Pak J Med Sci
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The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation that is mediated by the macrophages and monocytes that cause release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-18. It is highly expressed in serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and has a positive association with disease activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression of interleukin-18 in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy. ⋯ Interleukin-18 gene shows down regulation in rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy.
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Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is the wrapping of the sigmoid colon around its mesentery, and sigmoid gangrene is a catastrophic complication of SV. Although the diagnosis of SV is generally not difficult, unfortunately, most of the clinical, laboratory and radiological signs are not pathognomonic in demonstrating sigmoid gangrene. The treatment of gangrenous SV requires emergency surgery. Sigmoid gangrene worsens the prognosis of SV by doubling the mortality rate.
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To determine outcome of freehand pedicle screw fixation for dorsal, lumbar and sacral fractures at a tertiary care centre in the developing world. ⋯ Free hand pedicle screw placement based on external landmarks showed remarkable safety and accuracy in our center. The authors conclude that assiduous adherence to technique and preoperative planning is vital to success.
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To determine the frequency of mycobacterium tuberculosis detection, in bronchial washing in sputum-scarce cases of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. ⋯ Bronchial washing Gene Xpert has an excellent diagnostic yield for detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum-scarce cases of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis.
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To investigate the effect of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc.) levels on thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute cerebral infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. ⋯ The level of HbAlc affected the curative efficacy, the higher the level, the poorer the efficacy and to control the blood glucose within a certain range before thrombolysis was beneficial to enhance the effect of static thrombolysis.