Lahore General Hospital

Several parts of the world grow stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni), a perennial shrub belonging to the composite family. Because it contains steviol glycosides, which are 100–300 times sweeter than sucrose, it is well known for its sweetness. This review article aims to integrate existing research to provide an exhaustive overview of stevia, including its origins, nutritional composition, and health implications, thereby augmenting the existing body of knowledge in this domain. It has been used as a sweetener and sugar substitute in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Stevia is also useful in the management of an array of medical conditions due to its high nutritional and phytochemical content. A thorough examination of Stevia’s phytochemical composition discloses a diverse range of pharmacologically active substances, comprising steviol glycosides, flavanols, and Phenolic acids.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a markedly increased risk of thromboembolic stroke, primarily originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an established alternative for stroke prevention in patients with contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has traditionally guided LAAO, but intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is increasingly adopted to facilitate conscious sedation and operator-controlled imaging. Comparative real-world safety and effectiveness data between ICE and TEE remain limited. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network, comprising 112 healthcare organizations. Adult patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent percutaneous LAAO guided exclusively by ICE or TEE were identified. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included pericardial effusion, stroke/cerebrovascular accident (CVA), major bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI), device-related complications, and all-cause hospitalization or emergency department encounters, assessed at 30 and 365 days. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed using demographics, comorbidities, medications, prior procedures, and laboratory values. Risk ratios, absolute risk differences, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare outcomes. Among 10,629 eligible patients, 3,930 underwent ICE-guided LAAO and 6,699 underwent TEE-guided LAAO. After propensity score matching, 3,442 patients remained in each cohort with well-balanced baseline characteristics. At 30 days, all-cause mortality was numerically lower with ICE than TEE (0.4

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the comparative effectiveness and safety of robotic-assisted versus manual total hip arthroplasty by analysing 15 comparative studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases from January 2010 to December 2025, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies comparing robotic-assisted and conventional manual total hip arthroplasty in primary procedures were included, with data extracted on operative time, perioperative complications, implant dislocation rates, and functional outcomes using the Harris Hip Score. Meta-analysis revealed that robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty required significantly longer operative times compared with manual techniques, with a mean difference of 8.43 minutes. However, robotic-assisted procedures demonstrated a clinically meaningful 51% reduction in overall perioperative complications compared with manual techniques, with low heterogeneity among studies. This reduction may result from enhanced precision in component positioning, real-time haptic feedback preventing inadvertent bone resection, and improved soft tissue preservation. No significant differences were observed between groups with regard to implant dislocation rates or Harris Hip Score outcomes, suggesting that enhanced surgical precision does not necessarily translate into superior short-term functional outcomes. These findings indicate that while robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty offers potential advantages in reducing complications, the increased operative time and substantial capital investment require careful consideration. The technology may be particularly beneficial for high-risk patients or complex cases. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness analyses, and identification of specific patient subgroups who may derive maximum benefit from robotic assistance, to inform appropriate clinical utilisation of this technology.

Edible seeds have gained substantial scientific attention for their exceptional nutrient density and potential health-promoting properties. They are rich in dietary fiber, high-quality proteins, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (E, C, and K), and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron. Bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and peptides contribute to their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation linked to chronic diseases. This review focuses on pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds, valuable sources of essential micronutrients and bioactives with demonstrated nutraceutical potential. Pumpkin seeds enhance immune strength because of their mineral profile, whereas chia seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids associated with neuroprotection and anti-Alzheimer's effects. The omega-3 content of flax and chia seeds offers cardioprotective benefits, whereas sesame lignans (sesamin) exhibit lipid-lowering and anti-aging properties. Flaxseed's secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) contributes to cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects, and melon seed squalene supports immune health and exerts anti-cancer activity. Mechanistic studies highlight these seeds' ability to regulate molecular pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Their bioactive constituents act through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic-regulating mechanisms, validating their classification as functional foods. Evidence from clinical and biochemical studies largely supports these benefits, although some claims stem from preliminary or in vitro findings. Overall, pumpkin, flax, sesame, chia, and melon seeds demonstrate significant potential as natural sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds that promote cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune health. Their integration into daily diets and functional food formulations could play a vital role in preventing lifestyle-related chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.