Multan Medical and Dental College

Manilkara zapota (M. zapota), commonly known as sapodilla, is a tropical fruit recognized for its nutritional value and diverse phytochemical composition. This review critically summarizes recent evidence (2013–2026) regarding the phytochemistry, biological activities, safety profile, and food industry relevance of M. zapota, using literature retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. Different parts of the plant, including its fruits, leaves, seeds, and bark, contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, catechin, myricetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, triterpenes, and glycosides. Experimental studies have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, glucose homeostasis, and antiproliferative activities associated with these phytochemicals. Mechanistically, M. zapota extracts have been reported to modulate oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic pathways, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes in in vitro and animal studies. Available toxicological evidence suggests that certain extracts were well tolerated under specific experimental conditions; however, further standardized safety assessments and clinical investigations remain necessary. In addition to its pharmacological relevance, M. zapota has potential applications in functional foods and food processing industries, including jams, jellies, spreads, fruit bars, beverages, and nutraceutical formulations. Overall, M. zapota represents a promising underutilized plant with potential relevance for food, nutraceutical, and future biomedical applications.

Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) remains a therapeutic challenge, particularly for patients ineligible for stem-cell transplantation or CAR T-cell therapy. Loncastuximab tesirine, a CD19-directed antibody-drug conjugate, has demonstrated promising single-agent activity in recent studies and is approved in this setting. In this meta-analysis, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of loncastuximab tesirine monotherapy in patients with R/R DLBCL. A systematic review was conducted per PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception until March 2025. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of loncastuximab tesirine monotherapy with defined efficacy and safety endpoints were included. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, including three clinical trials and four observational cohort studies. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Pooled analyses were conducted in R (version 4.5.1) using absolute risk and random-effects modeling. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic; publication bias was evaluated via Egger’s test and funnel plots. The pooled overall response rate (ORR) was 47.3

Background: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with high recurrence rates, significantly impacting survival and quality of life in affected patients. Surgical treatment is the primary approach, yet recurrence remains common, influenced by various clinical and pathological factors. Objective: To analyze the factors influencing recurrence rates in surgically treated OSCC patients and identify significant predictors of recurrence to guide treatment and follow-up strategies. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the records of 345 OSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment in Ziauddin Hospital Karachi and Jinnah Hospital Karachi from March 2022 to August 2025. Patient demographics, tumor-specific characteristics (size, stage, depth of invasion, lymph node involvement, and histological grade), and treatment details (surgical margins, adjuvant therapy) were reviewed. Recurrence rates were calculated, and statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were used to identify significant predictors of recurrence. Results: As tumor stage progresses from Stage I to Stage IV, there is a noticeable increase in the percentage of poorly differentiated tumors, rising from 20% in Stage I to 39% in Stage IV. This trend indicates that tumors tend to become less differentiated, or more aggressive, as they advance. Similarly, the proportion of moderately differentiated tumors also increases, from 15% in Stage I to 30% in Stage IV. In contrast, well-differentiated tumors, which are generally less aggressive, are relatively lower in percentage across all stages but show a gradual increase from 10% in Stage I to 22% in Stage IV. Conclusion: It is concluded that OSCC recurrence is multifactorial, with patient, tumor, and treatment-related factors playing crucial roles. Tailoring postoperative management based on these risk factors, along with lifestyle interventions, may reduce recurrence rates and improve patient outcomes. Future studies should explore molecular markers and novel therapies to further refine individualized treatment approaches.

Background: Interventional radiology (IR) is a rapidly evolving medical specialty that utilizes minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, awareness and career interest in IR remain limited, particularly in Pakistan. This study aims to assess the awareness, perceptions, and career interest in IR among medical students in Multan, Pakistan, and identify factors influencing their knowledge and willingness to pursue IR as a specialty. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among MBBS students from multiple medical colleges in Multan, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire, adapted from previous studies, was distributed via Google Forms, and responses were collected between May and June 2025. The questionnaire covered demographic details, awareness and knowledge of IR, perceptions of IR’s role in healthcare, and career interest in the field. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nishtar Institutional Review Board. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize categorical variables. Results: A total of 362 students participated in the study. Among them, 29% had no prior knowledge of IR, and only 5.2% demonstrated a solid understanding of the specialty. The main sources of IR awareness were social media (23.2%) and senior doctors (21%), whereas only 18.2% learned about IR through their medical curriculum. Although 60.8% recognized IR as a crucial medical specialty, only 18.8% expressed strong interest in pursuing it as a career. The most significant barriers included a lack of structured IR education (69.6%) and limited mentorship (15.4%). Conclusion: Medical students in Multan exhibit limited awareness and formal exposure to IR, despite acknowledging its significance in modern healthcare. Enhancing IR education, integrating structured training programs, and providing mentorship could increase career interest and bridge the gap between knowledge and professional opportunities in Pakistan.