BioScientific Review

Ethics and Integrity: Essential Pillars of Research

Muhammad Ali — 2025-11-03

Autonomy, justice, and beneficence are the principles which inform the spirit of scientific research. Further, integrity and ethics are essential pillars of research, followed by respect, transparency, and accountability. This letter to the editor highlights the importance of integrity and ethics in research. It also sheds light on the misconduct related to scientific research writing. Integrity and ethics are important aspects in research and scientific writings. Various international standards are to be followed in biological, clinical, and health sciences research, such as the Declaration of Helsinki and FAIR principles. Scientific journals and publishers strictly ask authors and researchers to follow guidelines and ensure that issues and challenges related to misconduct are overcome. Authors are asked to declare all details related to the patients’ or participants’ informed consent form, integrity of data, authorship criteria, and conflict of interest declaration statement. Currently, it is observed that plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification are the most common misconducts during research writing, undermining the credibility of scientific writing. Public trust can be obtained by following the ethical rules and regulations related to research integrity which, in turn, would definitely improve the overall quality of scientific writing.

Evaluating the Benefits of Moringa and Neem Leaf Extracts in Broilers

Asim Shahzad Khan — 2025-12-05

Background. Plant extracts are among the alternatives to antibiotics. These are regarded as typically safe for animals. Neem and moringa are indigenous and well-known medicinal plants of Pakistan. However, limited studies have been conducted on these plants for their impacts on broilers. In this regard, this study was conducted at the experimental sheds of C-Block in Muhammad Nawaz Shareef (MNS) University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan.

Method. A total of 144-day-old chicks were bought and kept in a single group for 7 days. They were weighed and 108 birds with average weights were placed into 12 replicates (9 chicks/replicate) which were allotted names including Gr-1, Gr-2, Gr-3, and Gr-4. Gr-1 was offered only a basal diet, whereas Gr-2, Gr-3, and Gr-4 were supplemented by moringa (4%), neem (4%), and moringa (4%) + neem (4%) leaf extracts respectively in water at 50ml/l. Two rations were prepared. The starter was given for the first 3 weeks and the finisher till the end. Birds were vaccinated. Growth performance data was collected weekly. On the completion of the trial, blood samples were taken (5ml/bird) from 2 birds / replicates for the analysis of blood biochemical parameters. Moreover, 2 birds/replicate were euthanized and carcass samples were collected. The results were statistically analyzed.

Results. The results of the experimental trial depicted that an addition of 4% Azadiracta indica (neem) leaf extract at 50ml/l showed better results.

Conclusion. Neem leaf extract is suggested to be used in broilers as a cheap and effective growth promoter without any side effects.

Microbial Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene Using a Synergistic Consortium from Landfill Soil

Aleena Zahid — 2025-12-05

Background. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a widely used plastic. A 4-5% annual increase in plastic usage has been observed since the 1960s. Once coined as a ‘‘magic material’’ for its resilience, flexibility, and affordability, plastic has now become an environmental threat due to its severe ecological burden, persistent nature, and non-degradability. The non-degradation of plastic is a major concern in this growing plastic world. The current study investigates the bacterial growth dynamics to degrade LDPE using it as the only carbon source. The bacteria’s potential to grow in stressed environments enhances their bioremediation ability.

Methods. Four different types of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from the landfill soil sample. After initial screening using the Sherman Manual, bacterial strains were grown in an enriched medium and LDPE was added after pretreatment with UV and ethanol.

Results. At the start, no degradation was observed; gradually, the plastic started to degrade. Ultimately, almost 35% of degradation was observed after 60 days of incubation. Various parameters were also studied, including the light microscopic analysis, pH measurement, optical density, and FTIR analysis. During the experiment, the pH decreased, which caused an increase in the metabolic activity of bacteria. As a result of this high metabolic activity, an increase in the optical density of bacteria was observed. Holes were observed in the plastic sheet under the microscope after incubation. Peaks of 1150 cm^-1 and 1870 cm^-1 were observed in LDPE in the FTIR analysis after incubation in the bacterial consortia.

Conclusion. This study reveals the desired/positive effect of bacterial consortia on plastic degradation. Hence, this method can be used to reduce environmental pollution.

Assessing Cervical Cancer and HPV Awareness in Pakistan's Medical College Students Pursuing Healthcare Careers

Sadia Bibi — 2025-12-09

Background. Cervical cancer incidence is highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), accounting for nearly 80% of cases worldwide. The circumstances in Pakistan are to a great extent obscure due to a lack of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and the lack of screening programs at population level. HPV screening is unavailable in many regions of Pakistan, and Pap smear testing is rarely performed even in gynecological clinics. Recently, the frequency of HPV has risen extensively in Pakistan.

Methods. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the awareness level of HPV, the attitude towards HPV vaccine, and screening of HPV among students of ten medical colleges across Pakistan. The study was a self‐administered questionnaire‐based survey. A total of 4007 questionnaires were collected and analyzed from medical students studying at different colleges in Pakistan.

Results. The current study revealed a significant lack of knowledge and awareness concerning HPV among medical students in Pakistan as well as low screening rate of (11.1 %) due to many barriers. In the absence of cervical screening program, cancer of cervix remains a major health problem.

Conclusion. Education initiatives in Pakistani schools remain crucial to raise awareness on HPV and promote HPV screening, especially among medical students, who represent the country's future and healthcare system.

Building Climate-resilient Infrastructure through Microorganisms: A Mini Review

Muhammad Naqeeb Ur Rehman Qureshi — 2025-12-08

Microorganisms were considered as the disease-causing agents a long time ago. However, this fear transformed into their acceptance due to their biological, physiological, and ecological understanding which resulted in the modification of Germ Theory. Currently, mutualistic and parasitic role of microbes is well-understood which paved the path for their biotechnological use. Additionally, microbial bio-coatings are outstanding bio-sensors for environmental monitoring, food analysis, heavy metal detection, and bioelectronics. The use of bacteria in self-healing concrete repair is advantageous due to their potential for low-cost binding, providing strength, stiffness, durability, and reduction in steel reinforcements. The surface membrane of bacteria is negatively charged which binds with metallic ions in basic medium that is a key factor in carbonate precipitation on their surfaces to repair cracks. On the other hand, calcite precipitation also influences the life span and stability of concrete. Recently, microorganisms assisted remediation, geo-polymerizations, and carbon capture. Furthermore, heavy metal detections were reported which may revolutionize microbial utilization in building climate resilient infrastructure. The current review spotlighted the applications of microorganisms in concretes, soil engineering, bio-coatings, bio-remediation, carbon capturing, and monitoring soil properties. In the end, recent developments and future directions were meticulously-vetted. The study concluded that the application of microbes in building climate-resilient infrastructure is reliable to decrease carbon emissions, enhancing self-repair concrete systems and developing sustainable green systems. Exploitation of natural phenomenon occurring in microorganisms not only aids in more climate resilient systems but also contributes positively for a green environment.