Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy (JIRAP) – Lahore UBAS
The Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy (JIRAP) is an international, biannual, open-access, peer-reviewed journal that has strived to make science widely available so that health sciences can heal, rehabilitate, transform society, and positively impact people's lives. The Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy is committed to applying scientific knowledge and encourages evidence-based practice to improve health and advance human progress. In our issues and online first content, we publish some of the best healing sciences, from the best scientists and therapists worldwide, providing an unparalleled global reach and impact on health. The aim is to improve the implementation of research findings into clinical practice. Aims The Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy is an official Journal of the "Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences”. It is managed, funded, and published by the university. The journal is committed to applying scientific knowledge and encourages evidence-based practice to improve health and advance human progress. In our issues and online first content, we publish some of the best articles, from the best scientists and therapists worldwide, providing an unparalleled global reach and impact on health. A highly cited, multi-disciplinary, international editorial board provides reviews on the issue articles and ensures timely publication of issues. Scope of Journal The Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy published by the Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences follows the whole publication process following HEC guidelines and international standards of research journals. The journal uses an Open Journal System (OJS) for all communications and publication processes to ensure transparency, integrity, and efficiency. This journal aims to be indexed by international indexing agencies including Web of Science and SCOPUS as per HEC guidelines. The Journal has its Editorial and Advisory Board. The Editorial Board is comprised of a Patron-in-Cheif, Editor-in-Cheif, Managing Editors, Associate Editors and Editors. The Advisory Board is comprised of reputed national and international subject specialists with research expertise. Types of articles 1. Original Articles 2. Letter to Editor 3. Review Articles 4. Case Studies 5. Editorial Published by: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Information for Authors The Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy is a world-leading journal and invites submissions of any original contribution that advances or illuminates Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Biological Sciences, Nutrition Sciences and Nursing & Midwifery. We prioritize publishing research articles, randomized controlled trials, review articles, epidemiological studies, case reports, guest editorials, comments, correspondence, and additional perspectives. For more information on the types of papers and manuscript requirements please read the Guidelines for Authors. Manuscript Submission To submit your manuscripts to the Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy please visit https://jirap.ubas.edu.pk Manuscripts must be solely the work of the author(s) stated, must not have been previously published elsewhere, and must not be under consideration by another journal. Research scripts can be sent to submission.jirap@ubas.edu.pk.
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Vaccine Hesitancy Beyond COVID-19: Lessons for Pakistan’s Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Rollout
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In-Silico-Driven Identification of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and Berberine as Novel Candidates to Overcome Salmonella Antibiotic Resistance via acrB and gyrB Inhibition
Salmonellosis is a common bacterial infection caused by Salmonella species, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It is a major foodborne illness typically transmitted through contaminated water or food. Most Salmonella infections are self-limiting, and in severe cases, antibiotics become necessary. However, the problem is that Salmonella has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics due to several factors (misuse and overuse of antibiotics, horizontal gene transfer (HGT), efflux pumps, and mutation in target sites). Therefore, antibiotic resistance in Salmonella is a growing health concern, making infection harder to treat and increasing mobility and mortality rates. These drastic outcomes have led to the urgent discovery of alternative and highly targeted therapeutic drugs. Key targets, such as Efflux pump and DNA gyrase, help in overcoming Multidrug Resistance (MDR) in Salmonella, as they play a crucial role in antibiotic expulsion and bacterial DNA replication. A library of natural inhibitors was selected and assessed for their drug-likeness. Structural Validation and Refinement of both targeted proteins were conducted using ERRAT and PROCHECK, ensuring high-quality models for further interaction. The binding affinities of complex molecules and the dynamic behaviour of ligands with the active sites of acrB and gyrB over time were predicted using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Protox-3 evaluated the toxicity level of selected drugs. Strong binding affinities of EGCG and berberine with receptor proteins and their pharmacophore properties, highlighting them as novel therapeutic agents against the antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prescription Pattern of Antihypertensive Medications and Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensive Patients in Middle Eastern Countries – A Systematic Review
1.1) Background The prevalence of hypertension all over the world is high, especially among adults. An estimated one-half of the half population which have hypertension do not use medication for the treatment of hypertension there it may cause fatal and have high mortality rate, so by knowing the prescription patterns of hypertension drugs we can evaluate and optimize the adherence to drugs. 1.2) Objective The review aimed to evaluate the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs in the Middle East and their adherence to guidelines. 1.3) Results The study analyzed 22 articles published between 2003 and 2023, which included a total of 378,101 prescriptions. The results showed that the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), followed by beta-blockers (BBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The study also found that the use of combination therapy was common in the Middle East, with ACEIs/ARBs and ACEIs/CCBs being the most frequently used combination. The review concluded that the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs in the Middle East were generally consistent with international guidelines such as NICE guidelines. However, there was still room for improvement in terms of adherence to guidelines and the use of combination therapy. 1.4) Conclusion This systematic review provided an overview of the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs in Middle Eastern countries and the conformity of prescribing antihypertensive drugs according to guidelines. This review concluded that there are areas for the advancement of prescribing practices of antihypertensive drugs in concordance with the latest clinical practice guidelines. To strengthen and assist in prescribing antihypertensive drugs, interventions must be designed and executed.
Prescription pattern of antihypertensives
Prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs
Blood pressure control in hypertensive patients
Prescription pattern of antihypertensives in middle eastern countries
Blood pressure control among hypertensive patients in middle eastern countries
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Association of Sarcopenia with Balance in the Elderly Population
Background: Background: Sarcopenia is a common illness among the elderly that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. It was described as a decline in muscle strength and mass associated with ageing. Sarcopenia in older adults has significant effects on everyday functioning, quality of life and balance. Mortality, diminished capacity to handle the stress of a serious illness, and disability are all influenced by sarcopenia. Objective: To evaluate the association of sarcopenia with balance in the elderly population. Methods: This study was carried out in the Central Park Teaching Hospital and Iffat Anwar Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, with consent from the University of Management and Technology's research ethics and support committee. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from June to August 2024. Data was collected through non-probability convenience sampling. The sample size was 187, as calculated by the WHO calculator. Eligibility criteria mandated an age group between 65 and 85 years, both males and females, proper cognitive and understanding abilities, people who can walk independently, and a score of >18 according to the Barthel Index scale. Individuals with dementia, any recent surgery or surgery in the last one-year, impaired cognition, mini mental scale below 24 were excluded. The data was collected by using the Berg Balance Scale and Sarcopenic Questionnaire. Before using a questionnaire to collect data, informed consent was obtained. The participant has the freedom to decline participation at any point during the study. The sarcopenic questionnaire was used to measure the degree of sarcopenia during data collection, while the Berg balance scale was used to assess balance in participants. Results: There is a strong association between sarcopenia and balance, and the p-value is less than 0.05. The mean Berg balance scale value is 45.32% among the participants. Conclusion: Participants with sarcopenia showed a positive association with balance. There is a strong possibility that people with sarcopenia have impaired balance.
Phytochemical Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Phosphodiesterase (PDEs), a superfamily of enzymes, catalyze the hydrolysis of cyclic nucleotides, specifically guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) thereby playing a critical role in the precise intracellular signaling cascades regulation and consequently, cellular function. The identification of 11 distinct PDE isoenzyme families, each exhibiting unique substrate specificities, tissue distributions, and regulatory mechanisms, has significantly advanced our understanding of their physiological and pathophysiological roles at the cellular and molecular levels. This increased knowledge has facilitated the way for the emergence of highly selective PDE isoenzyme inhibitors, offering promising therapeutic avenues for a wide range of diseases. PDE inhibitors include many pharmacological agents and they are widely used due to their many pharmacological effects like pleiotropic, vasodilator, cardio tonic, smooth muscle relaxant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and cognitive-enhancing properties. On clinical side, PDE inhibitors have validated efficacy in the management of various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary arterial hypertension and Alzheimer's disease. Most importantly, with the advancements of indications, states that vast variety of pharmacologically active phytochemicals derived from various plants produce PDE inhibitory activity. All these pharmacologically active phytochemicals belong to the classes of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols and flavonoids which signify a rich reservoir of potential therapeutic agents. This review provides a comprehensive summary of documented phytochemicals which are involved in inhibitory activity of PDE and their diverse roles in the management of specific diseases, emphasizing that various phytochemicals are potential source of PDE inhibition.
Biofilms in the food system: Novel management strategies
Biofilms are shielding extracellular matrix constituting glycoprotein and polysaccharides created by microorganisms in order to sustain through hostile environment. In food systems due to inadequate sanitary operations food residues accumulate and provide nutrition and harborage to microorganisms, resulting in biofilm formation. These biofilms provide ideal growth environment that support cellular communication and genetic transferal. These characteristics under controlled conditions make biofilms auspicious for biomass production. This review is primarily focused on biofilm prevention and obstruction techniques for food systems including use cell-signaling inhibition strategies, non-thermal plasma treatments and photocatalysis.
Forensic DNA phenotyping; Current updates and future prospects
Forensic DNA phenotyping refers to the prediction of externally visible characteristics such as hair, eye and skin color from the DNA source collected from the scene of crime. Unknown suspects can be traced with the help of this technique employing the ‘biological witness’. Traditional forensic methods exercise short tandem repeats (STRs) approaches to connect the offender with crime. However, proceedings of a forensic case may be delayed if there is a mismatch (anonymous offender) or lack of database hits, and it becomes arduous for a forensic lab to make the suspect pool narrower. A plenty of research has been done on alternative methods to apprehend the suspect. FDP deploying various powerful techniques for prediction of phenotype from the genotype has gained an excessive attention in past few years. Till now, many genetic markers have been identified and validated for skin color, hair color, eye color, facial features, age estimation etc. and many more to be added in the existing databases to make the effectualness of this technique more reliable. This review examines the current updates and future prospects of this project. Given the robustness of modern technologies, FDP has exceptional flair to meet the standards of forensic investigations and identifications Key Words: Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP), Externally visible characteristics (EVCs), Genetic markers, Short tandem repeats (STRs), Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Suspect identification.
DETECTION OF LIVER TUMOR METASTASIS BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY
Research Objective: The purpose of this study is to detect liver tumors by ultrasound and to diagnose liver tumor metastasis areas using Doppler ultrasound. Methodology: The study was conducted on 100 normal patients who was suffering from liver disease. Data collected from DHQ (district head quarter hospital) Faisalabad and National hospital Faisalabad. The Doppler study of hepatic region to diagnosis the liver tumors and detected the metastasis. Inclusive and exclusive criteria was used according to age group. Good resolution linear array probe (5-15MHZ) was used to design this studies. Three mannerswasutilized: B-mode gray imaging, color Doppler flow, and duplex imaging. Results: The mean frequency of the patients was on the basis of gender, There was a 100 patients in total, including 55% male and 45% female patients. During study we had outdoor patients 45% and 55% indoor patients. The indoor patients were 55% which effected by liver disease. Fever patients were 84.0%. For the cause, most patients was affected by the virus, alcohol abuse, fatty liver, and smoking. The affected of liver texture by homogenous patients was 52.0% and heterogeneous patients was 48.0% are the diagnosis findings. Hypertrophy of normal size patients were 68.0% and affected patients were 32.0%. Mostly patients had acuities 31% by diagnosis findings of reports of Doppler ultra-sonogram. Liver metastases appearances were present in 13(13%) patients and 87(87%) were not affected by the tumor. Conclusion: As the ultrasonographic findings were diagnosis the liver tumor metastasis and these sonograms showed the liver right lobe was highly affected. According to this study, the ultrasonography was not giving clear results of metastatic patients; it can be used to diagnosis for initial stages of tumors. Most patients had other diseases of the liver.
Assessment Of Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity & Nutritional Status of Adolescents Studying in Private Schools of Lahore, Pakistan
Introduction: Adolescence is the phase of life between the ages of 10 and 19. Food habits established during adolescence remain stable throughout life, affecting nutritional status and health. An estimated 80% of adolescents have multiple risk factors related to diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Objective: This study was carried out to assess the dietary patterns, physical activity and nutritional status of adolescents studying in private schools of Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 400 adolescents studying in private schools of Lahore, Pakistan and data was collected through a self-structured questionnaire, composed of three parts (personal information, dietary history & physical activity patterns). For BMI calculation, height and weight were measured. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 23. Results: The study indicates that 58.3% of adolescents had a normal BMI, 27.5% were underweight, 10.5 % were overweight, and 3.8% were obese. From all the individuals 65.0% skipped meals whereas only 47.3% consumed breakfast regularly. Moreover, consuming snacks per day (64.0%) and eating junk food once per week (73.8%) was common among adolescents. Furthermore, 23.3% of adolescents engaged in low levels of physical activity, 65.0% in moderate levels, and only 11.8% had high physical activity levels. Conclusion: Approximately half of the adolescents studying in private schools of Lahore had a normal nutritional status however the other half were malnourished. More than 50% of the adolescents skipped breakfast daily, ate junk food once a week and followed a lifestyle consisting of low-moderate physical activity. Therefore, to reduce the double burden of malnutrition, it is necessary to spread awareness and educate adolescents and the community about healthy dietary and lifestyle practices. KEYWORDS: Adolescents; Nutritional Status; Dietary Patterns; Physical Activity; Pakistan
MOTIVATIONAL APPROACHES USED BY PHYSICAL THERAPIST FORSTROKE REHABILITATION DURING WALK
INTRODUCTION: It is believed that incorporating motivational tactics into a rehabilitation program can increase patient adherence and improve results. OBJECTIVE: This study helps practitioners to use different motivational approaches for individuals in stroke rehabilitation. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a web survey. RESULTS: Participants with more clinical experience use more motivational approaches to motivate and enhance the rehabilitation. Some participants reported that they used the approaches based upon the condition of their patients. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation specialists may be able to make the most use of the motivating strategies. Moreover this study can help the novice practitioners to use motivational approaches during rehabilitation program. KEY TERMS: Motivational approaches, Physical therapists, Rehabilitation, Walk.
Unraveling Ankylosing Spondylitis From Immunopathogenesis to Modern Treatment Approaches
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton, resulting in back pain and progressive stiffness. The purpose of this study is to provide an integrated observation in the form of pathophysiology, clinical criteria, and available medical methods. Environmental factors and genetic susceptibility, mainly HLA-B27, are an intricate interaction in AS Etiology. Increased knowledge about immunopathogenesis has added the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17 and TNF-α in the devastating course of the disease. Early diagnosis is indicated but immensely challenging, as the onset is gradual and presenting symptoms are futile. MRI and other radiographic imaging, along with genetic workup and biomarkers, are of most significance in initial identification. With advances in biological therapies with the potential to block various inflammatory cascades, there is hope of improved outcomes and quality of life in patients. Non-pharmacological management in the guise of physiotherapy and lifestyle modification continues to be an integral part of the comprehensive management plan. The review also references the necessity of utilizing a multidisciplinary approach in optimizing patient outcomes in the context of recent advances in the etiology and treatment of AS.
Revolutionizing Thalassaemia Detection: The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Thalassaemia is a serious anaemia disease caused by genes, which results in serious health and economic problems in the entire globe, particularly in those areas with restricted access to health care. Thalassaemia and iron deficiency anemia are clinically similar as they have similar hematological characteristics. Conventional diagnostic tools comprising of molecular test, conventional index and complete blood count (CBC) parameters may provide pertinent information but are not always available, are not affordable and take a long turnaround time. Over the last few decades, the field of medicine diagnostics has encountered a disruptive technology in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) since it is both cheap and quick and incredibly precise in treatment. The artificial intelligence (AI) like Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, and Neural Networks can be able to determine the traits of thalassaemia using the normal hematological data. Additional methods to be proven to be more dependable in diagnosis, like deep learning and sophisticated algorithms, like XGBoost and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) can be further tested to introduce additional reliability in a diagnosis. It has also been found in comparative studies that AI-based models tend to be more sensitive and specific than standard indices, this is the reason that these technologies are currently being utilized as genetic counseling and screening tools. Nevertheless, problems of data quality, bias of the model, and considerations of ethics persist. Nevertheless, AI can serve as an important supportive resource in the early diagnosis, accurate differentiation, and better management of thalassaemia in low resource healthcare facilities despite the challenges. The combination of AI and molecular testing is bright in terms of global thalassaemia control and individualized medication.
Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Potential of Euphorbia hirta
Introduction: For many years, African countries have employed the genus "Euphorbia" to cure a variety of diseases. In South Africa and tropical America, Euphorbia hirta was specifically used to cure inflammatory illnesses and sold as a crude medication to treat diabetes, bronchitis, asthma, wound healing, and pregnancy problems. As a result, the current study sought to explore the existence of phytochemicals, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity in methanol extract and its different fractions of Euphorbia hirta leaves. Methodology and results: Standard chemical tests were used for phytochemical screening. Phenols, saponins, steroids and flavonoids were validated by phytochemical testing of n-hexane, methanol, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of Euphorbia hirta (EH) leaves. The methanol fraction's maximal phenolic content was 89.2±2.5. At a concentration of 100 μg/ml, Antioxidant activity was assessed by using DPPH assay, the methanol fractions exhibit the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, inhibiting 84.7% of free radicals. In vitro antidiabetic activity was assessed by D-glucose-6-phosphate phosphorylase assay. The methanol fraction shows antidiabetic activity at 100 µM, by 59.1% inhibiting of the glucose-6-phosphatase enzymatic activity. Conclusion: Our findings verified the traditional usage of Euphorbia hirta plants to cure a variety of ailments.
Pulmonotoxicity assessment in pesticide and insecticide applicators in the vicinity ofLahore.
UN-protective work practices followed by insecticide and pesticide applicators during application results to pesticide exposure among worker. The aim of this study is formulated to explore the pulmonary health of labor occupationally UN-protected to insecticides. In study include the health impact of sprays practices and PPE usage among labor,duration & timimg in mediating respiratory health problems, and studies investigating the link between exposure and risk of lung diseases. A cross-sectional study compared insecticide and pesticide applicators (n= 100) working in urban in the vicinity of Lahore with controls (n=50). The assessment of lung functions and questionnaire-based survey on lung health was conducted among study individuals. Results showed the symptoms for a lung disease like a cough without sputum, cough with sputum, irritation of the throat & wheezing were found to be greater (P ≤ 0.05) among insecticide applicator than controls. Pulmonary Function tests standards like. PER, FVC,FEV1/FVC & FEV were found to be remarkably decreased (P ≤ 0.05) among labor in comparison to controls. It is concluded from the study that unsafe occupational exposure to pesticides and insecticide causes lung illness, significant decreasing of lung functions.
Comparative In-Silico Evaluation of Novel Peptide Analogues and Ceftaroline Against Penicillin-Binding Protein 2A in MRSA
Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to 2-lactam is a major health problem in the world and is likely to be a cause of various complications around the globe. This resistance mainly occurs through penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) which has low affinity to the conventional antibiotics. Even though Ceftaroline has been found to be effective against MRSA, its usefulness is confined by the emergence of PBP2a mutations. The objective of this research was to examine the thesis of whether HH2 and HG4 novel analog peptides exhibit an increased binding affinity to PBP 2a relative to Ceftaroline.PBP2a protein sequence was retrieved and sequence alignment carried out against four clusters of PBP2 to determine the conserved regions. To achieve the correct modeling, physiochemical characterization, secondary and tertiary structure prediction of PBP2a were done. Molecular docking studies were then done to evaluate and compare the binding of Ceftaroline, HH2 and HG4 to the PBP2a active site.The obtained results of molecular docking demonstrated that Ceftaroline was associated with the PBP2a active site with a higher binding affinity and more stable interactions compared to the analog peptides HH2 and HG4. Interactions between the binding energies and essential hydrogen bonding proved that Ceftaroline is high in stability, in the binding pocket.Ceftaroline had a greater binding affinity and molecular interactions with PBP2a than HH2 and HG4. These results indicate that, although there are still resistance problems, Ceftaroline is a better therapeutic choice in MRSA infection compared to the novel analog peptides trying to be tested. The new research must be directed at structural optimization of peptide analogs in order to increase their binding capacity and counteract new resistance.
Revolutionizing Oral Care: Diclofenac Sodium and Zinc Sulfate-Loaded Lozenges for Targeted Local Delivery for the Management of Oral Ulcers and Soft Tissue Lesions
Soft lozenges were developed as distinctive localized drug delivery system for managing oral ulcers along with soft tissue lesions. Prepared formulations incorporated drugs including diclofenac sodium for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, zinc sulfate for epithelial repair and menthol for soothing action in buccal cavity. Lozenges were prepared with methyl cellulose and PEG 6000 through molding technique. Comprehensive characterization included FTIR analysis, physicochemical evaluation such as hardness, surface pH, weight variation, friability and in vitro dissolution studies. First-order release kinetics with Fickian diffusion was revealed through drug release kinetics evaluation whereas FTIR study validated absence of interactions. These findings suggest that these lozenges offer a patient-friendly effective approach for localized oral therapy.