Gene variant profiles and tumor metabolic activity as measured by FOXM1 expression and glucose uptake in lung adenocarcinoma

Background@#Cancer cells displaying aberrant metabolism switch energy production from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Measure of glucose standardized uptake value (SUV) by positron emission tomography (PET), used for staging of adenocarcinoma in high-risk patients, can reflect cellular use of the glycolysis pathway. The transcription factor, FOXM1 plays a role in regulation of glycolytic genes. Cancer cell transformation is driven by mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as TP53 and STK11 and oncogenes such as KRAS and EGFR. In this study, SUV and FOXM1 gene expression were compared in the background of selected cancer gene mutations. @*Methods@#Archival tumor tissue from cases of lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed. SUV was collected from patient records. FOXM1 gene expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Gene mutations were detected by allele-specific PCR and gene sequencing. @*Results@#SUV and FOXM1 gene expression patterns differed in the presence of single and coexisting gene mutations. Gene mutations affected SUV and FOXM1 differently. EGFR mutations were found in tumors with lower FOXM1 expression but did not affect SUV. Tumors with TP53 mutations had increased SUV (p = .029). FOXM1 expression was significantly higher in tumors with STK11 mutations alone (p < .001) and in combination with KRAS or TP53 mutations (p < .001 and p = .002, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Cancer gene mutations may affect tumor metabolic activity. These observations support consideration of tumor cell metabolic state in the presence of gene mutations for optimal prognosis and treatment strategy.

Self-directed learning and research attitudes among medical students

To describe the correlation between Self-directed Learning [SDL] and medical students' attitude towards research, based on the premise that self-directed learners are independent, motivated, and curious learners. Observational cross-sectional study. Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, from August 2011 to January 2012. One hundred and ninety-four students of final [5th] year class at Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi participated in this cross-sectional study. SDL ability of students was measured using Oddi's Continuing Learning Inventory [OCLI] whereas Attitude Towards Research [ATR] scale was used to measure their research attitudes. Spearman's rank-order analysis was performed to measure correlation between SDL scores on OCLI and all the 18 items on ATR scale. Statistically significant relationships with correlation coefficients ranging from +0.12 to +0.32 were found for the correlation between scores on the OCLI and eleven statements highlighting research use and positive attributes of research [14 items]. Those students who participated in extra-curricular research projects [n=58, 29.9%] had relatively higher scores on OCLI as compared to those who did not participate [n=136, 70.1%, p=0.041]. Self-directed learners show a positive attitude towards research, though the relationship is not strong

How has problem based learning fared in Pakistan?

To conduct a systematic review of primary research in undergraduate medical education in Pakistan in order to evaluate PBL programs, examine outcomes and competencies influenced by PBL, and compare them with conventional learning [lecture based learning, LBL]. Qualitative content analysis. Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, from June 2010 - February 2011. Literature was searched using online resources. Studies evaluating outcomes influenced by PBL, or comparing PBL with lecture based learning [LBL] were selected. Due to heterogeneity, a qualitative content analysis was performed in which studies were classified according to the methods of assessment; results were then summarized by outcome and frequencies were calculated. Eleven studies were included. Apart from knowledge acquisition, students gave high ratings to PBL in selected outcomes, alone, and in comparison with LBL. There was a disagreement among results of studies that evaluated knowledge acquisition alone. Based on student perceptions, PBL has many advantages. However, the results of this review are limited due to heterogeneity and methodological weakness of studies, specially the studies that compared exam scores to assess knowledge acquisition