Gandhara University

Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDDs), including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and other less prevalent conditions, represent a growing challenge in medical science due to their progressive nature and the absence of curative treatments. Cruciferous vegetables, such as those from the Brassicaceae family and other species in the Brassicales order, have been reported to offer potential benefits for treating and preventing NDDs. Their neuroprotective effects have been attributed to secondary metabolites, glucosinolates (GLs), and their hydrolytic products, isothiocyanates (ITCs). One of these ITCs is Erucin (ERU), chemically known as 4-isothiocyanatobutane, which is a specific type of ITC. ERU is the isothiocyanate derivative of erucic acid and is structurally related to sulforaphane (SFN), another well-known ITC. This review aims to synthesize current scientific knowledge on ERU's mechanisms of action in neurodegeneration, highlighting preclinical evidence supporting its neuroprotective effects in diseases such as AD and PD, and suggesting its potential as a treatment strategy for NDDs. Preliminary studies suggest that ERU may confer neuroprotection through antioxidative stress pathways, modulation of neuroinflammatory responses, and upregulation of neurotrophic factors. This article discusses ERU's chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and observed impacts on neurodegenerative models, suggesting potential therapeutic pathways it may influence, thereby highlighting its promise as a future component of neuroprotective strategies against NDDs.

Leadership is increasingly recognized as a core professional competency in undergraduate medical education, yet existing training remains inconsistent in structure and depth. Recent studies show considerable variation in how leadership is taught and evaluated, making it difficult for medical schools to define effective educational strategies. Objectives: To synthesize contemporary evidence on teaching methods, curricular structures, and reported outcomes of leadership training for undergraduate medical students (2017–2024). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library (2017–2024) identified original research involving undergraduate medical students. Eligible studies reported a leadership-related intervention, perceptions, or readiness. Data extraction focused on teaching approaches, duration, assessment tools, and reported learning outcomes. Study quality was appraised using MMAT and JBI checklists. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most interventions were short workshops, brief courses, or needs-assessment surveys, with only a few longitudinal or integrated curricula. Common pedagogical methods included interactive workshops, reflective activities, team-based tasks, and student-led sessions. Outcomes largely reflected self-reported improvements in communication, teamwork, and confidence, while evidence of behavioural change or objective performance was limited. Considerable inconsistency existed in outcome measures and leadership competencies assessed. Conclusion: Current evidence indicates growing attention to leadership training but highlights significant gaps in curricular structure, assessment tools, and long-term evaluation. Programs using blended, experiential, and repeated learning opportunities show promise, but more rigorous, longitudinal, and competency-based approaches are needed to establish effective leadership development in undergraduate medical education.

Service learning (SL) and community-based medical education (CBME) are increasingly integrated into undergraduate medical training to prepare students for socially accountable practice. While many programs report benefits for students and communities, the specific goals emphasized across contexts remain inconsistently defined. Objectives: To provide a comprehensive understanding of how SL and CBME contribute not only to student learning but also to community engagement and institutional development. Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched for English-language studies published between 2019 and 2024. Eligible studies included those involving undergraduate medical students participating in SL or CBME interventions. Data on study design, participants, interventions, and reported outcomes were extracted. Quality appraisal was conducted using the CASP, MMAT, and JBI tools. A thematic synthesis approach was used to categorize findings into educational, community, and institutional domains. Results: Sixteen studies were included, spanning Africa, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Most studies reported educational outcomes such as improved clinical competence, empathy, reflective capacity, and professional identity formation. Community-level goals included increased access to care, health promotion, and stronger partnerships. Institutional goals, such as enhancing curricular relevance and social accountability, were less frequently documented. Few studies evaluated long-term sustainability or objectively measured community outcomes. Conclusions: SL and CBME consistently promote student growth while fostering community engagement. However, systematic evaluation of institutional impact and program sustainability remains limited. Future research should adopt longitudinal, multi-institutional approaches to capture durable outcomes and guide curricular reforms aligned with social accountability.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an essential tool in all fields, including dentistry. Different levels of familiarity with the knowledge regarding AI and perception among dental professionals exist globally, with many advocating for its integration into the curriculum. However, highlighting ethical concerns like data privacy, biases, and job displacement must be addressed to ensure its responsible implementation in dentistry.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of AI in dentistry among dentists working in teaching dental hospitals of Peshawar.Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024 at Sardar Begum Dental College and Hospital (SBDC). The population included 475 total dentists, including house officers, postgraduate trainees, and faculty members, selected through a census sampling technique. Participants were required to have a valid Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) registration and willingness to participate, while those unwilling or unavailable were excluded.Results: Among the 475 participants, 49.3% had low knowledge, 48% moderate, and 2.7% high. Faculty members demonstrated greater knowledge compared to house officers and trainees. Most participants agreed that AI enhances efficiency and quality in dentistry and should be incorporated into the curriculum. Ethical and data privacy concerns were more pronounced among younger participants. Interest in learning more about AI was high, particularly among house officers. Perceptions varied significantly by designation and age, but not by gender.Conclusion: Although knowledge of AI in dentistry remains limited, attitudes toward its integration are largely positive. Bridging knowledge gaps and addressing ethical challenges are essential for the effective and responsible incorporation of AI into dental education and clinical practice.

This study investigates ion-acoustic (IA) solitary waves (SWs) in a magnetized plasma composed of positive ions and two electron populations following the Cairns distribution. Using the reductive perturbation technique (RPT), we derive and solve a nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation to analyze the characteristics of these waves. Our findings reveal that the system can support both compressive (positive) and rarefactive (negative) potential solitons. The wave's amplitude, width, and existence are significantly influenced by plasma parameters, including the cold-to-hot electron temperature ratio (σ), the cold electron-to-ion density ratio (f), and the cold electrons nonthermality parameter (β c ). We also demonstrate that the strength of the external magnetic field (Ω) and obliqueness (θ) plays a crucial role in determining the wave's characteristics. These results are relevant for understanding electrostatic wave structures observed in astrophysical environments like Saturn's magnetosphere.

Cooperative Learning Approach (CLA) has been widely recognized for enhancing students’ academic achievement. This study examined its effect on students’ perception of their classroom environment and the moderating role of gender. Guided by motivational and cooperative learning theories, the study used a quasi-experimental Solomon Four-Group, Non-equivalent Control Group Design. The target population comprised 766 Form Three students and teachers from four public co-educational secondary schools in Nakuru County, with a sample of 242 students and four English teachers. Two experimental groups (E1, E2) were taught using CLA, while two control groups (C1, C2) used conventional methods. Data were collected through Student Perception Guide (SPG), Teachers Perception Guide (TPG), and Student Interview Guide (SIG). Reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.801 for SPG. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA) at α=0.05. Results showed a significant effect of CLA on students’ classroom perception (F(1,126)=2020.828, p<0.05) and a significant moderating effect of gender. The findings recommend integrating CLA in teacher training and encouraging English teachers to adopt it in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Objective: To determine the prevalence of bronchiolitis in children up to 2 years of age presenting to Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital Dogar, Central Kurram. Study design: A retrospective study. Duration and place of study: The study was conducted in THQ Hospital Dogar over a one-year period from January to December 2024. Methodology: This retrospective study reviewed and analyzed medical records of 600 children aged 0–24 months who were clinically diagnosed with bronchiolitis at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Dogar during the specified period. Data collected included demographic variables such as age and gender, seasonal variations, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, need for mechanical ventilation, mortality, and average length of hospital stay. For statistical analysis, patients were further categorized into three distinct age groups to identify risk distribution and trends more accurately. Results: The findings revealed that bronchiolitis cases showed a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest incidence during winter months (40%). The majority of affected children were infants aged 3–5 months (50%). Hospitalization was required in 66.7% of patients, while 25% needed ICU admission. Among these, 10% required mechanical ventilation, and the mortality rate was recorded at 2.5%. The lowest case numbers were observed during the summer season. Conclusion: Bronchiolitis remains a common respiratory illness in young infants, particularly those between 3 and 5 months of age, with a marked peak during winter. Strengthening preventive measures, early recognition, and effective management strategies are essential to minimize hospitalizations and reduce disease burden in this vulnerable population.

Background: Spontaneous esophageal perforation, particularly Boerhaave syndrome, is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Traditional surgical management is increasingly being supplemented by minimally invasive approaches, including esophageal stenting and endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT). However, the optimal treatment strategy remains debated due to variations in reported outcomes and the lack of randomized controlled trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esophageal stenting and EVT in managing esophageal defects by specifically assessing sealing rates, failure rates, and mortality. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to March 24, 2025. Only observational studies and case series were included. The primary outcomes were the pooled sealing rate, failure rate, and mortality for esophageal stenting, and the closure rate for EVT. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Results: Fourteen studies on esophageal stenting demonstrated a pooled sealing rate of 86.1% (95% CI: 80.2–92.0%) with a failure rate of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5–21.3%). Mortality associated with stenting was 7.4% (95% CI: 3.5–11.4%). EVT studies reported a closure rate ranging from 80% to 94%. Conclusion: Both esophageal stenting and EVT show high efficacy in sealing esophageal defects. Although EVT exhibits promising closure rates, further comparative studies are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines.