Background: Amalgam has been the gold standard for restorations in posterior teeth. Mercury, a major component of dental amalgam, is considered an environmental pollutant. The Minamata Convention on mercury dictates the reduction in the use of mercury-containing products. Since Pakistan is a signatory to the convention, the same amalgam phase-out limitations are implemented in Pakistan. Aim: To identify and assess the use of amalgam and its waste management by dentists in Pakistan post-Minamata Convention guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore among 520 general dental practitioners in 2019. Results: The sample size for the study was calculated as 500; the questionnaire was distributed among 550 dentists. Dental amalgam was used by only 41.6% of the dentists in their practice; 55.0% perceived it to be a health risk. Most of the dentists (76.3%) were unaware of the proper disposal protocols for dental amalgam and 76.5% were unaware of any guidelines regarding amalgam use and disposal. Conclusion: Although there is gap in knowledge among the dentists when it comes to amalgam disposal, dentists in Pakistan are reducing their use of dental amalgam in accordance with the guidelines of the Minamata Convention.

… Introduction: Contemporary dentistry has shifted its paradigm from therapeutic to preventive. Dento-alveolar injuries are quiet frequently reported and sports remain as one of the major cause. In Pakistan contact sports like boxing, hockey, football etc are actively played at all levels. It is the need of the hour to prevent the dental and dento-alveolar injuries resulting from these. Literature suggests that mouthguard is the best option available. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness about mouthguards in final year students, PG trainees, and faculty of University College of Dentistry and private dental practitioners of Lahore. Also the results shall be utilized to assess the need of awareness programmes that can be of help to the dentist and help serve the community. Study Design: cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Setting: Study was carried out in University College of Dentistry and private practitioners of Lahore. Period: Study was carried out over a period of 6 months. Material and Methods: 87% responded to questionnaire distributed from a sample of 200. Results: Results show that the students had the least knowledge (63%) whereas 100% of the assistant professors and above had knowledge of mouthguard. general dentists and the senior faculty was the one with higher percentages which recommended mouthguards 53% and 80% respectively. Conclusion: Results lead to the conclusion that there is a need to improve the competency level of the dentists regarding mouthguards, their benefits, fabrication etc. so they can educate the patients, promote the use if mouthguards and limit the incidence of injuries. Further research projects need to be funded to highlight the importance of mouthguards and their use should be encouraged.

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Background: Cassia fistula (amaltas) is commonly found in Pakistan and is frequently used in medicines. Its leaves, bark and pods are conventionally used for the treatment of skin disorders, bacterial infection, constipation, colic, cirrhosis, urinary disorders, dysentery, leprosy, rheumatic conditions, jaundice, syphilis, heart diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM). Aim: To determine and compare the outcomes of cassia fistula bark (hexane extract) on serum insulin and blood glucose measures in high-fat diet-fed (HFD) and Streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic albino male rats.” Study design: Randomized control trial. Duration and setting: Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore from August 2016 to January 2017. Methods: The research was carried out on ninety male albino rats. Rats were induced with diabetes by giving high fat diet for 2 weeks and on fourteenth day, single injection of low dose streptozotocin (25mg/kg). The rats were categorized randomly into two groups, randomly, of 45 animals each. Group 1 was diabetic control (n=45) and group 2 was diabetic experimental and was given hexane extract of Cassia fistula bark (0.45g/kg) in 1ml of 0.3 % Carboximethyl cellulose solution by using intra gastric tube for once in a day for a month. On 31st day, 4-5 ml intra cardiac blood sample was collected. Biochemical parameters serum glucose and insulin were evaluated. Results: The diabetic rats treated with hexane extract of cassia fistula bark, exhibited significant (p=0.05) decrease in serum insulin and glucose levels. Conclusion: Hexane extract of cassia fistula bark possesses potent hypoglycemic effects. Keywords: Cassia fistula, Hypoglycemic effects, diabetic rat

Objective: To evaluate awareness among the General Dentists of Lahore regarding the use of lining materials under posterior resin restorations. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Lahore, from Sep 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. A sample size of 271 was calculated. The questionnaires were distributed by 2 surveyors to the general dentists of Lahore, Pakistan. Results: The response rate was 100%. Amongst these dentists, 191 (63.87%) affirmed that they use lining materials in initial depth cavities, 248 (82.94%) used lining material under moderate depth restorations and 285 (95.31%) used lining materials under advanced depth cavities with calcium hydroxide being the most commonly used material. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that general dentists of Lahore are unaware of the contemporary concepts regarding the placement of cavity liners and tend to place liners in initial and moderate depth cavities under posterior resin restorations.