FUUAST Journal of Biology

GEOSTATISTICAL ASSESSMENT OF CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS IN KARACHI

SYEDA KANEEZ FATIMA — 2024-11-10

Karachi is Pakistan's largest city, with all the features of a densely populated metropolitan. One of the city's significant issues is air quality, which is linked to the urban environment and pollution. The goal of this study is to show how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help with exposure, risk assessment, and emission predicting in Karachi. The study's major goal is to develop a GIS model that can analyze, predict, and analyze carbon monoxide (CO) levels throughout the city as pollution surface. To achieve this objective and aim, sample data have been collected, processed, and managed to generate a dynamic GIS model of Carbon monoxide levels of the study area. To better visualization and analysis, GIS and geostatistical (interpolation) models are used to develop interactive and dynamic CO pollution models. Inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation was used to create a surface from CO survey data. For the evaluation of CO, zonal statistics were used as districts wise Minimum, Maximum, Range, Mean and Standard Deviation values. The mean values of later districts were used for mapping displays. Data collected in the field and analyzed during the inquiry found that (CO) emissions were within acceptable ambient air quality requirements and limits. However, carbon monoxide (CO) levels are higher in business zones and commercial marketplaces in the central city, this area is more likely to cause respiratory problems.

ENHANCED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT DENDROBIUM WHITE ORCHIDS BY MICROPROPAGATION AND HYDROPONICS

SYEDA KAHKASHAN KAZMI — 2024-06-30

Orchidaceae is the second largest plant family with between 600-800 genera and 25,000-35,000 species. The beauty of the orchids mesmerizes human beings and creates a billion-dollar market worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish the cost-effective growth method to produce commercially important orchid plants in shorter time duration. The growth and development of orchids were established through plant tissue culture based micro propagation and were acclimatized for healthy growth through a hydroponic system. Under this study the shooting of orchids was obtained on the reported media androoting of orchids was optimized. Different concentrations of NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) from 0mg/l to 0.8mg/l were tested for the development of orchid roots. The highest number of roots (12) was obtained at 0.6mg/l NAA whereas highest lengths of roots (1.8cm) were observed at 0.8mg/l NAA. In this study nutrient sprays were tested for the acclimatization and growth of orchids. Three different types of nutrient solutions like NPK, Hoag land and MS Macro and Micro were tested. Results indicate that among three nutrient solutions, NPK 20:20:20 (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) was the best nutrient solution for the effective growth and development of commercially important orchids. Therefore, this protocol was found to be most effective for the micro propagationof commercially important orchid plants.

CORRELATION STUDIES OF DIFFERENT METRIC TRAITS IN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

SAFIA PANHWAR — 2024-06-30

The cultivation of sunflowers as an oilseed crop is significant in Pakistan. Due to its importance the current research is performed. It is focused on examining the correlation within the context of oilseed crop studies in different metric traits viz’. germination (%), days to 75% flowering, days to 90 % maturity, plant height (cm), head diameter (cm), 100-Seed weight (g), seed weight ha-1(kg) and seeds head-1. All the characters showed significant differences at P<0.01 in sunflower genotypes. The mean performance results showed that A-I exhibited maximum germination percentage (91.66), minimum days to 75% flowering or heading was recorded (56.66), shorter plant height (103.33cm), largest head diameter (18.00 cm) and, greater number of seed head-1(6.00). Moreover, maximum days to 90% maturity (106.55 and 106.67) for sunflower were recorded in Peshawar and HO-1. Charinka also had the tallest height (121.67 cm), the greatest 100 seed weight (6.33 g) and minimum seed head 1. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield (kg/ha) strongly and meaningfully associated with days to 75% heading and germination percentage. Hence, A-1 and HO-1 were predicted to best genotypes and can be used for further breeding sunflower crops.

COMPARATIVE NUTRITIONAL PROFILING OF CYDONIA OBLONGA LEAVES AND FRUITS IN KHANOZAI AREA, BALOCHSITAN

ABDUL WAHEED — 2024-11-10

For domestic consumption, the quince (Cydonia oblonga) is grown throughout Pakistan's temperate regions, particularly the upland areas of Balochistan. Despite its importance, the province has notably lacked nutritional composition profile for quince. This study investigates the mineral and proximate compositions of quince fruit and leaves. Matured quince fruits and leaves were systematically collected from Khanozai (Kn) and Churmian (Ch) area in the Pishin district of Balochistan. Leaf sampling was conducted in July 15, 2021, where leaves from twelve shoots per tree and four leaves per shoot were collected from six randomly selected quince trees. While, 4-8 fresh yellow Cydonia oblonga fruits per tree were collected In October 2021 and analyzed for proximate and nutrient analysis. The results revealed disparities in mineral concentrations, with Churmian area exhibiting higher levels of Nitrogen (0.077%), Potassium (1.66%), Iron (872.32 mg kg-1 ), and Zinc (30.423 mg kg-1 ) compared to Khanozai. However, Manganese was not detected in the fruits from either location. The analysis of Cydonia oblonga leaves displayed statistically significant differences in Potassium, Sodium, Copper, Iron, Zinc, and Manganese content, while Nitrogen and Phosphorus showed no significant variation. Proximate analysis of both fruit and leaves exhibited statistically significant differences across locations, with Khanozai recording the highest ash content in both fruit (2.62%) and leaves (9.59%), whereas Churmian area showcased the maximum protein content in the fruit (0.47%). Interestingly, crude fiber showed non-significant differences. This exploration provides fundamental insights into the Proximate and nutritional characteristics of quince fruit and leaves cultivated in Khanozai and Churmian, offering a crucial foundation for further research in this field.

DETECTION OF LEVOCETIRIZINE INTERACTIONS WITH NSAIDS BY SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC TECHNIQUE

SHAFAQUE MEHBOOB — 2024-11-10

Levocetirizine, a levorotatory enantiomer of anti-histamine cetirizine, available as hydrochloride and useful in the management of intermittent or persistent allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Levocetirizine may interact different drugs including NSAIDswhich may cause severe adverse effects as a result of drug interactions. UV spectroscopy is a precise and applicable method with less time consumption for the calibration curve study, quantification of drugs and also to estimate drug availability alone or in the presence of another drug. In the present study, levocetirizine, diclofenac sodium, flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid and meloxicam (reference standards) were submitted for calibration curve studies, lonequantification and finally percentavailability after drug interaction of levocetirizine with diclofenac sodium, flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid and meloxicam at pH 4, 7.4 and 9 whichmight resulted in increased, decreased or even loss of availability of the drugs. Diclofenac sodium decreased availability of levocetirizine up to 0.0% at pH 4 and 9 but increased at pH 7.4. On the other hand, levocetirizine decreased percent availability of diclofenac sodium by 4.9% pH4 but increased 170% and 206.57 % at pH 7.4 and 9.Flurbiprofen interactions with levocetrizine in different buffers and showed significant rise in availability of levocetirizine in all pH but showed significant decreased availability of flurbiprofin in three buffers. Mefenamic acid caused decreased in pH 7.4 but increased in pH 9. However, availability of mefenamic acid was decreased in both pH. Although, availability of levocetirizine doesn’t seem to be effected a lot in the presence of meloxicam but meloxicam was significantly decreased in pH 4 and 7.4. Further, in vivo studies should be conducted to ensure and avoid the adverse effects as result of these interactions. Precaution should be taken and co-administration of levocetirizine with NDSAIDs should be avoided and time duration between these drugs taken should be adjusted.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS AND MOLECULAR DOCKING INTERACTIONS OF PLANT ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIAL PATHOGENS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

HUMA NASEEM — 2024-11-10

The rise of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens is a major global health concern, as it limits the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. Plant essential oils offer a promising solution, as they have a history of being antimicrobial agents.This research study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of five plant essential oils against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens and to explore the molecular docking interactions of their active components with key bacterial proteins and enzymes. Rosemary oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, basil oil, and sandalwood oil were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus in the form of aqueous extracts and micelles. The disc diffusion method was used for the initial antibacterial screening, and molecular docking studies were performed using PYRX and visualized by BIOVIA Discovery Studio. The results revealed that the essential oils exhibited antibacterial effects, with lavender and basil oils showing high activity against bacterial agents. Molecular docking studies indicated strong interactions of major essential oil compounds with the active site of the bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme, suggesting a potential mode of action for the antibacterial effects. In conclusion, this study highlights the antibacterial properties of essential oils and their potential as sources of antibacterial agents, particularly through interactions with crucial bacterial enzymes.

PATIENT EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR ENHANCED DIABETES MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY FROM CIVIL HOSPITAL, HYDERABAD, SINDH, PAKISTAN"

NIGHAH FATIMA — 2024-11-10

Diabetes mellitus is the most frequent disease globally, with 26.7% of adults affected in Pakistan in 2022. Factors contributing to this increase include lack of awareness, unhealthy diets, hypertension, and mental health issues. Despite the challenges, self-care plays a significant role in managing diabetes. Our study investigates health literacy and selfpractices among diabetic patients through criteria sampling in public hospitals of Hyderabad Sindh, and to provide guidelines about diet to make people aware of healthy choices in the future. The present study was conducted at a civil hospital. 110 patients were selected from civil hospitals in the months of August and September, which included 50 males and 60 females. The self-care practice was carried out by a questionnaire that consisted of demographic characteristics, self-care management practices, diabetic complications, and dietary management of patients. Among the total samples, the majority of patients with poor self-care practices were found to be unsatisfactory. The reasons are a lack of awareness, financial crises among affected patients, and low implementation. Almost 80 patients were taking medicines, and 40 patients were following self-care. The major complications were patients with the highest ratio of diabetic feet in males due to injury and carelessness and the highest ratio of obesity in females. For patients in civil hospitals, managing their health care has become essential. Our study findings showed that diabetic patients require implementation of self-care, eat unprocessed food like vegetables, fruits, and limit sugary items to maintain glycemic control, use herbal medicine, and exercise daily all these can take an active role in managing their self-care.

ESTIMATE THE IMPACT OF THE COMBINED APPLICATION OF N AND P FERTILIZERS ON THE GROWTH OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) UNDER THE DRY ENVIRONMENT OF UTHAL, BALOCHISTAN

BILAL AHMED ABABAKI — 2024-11-10

The present research study was conducted in a cool winter with a hot summer region of Lasbela, Balochistan. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on wheat crops, associated with growth and grain yield. Factorial combinations of three of both N and P within the control (T1= control, T2= 30&15kgha-1, T3= 60&30kgha-1, T4= 90&45kgha-1) of three times replicates were laid out in a randomized complete block design. The findings of this study showed that the increased applications of both fertilizers influence wheat's growth and yield attributes. Growth parameter results indicated that plant height (cm), leaf length (cm), pedicel length (cm), and spike length (cm) increased with an increased dose of both fertilizers i.e. 70.66, 7.12, 24.7, 6.12cm; 73, 8.56, 30.53, 7.52cm; 88.312, 11.91, 36.3 and 10.12cm respectively. Mean maximum and significant p<0.05 were recorded in T4 compared to T1, T2, and T3. In the in-comparison of T1 and T2, a minor difference was recorded. Additionally, results of biological and grain yield also increased 8-10% more than T1 and T2 with increased application of both fertilizers. Conclusively, combined applications of both fertilizations within split doses and after the application irrigation have significantly interacted with the growth, biological, and yield attributes of wheat

HARNESSING THE POWER OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM LOCAL YOGURT: A PROMISING APPROACH FOR ENHANCING SOURDOUGH FERMENTATION

SANA KAMRAN — 2024-11-10

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten molecules. The proline-rich residues present in the grains mediate the adverse immune response in patients with celiac disease. There is a high prevalence of celiac disease in children as compared to adults in Pakistan. The association between psychiatric disorders and Celiac disease has long been known. There is a significant risk of the development of depression and other psychiatric symptoms in patients with celiac disease. Celiac disease also leads to gut dysbiosis. Lactic acid bacteria are gram-positive, acid-tolerant, rod or cocci-shaped bacteria. LAB produce anti-oxidant enzymes and degrades gluten molecules by producing proteolytic enzymes. They also mitigate the symptoms of depression by upregulating the enzymes, which are down regulated in depression. This present study aims to isolate lactic acid bacteria from local yogurt samples and to degrade the gluten molecules by sourdough fermentation with LAB. Yogurt samples were collected from various sites in Karachi. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated in MRS media, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, and biochemical tests including catalase test was performed for confirmation of LAB. Sourdough fermentation with LAB isolates was carried out. A rapid test kit evaluated gluten molecule degradation. All isolates produced gas and bubbling when subjected to degrade wheat samples. However, isolate 9 gave the best results in terms of bubble formation, production of gas, and proofing of the sourdough when compared to the positive control. This study revealed that LAB significantly degrades the number of gluten molecules present in wheat during fermentation. Conclusion: This study aimed to isolate the lactic acid bacteria from yogurt, and its application in celiac disease. LAB products can be added to the diet of post-operative patient’s diets for better recovery as LAB will strengthen the immune system by the production of antioxidant enzymes. LAB can be used for the production of gluten-free products locally.

GOLD NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR CONJUGATES WITH ANTICANCER DRUGS: MODERN ERA OF CANCER TREATMENT

SUMAIRA AKRAM — 2024-11-10

Cancer is an extremely serious disease with increasing prevalence all over the world. It is quite challenging to treat cancer. Although many treatments options like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery etc. are currently available; however, they have damaging side effects. The discovery of nanoparticle’s potential to have anticancer properties has opened new avenues in this field of research. Studies have revealed that when anticancer drugs are conjugated with Nanoparticles (NPs), they enhance their activity against cancerous cells showing a remarkable reduction in unintentional toxic effects on healthy cells. A variety of NPs can be used in anticancer treatment, but this review focused on gold nanoparticles with the potential scope to be used in cancer treatment. Due to their chemical inertness, gold nanoparticles are a fantastic option for cancer treatment and a wide range of other biological applications. This review covers several anticancer drugs that can be conjugated with gold nanoparticles and discuss the effects of these conjugates on various cancer cell types in vitro. The numerous in vivo and in vitro investigations covered in this study demonstrated that gold nanoparticles are a promising option for firstgeneration cancer medication. Moreover, by delivering these medications straight to the target cells by gold nanoparticles conjugation, the dosage and negative side effects can be decreased.