Journal of University Medical & Dental College

JUMDC — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The impact of global funding cuts on World Health Organization (WHO) and what it means for global health security

Saba Tariq, Sundus Tariq, Akram Malik — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Increasing use of social media among youth: digital detox is essential for mental health and social well-being

Tauseef Ahmad, Mukhtiar Baig — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Comparative evaluation of the effect of different resin luting agents on the color of lithium disilicate crowns after Aging (An In Vitro Study)

Lana Bahram Khadhr, Randa Saad Rasheed — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ceramics made of lithium disilicate are popular because of their superior optical properties and biocompatibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cement types that yield the best results and to assess the effects of various resin cements on the shade of lithium disilicate restorations, both before and after thermocycling.

METHODOLOGY: Lithium disilicate blocks were used to restore thirty prepared central incisors from typodont teeth. The restorations were cemented with 3 types of resin cement (G-Cem One, Breeze, and Itena). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color parameters of the restorations in three stages: 1) prior to cementing, 2) following cementing, and 3) following 5000 cycles of thermocycling. The CIEDE2000 formula was used to calculate color differences (∆E00).

RESULTS: There was no noticeable difference found between the three research groups in the means of ∆E00 1 and ∆E00 2. However, the highest mean was observed in the GC Resin Cement. ∆E00 3 assesses the color change after thermocycling compared with readings after cementing. The means of ∆E00 3 did not differ significantly across the three groups, but Itena Resin Cement has the highest mean.

CONCLUSIONS: There was some color change in resin cements of the same color made by different manufacturers, although these changes were usually within clinically normal limits.

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) : Potential antimicrobials against Treponema denticola - an Invitro analysis

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Endodontic infections are polymicrobial in nature and commonly involve anaerobic bacteria such as Treponema denticola, a spirochete also associated with periodontal disease. Increasing interest in herbal alternatives has led to the investigation of traditional medicinal plants for dental infections. However, the antibacterial activity of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) against T. denticola has not been previously reported. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ethanolic leaf extracts of M. koenigii and T. cordifolia against T. denticola.

METHODOLOGY: An in vitro experimental study was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method to assess the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of M. koenigii (Group 1) and T. cordifolia (Group 2) extracts against T. denticola. Triple antibiotic paste (Group 3) served as the positive control, while sterile water was used as the negative control. MIC and MBC values were determined using the serial dilution method.

RESULTS: Group 1 exhibited a greater ZOI (18.09 ± 1.99 mm) compared to Group 2; however, both were significantly lower than the positive control (p < 0.001). MIC results indicated bacteriostatic activity for M. koenigii, whereas T. cordifolia demonstrated bactericidal effects.

CONCLUSION: Both Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) showed promising antibacterial activity against T. denticola, suggesting their potential use as intracanal medicaments for reducing root canal pathogens.

Post operative pain comparison of nasal pack with trans-septal suturing after septoplasty

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Septoplasty, first introduced in the late modern period, has undergone several refinements and remains one of the most frequently performed nasal surgeries, alongside inferior turbinoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, and rhinoplasty. Postoperative pain management remains a significant consideration, particularly regarding the use of nasal packing versus transeptal suturing. This study aimed to compare pain perception between patients who received nasal packing and those who underwent transeptal suturing after septoplasty.

METHODOLOGY:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of ENT at Aziz Fatimah Hospital, following approval by the Ethical Research Committee, from October 2023 to March 2024. A total of 84 patients were enrolled and divided equally into two groups. Group A received polyvinyl alcohol nasal packing, while Group B underwent trans-septal suturing using Vicryl® 3-0 absorbable sutures. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after 48 hours during hospital stay and again on day 7 during follow-up.

RESULTS:
Of the 84 participants, 29 (34.5%) were female and 55 (65.5%) were male, with ages ranging from 18 to 54 years (mean 24.20 ± 6.937). No statistically significant difference in postoperative pain was observed between the two groups, with p-values of 0.0836 at 48 hours and 0.356 at day 7.

CONCLUSION:
The study concludes that nasal packing and transeptal suturing are comparable in terms of postoperative pain after septoplasty, with no significant difference between the two methods.

Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker for Guillain-Barre syndrome: a Cross-sectional study from a tertiary care Hospital

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyradiculoneuropathy with variable course and prognosis in different patients. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has shown promise in predicting prognosis in Guillain-Barre syndrome. The objective of this study was to determine the role of NLR as a marker of prognosis for Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

METHODOLOGY : It was a prospective, cross-sectional study of GBS patients aged 15–70, conducted using non-probability consecutive sampling from 11th February to 10th September 2025 at the Neurology Department of Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi. Patients were sub typed and treated with plasmapheresis. Baseline clinical data and inflammatory markers, including NLR, were collected. Treatment response was assessed using the Hughes Disability Score; poor prognosis was defined as an NLR >4.4 or non-response. SPSS version 26 was utilized for data analysis.

RESULTS : The study included 80 GBS patients (mean age 38.86 ± 15.8 years), mostly males (73.8%). The mean NLR was 7.18 ± 13.95. Higher NLR values (>4.4) were associated with poor clinical outcomes, as measured by the Hughes Disability Score. NLR showed a sensitivity of 48.48% and specificity of 80.85% and a diagnostic accuracy of 69.09% for predicting poor response. Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) showed the highest prognostic accuracy among all studied variants of GBS.

CONCLUSION: NLR aids in early risk stratification and predicts clinical outcomes after therapeutic interventions. However, it should complement, rather than replace, comprehensive clinical evaluations.

Investigation of the efficacy and outcomes of intrauterine packing (iup) versus balloon tamponade (bt) in achieving hemostasis in cases of postpartum hemorrhage (pph) unresponsive to conventional medical interventions

Samar Amin , Fatima Abid , Noor Abid , Robina Ali — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. When pharmacologic measures fail, surgical alternatives are required. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intrauterine packing (IUP) and balloon tamponade (BT) in achieving hemostasis in PPH due to uterine atony.

METHODOLOGY: A randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05234578) was conducted at MNCH Hospital, Faisalabad. A total of 220 women aged 18–40 years with primary PPH due to uterine atony were randomized into two groups: Group A (IUP) and Group B (BT). Outcomes included success in achieving hemostasis, complication rates, and blood loss.

RESULTS: Mean age and estimated blood loss were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). Although BT had a higher success rate (97.3%) than IUP (91.8%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.135, Fisher’s Exact Test). Perforation occurred more frequently in the IUP group (5.5%) than the BT group (0.9%), but this was also not significant (p = 0.119). Fever and hysterectomy rates showed no significant differences (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Although BT showed trends toward greater efficacy and fewer complications than IUP, these differences were not statistically significant. However, due to its minimally invasive nature and favorable safety profile, BT may be considered a preferred option for managing PPH due to uterine atony. Further large-scale studies are warranted.

Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with bronchial asthma

Seemab Saleem, Saba Wamiq, Rabeea Saadat, Saima Manzoor — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma are often linked, with GERD potentially triggering or worsening asthma symptoms. This study aimed to determine the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and bronchial asthma in children.

METHODOLOGY: This case-control study was conducted at the Pediatric Medicine Department, Ibn-e-Siena Hospital, Multan, over a 6-month period. Children aged 3–12 years presenting to the pediatric outpatient department were consecutively enrolled. Cases were children diagnosed with bronchial asthma based on spirometry (FEV1/FVC <90% and FEV1 < 0% adjusted for age, gender, and height), while controls were children without respiratory symptoms and with normal spirometry. All participants underwent an upper gastrointestinal (GI) barium study, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was diagnosed based on reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia, or impaired gastric motility. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and logistic regression was used to assess the association between GERD and asthma.

RESULTS: The study included 63 cases and 63 controls, with a mean age of 7.01 ± 2.1 years and equal gender distribution. GERD prevalence was higher in cases (78.1% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.001). Asthmatic children had significantly lower BMI (16.0 ± 0.9 vs. 16.6 ± 0.9, p = 0.001). Logistic regression revealed GERD as an independent risk factor for asthma (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.9–12.8, p=0.001), while higher BMI had a protective effect (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8, p=0.006)..

Conclusion: GERD is significantly associated with bronchial asthma in children, while higher BMI appears protective. Managing GERD may play a role in asthma management.

Factors causing low back pain in undergraduate medical students; A cross-sectional study

Muhammad Sohail Anjum Noor, Uzma Kausar, Amir Ahmad, Muhammad Usama Sohail — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Low back pain is a serious health issue among medical students, particularly due to the taxing, rigorous nature of the course curriculum. The study aims to explore the causes and factors responsible for the ailment, with a focus on preventing low back pain, to provide valuable professional input by medical graduates in the future.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate students of ABWA Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from March 2024 to Aug 2024 using a probability sampling technique (simple random). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to explore the factors responsible for low back pain among undergraduate medical students. The data was collected and analyzed in SPSS 26 using the chi-square test.

RESULT: Of 240 participants, 154 (77%) reported low back pain. Prolonged sitting (>3 hours), lack of exercise, stressful conditions, and the hectic routines of medical students were identified as potential causes of low back pain among medical students, with P values of 0.03, 0.008, and 0.008, respectively. The stressful conditions, with increased study hours and long lecture hours, have been shown to be statistically significant (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low back pain has increased to an alarming extent. Students should adopt a healthy lifestyle to cope with the stressful life in medical college.

Correlation between mindfulness engagement and self-reported academic performance in medical students

Tayyab Sajjad, Ammar Asif, Farooq Ahmed, Noor-i-Kiran Naeem — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Mindfulness practices are recognized as effective strategies for coping with stress in medical education. This study aims to determine the correlation between mindfulness engagement and self-reported academic performance in medical students

METHODOLOGY: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, involving 90 undergraduate medical students. Data were collected online using Google Forms and analyzed in Google Sheets. Students' self-reported academic achievement was then correlated with mindfulness practices. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 22 ± 1.1 years, with the majority (66.1%) aged 22-24. The gender distribution was 55.8% male and 44.2% female. A significant majority (93%) were aware of mindfulness activities, and 60% reported participating in them. There was a significant difference in mindfulness awareness and practice, as indicated by p-values. Additionally, 81% of students believed that mindfulness practices positively influenced their academic performance. A statistically significant relationship was identified between mindfulness practices and self-reported academic achievements (p-value=0.002). Common barriers to practice included lack of time (61.8%), lack of interest (14.7%), and skepticism about its effectiveness (10.3%).

CONCLUSION: The study's findings suggest a positive correlation between mindfulness practices and self-reported academic achievement among undergraduate medical students. Most participants reported improvements in educational performance and mental health, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness practices into medical education.

Teaching pharmacology in china: challenges faced by students and lecturer in the new era

Nur Aliana Hidayah Mohamed — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid advancement of medical science in China has made teaching pharmacology increasingly challenging. Traditional teaching methods, mainly relying on didactic lectures and experimental sessions, are no longer sufficient to meet the diverse learning needs of modern students or to keep pace with newly developed drugs. Educators are required to continuously update their knowledge and adopt innovative teaching strategies such as problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), and flipped classrooms (FC). These approaches have been shown to improve student engagement, attendance, academic performance, and overall satisfaction. However, language barriers remain a major challenge, as pharmacological terminology is largely derived from Greek and Latin. To address this issue, strategies such as breaking complex terms into smaller components and implementing flipped classroom models are recommended. Pharmacology plays a vital role in medical education by linking drug mechanisms with clinical application. This paper highlights innovative teaching methods, technology-based tools, collaborative learning, and bilingual support to enhance pharmacology education in China.

Journal of University Medical & Dental College

Contents

The impact of global funding cuts on World Health Organization (WHO) and what it means for global health security

Increasing use of social media among youth: digital detox is essential for mental health and social well-being

Comparative evaluation of the effect of different resin luting agents on the color of lithium disilicate crowns after Aging (An In Vitro Study)

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) : Potential antimicrobials against Treponema denticola - an Invitro analysis

Post operative pain comparison of nasal pack with trans-septal suturing after septoplasty

Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker for Guillain-Barre syndrome: a Cross-sectional study from a tertiary care Hospital

Investigation of the efficacy and outcomes of intrauterine packing (iup) versus balloon tamponade (bt) in achieving hemostasis in cases of postpartum hemorrhage (pph) unresponsive to conventional medical interventions

Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with bronchial asthma

Factors causing low back pain in undergraduate medical students; A cross-sectional study

Correlation between mindfulness engagement and self-reported academic performance in medical students

Teaching pharmacology in china: challenges faced by students and lecturer in the new era