Allied Medical Research Journal

Evaluation of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Gelatin-Pectin Films Reinforced with Banana Peel Extract for Improved Food Packaging Material

Nausheen Wajid — 2026-04-30

Background: Plastics are a rapidly increasing component of municipal solid waste as they do not decompose easily and thus causes an adverse effect to the surroundings. To overcome this, the use of bioplastics as packaging material particularly in the food industry is increasing. Currently, an innovative, eco-compatible and cost-effective protocol has been developed to synthesize a bio-based composite film using gelatin (G) loaded with pectin (P) and banana peel extract (BPE), and it was subsequently assessed for its physical and mechanical properties.

Methods: The casting solution procedure was used to produce the biodegradable food packaging films with different blends: G, G + P and G + P + BPE. Glycerol was used as a plasticizer. The physical tests included thickness, film moisture, swelling index and solubility. The mechanical tests were elongation at break, young’s modulus and tensile strength.

Results: The final G + P + BPE composite film became thicker (0.145 mm as compared to 0.084 mm). The moisture content increased to 26.19 % while the solubility in water decreased (95.11% to 55.77% respectively) and swelling index lowered to 53.21% from 67.66%. The elongation at break was suppressed to 8.215%, however the young’s modulus and tensile strength appeared high 74.52 MPa and 14.87 N/mm2 respectively.

Conclusion: The acquired results has shown the blended film has the potential to be used as a bioactive edible packaging material to maintain the viability of packaged food.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/001

Effects of Periodized Circuit Training Versus Conventional Strength Training on Cardio metabolic and Pulmonary Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dr. Hina Javed — 2026-04-30

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with poor cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. Although periodized circuit training (PCT) and conventional strength training (CST) are both recommended in the management of T2DM, the relative effectiveness of each training method across these multidimensional outcomes has not been clearly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week PCT program with CST on pulmonary function, cardiovascular fitness, glycemic control, and Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in adults with T2DM.

Methods: Fifty adults with T2DM were randomly allocated to a PCT group (Group A, n=25) or a CST group (Group B, n=25) in a single-blind randomized controlled trial conducted at JPMC Hospital, Karachi. Both groups performed home-based training 3 times/week for 45-minute over 12 weeks. The baseline and post-intervention outcomes included FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEFR, six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, HRQoL (SF-36), and HbA1c. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Mann–Whitney U were used for analysis.

Results: Both groups demonstrated important within-group improvement of most outcomes (p < 0.05). Between group analysis showed that there were no significant differences in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, 6MWT, HRQoL or HbA1c. Nevertheless, the FEV1/FVC ratio increased significantly in the PCT group compared to the CST group (83.52 ± 3.42% vs. 81.52 ± 2.85%; U=202.5, p=0.032), which is indicative of better airway efficiency.

Conclusion: Both PCT and CST are effective home-based interventions to improve pulmonary function, cardiovascular fitness, glycemic control and quality of life in T2DM patients. PCT demonstrated greater improvements in airway efficiency, suggesting broader pulmonary benefits.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/002

Prevalence Of Computer Vision Syndrome and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Computer Science Students at The University of Sargodha, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mehwish Atta — 2026-04-30

Background: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain is a widely-known ailment that is the result of excessive use of digital displays and causes ocular and musculoskeletal discomfort. Technology based programs, especially to university students are highly vulnerable. The purpose of the study was to identify the prevalence and the risk factors of CVS among computer science students in the University of Sargodha.

Methods: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional with a study period of four months among 177 students who were selected using the convenience sampling technique. The self-administered questionnaire was a structured questionnaire that was self-administered and it included questions that evaluated the following: demographics, screen usage patterns, ergonomic practices and CVS symptoms. The severity of symptoms was measured as mild, moderate or severe symptoms.

Results: The prevalence of CVS was 71.2% (n = 126). The mean age was 21.51 ± 1.92 years, with 57.6% males. The most prevalent symptoms were dry eyes (35.6%), headache (31.6%), and neck and shoulder pain (25.4%), with severe symptoms being most frequently reported on neck and shoulder pain (22.0%). Almost half of the participants (49.7) were using a 20-20-20 rule (66.7). Significant relationships were found between daily screen time and CVS severity (χ2 = 325.843, 15, 0.001).

Conclusion: CVS is very common among the students. Such modifiable factors like long screen time, poor ergonomics and low awareness play a significant role. Educating on eye health, ergonomics training and regular screening should be incorporated.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/003

Effect of Supervised Exercise Training on Oxidative Stress Markers and Inflammatory Profile in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dr. Muhammad Sarfraz — 2026-04-30

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by progressive lung dysfunction, chronic oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which impair exercise capacity and quality of life. This study compared the effect of a 12-week supervised combined aerobic and resistance training program with a 12-week home-based aerobic training on pulmonary function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in COPD patients.

Methods: This was a single blind, two arm parallel randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Physical Therapy, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi from February to October 2025. 106 COPD patients who were diagnosed by a pulmonologist were randomly divided into two groups of 53. Group A did supervised combined aerobic and resistance training 5 times a week for 12 weeks, while Group B did aerobic exercises at home, at the same frequency. Pulmonary function tests (VC, TLC, FEV1/VC), oxidative stress indicators (SOD, MDA), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) were used as outcome measures. Paired and independent t-tests were used to analyze data, and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Within-group improvements were significant for both groups for all variables measured (p < 0.05). But Group A showed a significantly better increase in VC, FEV1/VC ratio, SOD, MDA reduction and decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α compared to Group B (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Group A shows greater improvement in pulmonary function, oxidative balance and inflammation than home-based AT, and should be considered as a preferred method for pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/004

Prevalence of Skin and Gastrointestinal Infections Associated with Contaminated Water in Coastal Sindh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dr. Abdul Sattar Chandio — 2026-04-30

Background: Water-borne diseases are still a significant preventable cause of morbidity in low-income coastal communities. The reliance on unprotected surface water sources is associated with gastrointestinal and skin infections in coastal areas of Sindh, Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these infections and the relationship between them and drinking water sources and sanitation facilities for coastal populations.

Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in coastal districts of Badin, Thatta and Sujawal, recruited 385 participants by convenience sampling. Questionnaire-based data were gathered on sociodemographic factors, water consumption habits, sanitation facilities and self-reported infections. Gastrointestinal symptoms that fulfilled the WHO criteria and dermatological symptoms from water contacts were defined as outcome measures. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square test (p<0.05) through IBM SPSS version 26.

Results: 67.8% of participants reported gastrointestinal infections, with diarrhea being the most frequently reported symptom (48.8%). Skin infections were reported by 50.9%, mainly rashes and pruritus (34.3%). Gastrointestinal and skin infections were seen concurrently in 37.4% of the participants. There were significant relationships between gastrointestinal infections and the sources of primary drinking water (χ²=32.84, p<0.001) and drinking water source and skin infections (χ²=22.61, p<0.001), especially among users of canal or drain water.

Conclusion: The residents of coastal Sindh showed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal and skin infections, which were strongly linked to the use of unprotected water sources and poor sanitation. There is an urgent need to improve access to safe water, sanitation and promote hygiene.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/005

Apigenin and Carbenoxolone Co-Treatment Induces Potent Cytotoxicity in CAL-27 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Morphological and Dose-Response Study

Amna Bibi — 2026-04-30

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major health burden across the globe due to its widespread incidence, limited effective therapeutics, and high recurrence rates. Natural and synthetic compounds such as Apigenin (API) and Carbenoxolone (CBX) have shown significant antitumor potential against various cancer types. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of API and CBX, alone or in combination in the CAL-27 oral cancer cell line.

Methods: MTT assay was used to analyze the cytotoxic potential of API, CBX, and their combination in the CAL-27 cell line. Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy was performed to identify alterations in cellular morphology after treatment.

Results: The half maximal inhibitory concentrations for API and CBX were calculated as 50 µM and 200 µM respectively. Significantly greater inhibition of 86.37% (p-value <0.001) was observed after combination treatment in the CAL-27 cell line. Microscopic examination revealed cell death, cell shrinkage and detachment, and membrane damage in combination-treated cells compared with control and single agent treatment groups.

Conclusion: Treatment with API and CBX exhibited decreased cell viability, and their combination further increased antiproliferative effects in CAL-27 cells, suggesting that these compounds in combination are potential candidates for anticancer therapy in OSCC.

https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/006

Precision Rehabilitation 2.0: From One-Size-Fits-All Therapy to Intelligent Personalized Care

Jaza Rizvi — 2026-04-30

Rehabilitation sciences are in a transition mode where generic treatment models are more and more being replaced by personalized treatment models using technology. Since there are substantial differences in recovery potential, biomechanics, psychosocial status and lifestyle amongst patients, the interventions for rehabilitation have, to a great extent, been standardized in the past 30 years. The increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), wearable technologies, digital biomarkers, robotics, and the use of big data analytics, however, is changing rehabilitation to a more individualized and adaptive field, called precision rehabilitation.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Awareness of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal among Local Public of Karachi

Dr. Erum Zaheer — 2026-04-30

Inappropriate disposal of expired and unused drugs by households is a major source of environmental pollution and contamination, posing a significant health hazard. This study aims to evaluate the general knowledge and practices of pharmaceutical waste disposal among the masses of Karachi. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving household members who use prescribed and Over the counter (OTC) medicines from different localities of Karachi. The study was conducted through a predesigned structured questionnaire from January 2025 to March 2025. A total of 2000 participants were included. Results revealed that 74% participants were aware of the harmful effects of medicinal wastes. However, only 4% were following drug take back programs, 96% even educated participants were oblivious to the existence of any such system. Around 86% of the participants mentioned disposing of expired/unused medicines in the dustbin, while 8% admitted flushing them down the sink/toilet. Hence, it is concluded that knowledge and proper implementation of pharmaceutical waste disposal are severely lacking in this global city and require urgent attention to prevent further adverse effects on human health.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/04.02/007