"Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of perinatal grief scale in Urdu: Addressing a gap in the research of perinatal loss in Pakistan-Cross-sectional validation study".

Background and Aims: Perinatal grief have a significant influence on maternal mental health, hence appropriate tools for assessment are necessary. In this study, we translated and validated the Perinatal Grief Scale in Urdu (PGS-Urdu) for use in Pakistan, therefore filling the gap in validated tools. Methods: Data was collected from 165 women using consecutive sampling. Initially, "forward/backward" translation was used. For validity, content validity index and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used respectively, and "Cronbach's-Alpha" for reliability. In the validity stage, items 8, 11, 23, and 32 of the original scale were eliminated based on feedback from the target groups and the expert panel. For data-analysis, SPSS 26 and Amos 26 were used. Results: In analyzing the "Confirmatory factor analysis", the "all-fitness indicators" validated the three-factor structure of 29-item main scale. Cronbach alpha value was 0.83 for the entire scale The CFA results showed that all fitness indicators, with the exception of four, had loadings greater than 0.20, supporting the main scale's three-factor structure. With a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.83 for overall reliability, and varied from 0.81 to 0.87 for the PGS-U variables. the PGS-U exhibits an acceptable level of internal consistency. Conclusion: The PGS-U identifies women in perinatal grief for medical and social care. This research supports using the Urdu perinatal grief scale in obstetrics and bereavement counseling to reduce maternal mental health issues.

Artificial intelligence for screening and diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and fatal neurological disease that leads to progressive motor function degeneration. Diagnosing ALS is challenging due to the absence of a specific detection test. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in the investigation and treatment of ALS. METHODS: We searched seven databases for literature on the application of AI in the early diagnosis and screening of ALS in humans. The findings were summarized using random-effects summary receiver operating characteristic curve. The risk of bias (RoB) analysis was carried out using QUADAS-2 or QUADAS-C tools. RESULTS: In the 34 analyzed studies, a meta-prevalence of 47% for ALS was noted. For ALS detection, the pooled sensitivity of AI models was 94.3% (95% CI - 63.2% to 99.4%) with a pooled specificity of 98.9% (95% CI - 92.4% to 99.9%). For ALS classification, the pooled sensitivity of AI models was 90.9% (95% CI - 86.5% to 93.9%) with a pooled specificity of 92.3% (95% CI - 84.8% to 96.3%). Based on type of input for classification, the pooled sensitivity of AI models for gait, electromyography, and magnetic resonance signals was 91.2%, 92.6%, and 82.2%, respectively. The pooled specificity for gait, electromyography, and magnetic resonance signals was 94.1%, 96.5%, and 77.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although AI can play a significant role in the screening and diagnosis of ALS due to its high sensitivities and specificities, concerns remain regarding quality of evidence reported in the literature.

Employing telepsychiatry services to assess the prevalence and identify mental health disorders using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in resource-constrained regions of Dadar Mansehra, Pakistan: an observational cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to measure the prevalence of mental health disorders in low-resource settings through telepsychiatry and evaluate data from Pakistan's Sehat Kahani nurse-assisted online clinics serving low-income communities. This will help to understand the magnitude and nature of the demand for contextual therapies to promote mental health. The paper will discuss the challenges faced in these settings, such as limited access to mental health facilities, stigma and opportunities telemedicine brings. DESIGN: An observational cross-sectional study of telepsychiatry consultations using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 to screen for depression and anxiety was conducted between October and December 2022. SETTING: This research was conducted at Dadar Mansehra e-health clinics of Sehat Kahani with telepsychiatry services in Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 2660 participants who visited Sehat Kahani e-health clinics between October and December 2022 and voluntarily completed the questionnaire for data collection. RESULTS: The study was comprised of 2660 participants with a mean age of 34.3 years. The study findings show that the majority of participants were females (98.4%), 16.9% of participants had moderate depression, and 20.8% had severe depression. Furthermore, the participants who were widowed/divorced were more likely to have depression than those who were single (OR=3.3, 95% CI (2.0 to 5.2)). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, most study participants were female, and their mental health was negatively impacted. Women in Pakistan are disproportionately affected by the rising rates of depression and anxiety, and telepsychiatry therapies effectively respond to this growing need. Potentially, it is a game-changer for dealing with mental health problems. Telepsychiatry can help policymakers and mental health professionals to develop effective low-income mental health initiatives.

Pakistan's healthcare preparedness after the NIH warned of a new diphtheria strain and Covid-19 variation.

Objective: In this paper, we examine the current crisis of regarding preparedness of healthcare industries in Pakistan, analyzing the causes, effects, and potential recommendations to this problem. Methods: Highlighting the efforts and issues surrounding this topic is necessary for developing and implementing research-based solutions that accurately reflect the current state of the healthcare industry. This short overview is prepared in accordance with accepted practices in published studies around the world. Our findings were based on a search of the literature databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Journals Online, and the Internet Library. Results: Searching for "Healthcare Preparedness in Pakistan" yielded the expected results. Particularly of interest to the researchers was the question of why, despite efforts to boost vaccination rates and emergency immunization response capacities in the event of epidemics, progress on SDG3 immunization indicators has been minimal. Immunization is critically important because vaccine-preventable diseases pose a significant risk to the general population. Pakistan's authorities and government should take deliberate action to increase immunization rates. Conclusion: Particularly disadvantaged countries and regions are hit the worst by climate change. Pakistan continues to be hit hard by diseases like acute watery diarrhea, dengue fever, malaria, and COVID-19 are on the rise as a result of the flooding, especially in shelters and areas where water and sanitation systems have been affected. After devastating floods in KP, Sindh, and Punjab, over 70 suspected cases of diphtheria were reported. Diphtheria epidemics illustrate the precarious position of flood victims. It would be catastrophic if the newly found diphtheria strain or the covid-19 variation reached the underserved flood victims. Immunization protects against life-threatening illnesses so its government responsibility to improve immunization rates in Pakistan.

Impact of facemasks on the mouth as an emerging dental concern: A survey among residents of Karachi.

Background: The illness known as "mask-mouth syndrome," which is brought on by constantly covering one's mouth and nose with a mask, was particularly prevalent among healthcare personnel. The covid-19 pandemic, however, had far-reaching effects on people's daily lives all around the world, to the point where mask use became practically mandatory. With Covid-19 posing a new threat to dental health, this study aims to assess the public's awareness of the issue and investigate how wearing a facemask affects oral hygiene. Methods: Cross-sectional research was conducted at Karachi's Jinnah Medical & Dental College. From February to May of 2022, it was carried out in the Dental Opd. A survey of 400 people was conducted, representing a cross-section of society in terms of age, gender, occupation, and other criteria. The poll had 11 closed-ended questions. The data was analyzed using SPSS 24. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the responses. Results: Men made up 44.5% (n = 174) of responses and women 56.5% (n = 226). Mean participant age was 27.31, ranging from 18 to 50. 99% (n = 396) of respondents wear masks. 48% (n = 192) of participants were uncomfortable using facemasks. Disposable face masks were voted the best option by 60.5% of respondents (n = 242). Negative effects or conditions brought on by mask use, such as halitosis (47.3%, n = 189) and dehydration (64.3%, n = 257). Conclusion: Mask-mouth syndrome can occur as a result of using a face mask for prolonged periods of time. Mask benefits outweigh the danger of mask mouth syndrome.

Maternal mortality and its prominence in the Syrian Arab Republic: Challenges, efforts, and recommendations.

WHO has brought to light how the Maternal Mortality Ratio is alarmingly high in countries like Syria because women lack basic necessities such as access to proper healthcare, resources, and information. With the ongoing war, COVID-19 pandemic, and other resultant factors are converging to further exacerbate Syria's current collapsing situation. Leading to an increasing number of maternal mortality cases, with the country's economy and its disparities making it nearly impossible for Syria to recover. In the wake of these problems piling up, Syria requires immediate preventative measure to be put into place to avoid further crises complications, and mortalities.

Rise of cholera in Iraq: A rising concern.

With over seven pandemics and four million reported cases, Cholera remains of the most prevalent acute watery diarrheal diseases in the world to date. As in other developing countries, Iraq once again combats Cholera - and its past encounter in 2015, where the death toll reached 1500, highlights the importance of quickly addressing the current outbreak. The war-torn state of the nation, malnourished public, lack of sanitation and hygiene, mass displacement and global warming all contribute to the prevalence of Cholera in Iraq. Along with the current efforts, additional strategies are recommended for managing cholera cases, such as awareness campaigns, monitoring the safety of water bodies, and food inspection.

The status of knowledge, attitude and practice towards emergency management of avulsed tooth among dental students: A single center cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the awareness of emergency trauma management and the potential role of dentists in handling tooth avulsion injuries. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dental Outpatients Department of Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, from December 2020 to March 2021, and comprised dentists and final year dental students of either gender. Data was collected using a 17-item questionnaire to assess the awareness level regarding the knowledge of traumatic dental emergencies and the role of a dentist in handling a traumatic tooth injury. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 170 subjects, 52(30.5%) were males and 118(69.4%) were females. Overall, 139(81.8%) subjects had prior knowledge regarding avulsion, 164(96.5%) were aware of the term avulsed tooth, 106(62.4%) considered milk to be the best transport media for an avulsed tooth, 159(93.5%) knew the significance of extra-oral time, and all 170(100%) subjects said they wanted to study more about dental traumatic injuries. CONCLUSIONS: There was adequate knowledge about the term avulsion, transport media and extra-oral time, and there was evidence of interest about learning more among the subjects.

Devastating dengue outbreak amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: an alarming situation.

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by Aedes mosquitoes that has recently expanded fast in many of the WHO member states globally. Female mosquitoes, mostly Aedes aegypti and, to a smaller degree, Aedes albopictus, disseminate dengue virus. Dengue fever has been more common in recent decades all across the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. As the COVID-19 outbreak wreaks havoc, the following rise in dengue illnesses has been a source of considerable concern. As the health care has been stretched thin in these dangerous times, the vulnerable population has been left at the mercy of these two viral infections. Lack of knowledge, major legislative changes, poor eradication initiatives, and a lack of financing resources have all contributed to the increase in numbers. Stakeholders and policymakers must begin taking meaningful actions and implementing well-thought-out adjustments immediately, or the situation will worsen, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives.

COVID-19, measles, and yellow fever: The need to reinforce vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The immunization programs have been jeopardized all over the world due to the stay-at-home constraints imposed, to mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This has directly or indirectly placed the global health care system in peril, resulting in an overlapping public health crisis. With this commentary, we aim to accentuate the need to reinforce vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in lieu of the intersecting COVID-19, measles, and yellow fever outbreak, besides, providing recommendations so as to help alleviate the situation.

The survival rate of neonates in Pakistan: Problems in health care access, quality and recommendations.

There is a high prevalence of infant mortality in South Asia and other parts of Asia, but overall, the bulk of neonatal deaths occur in developing countries. Although Pakistan has made great strides in the past decade to reduce child mortality with the help of foreign donors and the government, very little progress has been made in reducing neonate and infant mortality. Several studies have demonstrated the potential for low-cost therapies to greatly reduce neonatal mortality by helping pregnant mothers and their newborns. We need to shed light on the efforts and problems surrounding this topic in order to find and implement solutions backed by research to lower newborn mortality. This brief overview was produced using international standards for conducting reviews. Researchers opted for an explanatory methodology. Our findings were based on research conducted through PubMed, Google's literature database, Journals Online, and the Internet Library. All of the works consulted primary sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank. The desired findings were obtained by using the term "neonatal mortality." The study's authors were interested in tracking variations in neonatal mortality over time. The increasing prevalence of neonatal death in Pakistan emphasizes the need for policies and programs that prioritized the health of children. Neonatal survival can be improved with the help of basic obstetric and newborn care in Pakistan.