Comparative clinical and epidemiological study of central nervous system tumors in Pakistan and global database

Introduction: Brain tumors encompass a broad group showing wide geographic and ethnic variation in incidence. In keeping view the critical dearth of epidemiological data on brain tumors from Pakistan we undertook this study, with the aim to first describe spectrum of brain tumors at our center, and then to compare our results with prevalence pattern in global population using TCGA clinical dataset. Material and methods: Data was retrospectively collected from Histopathology archives of Dow Diagnostic Reference and Research Lab (DDRRL), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Pakistan. Clinical data set for Low Grade Gliomas (LGG) and Glioblastoma (GBM) cohort (TCGA) was downloaded from cbioportal (www.cbioportal.org). All the analyses were performed in IBM SPSS v. 24 and P value 36 years). Significant difference was recorded between our centre and global dataset with respect to age (P < 0.0001), common histological subtype (P < 0.0001), and histological grade (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Present study shows significant variation in CNS tumor prevalence pattern between our population and global data highlighting the need for epidemiological and scientific studies to delineate the environmental and genetic risk factors pertaining to our population

Investigating the association between the autophagy markers LC3B, SQSTM1/p62, and dram and autophagy-related genes in glioma

High-grade gliomas are extremely fatal tumors, marked by severe hypoxia and therapeutic resistance. Autophagy is a cellular degradative process that can be activated by hypoxia, ultimately resulting in tumor advancement and chemo-resistance. Our study aimed to examine the link between autophagy markers\u27 expression in low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and high-grade gliomas (HGGs). In 39 glioma cases, we assessed the protein expression of autophagy markers LC3B, SQSTM1/p62, and DRAM by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the mRNA expression of the autophagy genes PTEN, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, ULK1, ULK2, UVRAG, Beclin 1, and VPS34 using RT-qPCR. LC3B, SQSTM1/p62, and DRAM expression were positive in 64.1%, 51.3%, and 28.2% of glioma cases, respectively. The expression of LC3B and SQSTM1/p62 was notably higher in HGGs compared to LGGs. VPS34 exhibited a significant differential expression, displaying increased fold change in HGGs compared to LGGs. Additionally, it exhibited robust positive associations with Beclin1 (rs = 0.768), UVRAG (rs = 0.802), and ULK2 (rs = 0.786) in HGGs. This underscores a potential association between autophagy and the progression of gliomas. We provide preliminary data for the functional analysis of autophagy using a cell culture model and to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions

Forensic Dentistry In Dire Need Of Recognition As A Separate Entity In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: In this period of advancement, forensic dentistry plays crucial role in recognition of a person for ethical and the legal proceedings through the analysis of orofacial and dental characteristics with previous records. In this study, we aimed to assess the interest of dental professionals in participating in forensic dentistry courses and their willingness to introduce this subspecialty in the course curriculum of post graduate studies and to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness about forensic odontology among dental professionals of Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire with multiple close-end questions. In a convenient sample of 277 participants that includes academic faculty, undergraduates, postgraduates, house officers, dental care professional students (DCP) and dental technician/hygienist from Karachi, Pakistan. Data was measured using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results: The survey showed that a significant number of study participants have knowledge of forensic dentistry as a branch 70.02% (p value 0.000) of the respondents showed interest to integrate forensic dentistry in the core curriculum. 62% of the Participants showed willingness to opt forensic dentistry as a career or profession. Those who were unwilling had various reasons. A significant number of people maintain dental records (P value = 0.026). Conclusion: There is need for up gradation and recognition of forensic dentistry into the curricula of dentistry to meet the international trends and pursue it as career