Periodontal and Caries Status in Relation to Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Medical and Dental Students in Taxila, Pakistan.

Background The importance of oral health in general well-being is widely acknowledged. It is expected that students belonging to dental and medical fields maintain a strong awareness of oral health and participate in public oral health awareness and initiatives, particularly in low-income nations such as Pakistan. Objectives The objective of the study was to assess the relation of periodontal status and dental caries status of medical and dental students in Taxila, Pakistan, with their oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior.

CORRELATION BETWEEN FACIOLINGUAL INCLINATION OF MAXILLARY CENTRAL INCISORS AND MOLARS WITH MAXILLARY AND MANDIBULAR MORPHOLOGY.

Background: The torque of maxillary incisors and molars forms an important component of smile esthetics. The inclination of these teeth may be affected by maxillary and mandibular dimensions. The study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the faciolingual inclinations of maxillary incisors and first molars with palatal width (PW), palatal depth (PD), maxillomandibular angle (MMA) and mandibular width (MW) using cone beam computed tomography scans.

Cultural Competency in Dental Practice: Navigating the Experiences and Perspectives of Dentists in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Introduction Cultural competence in healthcare embraces the principles of equal access and nondiscriminatory services in healthcare delivery. Dentists as significant healthcare professionals should definitely have the skills needed to diagnose and treat patients' conditions, but it is crucial to also address nontechnical skills such as cross-cultural communication, the ability to empathize, and inclusive-mindedness. Globally, cultural competency training has been included in healthcare educational programs; however, national practices reportedly have revolved around patients' clinical competencies and thus entailed overlooking the cultural dimensions of dental education that include diverse sociocultural factors that influence how dental practices are taught, learned, and delivered.

Remineralization Effect of Bioactive Glass With and Without Fluoride and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) on Artificial Dentine Caries: An In Vitro Study.

Background/objectives Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a common dental condition marked by transient, sharp pain arising from dentinal exposure. Bioactive materials are capable of remineralization. This study aims to explore the remineralization effect of bioactive glass (BAG) with and without fluoride and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), using dentine discs as the test substrate.

Motivators and Barriers to Career Choices in Community Medicine Among Medical Students in South Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background Community medicine plays a vital role in public health, yet research on medical students' career choices in this field is limited, especially in underserved areas like South Punjab, Pakistan. This study explores the factors that influence undergraduate medical students' interest in pursuing a career in community medicine. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 305 fourth- and final-year undergraduate medical students from various colleges in South Punjab.

Correction: Mansoor et al. Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles with a Novel Biogenic Process for Dental Application. 2022, , 1078.

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Shared decision making for patients needing dentofacial orthopedics, orthognathic surgery, and conventional non-surgical fixed appliance therapy: a comparison between Pakistani patients' and clinicians' perspective.

Introduction: Shared decision making (SDM) involves presenting patients with relevant information about a health issue and reaching a clinical decision based on their preferences. However, its application in orthodontics lacks documentation.

Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the perspectives of patients and clinicians on SDM in different cases.

Exploring Faculty Preparedness for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Dental Education: A Multicentre Study.

Introduction In the modern era, technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is the centre of digital innovation. AI is revolutionising numerous fields, including the healthcare sector, globally. Incorporating AI in dental education may help in improving the diagnostic accuracy, learners' experiences, and effectiveness of the management of dental education institutions.

Shining a Spotlight on Stigma: Exploring Its Impact on Oral Health-Seeking Behaviours Through the Lenses of Patients and Caregivers.

Introduction The unique nature of a lack of good oral health, coupled with the lack of discussion and recognition surrounding the associated stigma, highlights it as a distinct issue. This stigma causes discomfort, devalues individuals, and necessitates urgent care and intervention. In Pakistan, a variety of reasons, including cultural beliefs, socioeconomic gaps, and poor access to dental care services, tend to exacerbate the stigma that is associated with dental care.

Physiological impact of Tabata exercise on cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters in transgender people of Multan.

Objective: To investigate factors directly related to cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness in transgender people.

Methods: The cross-sectional, experimental study was conducted at the Government Girls Comprehensive Higher Secondary School, Multan, Pakistan, from January to February 2023, after approval from the ethics review committee of the Muhammad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences, Multan, and comprised transgender people aged 17-28 years. Data was collected using the physical activity readiness questionnaire.

Confluence of Challenges: A Case Report of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Coexisting With Depressive Illness, Severe Weight Loss, and an Incidental Adnexal Cyst.

In the case of a 24-year-old woman experiencing depressive illness, weight loss, vomiting, and hypoglycemia, initial suspicion of gastroenteritis shifted to reveal compensated metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. A subsequent CT scan revealed both superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome and an incidental adnexal cyst, leading to treatment involving electrolyte correction and laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, ultimately facilitating her recovery.

Comparative Analysis of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy and Conventional Radiation Therapy in Cancer Pain Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aims: Approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with primary or metastatic cancer endure pain directly attributable to the disease. Consequently, it becomes imperative to address pain management through a comparative analysis of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and conventional radiation therapy (CRT), especially in light of the less efficacious improvement achieved solely through pharmacological interventions.

Materials And Methods: A systematic exploration was undertaken on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Elsevier's ScienceDirect databases to identify studies that compare Stereotactic Radiotherapy to Conventional radiation therapy for pain management in individuals with metastatic bone cancer.

Exploring the Concordance Between High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections in Cervical and Oral Sites Among Females: A Cross-Sectional Study in Punjab, Pakistan.

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is widely recognized as a key contributing factor in cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. However, there has been limited research on the prevalence of concurrent HPV infections in various anatomic regions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and specific types of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infections in the cervical and oral regions of females in Punjab, Pakistan.

Examining the Efficacy of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride in Halting Active Dental Caries Lesions Among Children: A Descriptive Study.

Background/objectives: Dental caries, a prevalent issue among children, often leads to discomfort and potential complications. Utilizing caries-arresting treatments to slow down its progression offers a practical alternative. Previous research indicates that topical fluorides can deactivate and remineralize enamel caries.

Efficacy of Glass Ionomer Cement as Pit and Fissure Sealant in Permanent First Molars.

Background/Objectives Pit and fissure caries constitute a predominant portion, approximately 90% in permanent posterior teeth and 44% in primary teeth among children and adolescents. Among various preventive modalities, pit and fissure sealants play a pivotal role in safeguarding these vulnerable areas. Categorized by materials such as glass ionomer, composites, and polyacid-modified glass ionomers, these sealants offer effective protection.

Comprehensive Analysis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Clinical, Epidemiological, and Histopathological Insights With a Focus on Prognostic Factors and Survival Time.

Background And Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the head and neck region. Particularly, high incidence rates are observed in South and Southeast Asia, attributed to the widespread use of the carcinogenic areca nut. This study aimed to investigate the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological features of OSCC, identify prognostic factors impacting disease-free survival, and determine a post-diagnosis disease-free survival time of OSCC patients.

Students' Perception of Online Versus Face-to-Face Learning: What Do the Healthcare Teachers Have to Know?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions confronted the possibility of complete closure and took countermeasures by adapting e-learning platforms. The present cross-sectional study quantified the impact of the pandemic on medical education using a validated and reliable tool. The tool was used to explore the perceptions of 270 healthcare students about e-learning in comparison to traditional learning systems.

Efficacy of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as a Reparative Material in Iatrogenic Furcal Perforations in Mandibular Molars.

Background/objectives:  Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is widely recognized as one of the most biocompatible materials for perforation repairs during root canal treatment (RCT). Experimental evidence has consistently demonstrated MTA's superior sealing ability and biocompatibility compared to various dental materials, including amalgam, intermediate restorative material, zinc oxide eugenol cement, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of MTA as a reparative material in iatrogenic furcal perforations during RCT.

COVID-19 Testing Trend: A Retrospective Analysis of the Three Major Pandemic Waves in Punjab, Pakistan.

Background/objectives: There is some evidence in the literature of under-testing of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan. This study aims to explore COVID-19 testing trends and the factors affecting them in a lower middle-income country for future infectious disease policy-making and intervention strategies.

Methodology: The study was conducted as a serial cross-sectional study during the three major peaks from March 2020 to June 2021 on 1616 participants in Punjab, Pakistan.

Evaluation of polyherbal gel for musculoskeletal injuries in industrial workers.

Background: Industrial workers often have musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work.

Objective: The goal was to investigate the scientific use of polyherbal gel in relieving pain and stiffness due to musculoskeletal injuries and improving activities of daily living (ADLs) in industrial workers.

Methods: A pragmatic, single-blinded, randomized control study divided 200 musculoskeletal injury patients into four parallel groups (n = 50).

Use of Optical Coherence Tomography in Dentistry.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optics-based imaging technique, which may be called an "optical biopsy." It can be used to acquire structural information about a tissue at a resolution comparable to histopathology. OCT is based on the principle of low-coherence interferometry where near-infrared (NIR) light is shown on a tissue sample and then cross-sectional images are obtained based on backscattered light and echo time delay.

Advances in Thyroid Function Tests: Precision Diagnostics and Clinical Implications.

This narrative review explores the evolving field of thyroid function testing, explicitly highlighting the significance of precision diagnostics and their substantial impact on clinical practice. Commencing with a comprehensive examination of the historical progression of thyroid diagnostics, the discourse proceeds to explore recent developments, highlighting the paramount importance of accuracy in testing methods. The primary issue under consideration is the crucial requirement for accuracy in the field of therapeutic practice.

Relationship of stunting with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices among children under the age of five: a cross-sectional study in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Reasons for undernutrition are food insufficiency, impaired child care, limited access to healthcare, and maternal lack of health literacy. In addition, there are several environmental factors, such as drinking water quality, poor sanitation, and hygienic practices that can lead to poor nutritional status in children. The present study aimed to compare household-associated risk factors, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices of mothers, with children's stunting under the age of five.