Journal of Basic and Emerging Sciences

In-vitro Evaluation of Urea and Zinc Sulphate with Comparison of Polluted Water on the Growth of Chilli under Drip Irrigation system

Ayesha Kiran — 2025-06-30

Application of micronutrients is increasing day by day because they promote growth quickly and ultimately increases the yield of field crop, while polluted water used for irrigating crop has negative effect on growth and development of crop. Drip irrigation saves water and nutrients and also minimizes the disease risk. An experiment was conducted to investigate the different supplements (Zinc Sulphate, Urea and Polluted Urea) through drip irrigation on the growth of chilli. Two varieties of chilli (I and II) were used in this study with four replications. During current study number of leaves and height of seedling were measured regularly and data were analyzed. Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO₄), Urea (CO(NH₂)₂) and polluted water were compared with control group. Chilies irrigated with zinc sulphate show less growth than control because large quantity of zinc sulphate was applied. Polluted water has negative effect on growth of crop that’s why chilli showed minimum growth. While maximum growth were recorded after the application of urea that was 8.82% more than control in variety I and in variety II growth were 5.78% more than control group.

Development of Diet for Larval Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala

Huma Nasrullah — 2025-06-30

Larval Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala depend on live food. Quality and quantity of live food is always difficult to meet the requirements of larval fish. From the last several decades nutritionists have been working to replace live food with convenient artificial feed but still its replacement has not been accomplished. Therefore, current studies were an attempt to formulate and develop artificial feed for larval stages of these species. Each species was divided into two groups. In Group 1, each species fed on natural food and served as control and the second group exclusively fed on artificial feed and termed as treatment group- the outcomes of which were unknown. Both groups were fed on live food (Brachionus calyciflorus) and artificial feed (40% C.P) respectively for 15 days in three independent trials for all the three species tested. Studies were conducted in 3×2×2 ft. glass aquaria with water holding capacity of 255 L. In each trial 100 larvae were randomly stocked in each replicate aquaria of each treatment including control. During these studies Labeo rohita larvae fed on artificial feed gained maximum weight of 52.7mg, significantly higher than its counterpart. When larval growth of all the three species was compared the following trend emerged Labeo rohita 52.7 mg >Cirrhinus mrigala 44.6 mg >Catla catla 32 mg. Nonetheless larvae of all the three species when fed on natural food grew in the following order Labeo rohita 46.7 mg >Cirrhinus mrigala 35.6 mg >Catla catla 26.4 mg. Like weight Labeo rohita fry displayed maximum survival of 71% when fed on artificial. Survival of larval Cirrihinus mrigala was 61% and that of Catla catla was 52% the lowest. In general artificial feed performed better than natural food (control groups).

Incidence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli in Uropathogenic Infections: An Emerging Therapeutic Dilemma

Dr. Arslan Wajid — 2025-06-30

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of multi-drug-resistant E. coli in patients with UTIs who were seen at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences' General Medicine Department. During the course of six months, a total of 800 urine samples were taken from both indoor and outdoor patients attending the PIMS laboratory. Of these samples, 150 tested positives for urinary tract infections. After that, these samples were examined utilizing various culture media. Urine samples were cultured on CLED Agar media to determine the presence of bacteria, and then the biochemical test API 10, which is often used to identify gram negative bacteria, was performed. After bacterial growth was observed in the samples, MHA medium was added to determine the antibiotics' sensitivity or susceptibility using an antibiotic disc. Following that, the results were documented, with over three medications exhibiting resistance to the tested antibiotics being ruled out as MDR. Out of 150 samples, 100 tested positive for MDR, whereas the remaining 50 did not. Of the agents examined, levofloxacin (62.7%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (74.7%), and cefepime (70%) showed the most resistance, whereas tazobactam (18.7%), amikacin (16%), and Fosfomycin (15.3%) showed the lowest resistance. The other examined medicines in the current investigation included ceftriaxone 43.3%, ampicillin 54%, cefepime 70%, sulbactam 24.7%, and cotraimaxloe 47.3%. Resistance to norfloxacin is 54% and Fosfomycin is 15.3%, respectively. In conclusion, the rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli underscores the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). By promoting appropriate antibiotic use, enforcing strict prescription guidelines, conducting regular audits, and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, we can mitigate resistance, enhance treatment outcomes, and preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics.

The Effect of Sulphur, Lambda-Cyhalothrin (pyrethroid) and Pendimethalin (dinitroaniline) Pesticides on Agricultural Soil Bacteria

Tehmeena Naqeeb — 2025-06-30

Application of synthetic pesticides is the need of modern era to attain food production and food demands of the increasing population. Pesticides kill, destroy or repel the target organism which includes pests and unwanted growth that affects the agricultural productivity but the knowledge of their effect on non target organisms including soil bacteria is important to control environmental disturbance. To check the effect of pesticides on soil bacteria a laboratory experiment was conducted where top soil samples collected from agricultural fields of Kasur district were sprayed with pesticides (Sulphur, Lambda Cyhalothrin and Pendimethalin), at recommended reference doses (RfD), 2RfD, 4RfD and 8RfD under normal environmental conditions. Afterwards, Microbial analysis was done at the end of each subsequent week for up to four weeks. Serially diluted soil samples were plated on Nutrient Agar media and incubated at 37 ⁰C for 24 hours. Number of bacteria was calculated by standard plate count method and results were statistically analyzed. The results revealed that Sulphur pesticides enhanced the bacterial population as compared to Lambda Cyhalothrin and Pendimethalin ones that suppressed the bacterial population when applied at RfD for a given period of time. It was concluded from the current study that the usage of synthetic agricultural pesticides should be minimized, moreover, when required only RfD of certain pesticide should be applied.

Prevalence of Asthma and Its Association with Socioeconomic Status, Gender, and Consanguinity in Lahore, Pakistan

Dr. Najiya al- Arifa — 2025-06-30

This study mainly aimed to establish the burden of asthma and allergies in Lahore, Pakistan, and certain gender and socioeconomic inequalities. Data from asthma patients attending the major outpatient department in Lahore was collected through a cross-sectional study design. The study sample was made of women and men who had been clinically diagnosed with asthma. Data on socio-demographic attributes, lifestyle habits, familial environment, and economic situation were collected using structured interviews. The studies reveal that the prevalence is overwhelmingly biased to the gender axis, showing a worse outcome for females as compared to males. Apart from this, there is also an observed degree of relationship between the socioeconomic status and the severity of the asthma, as the members of the lower income class have reported more difficulty to cope up with the disease condition. It was concluded that there is need for undertaking appropriate public health measures and policies for the treatment of asthma belonging to the poor segments of the population. It is recommended and discussed that future investigations in this area should examine the relationship between asthma, including both environmental influences and the interrelated aspects of socioeconomic status.

Spinal Muscular Atrophies in Pakistan: A Complex Genetic Disease

Sabiya Azam — 2025-06-30

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe hereditary neuromuscular disorder, most commonly manifesting in childhood, characterized by the degeneration of spinal motor neurons and progressive muscle atrophy, paralysis, and respiratory complications that often lead to early mortality1. This study employed a comprehensive literature review methodology, synthesizing genetic, clinical, and epidemiological data with a focus on the Pakistani population. The review analyzed the roles of SMN1 and SMN2 genes on chromosome 5q13, as well as other genetic contributors such as HSPB1, GARS1, and VAPB, to understand the molecular mechanisms and inheritance patterns underlying both distal and proximal SMA variants. The Key findings reveal that approximately 68% of Pakistani SMA Patients have SMN gene deletions, a prevalence influenced by high rates of consanguinity and birth rates in the region1. The study highlights the genetic heterogeneity of SMA, with various genes affecting pathways like RNA metabolism, axonal transport, and protein folding. Recent therapeutic advances, particularly antisense oligonucleotide treatments targeting SMN2 splicing, have shown promise in increasing functional SMN protein levels, though long-term efficacy remains uncertain1. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden of SMA in high-risk populations, while also emphasizing the need for continued research into novel therapies and comprehensive care strategies.