Pakistan Journal of Science

EFFECT OF SEEDING DENSITY, PHOSPHORUS LEVELS ON THE YIELD AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RYEGRASS (LOLIUM MULTIFLORUM L.) IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

M. Rashid — 2025-06-15

A field experiment was conducted at Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadurnagar (Okara), Punjab, Pakistan during the Rabi season 2024-2025. Soil samples were collected at 30 cm depth before sowing the crop for its physical and chemical analysis. The crop was sown during the month of October, 2024. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three replications. The treatments consisted of three different seed rates 15,20 & 25kgha-1 along with three levels of Phosphorus fertilizer rates 0, 100,150 and 200 P2O5 kgha-1 and with all their possible combinations. The crop was harvested at panicle initiation stage to record the yield data. It was found that green fodder yield of 64 tons ha-1, fresh weight of green fodder per plot 191 kg per plot and 17 number of tillers per plant respectively were obtained at treatment where seed and phosphorus (P2O5) were applied @ 25 kgha-1 & 200 kg P2O5 ha-1 which were at par with seed rate of 25 kg ha-1 and phosphorus 150 kg P2O5 ha-1. Maximum plant height 116 cm was obtained at treatment where seed and phosphorus (P2O5) were applied 25 kg ha-1 & 200 kg P2O5 ha-1. There was no difference in number of leaves per plant with the change of treatments. Plant samples were collected for quality parameters. It was found that Crude Protein, Crude Fiber, Ash, Dry Matter, moisture content & ether extract in samples were 9, 19.97, 12.06, 25.15, 74.85 & 1.63 % respectively while Dry Matter yield 16.04 Ton ha-1 were obtained where seed & Phosphorus used were 25 kg ha-1 and 200 kg P2O5 ha-1. The soil samples were collected after harvesting the crop from the plot of each treatment and it was found that the available soil Phosphorus level increased with the increasing rate of its application, maximum available Phosphorus was 13.90 ppm where Phosphorus (P2O5) was applied 200 kg P2O5 ha-1. The data was analyzed statistically by using Proc. GLM procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS. 2017) and significant mean differences were tested by using Fisher’s protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05.

ELIMINATION OF REACTIVE BLUE 250 DYE FROM TEXTILE EFFLUENTS BY USING MGO NANOPARTICLES

N. Jamil — 2025-06-15

Decoloration of textile effluents is an environmental problem. This study deals with the application of MgO nanoparticle for the elimination of Reactive Blue 250 from wastewater of textile industry. MgO nanoparticle were synthesized by Co-precipitation method of and characterization is done by FT-IR and XRD. The adsorption pattern of these magnesium oxide nanoparticles was studied in batch experiments setup for the elimination of Reactive Blue 250 synthetic dye from textile effluent. It was evaluated that optimum dose of adsorbent is 0.35g, optimum shaking speed is 200rpm, 90 minutes is the optimum contact time of adsorbent with dye solution and optimum pH is 7 for this adsorption setup. The adsorption data obtained from batch setup was then applied to adsorption isotherms and it was observed that data is well fitted to the Langmuir and Fruendlich isotherms which shows the feasibility of adsorption phenomenon

EVALUATION OF WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY UNDER REGENERATIVE MANAGEMENT IN RAINFED AREAS OF POTHOWAR

Waleed Azhar — 2025-06-15

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important cereal crop, significantly contributing to global dietary protein and calorie intake. In semi-arid rainfed regions, drought, irregular rainfall, low soil organic matter, and weed infestations severely limit yields. Conventional farming, which relies on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, depletes soil nutrients and degrades soil health, posing risks to both environmental sustainability and human well-being. Regenerative agriculture, emphasizing low-input practices such as mulching, chisel plowing, and raised beds, offers a sustainable alternative to enhance soil fertility and crop resilience on marginal soils. A two year filed experiment was conducted at University Research Farm Koont, Chakwal to assess the effects of regenerative agriculture practices on the productivity of wheat under rainfed conditions. Performance of various treatments on different soil and agronomic parameters including soil organic matter, soil moisture content, soil pH, plant height, 1000-grain weight and yield kgha-1 were determined. Results showed that regenerative farming has significantly enhanced both soil fertility and crop yield in T6 (Raised bed & Mulch) as compared to T0 (Control). The Raised Bed & Mulch treatment (T6) consistently yielded the most favorable outcomes, recording the highest soil moisture content (18.2% and 18.9% in consecutive years), soil organic matter (1.82% and 1.74%), while maintaining a lower soil pH (6.6 and 6.4) compared to the control. These soil improvements directly translated to superior agronomic performance: T6 produced the tallest plant height (84.2 cm and 85.4 cm), the highest 1000-grain weight (44.2 g and 38.0 g), and consequently, the highest estimated grain yield (4420 kg ha⁻¹ and 3800 kg ha⁻¹). The results highlight the increase in wheat productivity, showing regenerative farming potential, and supporting food security and environmental sustainabilty.

A CASE STUDY ON HOUSEHOLD USE OF TURMERIC PASTE TO TREAT FMD IN DAIRY ANIMALS

M. Arif — 2025-06-15

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting dairy cattle and buffalo, causing severe economic losses due to reduced productivity and treatment costs. This study evaluated a low-cost, household-level ethno-veterinary remedy for treating FMD lesions using turmeric powder. A total of 10 grams of turmeric powder was mixed with 1000 grams of locally available cooking ghee to form a paste. The remedy was applied to mouth and foot lesions of affected animals after cleaning the wounds with a 1% potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) solution. The trial was conducted across four districts under the Progeny Testing Program, and animals were treated on the first and second day after symptoms appeared. Data on healing time, wound recovery, and feeding behavior were analyzed using the Chi-square (χ²) test. The most significant associations were observed between mouth lesions and recovery time (χ² = 81.46; p = 8.6×10⁻¹⁷), mouth lesions and wound healing (χ² = 63.21; p = 1.88×10⁻¹⁴), and mouth lesions and feeding alertness (χ² = 25.75; p = 2.56×10⁻⁶). Additional significant relationships were found for time vs. feeding alertness (χ² = 11.94; p = 2.548×10⁻³) and time vs. wound healing (χ² = 99.80; p = 2.1×10⁻²¹). These results confirm that turmeric paste is highly effective in promoting rapid recovery, improving feeding behavior, and healing lesions. This remedy provides a practical, affordable, and accessible solution for FMD treatment at the household level, especially for smallholder farmers. It also highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into disease management strategies in livestock production systems.

APPROACHES FOR THE PURIFICATION OF E. COLI Β-CLAMP IN COMPLEX WITH THE C-TERMINAL DOMAIN OF THE Α-SUBUNIT OF DNA POLYMERASE III.

A. A. Patoli — 2025-06-15

Understanding the structural organization of replisome components is essential to elucidate the coordinated processes of DNA replication and repair in bacteria. This study designed to purify complexes formed between the α subunit (DnaE) of replicative polymerase the and the β-clamp (DnaN). To this end, DnaN and a 255-amino-acid C-terminal fragment of DnaE tagged with 6xHis and containing the iCBM consensus sequence (referred to as DnaE905hM) were individually overexpressed in E. coli B834 cells. While DnaN was found in the soluble fraction, DnaE905hM was localized to the insoluble fraction. The insoluble DnaE905hM was solubilized under denaturing conditions, bound to an affinity column, and refolded on-column in the presence of the β-clamp. The resulting complex was further purified using size-exclusion chromatography. Based on molecular weight predictions, a complex comprising one dimeric β-clamp (81.2 kDa) and one DnaE905hM subunit (26 kDa) was expected to elute around 180 ml, while a complex containing two DnaE905hM molecules was predicted to elute at approximately 175 ml. A prominent elution peak was observed at 173 ml, along with broader secondary peaks at 155, 205, and 220 ml. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses, using mouse anti-6x-Histidine antibodies conjugated with alkaline phosphatase and rabbit polyclonal anti-β-clamp antibodies, showed that β-clamp was most abundant in fraction 21, while DnaE905hM was primarily detected in fraction 22 likely representing their monomeric forms. Fainter bands of both proteins across fractions 15 to 19 suggest a range of complex stoichiometries.

RAIN HARVESTED WATER IS THE BEST ALTERNATE OF GROUND WATER FOR BROILER PRODUCTION

H. Khan — 2025-06-15

This study was conducted at the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during spring 2024, using 120-day old commercial broiler chicks. The chicks on the arrival were randomly divided into four groups of 30 chicks each, replicated three times with ten birds per replicate. Keeping feed and other parameters similar, chicks in the experimental groups were reared on four different water sources i.e., irrigation water, harvested rain water, tape water used for drinking on campus and spring water, to observe the effect of different water sources on the performance of broilers, weekly and overall feed intake, body weight gain, FCR and carcass dressing percentage, intestinal villi length and crypt depth. Required data was collected and analyzed for the results using the relevant tools. Data were analyzed through (CRD). ANOVA was used to find the mean and SE using Statistical software (8.1). P-value equal to 0.05 or <0.05 were considered significant. The means were separated by LSD (least significant difference). There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in feed intake of the birds provided with the rain water (3075.0±3.00 g) in comparison with other groups while the body weight gain was maximum (1811.00±2.08) in broilers offered with rain water. Provision of rain harvested water also improved significantly (P<0.05) the weekly and overall FCR (1.69d±0.001), dressing percentage (70.75a±0.14), intestinal villi height (0.896a±0.04), decreased (0.249d±0.01) villus crypt depth and overall economics of broiler production. This study revealed that provision of rain harvested water for drinking to broilers improved growth performance, FCR, dressing percentage, gut health and ultimately the economics of broilers production.

POULTRY PRODUCT PERCEPTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FRESH AND VALUE-ADDED MEAT PREFERENCES IN PUNJAB'S URBAN CENTERS

M. Tariq — 2025-06-15

This study investigates poultry product perception and consumer preferences for fresh versus value-added meat in the urban centers of Lahore and Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. Using a survey-based approach, we interviewed male consumers aged 20-83 to understand their purchasing behaviors and perceptions of unprocessed and processed poultry meat. Findings revealed that shop hygiene was the most critical factor in purchasing decisions in both cities (64.4% in Lahore; 68% in Multan). A majority of respondents (47.1% in Lahore; 66.2% in Multan) preferred chicken meat over other white meats, primarily due to its taste (57.1%), followed by its perceived health benefits (24%), availability (10%), and affordability (10%). Despite the popularity of chicken, dissatisfaction with street butcher shops was significant (54.4% in Lahore; 49% in Multan, P ≤ 0.05), with concerns primarily about unhygienic conditions (58%) and improper slaughtering (37%). Attitudes towards processed poultry meat were mixed. Around 69% of respondents in both cities showed reluctance toward processed products, citing high cost, fears of diseased or not halal meat, and preservative use as key concerns. Still, 43.3% considered processed poultry safe, and 88% believed they could judge poultry quality effectively, with indicators such as slaughtering in front (34.2%), meat color (32.9%), and shop hygiene (12.7%) being most relied upon. Desi chicken was widely regarded as more nutritious (73.3%) and tastier (73.3%) than broiler meat, reflecting strong cultural and traditional preferences. Weekly consumption patterns showed that 33.3% of respondents cooked poultry twice a week, with 73.3% preferring to prepare it in dishes, and smaller proportions favoring barbecue, baked, or boiled forms. The higher expenditures (> 3,100 PKR ) on of poultry meat in Multan (49% vs. 42%) there was a significant (P ≤ 0.01) difference in use of poultry meat as compared to red meat in Multan as compared to Lahore. The reason behind the use of poultry meat as compared to beef and mutton (P ≥ 0.001) may be due to the easy availability, low price compared to other categories of meat, slaughtered in front or taste. Despite skepticism toward value-added poultry products, respondents indicated willingness to transition from street markets to supermarkets, provided concerns related to food safety, affordability, and transparency are addressed. Enhancing consumer awareness on the nutritional value, convenience, and safety of processed poultry meat could foster demand and support the growth of Pakistan's poultry processing industry.

BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT OF SINDH IBEX (CAPRA AEGAGRUS BLYTHI) IN A MIXED GROUP: INSIGHTS INTO CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE

M. Azhar — 2025-06-15

The Sindh Ibex (Capra aegagrus blythi) is a wild goat subspecies native to arid, rugged mountainous regions of Pakistan. This study investigates the differences in behavioral patterns of male, lactating and non-lactating females of Sindh Ibex in lactation period in a controlled captive environment. All of the observations were systematically recorded over a period of five days for different behavioral categories including feeding, grooming, climbing, social interaction, maternal care, nursing and territory. Using Mann-Whitney U test, the study revealed significant sex and status specific behavioral patterns. Lactating females exhibited significant higher frequencies of maternal care, lactation, and nursing behaviors while males exhibited greater alertness and territorial behavior. Grooming was also more observed in lactating females reflecting maternal investment and self-maintenance. Non lactating females, although behaviorally distinct, showed overlap with both groups in maintenance activities such as foraging and resting. The enclosure management with consistent food availability and spatial enrichment supported naturalistic behavior while mitigating stress. The findings emphasize the influence of reproductive status on behavioral priorities in captive ungulates. These results provide valuable insights for improving enclosure design, reproductive management and welfare monitoring protocols in zoological settings to house Sindh Ibex.

BEYOND SUBSISTENCE: ADVANCING RURAL POULTRY FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN TOBA TEK SINGH

R. Usman — 2025-06-15

This study was planned to look at the influence of rural poultry farming on poverty reduction in Tehsil Toba Tek Singh that involved 302 farmers from 35 villages and. The majority of farmers used backyard poultry for both food and revenue, raising 10–40 birds per household. The results showed that farmers were between the ages of 36 and 40 on average. Thirty percent passed the matriculation exam, while forty-six percent had less than ten years of education. It was observed that 263 farmers (87.1%) came from low-income group and 46% of the poultry care and management was done by women and children. While there was a positive association between financial status and education level (0.205), family size and education level (0.071), and family size and financial status (0.032), the study found a negative correlation between age and education level (-0.159).The birds kept in study area produced just 39 eggs annually and were late to lay their first egg (6.75 months). Hatchability was 69% and the average egg weight was 39 grammes. Poultry birds cost an average of 819.2 ± 59.80 PKR per year, housing cost 952.5 ± 92.93 PKR, feed cost 1111.6 ± 142.30, immunisation cost 168.5 ± 15.42, and treatment cost PKR 508.3 ± 31.81 respectively. There was no funding allocated for sanitising rural poultry housing and biosecurity, and very little was spent on vaccination. Egg sales generated average revenue of 9742.2 ± 674.17 PKR/year, making 95% of total revenue. Poultry farming generated an average yearly profit of 6438 PKR. Less activity (77%), off-feed (57%), feather loss (6%), diarrhoea (55%), blood in the faeces (9%), and trouble breathing (13%), were the most prevalent illness signs seen. Only Newcastle Disease was vaccinated, and 72.6% of farmers vaccinated their chickens. Sanitation practices were not followed, despite farmers adopting preventative measures such adequate housing (64.9%), immunisation (72.6%), and correct diet (66.3%). Dogs (40.9%), snakes (21.2%), rats (8.3%), cats (7.9%), and foxes (9.2%) were the most common predators. Predation was the main cause of disease outbreaks (23.5%) and poultry deaths caused due to predation was (75.8%). Due to unorganized marketing structure, farmers did not receive premium pricing for their rural poultry and the products. A lack of a marketplace (65.2%), fluctuating pricing (49.3%), erratic demand (40.6%), and the involvement of intermediaries (20.5%), expensive transportation (20.1%), and a lack of money (4.3%) were among the issues encountered when marketing. Farmers looked to NGOs for support in order to enhance the rural poultry industry because there were no loans available for poultry production.

Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Subclinical Mastitis in Lactating Camels of the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan

M. Rizwan — 2025-06-15

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in camels is a significant constraint to milk production and animal health, particularly in arid areas such as the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan. S. aureus is the primary pathogen of SCM due to the diversity of its virulence factors, which complicates the treatment and control of SCM. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SCM and the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus isolated from SCM in lactating camels in Cholistan. A total of 221 lactating camels were screened for SCM by SFMT. Positive milk samples were microbiologically processed for the isolation and identification of S. aureus. Further, molecular characterization of the isolates was performed to detect the presence of virulence genes. The overall prevalence of SCM was 10.4% (23/221; P<0.05). Among the management systems, stall-fed camels exhibited a higher prevalence (12%; P<0.05) in comparison with the others, in which grazing camels (9%; P<0.05). Age-wise, the prevalence was observed at 13% in camels aged 5–6 years, 11% in those aged 7–8 years, and 14.5% in the 9–10-year age group (P < 0.05). S. aureus was isolated from 24% of SCM-positive milk samples. Molecular analysis showed the presence of major virulence genes: coa (coagulase) at 87.2%, hla (alpha-hemolysin) at 80%, and hlb (beta-hemolysin) at 82.9%, indicating their pathogenicity (P<0.05). This study highlights the prevalence of SCM in lactating Camels of the Cholistan desert, with S. aureus being a major pathogen. The high prevalence of virulence genes underscores the need for selective control measures with a focus on improved milking hygiene and routine screening to control the effects of SCM on camel milk productivity.

Exploring the Synergistic Effects of Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota on Metabolic Health

H. Anwar — 2025-06-15

Dietary polyphenols are secondary metabolites and are one of the most abundant natural products present in the kingdom Plantae. They have high therapeutic potential and have been employed in the treatment of many diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, obesity, diabetes, etc. According to much research, it has been seen that high consumption of these compounds impart many benefits to human health. However, it is difficult for the human digestive tract to digest these vital compounds, and they may accumulate in the large intestine where they are combined with the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is a collection of different kinds of microorganisms such as bacteria present in the gut system. These microorganisms help in digesting polyphenolic compounds and impart various health benefits to humans. They along with phenolic compounds showed a variety of bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, etc. This review presents a comprehensive study of the mechanism of gut microbiota-polyphenolic interactions and their biological effects.

PREVALENCE, ANTIBIOTICS SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILING, AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF COLIFORM MASTITIS AT COMMERCIAL DAIRY FARMS

M. Rizwan — 2025-06-15

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of coliform sub-clinical mastitis in bovines, their associated risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of E. coli. A total of 102 pure and local breed lactating cows and buffaloes were included in this study. Milk samples (n=102) were screened by the Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT). The E. coli isolated from mastitic milk were cultured on MacConkey’s agar and confirmed through PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility profiling was done through the disc diffusion method. The associated risk factors and antibiotic susceptibility profile were analyzed by chi-square, logistic regression, and ANOVA. Out of 102 screened animals, 26% (n = 13/51) pure breed and 32% (n=16/51) local breed were positive for SCM. The higher prevalence of SCM with significant association was noted in local breeds (32%), early lactation stages (57.14%), and brick block type floor (29.35%). The different risk factors showed statistically significant associations (p<0.001) such as cylindrical teat shape (32.97%; p<0.001), daily manure removal (23.32%; p<0.001), pipeline water source (25.46%; p<0.001), use of oxytocin for milk let-down (37.85%; p<0.001) and post milk teat dipping (40.82%; p<0.001). Amoxicillin, cloxacillin, gentamicin, colistin sulphate, procaine-penicillin, enrofloxacin, ampicillin, oxytetracycline, florfenicol, and streptomycin were used for anti-bio-gram profiling against E. coli isolates. Enrofloxacin (81%), gentamicin (76%), and ampicillin (67.7%) were found to be most effective in vitro. The study emphasizes breed variations, age, and management practices as influential factors for the prevalence of SCM. The effective control strategies, early detection, and prudent antibiotic use are recommended to alleviate SCM.

FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PVDF POLY (VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE)-MEMBRANES USING DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE (DMSO): OPTIMIZING POLYMER CONCENTRATIONS FOR METHYLENE BLUE REMOVAL AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT

M. U. Ghori — 2025-06-15

Fabrication and characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent, focusing on optimizing polymer concentrations (14%, 16%, 18%, and 20% w/w) for enhanced methylene blue (MB) dye removal and wastewater treatment. The concentration of MB was studied using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, demonstrating significant dye adsorption. Additionally, wastewater samples were treated to assess reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). 14% PVDF membranes exhibited large pores and poor mechanical integrity, while 20% PVDF membranes were overly dense, leading to rapid fouling. Conversely, 16% and 18% PVDF membranes demonstrated optimal performance, balancing porosity and mechanical stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to identify different functional groups, while Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) was also used to assess thermal stability and behavior of membranes. Dead-end filtration tests evaluated flux performance. Contact angle measurements using a goniometer revealed moderate hydrophobicity. These studies contribute to the development of optimized PVDF membranes for industrial-scale dye removal and wastewater treatment applications, highlighting the importance of polymer concentration in membrane performance. By optimizing membrane properties, this research paves the way for sustainable and efficient water treatment solutions.

SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS AND THEIR ROLE IN PREDICTING EARLOBE ATTACHMENT FOR FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Y. Ishaq — 2025-06-15

Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) has the potential to forecast externally visible characteristics from body fluid specimens, giving valuable leads in criminal investigations where conventional forms of identification are not feasible. The current study was intended to investigate the correlation of seven SNPs under consideration for the current study—rs13397666, rs2080401, rs9866054, rs263156, rs10192049, rs1342722, and rs17023457—with earlobe attachment phenotype (attached or free) in a 300-member Punjabi population sample from Pakistan. Earlobe phenotypes were classified by visual inspection, and genotypic data were examined using SNPStats with codominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and log-additive models of inheritance. The strength of association was expressed as odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values, the fit of the model being as suggested by Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) values. Unlike other populations, for all the genetic models considered, no statistically significant correlations were obtained between any of the SNPs and earlobe attachment. The findings are indicative of a possible population-specific genetic effect or the role of other, as yet unidentified, variants. The research emphasizes studies' validation of regional phenotypic prediction models and further contributes to the world's understanding of human morphological diversity. Enhanced precision of FDP use in forensic and anthropological practice may be achieved with further study utilizing larger and more inclusive samples, genome-wide investigation, and more specific phenotypic classification.

EFFECT OF VISIBLE SPECTRUM OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION (VISIBLE LIGHT) ON MITOCHONDRIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

S.T. Y.Azeemi — 2025-06-15

Background: Mitochondria play a central role in cellular energy production, and their function can be influenced by external stimuli such as light. While red and near-infrared (NIR) light are well-studied in photobiomodulation (PBM), the effects of other visible light wavelengths (blue and green) on mitochondrial function remain underexplored.
Methodology: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to synthesize experimental findings from provided research materials. Studies involving exposure to visible light (400–700 nm) and reporting outcomes related to mitochondrial function were included.
Results: Red light (~600–700 nm) predominantly enhanced mitochondrial activity, increasing ATP production, MMP, and O₂ consumption, with CCO identified as a primary photoacceptor. Blue light (~400–500 nm), in contrast, was associated with elevated ROS production, decreased MMP and ATP, and increased mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially through flavins, porphyrins, and opsins. Green light (~500–570 nm) showed mixed effects, with both inhibitory and stimulatory outcomes depending on the cell type and exposure parameters. The mechanisms underlying these effects involve a complex interplay of wavelength-specific photoacceptors and downstream signaling pathways.
Conclusion: Visible light modulates mitochondrial function in a wavelength-dependent manner.

Evaluation of Air-Fuel Ratio and Vehicular Emissions of different EFI Petrol Vehicles in Lahore, Pakistan

Rizwan Haider — 2025-06-15

This study investigates the impact of air fuel ratio on EFI based petrol vehicles emission by On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in Lahore, Pakistan. Vehicular Emission tests like CO, HC, NO, SO₂, and CO₂ were performed using advanced analyzers at authorized workshops. It was observed that whenever the sum of Long-Term Fuel Trim (LTFT) and Short-Term Fuel Trim (STFT) values and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions, with vehicles having LTFT + STFT values between -10 and +10 consistently passing emission tests. Euro V vehicles showed the lowest emissions (CO <100 ppm, negligible HC), Euro IV vehicles had moderate emissions (CO ≤300 ppm, HC ≤2000 ppm), while Euro II vehicles, especially older models, exhibited the highest (CO ≤12000 ppm, HC ≤6000 ppm). OBD scanners can serve as an efficient preliminary screening tool to streamline emission testing in regions with limited infrastructure.

Five-Year PM2.5 Trends in Lahore: A Monthly and Annual Overview (2019–2023)

Rizwan Haider — 2025-06-15

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of monthly and yearly average PM_2.5 concentrations in Lahore, Pakistan, from 2019 to 2023, utilizing data sourced from IQAir. The research aims to understand the influence of meteorological parameters on air quality trends and to identify significant patterns and shifts in pollution levels over the five-year period. Results reveal a distinct seasonal cycle, with peak pollution occurring during the colder, stagnant winter months (October-February) characterized by lower temperatures, reduced wind speeds, and frequent temperature inversions. Conversely, the lowest PM_2.5 concentrations are observed during the warmer, rainy summer months (May-August) due to enhanced atmospheric dispersion and wet deposition. Year-on-year comparisons indicate a persistent air quality challenge, with a concerning escalation in peak pollution levels observed in November 2023, recording the highest monthly average in the dataset. The analysis also highlights the temporary air quality improvements during the COVID-19-induced economic slowdown in 2020, followed by a rebound and increase in pollution levels as economic activity resumed. This study underscores the critical need for more aggressive and sustained emission control measures in Punjab to mitigate the adverse impacts of air pollution on public health and the environment.

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact of Open Dumping of Solid Waste on Demographic Situation in Lahore, Pakistan

Rizwan Haider — 2025-06-15

This study presents a socio-economic analysis of the pervasive impact of open dumping of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Lahore, Pakistan. Focusing specifically on the Mehmood Booti dumpsite, the research evaluates its environmental and health implications on populations residing within a 2-3 km radius, comparing these findings with a control area located 10-15 km away under similar geographical and socio-economic conditions. Data were collected through pretested questionnaires administered to 400 respondents from the study area and 200 from the control area. Statistical analysis, primarily utilizing SPSS software for descriptive statistics and inferential tests (independent sample t-Test, Levene’s Test, Chi-square Test, and Cross Tabulation), revealed that while both areas are susceptible to negative environmental impacts, the dumpsite proximity significantly increases vulnerability. This paper details the initial demographic and awareness findings, laying the groundwork for subsequent determination of the Cost of Illness (COI) for prevalent regular and serious diseases, including skin diseases, eye irritation, respiratory ailments, diarrhea, fever, typhoid, and cholera, and the consequent socio-economic losses

Assessment of Attitudes toward Patient Safety at Medical Retail Outlets: A Cross-sectional survey from Lahore, Pakistan

H. Arshad — 2025-06-15

Objectives: This study was conducted for the assessment of patient safety at Medicine Retail Outlets at Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: It was a Cross-sectional study. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to medical retail outlets (Community Pharmacies and Medical Stores) and collected as a research instrument among a sample population of about 300. Questions regarding staff working in the outlets like about the pharmacy, communication among the staff and questions regarding the patient safety and respond to mistakes were asked.

Results: Results reported demonstrate patient safety is more at risk in medical store outlets than community pharmacies in Lahore. Some of the issues are common in both. However, majority of the concerns are peculiar to medical stores. Either way, it is the need of hour to stimulate the discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of patient safety cultures within the medical retail outlets, identifying areas for improvement, and evaluating patient safety interventions. This will aid the mature safety culture in retail pharmacy outlets.

Conclusion: The study suggests that patient safety is more jeopardized in medical stores than in community pharmacies in Lahore, mostly due to inconsistent mistake documentation and the lack of experienced pharmacists.