Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue that plays a significant role in morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. It also becomes a serious threat to the successful treatment of many bacterial infections. The widespread and irrelevant use of antibiotics in hospitals and local clinics is the leading cause of AMR. Under this scenario, the study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, from 2 August 2021 to 31 October 2021 to discover the prevalence of bacterial infections and AMR rates in COVID-19 patients admitted in surgical intensive care units (SICUs). Clinical samples were collected from the patients and we proceeded to identify bacterial isolates, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The data of other comorbidities were also collected from the patient’s medical record. The current study showed that the most common pathogens were E. coli (32%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (17%). Most E. coli were resistant to ciprofloxacin (16.8%) and ampicillin (19.8%). Klebsiella pneumoniae were more resistant to ampicillin (13.3%) and amoxycillin (12.0%). The most common comorbidity was chronic kidney disease (CKD) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Around 17 different types of antibiotic, the carbapenem, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycoside, and quinolones, were highly prevalent in ICU patients. The current study provides valuable data on the clinical implication of antibiotics consumed by COVID-19 patients in SICUs and the AMR rates, especially with different comorbidities.

In stent restenosis (ISR) has been described as an unaccomplished tissue healing and its rate is particularly high in diabetic patients. Evidence has been collected which relates the formation of ISR proteoglycan-rich neointimal tissue to the accumulation and protracted activation of macrophages around the stent metal struts. Here, the in vitro activation of mononuclear cells adhering to stainless steel (a material of choice in stent manufacturing) from control and diabetic (types 1 and 2) subjects was assessed in the presence of different glucose levels. The results showed that cells from the control and type 1 diabetes groups produced significantly higher levels of TGF-beta1 when adhering on stainless steel (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01), but a significant PDGF-BB secretion was observed only in control subjects. When tested at physiological glucose concentration, the effect of the stainless steel on control cells was more pronounced. The present study shows that mononuclear cells adhering onto stainless steel secrete growth factors relevant to ISR. Cells from diabetic subjects seem to secrete relatively higher levels of PDGF under hyperglycaemic conditions regardless of the substrate exposed thus offering an explanation for the higher incidence of restenosis in these patients.

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Migraine is one of the most frequent neurological disorder with high impact on the quality of life. Primary headaches such as migraine are pathophysiologically complex disorders. The concept of the trigeminovascular system dysfunction in migraine has led to a number of drug discoveries dramatically changing the treatment options. Acute and prophylactic therapy targeting either the trigeminovascular system or central structures involve several groups of drugs with peculiar medicinal chemistry. In the proposed review up to date concept of treatment strategy, medicinal chemistry data of the drugs used will be summarized. The present review gives detailed information on drugs effective in aborting migraine attacks (by inhibiting prostanoid synthesis, are agonists of serotonin 5-HT1B/D receptors, on the recently introduced CGRP-receptor antagonists) and the drugs recommended for prophylactic treatment (selected beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, Ca-channel inhibitors, antiepileptics, antidepressants). The pharmacokinetics, fate in the body (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and significant pharmacological effects as well as the recent bioanalytical methods for their determination are presented.

Objective: This study has been designed to identify and explore the factors that influence medical and dental graduates to opt for Health Professions Education (HPE) as a sole career. Materials and Methods:Main design: A qualitative studySub Type: Phenomenological (exploratory) design was used to find out the factors that influenced medical and dental graduates to choose HPE as a full-time career.Setting: It was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamabad.Duration: From February to June.Sampling technique: Purposive non-probability sampling was used including graduates that had opted for HPE as a career.Population size: six participants agreed to participate in the study. There were 4 females and 2 males. The mean age of the participants was 44 years.Data collection tool: Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were used to collect data.Data analysis: Thematic analysis was done employing © QSR International’s NVivo Software v.11. The emergent themes were named according to the nodes in which the data were stored.Results: Thematic analysis revealed a total of thirteen themes. Some of these were common, recurring factors that influenced specialty selection; others were novel and specific findings. All participants, irrespective of planning their choice, considered opportunities for advancement. Student assessment was the most important Core area that had been mentioned in responses as having influenced their choice. There were documented differences between full-time and part-time faculty. Demographics had a positive relationship. Personal motivation and aims were important influences. The Nature of the work documented a significant influence on various responses. All of the participants were influenced by their Role Models/Mentors. Participants faced many challenges and also mentioned how they coped with them. Respondents strongly suggested and refer this as a career.Conclusion: An individual’s personal aim and motivation were very important factors as they assisted them to face challenges and stay steadfast. Females were more likely to choose HPE as a profession. Participants chose this profession because it matched their personality specifically as full-time faculty and were passionate about it. Role Models/Mentors were an influence on the specialty choice for all the participants.