationship between KAP domains was checked using Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient.

RESULTS: Around 66.4% (n=83) of participants agreed that for the detection of oral cancer and the diagnosis of mucosal lesions, AI can be employed (p =0.005). Around 72.8% (n=91) suggested that dental practitioners must use AI in their clinical practices (p value= 0.035).

About 51.2% demonstrated excellent knowledge with a percentage score exceeding 75%. All 125 participants (100%) reflected a positive attitude. About 120 participants (96%) indicated a positive perception. A weak positive correlation between attitude and perception of participants was found statistically significant (p value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: This was the first-ever study in Pakistan focusing on artificial intelligence in relation to Oral Medicine and Radiology. Most of the participants had good knowledge, attitude, and perception.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Unvaccinated Older Population and its Relationship with Hematological Parameters

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (Immunoglobulin-G) antibodies in unvaccinated older populations and their relationship with hematological parameters.

METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted from March to August 2022. Two-hundred forty six healthy unvaccinated individuals aged 60 and above were included by random sampling. Blood specimens were obtained to determine antibodies using the ECLIA technique. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 26.

RESULTS: The study showed that 170 (69.11%) participants were male, while 76 (30.89%) were female. Mean age of study sample was 67±6.9 (range:60-100) years. Participants were categorized into two age groups: Group I (60-69 years) had 163 (66.30%) participants, and Group II (70-100 years) had 83 (33.70%). IgG antibodies were positive in 225 (91.46%) participants and negative in 21 (8.54%). When considering gender, IgG was positive in 155/170 (91.17%) males and 70/76 (92.11%) females and negative in 15/170 (8.82%) males and 6/76 (7.89%) females. Regarding age groups, IgG was positive in 154/163 (94.48%) in Group I and 71/83 (85.54%) in Group II. No significant relationship was found between IgG and hematological parameters.

CONCLUSION: Our study showed a 91% prevalence of IgG antibodies in the older population. The seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the older population has increased. However, they still need vaccination so that the risk of getting an infection can be minimized.

Effectiveness of Solar Disinfection (SODIS) in Improving the Microbial Quality of Well Water in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Frequency Of Congenital Adhesion Bands In Children With Small Bowel Obstruction

Seemab Aamir, Muhammad Imran, Habibullah, Khawar Saeed, Muhammad Rehan — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of congenital adhesion bands in children with small bowel obstruction.

METHODOLOGY: This study was designed as a Descriptive cross-sectional study. It was carried out from May 1^st 2021, to October 31^st, 2021 in the department of Pediatric Surgery, MTI, KTH Peshawar. A total of 101 children of both genders with small bowel obstruction were included in the study. After taking detailed history, thorough clinical examinations, and relevant investigations of all the children were done according to the study protocols. Patients were followed till surger,y and perioperative findings were noted. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0.

RESULTS: The age range in this study spans from birth till 14years of age with a mean age of 5.445±3.10 years, a mean height of 39.703±7.22 inches, and a mean weight was 15.079±4.45 Kg. Congenital adhesion band was observed in 45.5% patients.

CONCLUSION: Congenital adhesion band should be among the key differential diagnoses while assessing pediatric patients who present with acute abdomen, or signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction.

How Nucleic acids DNA and RNA are Misrepresented by Tortured Phrases

Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are established terms in genetics and molecular biology literature, so linguistic deviations from these terms would be equivalent to their scientific misrepresentation. This paper aimed to identify literature containing the term “nucleic corrosive,” which is a ‘tortured phrase’ (TP), and the misrepresentation of jargon related to nucleic acid.

METHODOLOGY: The Tortured Phrase Detector of the Problematic Paper Screener (PPS) was consulted on 11 May 2025 to identify documents of any type with this TP.

RESULTS: At PPS, a total of 71 indexed and accessible documents (44 articles, 18 book chapters, seven proceedings papers and two preprints) with a DOI, 35 (49%) of which were open access, were identified. Most documents (54; 76%), which were published between 2017 and 2024, had an affiliation in India. Four of the documents have been retracted. The publishers with the highest incidence of documents containing the “nucleic corrosive” TP were Elsevier and Springer Nature: 21 (30%) and 13 (18%), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The existence of TPs in these documents, except for the preprints, points towards failure in quality control at the levels of peer review, editorial handling and copy editing.

Educational Value and Assessment of Short Surgical Cases in Outpatient Settings, A Systematic Review of Resident Learning Outcomes and Training Gaps

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of short outpatient surgical cases on residents' procedural confidence, clinical reasoning, communication, and professional development.

METHODOLOGY: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC through July 2025 following PRISMA 2020. We included studies reporting educational outcomes for surgical residents. The quality assessment was made via CASP, Newcastle–Oawa, and JADAD tools. Mixed-methods synthesis was performed; quantitative data were pooled where possible.

RESULTS: Twelve studies (6 qualitative/mixed-methods, 4 observational, 2 intervention) reported that outpatient experience enhanced procedural confidence, clinical reasoning, communication, and teamwork. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant increase in self-reported confidence, with an SMD of 0.55; 95% CI 0.30–0.80. Major barriers to effective learning included high workload and limited supervision.

CONCLUSION: Brief outpatient surgical cases have been shown to possess valuable educational merit and contribute to resident competency development. Structured outpatient exposure is advisable.