Riphah Journal of Allied Health Sciences

Current Trends and Future Directions in Operation Theatre Technology

Fakhra Fakhar — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The healthcare sector is completely different as compared to other industries. Despite the expense, people expect the highest caliber of care and services in this highly favored industry. Surgical setup should meet the criteria for patient safety. To keep up with the quick growth of medical gadgets, medical professionals need to put in a lot of time and effort. Operation theater technology is a specialized field that supports surgical procedures by providing critical and technical assistance in the operating room (OR). Operation Theater Technologist are educated to manage surgeries, Pre and Post anesthesia care units, tools, supplies, and sterile settings to guarantee a seamless and successful surgical procedure.¹

Their roles include Assistance during surgeries and anesthesia, preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, maintaining a sterile field. They also have major role in infection prevention and control and patient safety. In addition to supporting the operating team, they also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure highest standard of patient care, effective communication, and timely interventions.²

In the present era, the field of operation theater technology has advanced significantly, driven by technological innovations and modern surgical techniques. The integration of robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and enhanced imaging systems during surgery has expanded the role of Operation Theatre technologist. For instance, robotic-assisted surgeries require technologist to manage robotic arms, assistance with camera, navigation, and monitor real-time imaging. They contribute with their skills in various specialties such as orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery and obstetrics, where the precision of their actions directly impacts patient outcomes.³

Antimicrobial Resistance: Previous and present efforts to fight against

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to public health, with far-reaching effects for both individuals and healthcare systems. This review provides comprehensive overview of molecular and ecological forces that drive it, critically examines the past and present strategies to contain its spread, antibiotic resistance, looking at the biological, environmental, and social elements that lead to this global challenge. Understanding the main causes and acquiring effective interventions are key steps to resolve this critically worldwide concern. Constant and ground-breaking efforts, such as the discovery of new antimicrobial agents such as stewardship programs, one health approach, and global cooperation are required to restrict the spread of resistant pathogens. These initiatives are important to formulate effective strategies for future challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. This review also looks at current solutions for combating the epidemic, including as increased surveillance, ethical prescribing practices, and public health campaigns targeted at lowering the incidence of resistant strains. Recognizing that no single solution is sufficient, we assess integrative frameworks that combine research and development (R&D) incentives, redesign of clinical-trial, antimicrobial stewardship, and revitalization of traditional medicine. Finally, we outline policy for control of AMR, global surveillance networks, pandemic style coordination to remove the implementation gap especially in disaster effected regions.

Molecular subtypes of breast cancer and their clinicopathological correlations in a large cohort from Pakistan using immunohistochemistry

Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar, Aatif Amin, Mejerrah Aamir, Ghulam Mujtaba — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with many different molecular subtypes that affect prognosis and response to treatment. Immunohistochemical profiling for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2/neu provides a convenient method of subclassifying breast tumors and directing clinical management. Understanding the distribution and clinicopathological correlations associated with these subtypes can guide improvements in therapeutic strategies.

Objective: The present study is aimed to evaluate the frequency of molecular subtypes of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry and their relation with various clinicopathological features among the patients in Punjab, Pakistan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens from 800 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. All cases underwent immunohistochemical staining for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2/neu for classification into molecular subtypes. Clinicopathological data including age, tumor grade, menopausal status, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and family history were noted. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: Among the patients, luminal A was the most frequent molecular subtype (30.6%), followed by luminal B (29.3%), triple negative (23.1%), and HER2-enriched (17.0%). Moderately differentiated tumors accounted for 55.4% of cases. Premenopausal women predominated in luminal A and B subtypes, whereas triple negative tumors were more common in postmenopausal women. The HER2-enriched subtype showed the highest rate of lymph node involvement (69%). Tumor size was largest in luminal A cases. Family history was most frequently observed in the luminal A subtype. These associations were statistically significant.

Conclusion: The outcome of this investigation reveals the relative incidences and clinicopathological correlations of breast cancer molecular subtypes in a defined population. Immunohistochemistry is crucial for individualized treatment planning, which in turn will enhance clinical outcomes.

Interplay between physical activity, dietary patterns, and lipid profiles in prehypertensive young adults

Warda Razzaq Cheema, Huzaifa Binte Rashid, Rana Muhammad Mateen, Imran Tipu — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for the majority of global deaths, with cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes being the most prevalent. These conditions are driven by modifiable metabolic risk factors, including prehypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and elevated triglycerides, which often develop silently in young adults. Fortunately, lifestyle changes, particularly adopting healthier dietary patterns and engaging in regular physical activit,y can effectively lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.

Objective: This study therefore investigates how diet quality and exercise levels relate to cholesterol and triglyceride profiles in 20–25-year-old university students with prehypertension or hypertension, aiming to identify key behaviors for early prevention.

Results: In a cohort of 100 university students (55% female, 45% male, aged 20–25), 49% were normotensive, 39% prehypertensive, and 12% hypertensive. Mean BMI was 22.02 ± 3.68 kg/m²; 64% had normal BMI, 17% were overweight, 3% obese, and 16% underweight. Cholesterol levels were desirable in 55%, borderline in 24%, and high in 21%, while 78% had normal triglycerides. Physical activity levels were low, with 58% minimally active, 13% highly active, and 29% inactive. BMI positively correlated with blood pressure (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) and inversely with physical activity (r = –0.220, p = 0.028). Physical activity also were negatively correlated with blood pressure (r = –0.247, p = 0.013). No significant correlations were found between BMI or physical activity and lipid levels. Blood pressure correlated modestly with cholesterol (r = 0.277, p = 0.005), while cholesterol and triglycerides showed a moderate inverse correlation (r = –0.322, p = 0.001). Healthier diets were associated with improved blood pressure and lipid profiles, though BMI links were less clear. These findings underscore the importance of integrated lifestyle approaches in managing cardiometabolic risk among young adults.

Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of lifestyle modification—specifically healthier diets and increased physical activity—in curbing early cardiometabolic risk among young adults. By highlighting modifiable behaviors linked to blood pressure and lipid regulation, it provides actionable targets for university health programs. Ultimately, these findings support the implementation of campus‐based wellness initiatives to prevent progression to overt cardiovascular disease.

Impact of Certificate in Health Professions Education (CHPE) on Knowledge and Perception of Practices among Participants in Allied Health Sciences

Shafaq Sultana, Madiha Ata, Saba Shahid, Ghina Shamsi — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Faculty development is an important aspect of Health Professions Education.

Objectives: This quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of a 6-month Health Professions Education (CHPE) course on faculty knowledge and teaching practices at Indus University of Health Sciences.

Methods: Twenty faculty members who were enrolled in the CHPE course, completed pre- and post-course questionnaires and assessments. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and comparisons of pre- and post-course scores. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Improvements in participant knowledge were observed across all four modules, as reflected by the pre and post-test scores. Participants demonstrated increased awareness of the need for development in teaching and assessment areas. Gender-based analysis revealed initial performance differences favoring male participants, but females showed greater post-course progress.

Conclusion: The CHPE course effectively enhanced faculty knowledge and provided them with an opportunity to self-reflect on their current practices. Further evaluation is needed to assess long-term changes in teaching practices. Follow-up studies should include a larger sample size, reflections, feedback, and success story sharing.

Determination of Microbiological Spectrum and Antimicrobial Resistance Trend among Patients with Respiratory Tract Infection in Pakistan

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The most reported infections in humans are respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Some of these infections are mostly mild, temporary lasting and sometimes self-limiting due to which many infected persons tend to ignore these infections. Respiratory infections occur in all age group but most of the time male are commonly affected.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of various bacterial pathogens associated RTIs and identify the member of pathogenic organisms in respiratory tract infection and their antibiotic susceptibility in health care centres.

Methodology: Sputum sampling was done from 227 patients and the specimens go through microbiology examination. Antibiotic susceptibility profiling was carried out by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method.

Results: Patients having the URTIs and LRTIs infections belong to both genders according to age groups. Total number of female and male patients was 80 and 147, respectively. Age group of ranged 40-60 years was at a high risk of respiratory tract infections. The most prevalent microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=51, 22.4%) and least was Citrobacter farmeri (n= 4, 1.8%). Highly effective drugs were meropenem and levofloxacin, while high resistance was observed against amikacin and cefepime.

Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found the most prevalent organisms in respiratory tract infection patients. The patients within the age range of 40-60 years were observed to be at high risk of getting respiratory tract infection. Among all the tested antibiotics meropenem and levofloxacin were the most effective drugs.

Microbiological, heavy metal and antioxidant analysis of some commonly used spices in Pakistani cuisine

Azka Naseem, Nazia Jamil, Iftikhar Ali, Rida Batool, Muhammad Akram — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Spices have been an integral part of global cultures for centuries not only in the culinary world, but also in medicine, beauty products, and traditional healing. In Pakistani cooking, they're indispensable not only for their deep flavors and tantalizing aromas, but also for their role in preserving food.

Methodology: In this study we investigated the microbiological quality, presence of heavy metals, and antioxidant potential of some selected spices from local market namely, S and N. Fourteen samples of spice, such as chili, turmeric, chicken tikka masala, garam masala, korma masala, biryani masala, and chat masala were analyzed for microbial contamination.

Result: Microbiological analysis revealed varying colony-forming units (CFU/ml) across samples, with chicken tikka masala from S exhibiting the highest CFU/ml (6×10^5). Gram staining and spore staining indicated dominance of gram-positive and spore producing bacteria, while no Gram-negative bacteria were detected. Fourteen bacterial strains showed resistance to chromium and lead salts, with strain N₆ displaying the maximum resistance (MIC for chromium: 3500µg/ml; lead: 3900µg/ml). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy revealed elevated lead and chromium levels in the spice (N_T) sample (average concentration: 2.40 ppm; 0.78 ppm). Antibacterial activity was observed (9 mm), highest in isolate N₆. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) production analysis indicated biofilm-forming potential, confirmed by the ring test. SEM and FTIR analysis of N6 strain showed EPS presence and functional group diversity. 16S rRNA analysis identified the strain as Bacillus sp. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of beneficial plant compounds, and antioxidant assays indicated varying levels among spices, with N₃ (N biryani masala) exhibiting the highest 77.19% DPPH value, N₁ (N korma masala) showing the highest 88.22% FRAP value, and S₅ (S biryani masala) displaying the highest total 83.95% phenolic content.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Turmeric Powder (N_T) exhibited the highest antibacterial, antioxidative, and antimitotic potential among all the tested extracts of selected spices. Future research could focus on isolating and modifying the phytochemicals responsible for these activities for potential pharmacological applications.