Pakistan BioMedical Journal

A Comprehensive Review on Tinospora cordifolia Nutritional Profile, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Medicinal herbs have been used since ancient times. Since synthetic drugs are expensive and have multiple side effects, the use of traditional medicine is the cheapest and most accessible way of treatment. The medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia belongs to the Menispermaceae family. Immunomodulation, antipyretic action, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory action, liver protection, antidiabetic action, and antitumor activity are just a few of the many medicinal properties known about this plant. As a result of the presence of a high number of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, and polysaccharides, T. cordifolia is an important constituent of modern herbal medicine. This review offers a comprehensive discussion of the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and ethnobotany of this medicinal plant. The literature was screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the extracted data were compiled in tabulated and figure form. Due to its adaptogenic properties and modification of the immune system, the plant has shown tremendous potential in being considered for medical research work, particularly in the treatment of infectious and chronic diseases. Its pharmacological properties have exhibited significant potential in increasing the usefulness of biopharmaceuticals in treating various diseases and industrial applications. This review brings out some important information concerning the nutritional information, phytochemicals, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological properties of Tinospora cordifolia for therapeutic uses. The researchers, physicians, pharmaceutical firms, and food industry can benefit a lot from the information since it will help them develop valuable drugs and food items.

Prevalence, Severity, and Associated Risk Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in Peshawar: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the CVS-Q Questionnaire

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also called Digital Eye Strain (DES), is one of the most common diseases and health concerns in the current digital age, particularly in individuals with prolonged screen time. Objectives: To assess the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among the undergraduate medical students of Peshawar by the CVS-Q Questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 227 undergraduate medical students from June 2025 to November 2025. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) was used for data collection through a convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: A total of 227 medical students participated (45.4% males, 54.6% females; mean age 21.3±1.8years). The prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) was 60.4%, with mild, moderate, and severe CVS being 41.4%, 15.0%, and 4.0%, respectively. CVS was significantly higher in students of public institutions (66.4% vs 48.7%, p=0.010) and continuous screen users (p=0.031). Anti-glare filter use was associated with lower CVS prevalence (p=0.007). Binary logistic regression identified institution type, continuous screen use, and anti-glare/blue-light filter use as independent factors associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. Conclusions: Prolonged, uninterrupted screen use and studying in public institutions were major contributors to CVS. Despite moderate awareness, gaps in preventive practices were also observed.

Allelic Distribution of the Colton Blood Group System in Pakistani Blood Donors

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

More than 300 blood group antigens from 33 separate blood group systems have been characterized, many of which are highly immunogenic. The blood group genes are highly polymorphic among various populations. Colton blood group antigens, for example, are clinically important, and the presence of antibodies against them can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn and hemolytic transfusion reactions. Objectives: To find the allelic distribution and the genotype frequencies of CO1 and CO2 of the Colton blood group system among the Pakistani blood donors. Methods: A cross-sectional study at the Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion, Rawalpindi, took place from March 2020 to March 2021 with ethical approval. The study selected 300 blood donors and extracted DNA from their EDTA-anticoagulated blood using a kit. After determining ABO and Rh D groups, CO1 and CO2 alleles were identified via Sequence Specific Priming PCR. The study analyzed the amplified products by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, calculated gene frequencies, and performed statistical analysis using the chi-square test. Results: The CO1 and CO2 allele frequencies were 0.997 and 0.003, respectively. The most common was CO1/CO1 (99.7%), and CO2/CO2 (0.3%), and no CO1/CO2 heterozygous was found. There was no indication of a non-uniform distribution of genotypes (χ 2 = 0.36, p >0.05) in relation to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusion: The CO1 allele can be found widely in the Pakistani population, and through this, the pattern of the Colton blood group allele and the practice of transfusion in Pakistan can be explained.

Glycemic Response Assessment of Three Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Cultivars in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The glycemic index (GI) values in nutritional databases for watermelon tend to be generalizable based on sugar content, yet vary among cultivars; however, postprandial glycemia and glucose response vary among individuals and even cultivars. Objectives: To compare postprandial glycemia, GI, and glycemic load (GL) after consumption of Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet, and Sugar Baby cultivars of watermelon by healthy subjects. Methods: This study was conducted as a single blind crossover trial in which 20 healthy volunteers (10 male and 10 female subjects; age 22.1 ± 0.8 yr; body mass index 24.4 ± 3.2 kg/m²) underwent four fasted trials in random order: 25 g anhydrous glucose or a quantity of each watermelon cultivar equaling 25 g of available carbohydrate. Capillary glucose was tested at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. Calculation of GI was done based on incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Results: There was a difference in GI between the cultivars (F (2,38) = 8.42, p=0.001, partial eta-squared=0.31). The mean ± SD GI of Charleston Gray, Sugar Baby, and Crimson Sweet were 61.7 ± 41.2, 47.4 ± 35.0, and 31.4 ± 26.8, respectively; and the Friedman sensitivity analysis also confirmed that there was a cultivar effect (χ² (2) = 12.40, p=0.002). Conclusions: Crimson Sweet had the lowest response, while the three cultivars of watermelons had low GL levels in a practical portion of 150 g. Cultivar and size of portion should be taken into account when evaluating the glycemic response of watermelons.

Association of Clinical Signs of Occlusal Trauma with Gingival Recession among Patients Reporting to a Prosthodontic Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gingival recession is a common dental problem with signs and symptoms of dentine hypersensitivity, root caries, and poor esthetics. Occlusal forces beyond the normal adaptive capacity of the periodontium can seriously affect the health of gingival tissues. Objectives: To determine the association between gingival recession and signs of trauma from occlusion such as dental fremitus, tooth migration, and tooth wear among the patients reported to the Department of Prosthodontics, LMDC, Lahore. Methods: A total of 150 patients of both genders, aged 30-70 years, were recruited. A single trained prosthodontist carried out the periodontal examination of the buccal anterior teeth. Patients were seated in the dental chair a thorough clinical examination was performed using a dental exam set to check the signs and symptoms of occlusal trauma and gingival recession. The following parameters were assessed: 1. plaque index, 2. supra/subgingival calculus/ 3. gingival recession, 4. Tooth wear facets; 5. fremitus. 6. Tooth migration. Results: Severe gingivitis was found in 32.0% of patients, and calculus was present in 58.7% of patients. 14.0% of patients had poor oral hygiene status. 51.3% of patients were found with gingival recession. Dental fremitus was present in 56.7% of patients; wear facets were present in 42.7% of patients; whereas tooth migration was found in 48.0% of patients. Conclusions: It was concluded that trauma from occlusion may be a significant risk factor for gingival recession. Patients with signs of trauma from occlusion should be monitored for gingival recession.

Accuracy and Consistency of Three Large Language Models on Fixed Prosthodontics Questions

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in dental education and clinical settings, but their accuracy and consistency in fixed prosthodontics remain uncertain. Objectives: To compare the accuracy (using a strict three-attempt criterion) and repeated response consistency of ChatGPT-5.4, Gemini 3.1 Pro, and Claude Opus 4.8 in answering binary fixed prosthodontics questions across six clinical domains. Methods: Forty binary questions covering six core fixed prosthodontic domains were developed by the principal investigator. Two experienced faculty members independently answered the questions, and disagreements were resolved through discussion to establish the gold standard. Each question was submitted thrice to each LLM in a new chat session on the same day. Accuracy was the percentage of correct responses compared with the gold standard across all three attempts, while consistency was the percentage of identical responses across three attempts, regardless of correctness. Accuracy and consistency were expressed as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Cochran’s Q test, Cohen’s kappa, and Fleiss’ kappa were used for statistical analysis. Results: Pre-consensus examiner agreement was moderate, 77.5% (Cohen’s κ=0.55). Claude Opus 4.8 achieved the highest accuracy (95% and consistency (97.5%, followed by ChatGPT-5.4 87.5% accuracy and 92.5% consistency and Gemini 3.1 Pro (85% accuracy and 87.5% consistency. No significant difference was observed in accuracy among models (Q=5.20, p=0.074). Intra-model consistency for three models was almost perfect (κ=0.83–0.97). Conclusions: The evaluated LLMs demonstrated high accuracy and consistency for structured fixed prosthodontics questions, with Claude Opus 4.8 highest, though not significant.

Obesity: Beyond Weight Loss to Comprehensive Disease Management

Muhammad Irfan Bashir — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Obesity is a major challenge that is associated with multiple diseases worldwide. It was considered a lifestyle or weight issue primarily, but now it is not considered a simple condition; it is a serious life-threatening issue that increases the risk of various serious diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and different cancers. According to a previous analysis published in Lancet, more than one billion people were living with obesity in 2022 [1].

Although obesity is observed as an increase in weight, it is strongly linked to biological, environmental, and genetic factors. Obesity is not only an increase of fat inside the body, but it also affects various organs in the body. BMI is commonly used as a primary indicator to observe obesity, but it is not sufficient to detect the etiology and exact obesity level, whereas waist circumference, waist height ratio, metabolic lab tests, thyroid tests, body fat percentage, and clinical examination are also important [2, 3]. As per previous studies, reduction in body weight is associated with the improvement of various symptoms related to metabolic disorders [4].

Obesity control is not only about reducing meals but requires a proper diet plan that meets various nutritional need is essential. Only calorie restriction to control obesity is not enough; current research shows that regular physical exercise, balanced nutrition, proper sleep, and reduced psychological stress play a key role in obesity management [5].

Treatment is not just about a decrease in the number on the scale but increasing the quality of life and controlling the diseases through lifestyle modification. At the public health level, it is not only the responsibility of an individual person, but we need proper policies to support this aim, like obesity control programs, obesity management strategies, and Say No to obesity campaigns. To establish obesity control centers or to train the primary health providers at the small population unit level is a vital need at this time. Obesity is not only a problem of a single person; it is an issue of the whole community [6].

Meanwhile, advanced research on obesity is strongly encouraged to achieve the precise management of obesity. Incorporating obesity awareness and its management in the curriculum for each level of studies is essential to educate the students about this disease. Whereas the traditional old curriculum does not adequately present obesity as a serious disease. A proper health promotion about obesity control awareness is also required at the workplace and community levels. Organizations should support their employees with effective obesity control strategies by providing or designing a proper management plan.

Anatomical Variations of Coronary Arteries and Their Clinical Implications: A Systematic Review

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coronary artery anatomical variations range from benign incidental findings to potentially life-threatening anomalies. The increasing use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has improved their detection, anatomical characterization, and clinical assessment. Objectives: To systematically identify major coronary artery anatomical variations and evaluate their clinical implications, particularly in distinguishing benign variants from high-risk anomalies. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from January 2020 to December 2025. Studies reporting coronary artery anatomical variations in humans were included if they were primary studies reporting clinical implications. Reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, case series, pilot studies, and non-human studies were excluded. The studies were screened and data extracted by two reviewers independently. Results: Eleven studies were included. Right coronary dominance was the most common dominance pattern. Myocardial bridging was the most frequently reported course variation, whereas coronary artery fistulae were uncommon. Interarterial and intramural courses were associated with the greatest clinical risk, including myocardial ischemia, syncope, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Most other variations were benign but remained important during catheterization and cardiac surgery. Conclusions: Most coronary artery variations are benign, whereas clinically significant anomalies are uncommon. Their prognostic importance depends primarily on the anatomical origin and proximal course. CCTA supports accurate characterization, risk stratification, and individualized clinical management.

Maternal Vitamin A and Zinc Status in Relation to Placental Physiology and Fetal Growth Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Saadia Anwar, Kinza Sammar, Laila Khalid, Sidrah Arshad, Najma Fida, Sana Nafees — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Maternal micronutrient status influences placental function and fetal development. Vitamin A and zinc contribute to cellular differentiation, immune regulation, antioxidant defense, nutrient transport, and fetal growth; however, their associations with placental and neonatal outcomes remain heterogeneous across populations and study designs. Objectives: To systematically synthesize contemporary evidence on maternal vitamin A and zinc status in relation to placental physiology, maternal–fetal micronutrient transfer, fetal growth, and neonatal outcomes, while evaluating the consistency, methodological quality, and limitations of the available evidence. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidance. Primary human studies published from January 2020 to December 2025 were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Reviews, meta-analyses, pilot studies, case reports, and case series were excluded. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Results: Out of 358 records identified, 19 studies were included, comprising 12 predominantly examining zinc and seven examining vitamin A. Zinc status was most frequently associated with birth weight, small-for-gestational-age status, neonatal anthropometry, and maternal–fetal zinc transfer, although some studies reported discordant or inverse associations. Vitamin A studies supported associations with placental retinol transfer and fetal-growth regulation, including nonlinear relationships. Conclusions: Maternal vitamin A and zinc status are associated with placental nutrient handling and fetal growth, but the available evidence is heterogeneous and predominantly observational. Zinc showed comparatively consistent relationships with birth weight and SGA, whereas vitamin A was more closely related to retinol transfer and fetal growth regulation.