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The prevalence of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) has significantly hampered chili (Capsicum spp.) production, presenting a formidable challenge in Pakistan. During a chili field survey in 2018, distinct symptoms, including stunted growth, yellowing, and severe leaf curling, were observed on several plants. Subsequently, a comprehensive sampling effort was undertaken, collecting a total of 39 symptomatic samples from diverse locations across Multan, Punjab. The DNA extraction from these samples was conducted at the plant virology laboratory at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, marking a crucial step in the investigation of this debilitating disease and its impact on chili production in the region. Molecular analysis with PCR using Av/Ac Core, Beta 01/02, and CLCuMuBF11/R33 primers confirmed begomovirus infection in chili plants. Positive amplification demonstrated a 71.79% infection rate, with 579 bp, 1.4 kb, and 481 bp amplicons for Av/Ac Core, Beta 01/02, and CLCuMuBF11/R33, respectively. Sequencing identified cotton leaf curl Multan beta-satellite (MT668934) infecting the chili plant. Effectively managing these begomoviruses is crucial to curbing their multiplication and protecting vital crops like chili. Addressing the distributions of beta-satellites in agricultural fields, particularly chili, is imperative to prevent further viral spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods of producing electricity are expensive, pollute the environment, need a lot of maintenance, and eventually run out of power. Because of this, it is imperative to make use of the unrealized potential of renewable energy sources that are also ecologically beneficial. At the Institute of Southern Punjab (ISP), Multan, Pakistan, geographical location coordinates latitude 30° 17' 20" N and longitude 71° 30' 1" E. Current study developed an effective, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly Grid Tie PV System (GTPVS) to address this issue. One location where solar energy has enormous promise is Multan. At this location, the average yearly horizontal solar irradiance is 1861.8 kWh/m²/year, and the average diffuse horizontal solar irradiance is 898.9 kWh/m²/year. In this study, 'PVSyst Software' is used to calculate the performance ratio and various power losses, such as inverter, temperature-related losses, and losses from PV modules. Every day, 3026.26 kg of coal is saved, which is the same as growing 29062.87 Teak trees for a lifetime. According to the National Electric Power Regulation Authority (NEPRA) rule Tarif A3(66) is applied to universities and schools, where 60 Rs/kWh is a unit cost in the year 2024. The generated energy cost for the 'Longi Solar Cell' for the proposed location in ISP Multan, is 0.07 US dollars per kWh, while the standard energy pricing in Pakistan in 2024 is 0.21 US dollars per kWh. The simulation results show that the proposed Roof-Top Solar Photovoltaic System (RTSPVS) design energy production is 966.4 MWh/year. The Annual Performance Ratio (PR) for the proposed system is 85.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent improvements in time series studies of hydro-climatological variables have led to the belief that the effects of nonstationarity are substantial enough to call the idea of traditional stationary approaches into doubt. The mean and variability of annual and seasonal rainfall in Pakistan are changing due to anthropogenic climate change. With the use of stationary and nonstationary frequency analysis techniques, this study set out to assess the impacts of nonstationarity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, over the historical period of 1970–2015 and the future periods of 2020–2060 and 2060–2100. Four frequency distributions, namely Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), Gumbel, normal, and lognormal, were used. The findings of the nonstationarity impact across Southern Punjab showed different kinds of impacts, such as an increase or reduction in the return level of extreme precipitation. In comparison to other distributions, GEV provided the finest fit. In Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan and DG. Khan, the annual nonstationarity impacts for the 100-year return level were increased up to 15.2%, 8.7%, 58.3%, 18.7%, and 20%, respectively. Moreover, extreme precipitation was found to be increasing during the historical and projected periods, which may increase floods, while less water availability appeared at a seasonal scale (summer) during 2061–2100. The increased nonstationarity effects emphasized adapting these nonstationarities induced by climate change into the design of water resource structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maximize crop production, reference evapotranspiration (ET0) measurement is crucial for managing water resources and planning crop water needs. The FAO-PM56 method is recommended globally for estimating ET0 and evaluating alternative methods due to its extensive theoretical foundation. Numerous meteorological parameters, needed for ET0 estimation, are difficult to obtain in developing countries. Therefore, alternative ways to estimate ET0 using fewer climatic data are of critical importance. To estimate ET0 with alternative methods, difference climatic parameters of temperatures, relative humidity (maximum and minimum), sunshine hours, and wind speed for a period of 20 years from 1996 to 2015 were used in the study. The data were recorded by 11 meteorological observatories situated in various climatic regions of Pakistan. The significance of the climatic parameters used was evaluated using sensitivity analysis. The machine learning techniques of single decision tree (SDT), tree boost (TB) and decision tree forest (DTF) were used to perform sensitivity analysis. The outcomes indicated that DTF-based models estimated ET0 with higher accuracy and fewer climatic variables as compared to other ML techniques used in the study. The DTF technique, with Model 15 as input, outperformed other techniques for the most part of the performance metrics (i.e., NSE = 0.93, R2 = 0.96 and RMSE = 0.48 mm/month). The results indicated that the DTF with fewer climatic variables of mean relative humidity, wind speed and minimum temperature could estimate ET0 accurately and outperformed other ML techniques. Additionally, a non-linear ensemble (NLE) of ML techniques was further used to estimate ET0 using the best input combination (i.e., Model 15). It was seen that the applied non-linear ensemble (NLE) approach enhanced modelling accuracy as compared to a stand-alone application of ML techniques (R2 Multan = 0.97, R2 Skardu = 0.99, R2 ISB = 0.98, R2 Bahawalpur = 0.98 etc.). The study results affirmed the use of an ensemble model for ET0 estimation and suggest applying it in other parts of the world to validate model performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, and diatomaceous earth mixed with abamectin (DEA) alone and in their combinations for the integrated management of larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) from three field populations of Pakistan (Multan, Rawalpindi, and Rahim Yar Khan) and one laboratory population (Faisalabad). Treatments were applied on three surfaces, namely, viz. steel, concrete, and jute bags, implementing two application methods, dusting and spraying. The combined treatments were more effective in comparison with single treatments for both larvae and adults. Overall, the highest mortality rates were recorded in the Faisalabad population, followed by the Rehaim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Multan populations. Progeny production was suspended 21 days after exposure to the combined treatment of DEA and both fungi in all populations except Rawalpindi. Larvae were found to be more susceptible than adults in all treatments and intervals. Dusting was more efficient than spraying for both larvae and adults and for all the populations studied. The present study provides a wholistic understanding of the impact of different factors on the success of the combined treatments using DEA and entomopathogenic fungi, supporting their use as surface treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution and scarcity threaten sustenance and quality of life. The water usage for irrigation necessitates its content evaluation to ensure safe application and to meet high productivity goals. Drawing upon prior reports addressing salinity concerns in diverse agricultural regions of Pakistan, our study focused on assessing the risks in the Multan Tehsil of Punjab. To accomplish this, well water samples (n=383) were examined for parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and Residual Sodium Carbonates (RSC). Laboratory analyses indicated elevated levels of selected parameters in water samples from southwestern sites, with 21.4% exceeding SAR limits, 28.7% surpassing RSC thresholds, and 66.1% crossing permissible EC limits. The underlying anthropogenic causes of groundwater pollution include an increased rate of run-off, leachate percolation, reduced infiltration, inadequate recharge of well water, and urban land expansion. Rather than relying on end-of-pipe management strategies, it is recommended to prioritize source water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems over canals is an emerging technology to address the energy-water-food nexus. It can improve water and energy infrastructure, leading to food security. This study compares the energy yield, performance ratio, and capacity factor of monofacial and bifacial solar PV modules for over-canal and overground installations. A 1 MW solar PV system case study is considered for installation in Multan on the Naubahar canal, and the results are compared with overground installation. The performance of the proposed configurations was evaluated through indicators such as energy yield, performance ratio, and capacity factor. Results show that the monofacial modules for over-canal installation and the bifacial modules for overground installation are the most appropriate options under hydrological and environmental conditions. Comparing all four configurations, the monofacial over-canal system has the highest energy yield (1679 MWh), performance ratio (0.813), and capacity factor (19.32%). Moreover, it is estimated that installing a 1 MW solar PV system over the canal can conserve more than 8.9 million liters of water through reduced evaporation losses and free up more than 3 hectares of arable land for agricultural or other purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on plasma N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with heart failure and correlate it with glycosylated haemoglobin levels. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Combined Military Hospital, Multan Pakistan, from Feb to Sep 2021. Methodology: We assayed plasma NT-pro BNP levels in 194 individuals with established heart failure, (98 non-diabetics, and 96 patients with diabetes). Plasma NT-pro BNP levels were compared between groups in addition, the correlation of glycosylated haemoglobin with plasma NT-pro BNP levels was explored. Results: The mean plasma NT-pro BNP values were higher in patients with diabetes (15826.08 ± 8143.434pg/mL) than in non-diabetics (12534.06±6323.92pg/mL) with a p-value 0.02. When NT-pro BNP was compared there was no significant found difference between the non-diabetic group and the Controlled Diabetes-Group (p-value 0 .882), but it was significantly higher in the Uncontrolled Diabetes-Group (p-value<0.001). A moderate positive association was found between NT-pro BNP and glycosylated haemoglobin (r=0.541, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Although obesity has an inverse relation with plasma natriuretic peptides level and most patients with diabetes are overweight, the plasma NT-pro BNP is still a very informative tool and holds its significance as a diagnostic and prognosis marker in diabetic patients with heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cusps of the carabelli in dental OPD patients. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Dental Outdoor, Ibn-e-Sina Hospital Multan. Period: June 2021 to July 2021. Material & Methods: Consent was taken from the patients and from parents of the children under the age of 10 years. Data was collected on a predesigned proforma. All patients attending the outdoor department of Ibn-e-sihna hospital, Multan were included and were examined on the patient examination chair for the present and absence of cusps of carabelli. A total of 400 patients were included in study during this period that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 400 patients were examined during this period and frequency of carabelli trait is 53.75%. Majority of study population with carabelli trait was females but the difference was not statistically significant with p value of 0.075. Most of the patients have bilateral presence of cusp of carabelli and in unilateral cases, majority were on right side but the difference was not significant (P-Value 0.085). Conclusion: So it can be concluded from the study of the carabelli trait common in our population and also that it has regional variation in its prevalence. It is usually bilateral and more common in men and mostly in the form of pit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Low back pain is a common problem in society. Acute low back pain can persist for up to six weeks and requires immediate attention for treatment. The muscle energy technique was mostly used in rehabilitation for strengthening and relaxation purposes. The objective of the study was to find out the effectiveness of the muscle energy technique in patients with acute low back pain. METHODOLOGY: It was a quasi-experimental study; with a sample size of 60 were collected from 05 June 2020 to 05 November 2020. A convenient sampling technique was used and patients were divided into two groups after inclusion and exclusion criteria. The tools were the Standardized visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). The setting was Ibn e Siena Hospital and Research Institute, Multan and Multi-care physiotherapy clinic Multan. An Independent t-test was applied to measure the significance of data. The experimental group was treated by muscle energy technique and the control group was treated through neuromuscular control exercises. RESULTS: Total number of patients in the study was 60, equally divided into two groups. Pre and post control and experiment group ODI mean±SD 28.13±5.25, 12.66±3.78 and 26.13±4.12, 7.80±3.14, pre and post-VAS 8.70±0.79, 8.30± 1.17 and 2.00±1.20, 0.76±1.00 respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.000) between a pre and post intervention score of the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the visual analog scale (VAS). CONCLUSION: Muscle energy technique was more effective than neuromuscular control exercises in mechanical acute low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the pattern of thoracic surgical diseases at a tertiary care hospital in South-Punjab Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Setting: Nishtar Medical University hospital Multan, Pakistan. Period: From 01-01-2018 to 31-12-2018. Material & Methods: All the patients who were admitted through the out-patient department or referred from other units, over the year 2018, were analyzed. Variables under consideration included mode of admission, patient's diagnosis, a surgical procedure performed, type of anesthesia-induced and the mortality. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 20. Mean and percentages were used for numerical data. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 634 patients (370 females and 264 males) were admitted during the study period, out of which 566 came through the out-patient department while the remaining were referrals from other wards. In total, 697 surgeries were performed with esophagoscopy and dilation being the most frequent (38.7%), followed by tracheostomy (16.3%). Corrosive intake (49.8%) accounted as the cause for the highest number of admissions followed by empyema thoracis (11.4%). Conclusion: Local study on the topic of Thoracic Surgery audit, in terms of surgeries performed and variation of cases presented has become an absolute necessity for better health care planning of Pakistan. The pattern of thoracic surgical diseases varies considerably in different regions and populations. The evaluation of these disease patterns can help to adopt appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of these diseases. Furthermore, it can significantly improve our health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the salt taste threshold in normotensive offspring of normotensive and hypertensive parents. Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration: Physiology Department of CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, Multan, from 15th January to 15th March 2019. Methodology: Age and Body Mass Index matched 80 normotensive MBBS students were divided into two groups of 40 students each based on the absence and presence of parental history of hypertension. Salt taste threshold was determined in both the groups and compared. Results: Independent-Samples T-test showed that the salt taste threshold was significantly higher in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents as compared to offspring of normotensive parents (p=0.004). Conclusion: The salt taste threshold in offspring of hypertensive parents was higher as compared to offspring of normotensive parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of using online practice quizzes as accessory learning tool on academic performance of medical students. Study Design: Quasi Experimental Study Place and Duration: Physiology Department of CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, Multan, from 15th January, 2019 to 15th March, 2019 Methodology: Two unsupervised digital quizzes were conducted before Physiology class test of 1st year MBBS. Volunteers attempting practice quizzes were regarded as "Experimental group" (n=51), while rest of the class was included in "Control group" (n=38). Short essay questions (SEQs) in the summative class test were classified as "Category A," (from already tested topics) and "Category B" (from rest of the syllabus). Scores of practice quizzes and class test (SEQs and MCQs) were obtained for statistical analysis. Results: Experimental group (who had attempted practice quiz) scored significantly higher in Category A SEQs (p=0.01), Category B SEQs (p=0.001) and MCQs (p=0.04), as compared to the Control group. Moreover, Experimental group scored significantly higher (p=0.001) in Category A SEQs (from already tested topics) as compared to Category B SEQs (from rest of the syllabus). We also found certain predictive validity of practice quiz score for summative assessment scores. Conclusion: Online practice quizzes used as structured formative assessment can act as an accessory learning tool for the medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of sub anesthetic dose of ketamine when given 5 minutes prior to Propofol injection in alleviating pain of injection during cesarean section surgery. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of anesthesia and critical care, Nishtar Hospital Multan, from Aug 2016 to Feb 2017. Material and Methods: A total number of 130 (100%) patients were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS (v 23.2), mean and SD calculated for continuous data (age, BMI) and in continuous data was presented as frequency and percentages (ASA status, pain of propofol injection). Effect modification seen by applying chi square test and p-value ≤0.05 considered as significant. Results: A total number of 100% (n=130) patients were included in this study, all were females. The main outcome variable of this study was pain of propofol injection. It was observed that, in control group, 87.7% (n=57) patients complaints about pain after propofol injection and 12.13% (n=8) remain normal. But, in ketamine group only 16.9% (n=11) patients complaint about pain of propofol injection and 83.1% (n=54) were remained pain free. Conclusion: Administration of ketamine 0.25μg/kg five minutes before propofol injection is a safe and effective method in preventing propofol injection pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]