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Background and aim: Docetaxel, oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil (FLOT) may improve overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal cancer. Our study aims to determine the pathological response in these patients with the FLOT chemotherapy in the Neoadjuvant setting. This is the first study conducted in our country. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from March 2018 to December 2020. After ethical review committee approval, all patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and received treatment at our tertiary care center were included in the study. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical. Values were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. The chi-square test was used to determine the difference between categorical variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered the level of significance. Kaplan- Meier curves were used to calculate survival analysis. Results: Out of 41, 35 patients with locally advanced resectable gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma were included in our study analysis. The entire cohort had a male predominance, with a mean age of 59. All patients received neoadjuvant FLOT. Pathological treatment response achieved was 77%, of which 66% had partial and 11% had complete response. There is a significant association of pathological response with age, gender, stage, grade, co-morbid and number of chemotherapy cycles received (p-value =<0.05). The OS was 80% with the mean OS was 2.6 years (31 months). Conclusion: Our study shows comparable response rates to other studies conducted internationally. Our findings confirm that FLOT is an effective and well-tolerated perioperative regimen with reasonable response rates in the Pakistani population. A more extensive longitudinal study would ensure these preliminary results in the local patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review explores the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Breast Cancer (BC) survival prediction, emphasizing the transformative impact on patient care. From machine learning to deep neural networks, diverse models demonstrate the potential to refine prognosis accuracy and tailor treatment strategies. The literature underscores the need for clinician integration and addresses challenges of model generalizability and ethical considerations. Crucially, AI's promise extends to Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), presenting an opportunity to bridge healthcare disparities. Collaborative efforts in research, technology transfer, and education are essential to empower healthcare professionals in LMICs. As we navigate this frontier, AI emerges not only as a technological advancement but as a guiding light toward personalized, accessible BC care, marking a significant stride in the global fight against this formidable disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting their treatment options. The traditional assessment of liver function using the Child-Pugh score has limitations due to its subjectivity. The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade delivers a more precise evaluation of liver function. This study examines overall survival (OS) in advanced HCC patients treated with first-line systemic therapy and the impact of ALBI grading on these outcomes. Materials and methods: A total of 104 patients with advanced HCC treated between January 2017 and December 2023 with one of the three first-line therapy options: Sorafenib, lenvatinib or atezolizumab/bevacizumab were retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to examine the survival results, and the log-rank test was employed to evaluate the variations in survival among ALBI grades and therapy types. Cox proportional hazards regression examined the impact of ALBI grading and other covariates on OS, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 for the multivariable model. Results: The median age of HCC patients was 58.5 years, with 70% males, and a primary etiology of hepatitis C (43%). The median OS and time to progression (TTP) in this cohort were 9 months and 3.25 months. In ALBI grade I patients, the OS was 21 months, while in grade II or III patients, it was just 5 months. Treatment-related side effects necessitated dose reductions in over 84% of patients. Albumin-bilirubin grade, Child-Pugh class, and treatment modifications due to adverse effects were significant predictors of survival. Conclusion: Lenvatinib appears to have better survival outcomes compared to other options. The albumin-bilirubin grading is a useful method for evaluating liver function and forecasting survival rates for individuals with HCC. Clinical significance: Our findings support the use of ALBI grading in clinical decision-making for advanced HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several analyses are conducted to explain the causes and symptoms of autosomal-recessive hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) in different families. The disorder is shown to be widely caused by the different mutations taking place in the beta propeller WDR72 gene.

Primary, or true, autosomal recessive microcephaly (MCPH1) is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and maps to chromosome 8p22-pter. It has been found to be genetically heterogeneous by analyzing nine consanguineous families with primary microcephaly. Two consanguineous families of Pakistani origin were studied in the identification of the genetic locus, MCPH1, between D8S1824 and D8S1825 using autozygosity mapping.

Background: Although an integral part of ethical and quality health care, little is known about the informed decision making of Chinese women with different socioeconomic backgrounds within the context of antenatal testing. Methods: To explore women's viewpoints on informed decision making regarding antenatal screening, a Q‐methodology study that combines both quantitative factor analysis and interviews was conducted between June 2016 and February 2017 in Shanghai and Duyun. A total of 169 women (84 Shanghai and 85 Duyun) participated in the study of 41 ranked statements along a Q‐sorting grid. Results: Using by‐person factor analysis, five distinct viewpoints are identified: (a) choice is shared with the partner/husband, but the mother has the right to make the final decision; (b) having antenatal tests is not about choice but about a mother's responsibility; (c) choice is a shared decision led primarily by the partner/husband and secondarily by the doctors; (d) choice should be made using the advice of doctors, but the decision should be made with the partner/husband; and (e) choice is a responsibility shared with the partner, family and doctors. Conclusions: The study reveals that women with better education and higher incomes demonstrate more autonomy than those with less education. The nuclear family clearly emerges as the main decision makers in health‐care services in China. Patient and Public Contribution: The 169 participants shared their views and stories for at least an hour. They were debriefed after the interviews and contributed their thoughts on our study design and interpretation of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the initiative to transform healthcare services in Pakistan, Professor Yasmin Rashid of the Ministry of Health in Punjab emphasises the focus on primary care as well the need to upgrade secondary and tertiary facilities. This vision has been outlined in the one hundred Day Agenda, which seeks to improve areas such as nutrition, immunisation and health insurance amongst others. Overall, this article explores Professor Rashid's perspective on transforming health in Pakistan not just through the one hundred Day Agenda, but beyond, with the aim of improving the equity, accessibility and quality of healthcare in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]