Biological and Clinical Sciences Research Journal

Impact of Focus Farm Management on Growth Performance, Mortality, and Economic Efficiency in Commercial Broiler Production

Attiq Ur Rehman — 2026-01-31

Commercial broiler production in Punjab, Pakistan, faces persistent constraints related to biosecurity gaps, suboptimal brooding and environment control, variable flock monitoring, and rising input costs, which collectively reduce growth performance and profitability. Integrated farm-management models may improve biological efficiency and economic returns under field conditions. Objective: To assess the influence of an integrated Focus Farm Management (FFM) system on production performance, flock health, energy efficiency, and economic outcomes in commercial broiler production in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A comparative field trial was conducted in Punjab, Pakistan, using 40,000 day-old broiler chicks allocated into two groups: Focus Farm Management (FFM; n=20,000) and conventional management control (n=20,000). The FFM model implemented structured brooding, stage-specific feeding, strict environmental control, enhanced biosecurity, and continuous monitoring of flock performance. Outcomes included mean daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality, medication cost per bird, energy consumption per bird (kWh/bird), flock uniformity, and cycle-level revenue impact. Group comparisons were performed for key performance indicators, with statistical significance considered at p<0.05. Results: Broilers managed under FFM achieved higher mean daily weight gain than controls (58.0 vs 54.0 g/day). Feed conversion improved under FFM (1.42) compared with conventional management (1.72). Mortality was lower in the FFM group (2.5%) than in the control group (6.5%), representing a 61.5% relative reduction. FFM also reduced medication cost per bird and improved energy efficiency (0.19 vs 0.24 kWh/bird), alongside better flock uniformity. Economic analysis indicated that reduced mortality and improved performance generated an additional PKR 592,800 per production cycle for a 20,000-bird flock. Conclusion: Focus Farm Management was associated with improved growth performance, feed efficiency, survival, and energy use, translating into meaningful economic gains in commercial broiler operations in Punjab, Pakistan. Wider adoption of integrated management practices may enhance productivity and profitability in comparable poultry farming settings.

The Impact of Analgesic Medication on Quality of Life Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Ayesha Nasir — 2026-02-14

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that substantially compromises physical function, mental well-being, and health-related quality of life. Objective: To assess health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using the EuroQol-5D instrument and to evaluate treatment-related outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 25 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis attending the Outpatient Department of Fuji Foundation Hospital. Data were collected over a defined study period using the EuroQol-5D questionnaire to evaluate mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain or discomfort, and anxiety or depression. Information regarding pharmacological treatment was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: The analysis demonstrated marked impairment across all EuroQol-5D domains, particularly in pain or discomfort and limitations in usual activities. Regarding treatment patterns, 16% of patients were receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, 52% were on analgesic monotherapy, and 24% were treated with a combination of analgesics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Patients receiving combination therapy showed better therapeutic outcomes and higher quality-of-life scores than those on monotherapy. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis significantly impairs health-related quality of life across physical and psychological domains. Combination therapy with analgesics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs appears to be associated with improved outcomes. Comprehensive management strategies addressing both physical symptoms and mental health are essential to enhance the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcome among Women with Early-onset Pre-eclampsia and Late-onset Pre-eclampsia

Zaib Un Nisa — 2026-02-14

Severe pre-eclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The clinical severity and outcomes differ substantially between early-onset and late-onset disease, necessitating comparative evaluation. Objective: To investigate and compare the clinical characteristics, maternal complications, and perinatal outcomes of early-onset and late-onset severe pre-eclampsia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed pregnant women diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia and admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2024 to November 2025. A total of 215 patients were included and categorized into early-onset severe pre-eclampsia occurring before 34 weeks of gestation and late-onset severe pre-eclampsia occurring at or after 34 weeks. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, maternal complications, delivery modes, and neonatal outcomes were extracted from medical records. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulation and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: Early-onset severe pre-eclampsia demonstrated significantly greater disease severity compared to late-onset disease. Pre-eclamps with severe features was more frequent in the early-onset group at 92.2% versus 61.6% (P < 0.001). Higher rates of proteinuria were observed at 85.3% versus 68.6% (P = 0.004). Electrolyte disorders occurred in 58.9% of early-onset cases compared to 26.7% in late-onset cases (P < 0.001). Anemia was present in 45.7% versus 31.4% (P = 0.035), and coagulation dysfunction in 15.5% versus 5.8% (P = 0.03). Induced abortion was significantly higher in early-onset severe pre-eclampsia at 7.7% (P = 0.009). Cesarean section was the predominant mode of delivery in early-onset cases. Neonatal outcomes were markedly worse in early-onset severe pre-eclampsia, with low birth weight observed in 95.3% versus 51.2% (P < 0.001), preterm birth in 86.8% versus 52.3% (P < 0.001), neonatal asphyxia in 18.6% versus 2.3% (P < 0.001), and NICU admission in 68.2% versus 53.5% (P = 0.029). Fetal growth restriction was more frequent in the early-onset group, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Early-onset severe pre-eclampsia is associated with substantially higher risks of severe maternal complications and adverse perinatal outcomes compared to late-onset disease. These findings emphasize the need for early identification, close surveillance, and intensive antenatal and perinatal management and care in high risk pregnant women to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Comparison of Fetomaternal Outcomes Between Standard Versus High-Dose Aspirin in Patients with High Risk of Pre-Eclampsia

Isma Khalid — 2026-02-14

Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Low-dose aspirin is recommended for prophylaxis in high-risk pregnancies; however, the optimal preventive dose remains uncertain. Objective: To compare fetomaternal outcomes between standard-dose and high-dose aspirin in pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia. Methods: This single-center comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from March to August 2025. A total of 90 high-risk pregnant women enrolled in early pregnancy were allocated to receive either standard-dose aspirin (n = 45) or high-dose aspirin (n = 45) from the late first trimester until 36 weeks of gestation or delivery. The primary outcome was the incidence of preeclampsia. Secondary outcomes included early-onset and severe preeclampsia, medically indicated preterm birth, need for magnesium sulfate, fetal growth restriction, birth weight, NICU admission, and maternal safety outcomes. Effect estimates were expressed as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of preeclampsia. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The incidence of preeclampsia was significantly lower in the high-dose aspirin group compared with the standard-dose group (13.3% vs. 31.1%; RR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20–0.92). High-dose aspirin was associated with lower rates of early-onset preeclampsia, severe disease, medically indicated preterm birth, and magnesium sulfate use. Preterm birth before 37 weeks was reduced in the high-dose group (20.0% vs. 37.8%; RR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.95), and mean birth weight was higher by 220 g. Safety profiles were comparable, with no significant increase in major adverse events. On multivariable analysis, high-dose aspirin remained independently associated with reduced odds of preeclampsia (aOR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.11–0.95). Conclusion: High-dose aspirin was more effective than standard-dose aspirin in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies, without a clinically significant increase in adverse effects. These findings support consideration of higher-dose aspirin prophylaxis in selected high-risk populations.

Obstetric Outcome of Advanced Maternal Age in Women Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Karishma Alam — 2026-02-14

Advanced maternal age (AMA), commonly defined as pregnancy at 35 years or older, is associated with increased maternal and perinatal complications. Women of advanced age are at higher risk of obstetric comorbidities such as gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia, which may influence delivery outcomes, particularly the rate of caesarean section. Objective: To determine obstetric outcomes in women of advanced maternal age presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 69 women aged 35–50 years with singleton pregnancies. Women with multiple gestations, previous caesarean section, immune disorders, and known fetal chromosomal abnormalities (microdeletions or aneuploidies) were excluded. Data were collected on maternal comorbidities, including gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, anaemia, and fetal distress. Obstetric outcome was assessed in terms of mode of delivery, particularly caesarean section. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Associations were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 43.67 ± 3.92 years, and the mean body mass index was 25.9 ± 1.1 kg/m². Gestational diabetes mellitus was present in 29.0% of patients, while 20.3% developed pre-eclampsia. Caesarean section was performed in 43.5% of cases. A statistically significant association was observed between caesarean delivery and the presence of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Advanced maternal age was associated with a high rate of caesarean section (43.5%). The likelihood of operative delivery was significantly increased in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. Enhanced antenatal surveillance and early identification of high-risk conditions may improve obstetric outcomes in this population.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Micro-organisms in Post-operative Wound Infections from the Surgical Floor of Mayo Hospital

Minahil Fatima — 2026-02-14

: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major cause of postoperative morbidity in low- and middle-income settings, with rising antimicrobial resistance complicating empirical management. Local data on pathogen profiles and resistance patterns are essential to guide effective therapy and infection control strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of surgical site infections and to characterise the microbiological spectrum and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogens isolated from post-operative wound infections at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgical Tower of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January 2025 to July 2025. Consecutive patients with clinically suspected post-operative wound infections were enrolled. Wound swabs or pus aspirates were collected aseptically from 250 patients and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were identified by Gram staining and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and descriptive statistics were used to summarise prevalence, pathogen distribution, and susceptibility patterns. Results: Of 250 post-operative wound samples, 75 were culture-positive, yielding an SSI prevalence of 30.0%. Culture positivity was higher among males (58.6%) and urban residents (61.3%), with the greatest burden observed in patients aged 35–44 years (34.6%). General and orthopaedic surgeries accounted for the highest proportions of culture-positive infections. A total of 93 bacterial isolates were recovered, predominantly Gram-negative organisms, including Escherichia coli (23.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.4%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (17.2%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus constituted 14.0% of isolates. High resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins was observed among Gram-negative pathogens, with reduced fluoroquinolone effectiveness. Carbapenems and amikacin demonstrated the highest activity against Gram-negative isolates, while vancomycin and linezolid remained effective against Gram-positive organisms, including MRSA. Conclusion: Post-operative wound infections at this tertiary care centre were frequent and predominantly caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. The observed resistance patterns limit the utility of commonly used empirical antibiotics and underscore the need for routine culture-based diagnosis, local antibiogram-guided therapy, and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures in surgical settings