BioScientific Review

Comprehensive Assessment of the Global Burden and Risk Determinants of Otitis Media

Sadia Zubair — 2026-02-27

Otitis media (OM), a common inflammatory disease of the middle ear mostly affecting kids, is a serious global public health problem. Epidemiological studies indicate that early childhood sees at least one attack in up to 80% of children; the majority of incidents take place between the ages of six months to five years. One of the acute and chronic forms of the disease is Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM), which strikes 3.8% of the world population, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Major risk factors that provoke OM include smoking, weight, breastfeeding, socioeconomic status, genetic factors, and air pollution. Modifiable risk conditions of OM include adenoids, allergies, and craniofacial deformities. Though incidence is geographic, the burden of disease remains highest among underprivileged groups, where overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, and limited access to healthcare drive continuous infection and sequelae

Compliance to Evidence-Based Dietary Management Practices for COVID-19 by Pakistani Dietitians

Maira Tanveer — 2026-02-27

Aim. This study aims to examine the role of evidence-based dietary recommendations practiced by dietitians in clinical settings for COVID-19.

Methods. Secondary data was collected by gathering evidence-based literature from credible organizations and literature sources regarding dietary guidelines on the management of COVID-19. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire comprising 20 general questions and filled by 62 participants (4 males and 58 females). The questionnaire was designed to examine the recommended dietary practices. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the alignment of dietitians’ knowledge and practices with the literature.

Results. Although there is a need to improve the approaches and gain more evidence-based knowledge, it is satisfactory to know that dietary guidelines and approaches provided by practicing dietitians or nutritionists in local clinical settings in Pakistan are based on evidence.

Conclusion. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating validated dietary guidelines into clinical nutritional practice for both preventive and therapeutic care. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term effectiveness of these dietary interventions and exploring gaps in their consistent implementation across diverse clinical settings.

The Optimization of the Breeding Conditions of Aspergillus niger for En-zyme Production Focusing on Temperature, Substrate Source, Nitro-gen Source, Carbon Source, and pH

Marcia Matongorere — 2026-03-04

Background. Aspergillus niger is extensively employed in the industry to produce organic acids, enzymes, and other metabolites. Optimizing the breeding conditions for A. niger to increase enzyme yields and boost the effectiveness of industrial fermentation processes is a crucial field of study.

Methods The effects of different temperature conditions (15°C, 30°C, and 45°C), carbon sources (oats, wheat, corn, and sugar cane), nitrogen sources (NH₄NO₃, NH₄CL, and (NH₄)²SO₄), and pH (4, 7, and 10) on the production of enzyme amylase were determined. A. niger was fermented under controlled conditions in bioreactor shake flasks and enzyme activities were measured using standard colorimetric and fluorometric assays.

Results. The results showed an optimum temperature of 30°C for A. niger fermentation for the production of amylase, with the highest specific enzyme activity of 1.1 U/mg. NH₄SO₄ was found to be the best nitrogen source for the fermentation of A. niger for enzyme production. Whereas, wheat and corn proved to be the best carbon sources for the fermentation of A. niger for enzyme production. Wheat and corn produced amylase with the specific enzyme activity of 0.63 U/mg. The pH 4 was found to be ideal for the fermentation of A. niger for enzyme production The enzyme produced at pH 4 showed a specific enzyme activity of 0.5 U/mg.

Conclusion. The results suggest a positive correlation between optimising the breeding conditions of A. niger and the quality of amylase produced. It provides valuable insights to guide the scale-up and commercialization of A. niger-based bioprocesses for industrial enzyme manufacturing.

Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium on the Biomass Production of Spirogyra Hyaline

Nadia Jabeen — 2026-02-27

Background. The current research investigated the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the biomass production of Spirogyra hyaline Cleve.

Methods. Different nitrogen sources [(NH₄) SO_4,NH₄Cl, NaNO_3,Ca (NO₃)_2,and Co (NO₃).6H₂O] are used for Spirogyra hyaline biomass production. Particularly, 2.0% of Ca (NO₃)₂significantly enhanced biomass (18.2 gL^-1), the volumetric rate of biomass production (4.7), specific rate of biomass production (2.47), high product yield coefficient (1.74), and specific rate of biomass production (1.54).

Results. Among all the phosphorus sources [Na₃PO_4, (NH₄)₃PO₄and K₂HPO₄], K₂HPO₄yielded the optimum biomass production (20.4 g L^-1), with 0.5 g L^-1resulted in maximum biomass production of 22.4 g L^-1. Moreover, from various potassium sources [KNO_3,KH₂PO_4,K₂Cr₂O_7,and KNaC₄H₄O₆], KH₂PO₄resulted in significantly high volumetric rate of biomass production (2.1) and specific rate of biomass (3.65), with 0.5g L^-1showing the maximum biomass production of 18.6 g L^-1. Further increase in the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium significantly decreased the biomass production. Additionally, when tested in modified and control media, the algal biomass production was gradually increased in both media and reached optimum after 18 days of incubation (13.1 g L^-1 and 10.3g L^-1respectively).

Conclusion. Therefore, it was concluded that standard media gave better results and was selected for optimum biomass production of Spirogyra hyaline Cleve.

Impact of Epsom Salt Concentrations on the Growth and Develop-ment of Gladiolus Cultivars

Syed Saadullah Shah — 2026-03-04

Background. Gladiolus is an important ornamental plant known for its vibrant colors and high demand in the market. Its growth is greatly affected by several factors, among which the most prominent are magnesium and sulfur deficiency. Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium and sulfur and has the ability to improve the vegetative and reproductive attributes of different gladiolus cultivars. However, its optimum concentrations for improved growth and development need to be identified.

Materials and Methods. This study was conducted at the ornamental nursery, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, following a randomized complete block design with two factors. Factor A comprised Epsom salt concentrations at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. While, Factor B included gladiolus cultivars, namely White Prosperity, Rosa Supreme, Nova Lux, and Advanced Red. Foliar application of Epsom salt was done when the plants reached three to five true leaf stages.

Results. Among all the concentrations, Epsom salt showed greater chlorophyll content at the rate of 4%, as well as the number of florets, floret diameter, floret fresh weight, floret dry weight, spike length, and vase life. Likewise, the highest number of leaves, leaf area, floret diameter, number of florets, floret fresh and dry weight, as well as vase life, weight, and diameter of daughter cormels were observed in the Advance Red cultivar of gladiolus. Interactive effects revealed that Advance Red, with 4% Epsom salt, achieved maximum floret weight, dry matter, and vase life, while the longest spikes were recorded in White Prosperity.

Conclusion. This study identifies 4% Epsom salt as the optimal concentration for enhancing gladiolus growth and floral quality, with Advanced Red emerging as the most responsive cultivar.