Identification of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP) Gene and Its Dysregulated Pathway Through VDR-VDBP Interaction Network Analysis in Vitamin D-Deficient Infertile Females.

Introduction: The prevalence of female infertility in Pakistan is currently estimated at 22%, and emerging research suggests that vitamin D (VD) deficiency (VDD) may play a significant role in influencing female fertility. The focus of this study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) patterns within the VD binding protein (VDBP). The study aimed to explore dysregulated pathways and gene enrichment through an interaction network analysis, specifically focusing on the interplay between the VD receptor (VDR) and VDBP in females experiencing unexplained infertility (UI) coupled with VDD.

Serum Levels of OX40 in Early and Late-Stage Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 4 (OX40) and its ligand (OX40L) are members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily and play roles as costimulatory immunomodulators to combat infectious diseases as well as cancers. Presently, many therapeutic agents focused on OX40 and OX40L are in trials for antitumor efficacy. In Pakistan, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the second most prevalent cancer with a mortality of 50% despite the availability of various therapeutic modalities.

Association of the JAZF1 Variant in Adults With a Parental History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Pakistan.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic multifactorial condition and quickly growing disease in Pakistan. Many genes together with Zinc finger protein 1 (JAZF1) have already been described earlier in the literature but the role of JAZF1 in this subset of the population is yet to define. This study was aimed at identifying JAZF1 polymorphism and the risk of developing T2DM in persons with a parental history of T2DM in the Pakistani population.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices against the growing threat of COVID-19 among medical students of Pakistan.

Background: On account of the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes have been implicated in university medical students. We are cognizant that pandemic can be controlled with dedicated contributions from all involved in the healthcare profession. Therefore, it is important to know the pandemic and application of knowledge by the medical students to formulate a further line of management in Pakistan.

Dysregulated epidermal growth factor and tumor growth factor-beta receptor signaling through protein interaction in liver fibrosis.

Objective: Viral hepatitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Identification of biological pathways involved in hepatic fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis C are essential for better management of patients. Constructing the -human protein interaction network through bioinformatics may enable us to discover diagnostic biological pathways.

Association of Zinc Transporter-8 Autoantibody (ZnT8A) with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Zinc transporter 8 autoantibody (ZnT8A), discovered through bioinformatics, is identified as another major biomarker for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), expanding the panel of diagnostic autoantibodies. The absence of standard autoantibodies in T1DM patients and the presence of ZnT8A in individuals before disease development has led the researchers to evaluate ZnT8A to gather information about the frequency and its association. Therefore, we aim to find out the concentration of ZnT8A and its association with T1DM.

Harlequin fetus born from Consanguinity: A deleterious case report.

Harlequin Ichthyosis (HI) is a dreadful skin disorder with steady rise of cases with prolonged survival. Harlequin fetus follows an autosomal recessive pattern with the incidence of 1in 300,000 live births. In the succeeding case report, a male child was born with keratinized and kaleidoscopic diamond pattern of skin suggestive of HI.

Human papilloma virus 16/18: Fabricator of trouble in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Aim: To find out the association between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) genotypes 16/18 in Pakistani patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods: DNA from oral rinse of 300 subjects was taken. The subjects included 100 cases with OSCC and 200 controls.