Journal of Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental College

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ENTHUSIASM AND EQUITY- A NUANCED TAKE ON THE USE OF AI IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH

Dr. Komal Atta Dr. Komal Atta — 2026-02-26

SELF REPORTED FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF PRESCRIPTION OF DRUGS AMONG DENTAL SURGEONS IN PUNJAB PAKISTAN

Hammad Hassan Hammad Hassan — 2026-02-26

Background: To assess the self-reported factors influencing drug-prescribing practices among dental

surgeons in Punjab, Pakistan, and to determine the association of formal or refresher training in drug

prescription with prescribing behavior.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted over 9

months (Feb–Nov 2025) among dentists working in three dental institutes in Punjab, after the

approval of the IRB of Azra Naheed Dental College, on 300 dentists using convenience sampling. A

structured self-administered questionnaire assessed demographics, training, supervision, confidence,

and other influencing factors on drug prescription. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Chisquare test was applied with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: A total of 300 dental surgeons participated (mean age: 24.56±1.60 years); 71% were females

(n=213). Training in drug prescription had been received by 68% (n=204). Need for supervision was

reported “sometimes” by 61% (n=183), with a significant association with training (p=0.004).

Confidence in self-prescribing was “somewhat” high in 55.7% (n=167), also significantly associated

with training (p<0.001). Supervisor influence was high (93.3%; n=280), and degree of influence did

not differ significantly between trained and untrained respondents (p=0.181). Pharmaceutical

company influence was not significant (p=0.924), but prescribing in response to pharmaceutical

representatives was significantly associated with training (p<0.001). Influence from fellow

colleagues was significant (p=0.019). Other factors, including senior colleagues, self-judgment,

books, and internet resources, showed no significant differences.

Conclusion: Formal or refresher training in drug prescription significantly improves confidence,

reduces reliance on supervision, and promotes more cautious prescribing behavior, particularly in

response to pharmaceutical marketing.

EVALUATION OF SAFETY PROFILE OF ALPINIA OFFICINARUM AND HYMENOCRATER SESSILIFOLIUS BY ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY IN ALBINO RATS

Farah Javaid Farah Javaid — 2026-02-26

Background: Hymenocrater sessilifolius and Alpinia officinarum extracts have known for their

folkloric uses but no potential toxicity has been described yet. This project was aimed to find the safe

dose range and biological response of both extracts in rats by analyzing hematological parameters,

liver and renal function tests and histopathological study.

Material and Methods: Hymenocrater sessilifolius and Alpinia officinarum extracts were

administered to albino rats orally. The sighting study was carried out with following doses of plant

extract 5, 50, 300 and 2000 (mg/kg) of body weight. Furthermore, the highest dose, 2000 mg/kg body

weight was selected for the main test of the acute oral toxicity experiment. Three groups (control

group and two plants treated group) each having 5 rats were studied. After administration of (2000

mg/kg) to the rats, general behavior, untoward action, and death rates were checked 2 weeks. Blood

was collected for hematological, liver and renal function tests and histological necroscopy after

sacrificing the plants treated and the control group of rats. Data was statistically analyzed by Graph

Pad Prism using one-way ANOVA, and for comparison Bonferroni was employed.

Results: Results showed no significant alterations in hematological, liver and renal function tests

when compared against the control group. The vital organs did not reveal any gross and histological

necroscopy.

Conclusions: Hymenocrater sessilifolius extract and Alpinia officinarum extract did not show any

toxicological effects. However, sub-acute and chronic toxicity studies will provide the complete

profiles of their safety.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS A PREDICTOR OF ACADEMIC STRESS AND BURNOUT AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Mahnoor Tariq Mahnoor Tariq — 2026-02-26

Background: Burnout among medical students is an alarming issue worldwide. It can be
manifested as depersonalization, cynicism and reduced personal and professional efficacy.
It contributes in deterioration of quality of life, mood disorders, reduced professionalism,
poorer academic performance and lower empathy and the chances of burnout. The objective
of this study was to examine the roles of emotional intelligence and academic stress in
influencing and developing burnout in undergraduate medical students.
Materials and Methods: This study has a cross-sectional research design. Convenience
sampling was used to recruit 270 medical students from a private medical college. Brief
Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10), Academic Stress Scale & Burnout Assessment Tool
for Students (BAT-S) were used for data collection. Person correlation analysis, regression
analysis were carried out using SPSS version 25.
Results: Burnout had a significant positive correlation with academic stress (r=0.52, p<.001)
and significantly negatively correlated with emotional intelligence (r=-0.41, p<.001).
Academic stress was negatively correlated to emotional intelligence (r=-0.28, p<.001).
Increased academic stress predicted higher burnout (β = 0.47, p < .001), while increased
emotional intelligence predicted lower burnout (β = –0.33, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Greater academic stress increases the susceptibility of burnout, but higher
emotional intelligence (EI) decreases its likelihood among medical students. These results
highlight critical need of emotional intelligence training, stress management training and
curricula redesign to promote academic growth and overall well-being of medical students.

GLYCEMIC INDEX AND POSTPRANDIAL GLUCOSE RESPONSE OF WHOLE WHEAT MUFFINS PREPARED WITH DIFFERENT SWEETENERS IN YOUNG ADULTS

Aqsa Nadeem Aqsa Nadeem — 2026-02-26

Background: As global diabetes cases are on rise, interest in low-glycemic food sources is growing.

Despite existing knowledge on coconut palm sugar’s general glycemic advantages, its metabolic

impact and consumer acceptance in widely consumed baked products like muffins remain

understudied. Objective of this study was to examine the glycemic effect of coconut palm sugar

(CPS) versus refined white sugar in whole wheat muffins by providing in-vivo data of both sugars,

a critical step towards developing healthier bakery options.

Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers from different BMI groups received both

coconut palm sugar and refined sugar muffins in randomized crossover manner. Fasting and 45, 90,

and 120 minutes post-prandial blood glucose was measured.

Results: Coconut palm sugar muffins had a lower overall glycemic index (GI = 49.61) compared to

refined sugar muffins (glycemic index = 70.37), especially in participants with normal BMI (p <

0.05). While inconsistent responses were observed in the underweight group, overall coconut palm

sugar muffins produced lower peak glucose and recovery to baseline values.

Conclusion: The results confirm coconut palm sugar as a potential natural sweetener for diabetic

bakery products. Future research should explore long-term glycemic effects of coconut palm sugar

in larger, more diverse populations and optimize its use across a broader range of bakery products to

further establish its suitability as a healthier sweetener alternative.

EFFICACY OF NALBUPHINE IN ATTENUATION OF HEMODYNAMIC RESPONSE TO LARYNGOSCOPY AND OROTRACHEAL INTUBATION

Ali Haider Adil Ali Haider Adil — 2026-02-26

Background: Laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation produce significant hemodynamic responses

including hypertension and tachycardia, which may be detrimental in high-risk patients. Nalbuphine,

a synthetic opioid with both agonist and antagonist properties, may attenuate these cardiovascular

responses. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of nalbuphine versus placebo in controlling

mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) changes during laryngoscopy and intubation.

Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Operation Theatres

of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from March 2024 to December 2024. A total of 122

American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I patients aged 18-60 years undergoing elective

surgery were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n=61) received intravenous (IV) saline,

while Group B (n=61) received nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg IV, five minutes before induction with

propofol and atracurium. MAP was recorded at baseline, three minutes after drug administration,

immediately after intubation, and at one-minute intervals for five minutes post-intubation.

Results: The mean age was 44±12.77 years in Group A and 46±13.12 years in Group B. Group B

demonstrated significantly lower MAP (95.17±4.09 mmHg) compared to Group A (98.33±4.18

mmHg) following intubation (p=0.0001). This significant reduction was consistent across all age

groups, both genders, weight categories, and ASA classification (p=0.0001 for all stratifications).

Conclusion: Nalbuphine represents a safe and effective option for maintaining hemodynamic

stability during airway manipulation.

ANTI TUBERCULOSIS THERAPY INDUCED DRESS SYNDROME

Omair Farooq Omair Farooq — 2026-02-26

Background: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) represents a

rare yet potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction. Although various medications have been

associated with this condition, rifampicin is an infrequent culprit.

Case Presentation: A 72-year-old male with hypertension and a history of spinal surgeries

presented with fever, widespread pruritic rash, and edema following three weeks of empirical

treatment with Rifampicin. Assessment using RegiSCAR criteria resulted in a score of 6,

confirming a definitive diagnosis of DRESS syndrome. Laboratory tests indicated eosinophilia

(30%), elevated liver enzymes, and increased serum IgE levels (409 IU/ml). The patient was treated

with intravenous corticosteroids, followed by a tapering oral regimen, which resulted in significant

clinical and biochemical improvement.

Conclusion: Timely identification and immediate cessation of adverse effect of drug are crucial

for achieving favorable outcomes in DRESS syndrome. This case underscores the importance of

clinical awareness, even with frequently prescribed medications such as Rifampicin.