In the present study, CryIAc (Crystal protein) gene was cloned under Cry3A promoter, which is known to express vegetatively as a sporulation independent promoter, transformed into acrystalliferous strain of Bacillus thuringiensis. Its potential was evaluated as a strain to be used for formulation development against the spotted cotton bollworm Earias vitella (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the major pest of cotton, the important cash crop in Pakistan. The crystal protein produced in a new strain, i.e., Bt1, had comparable potency as of crystal protein produced during sporulation. The new strain Bt1 had the maximum expression of Cry1Ac protein during the vegetative stage, i.e., in the first 24 h, thereby reducing the growth period until crystal protein production, from 72 to 24 h. In addition, crystal protein produced during vegetative stage under Cry3A promoter remained encapsulated within the cells, which could protect them from UV degradation and was independent of sporulation; therefore; it did not produce spores and thus is not a source to spread Bt spores in the environment. It can, therefore, be called as an environmentally friendly pesticide to control cotton pest especially bollworms and ultimately improve the yield of cotton.

Introduction: The lumbar puncture is frequently used in medical facilities to collect data on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The method aids in the diagnosis of conditions affecting the spine and brain's central nervous system. However, in routine practice out of the many challenges posed by the parents due to lack of education, denial of consent for this procedure is a great challenge at clinical settings. Objectives: To determine the association of various factors with parental refusal for lumbar puncture among pediatric population (age from 1 moth to 18 years). Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of pediatrics and child health and department of Emergency at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from June 2017 to May 2018. A total of 178 children 1 month to 18 years old admitted with febrile fits, suspected meningitis or encephalitis who were advised for lumber puncture were included. Results: In the present study, the age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 18 year. Majority of the patients 153 (85.39%) were between 1 month to 6 years of age. There were 115 (64.61%) male patients.. Fever and fits was the most frequent indication (n=151, 84.83%) for lumber puncture in the study. Most of the parents were educated, 68.54% of mothers and 65.17% fathers had graduate level of education, and parents of 47 (26.4%) patients refused for lumber puncture. Conclusion: This study concluded that frequency of parental refusal for lumbar puncture was 26.4% and the most common reason for refusal was fear of complications. Keywords: lumbar puncture, febrile seizures, parental refusal.

Introduction:One million children die each year from injuries around the world, with poisoning being the fourth most common cause.Children below five years are at an increased risk because of their exploratory nature and hand to mouth activity, accounting for 15% of accidental poisoning related deaths in this age group.A community oriented study that studiedthe national health survey of Pakistan reported that the incidence of accidental poisoning was 4.3% among children below five years. Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic factors affecting accidental toxic ingestion in children younger than five years at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Materials & Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the emergency Deptof the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistanbetween August 2016 to July 2017. Children with a history of accidental ingestion were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square association was used employed using SPSS version 23. Results: A total of 97 children between the age group of 6 months – 5 years were enrolled, amongst 61 (62.88%) male. 74 (76.29%) children had unsafe storage of hazardous chemicals, 34 (35.05%) had large family size, 5 (5.15%), 3 (3.09%), and 3 (3.09%) of participants had lower socioeconomic status, uneducated, and rural residents respectively. Practical implication Conclusion: Awareness to parents regarding child protective strategies and usage of safe packaging in medicines may avoid accidental toxic ingestion. Keywords: Accidental poisoning, Socioeconomic Status, Education.