The University of Agriculture, Peshawar

Wheat, a major staple crop, is critical for global food security. However, abiotic stresses, particularly heat stress, threaten crop productivity. With climate change predicted to increase temperatures by around 1.5°C by 2050, crop productivity could be severely affected. Given ongoing hunger-related challenges and the growing global population, developing crop varieties with improved tolerance to abiotic stresses is essential. Plant breeders have long used the natural stress tolerance of crops, selectively breeding cultivars capable of thriving in adverse conditions. Molecular tools have further advanced this success, allowing for identifying and manipulating genes associated with abiotic stress tolerance. Combining traditional breeding methods and innovative biotechnological tools has shown promising results in developing stress-resilient crop varieties. As technology continues to evolve, policy interventions may become more affordable, enabling precise responses to the challenges posed by climate change. Wheat's capacity to withstand heat stress is influenced by both phylogenetic and environmental factors, as revealed by quantitative trait locus mapping and genome-wide association studies. Recently, omics technologies-such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, phenomics, and ionomics-have provided valuable insights into the complex interactions between proteins, metabolites, and genes that govern the wheat phenotype. These approaches, supported by computational tools and bio-informatics, enable a comprehensive understanding of biological processes, aiding in the precise improvement of wheat varieties. Despite advancements, there remains a lack of in-depth studies on precision breeding for abiotic stress tolerance in wheat. This review seeks to address this gap by examining various morphological, physiological, cellular, and molecular adaptation mechanisms to improve heat tolerance in wheat.

Appropriate flowering time is important for rice regional adaptation and optimum rice production, but little is known about the omics of heading date in rice. Here, we studied omics including transcriptome, proteome and transcriptional factors to identify regulatory genes related to flowering time. A total of 1402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 721 up-regulated and 681 down-regulated) were detected in wild and mutant. These transcripts are classified according to biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Among these differentially expressed genes, many transcription factor genes demonstrated multiple regulatory pathways involved in flowering time. Gene expression analysis showed that Os03g0122600 (OsMADS50), Os08g0105000 (Ehd3), Os06g0275000 (Hd1) were expressed higher and Os06g0199500 (OsHAL3), Os06g0498800 (OsMFT1), Os08g0105000 (Ehd3), Os06g0157700 (Hd3a), and Os02g0731700 (Ghd2), were expressed lower in wild compared to mutant, which are the key genes that regulate the flowering in rice. In addition, Ghd7 interacted with Os10g30860 and Os12g08260 using yeast two-hybrid assay. We identified 28 potential Ghd7 transcriptional regulators using the transcription factor-centered yeast one hybrid (TF-Centered Y1H) assay. Taken together, this study developed a new set of genomic resources to identify and characterize genes, proteins, and motifs associated with flowering time.

This research focused on assessing the molecular prevalence of Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) in different cattle farms throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and characterizing the dominant BLV genotypes by analyzing partial sequences of the gp51 gene. A total of 1,250 blood samples were collected from cattle of both sexes, various age groups (<1 year, 1–3 years, 3–5 years, and >5 years), and different breeds (Friesian, Jersey, Sahiwal, Achai, and crossbred) from multiple cattle farms. Of the 1,250 samples tested, BLV was detected in 136 (10.88%) using nested PCR. Risk factor analysis revealed a significantly higher prevalence of BLV in exotic breeds and older cattle. To confirm the findings and genotype the BLV isolates, four PCR-positive samples were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis identified the isolates as belonging to genotype I, closely related to GI BLV isolates from Japan. Furthermore, the isolates in this study formed a tightly clustered group, suggesting a common origin from an earlier virus introduced into the host population in the study area.

Some natural compounds derived from medicinal plants show anti-tumor activity with high efficacy and safety, low toxicity and residual levels etc. The aim of this study was to select natural compounds and biomarkers having high inhibitory effects against A549 adenocarcinoma cells. A total of eight natural compounds having pure plant origin were initially screened, purchased, and their potential anti-cancer activities were comprehensively and systematically evaluated against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. The maximum non-cytotoxic concentration (MNTC) and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the eight compounds against A549 cells were obtained by cytopathological and MTT assays, respectively. Using Cisplatin as a positive control, the effect of selected compounds were elucidated on the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells by MTT, wound healing and invasion assays, respectively. AnnexinV-FITC/PI, JC-1, ROS and Cell Cycle Kits were used to detect the pro-apoptotic mechanism of A549 cells induced by the tested compounds. qRT-PCR and RNA-seq were used to investigate the effective biomarkers involved in the inhibition process. The results showed that Curcumin, Osthole, Paeonol, Cepharanthine and Cisplatin significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Post 48 h of treatment, Osthole inhibited the metastatic ability of A549 cells by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis, arresting A549 cell in G1-phase and inhibiting release of ROS, while Curcumin, Paeonol and Cepharanthine did not showed the same response. It was therefore elucidated that Osthole was the optimal natural compound showing powerful anti-inhibitory properties against A549 cells. Moreover, the expressions of EGF, IL-2 and IL-10 genes were significantly decreased in Osthole treated group, while IL-6 gene was significantly increased. This study suggested that EGF gene has the potential to be used as a biomarker for Osthole treatment against A549 cells, involved in mitochondrial apoptosis and ROS down-regulation, inhibiting proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation and immune processes in A549 cells providing a foundation to develop Osthole as a potential target drug to prevent the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma.

Dendrobium officinale has long been used in Chinese medicine for its therapeutic properties, including immune system support, blood sugar regulation, and cardiovascular health enhancement. This work aimed to harness these health benefits and expand the market of D. officinale by developing D. officinale stem-based drinks with pulpy and chunky textures. The stability of the drinks was enhanced by optimizing viscosity through varying ratios of xanthan gum and whole-stem pulp. The impact of three sterilization techniques (autoclave, pasteurization, UV-C) on the drink’s stability was studied by evaluating phenolics, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity by Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminum nitrate colorimetric assay, and DPPH assay, respectively. The results indicated that the best formulation viscosity (70–75 ± 2 cP) was achieved with a blend of 0.03% xanthan gum with 10% D. officinale pulp. Sensory evaluations favored the UV-C treated drinks, although their shelf-life was limited to two weeks. Overall, autoclaved chunky drink, which contain 0.03% xanthan gum, 10% D. officinale pulp and 5% chunks, proved to be most stable and nutritious drinks. It had the highest flavonoid content (115.24 ± 2.5 mg/L of rutin), total phenolic content (38.79 ± 1 mg/L of gallic acid), and antioxidant activity (62.52 ± 1%) as compared to other drinks. Additionally, GC-MS analysis revealed a higher concentration of volatile compounds in this drink. The autoclaved drinks also showed significantly lower microbial counts for mold, yeast, and total plate counts (< 1 log CFU/mL), making it superior for stability and safety at commercial level.

The current study investigates the prevalence of virulence genes obtained from clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from October 2021 to January 2023. Upon proper consent, clinical samples of suspected UTIs patients were collected and inoculated on the nutrients agar media, McConkey agar media, and Cysteine Lysine Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar media followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 hrs. The phenotypic and genotypic identification were employed for the bacterial isolates. The phenotypic identification includes gram staining followed by the Analytical Profile Index (API 20E). A total of 215 (3.85%) positive isolates were found with the highest prevalence observed among the female patients (4.35%) followed by male (3.26%). The highest prevalence, constituting 52.55% (n = 113), was detected in the age group of 21-40 years, followed by 31.62% (n = 68) in the 41-60 age group. Additionally, 10.23% (n = 22), 3.25% (n = 7), and 2.32% (n = 5) of cases were identified in the age groups of 01-10 years, 11-20 years, and above 60 years, respectively. Among the total positive samples, 44.65% (n = 96) were collected from the Outpatient department (OPD), while inpatient department (IPD) cases contributed 55.35% (n = 119). The antibiotic susceptibility profile of K. pneumoniae showed significant resistance to trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (93%) and Colistin (79.07%). Tigecycline emerged as the most effective antibiotic with a sensitivity rate of 90%, along with Cefepime at the same level. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values indicated higher resistance for CTX, MEM, CN, AK, DO, CIP, and SXT in K. pneumoniae-causing UTIs from KTH, Peshawar. Molecular characterization of virulence genes reveals the highest prevalence of fimH (80%) followed by SAT (65%), papEF (49%), afa (29%), and VAT (16%). The sequencing data of the virulence genes reveals mutations in fimH and papEF, while sat, afa and vat virulence genes showed no mutations. The Chi-square test indicated a significant association between the types of bacteria, supporting our null hypothesis with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The current study’s finding is to evaluate the rise of antibiotic resistance in hospital settings, which highly demands the focus of health authorities and clinicians to manage the burden of the disease effectively.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for crop growth, quality, and yield, yet its availability through conventional fertilization is limited in alkaline soils. A greenhouse study was conducted with corn (Zea mays) in a completely randomized design to investigate the impact of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) applied via soil drench and seed coating at concentrations of 0 mg L−1 (control), 100 mg L−1, and 150 mg L−1 on plant growth, fluorescence, photosynthetic activity, leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentration, and nutrient uptake. Nano ZnO at 150 mg L−1 significantly enhanced plant growth parameters by 5–13% and leaf chlorophyll content by 141% compared to control. Seed coating proved more effective than soil drench, improving chlorophyll content by 51% and photosynthetic efficiency parameters by 1.2%. The higher nano ZnO concentration (150 mg L−1) substantially increased nutrient uptake than lower application rates in either method, particularly zinc (4.5-fold), iron (2.7-fold), and manganese (2.5-fold), while also improving leaf nitrogen and carbon content by 48% and 21%, respectively. Principal component analysis confirmed strong positive correlations between photosynthetic parameters and growth indicators, explaining 75% of the observed variability. Thus, 150 mg L−1 nano-ZnO seed coating is recommended for effective Zn bio-fortification and enhanced crop performance in Zn-deficient alkaline and calcareous soils. This study demonstrated the potential of nano-ZnO as an efficient resource for Zn fertilization, significantly improving plant growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic efficiency in challenging soil conditions.

In recent years, the urgent issue of how climate change affects food security has emerged as a significant concern. This paper highlights the complex interplay between food security and global climate change by examining the role of climate change in the food system, the interrelationship between food security and global climate change, and adaptation strategies to address these challenges. With a comprehensive analysis focused on China, this study systematically examines the complex dynamics linking food security and global climate change. The findings reveal important insights: (1) Global climate change is exacerbating insecurity in the food system and increasing its impact on Chinese food production; (2) Food demand emerges as the main driver of global climate change, while redistribution of food production factors exacerbates the climate crisis. (3) A synergistic and sustainable response can be achieved through a multi-pronged approach to addressing global climate change while ensuring food security and micro level, resilience. To effectively combat global climate change and ensure food security, this study highlights the critical importance of using micro-technologies for grain storage, prioritizing ecological building, pursuing a market-based approach at the macro level, and improving the food policy framework. In the context of global climate change, this study argues for a paradigm shift in food security research and a transition from a singular disciplinary, dimensional, and resource-centered approach to a multidisciplinary, multifactorial, and systematic integration of research. This transformative approach aims to promote a low-carbon and efficient food system that’s resilient to the challenges of global climate change.

Pregnancy is a period characterized by extensive physiological changes in both the mother and fetus. During this period, the nutritional status of the mother has a profound and irreversible impact on her health and the growth and development of the fetus. The fetus depends exclusively on the mother and drives nutrients through the placenta. Therefore, mothers must be provided with a well-balanced diet that is adequate in both macro- and micronutrients. Most pregnant women generally manage to get adequate macronutrients; however, many women fail to get micronutrients up to the recommended dietary allowance. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are necessary for preventing congenital abnormalities and the optimal development of the brain and body of the fetus. Their inadequacy can lead to complications like anemia, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, maternal and fetal hypothyroidism, premature infants, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, and other negative pregnancy outcomes. New studies recommend the use of prenatal micronutrient supplements to prevent birth defects and health issues caused by deficiencies in folic acid, iron, iodine, and calcium during pregnancy. This is especially important in developing nations where deficiencies are prevalent. Also while using these supplements, their upper limits (UL) must be considered to avoid overload. In this review, we provide an overview of the four most critical micronutrients during pregnancy: iron, folic acid, iodine, and calcium. We provide insight into their sources, RDAs, deficiency consequences, and the need for supplementation while considering the risk of micronutrient overload. To maximize the potential benefits while minimizing the risk of nutrient overload, although knowledge gaps remain.

Various environmental stressors, such as salinity, heat, drought, and metals, present significant obstacles to crop productivity. This study delves into the adverse effects of metals, specifically focusing on cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) on plants. It explores the sources of these metals, examining both natural occurrences and human-induced activities, and investigates the mechanisms through which plants absorb them. Metal pollution, in particular, negatively affects plant and microbiome well-being, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that harm essential macromolecules. Traditional stress-resistant plant varieties necessitate substantial development, leading to the exploration of innovative approaches like nanotechnology. This examination underscores the diverse applications of nanoparticles (NPs), such as titanium oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, etc., in alleviating metal stress and improving crop resilience. Nanoparticles possess advantageous characteristics, including increased reactivity, small size, and efficient transport within plants. The earlier information underscores the influence of nanoparticles on morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of plants, addressing the limited information in this field, especially under metal toxicity. Mechanisms of NP action encompass chelation, antioxidant enzymatic activity, and the formation of complexes, presenting promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and enhanced food productivity. Future perspectives in nanoparticle strategies for metal toxicity emphasize tailored formulations and long-term ecological studies. Integration with precision agriculture and genetic engineering offers synergies, highlighting collaborative efforts and global cooperation for practical adoption.

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum L.), a member of family Gentianaceae, and stock (Matthiola incana L.), a member of family Brassicaceae, are extensively grown as cut flowers globally and are also gaining popularity in Pakistani markets in recent years. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of selected biostimulants on improving the growth, yield, and quality of lisianthus and stock at Floriculture Research Area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out individually for each species to elucidate the effects of three different products, viz. Isabion (3 mL L-1), Humic acid (0.4%) and Corteva XYZ (3 mL L-1). Both experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications of 20 plants each. Biostimulants were applied at 3 mL L-1 Isabion and Corteva XYZ, while 0.4% humic acid, which were sprayed three times at fifteen days interval until runoff on each species starting after fifteen days of transplanting. Results demonstrated significant differences among treatments for both Eustoma grandiflorum L. and Matthiola incana L. Lisianthus utilized least production time (59 days) when sprayed with Corteva XYZ, while in stock Isabion application produced earlier flowers (75.6 days) compared to other tested treatments. Isabion application significantly increased plant height (60.3 and 79.6 cm), floret diameter (39.8 and 4.2 mm), stem diameter (4.0 and 6.1 mm), stem fresh weight (77.6 and 86.1 g), stem dry weight (16.9 and 15.1 g) and vase life (8.8 and 7.5 days) of lisianthus and stock, respectively. Greatest leaf area (27.7 and 32.9 cm2) was recorded when plants were supplied with Corteva XYZ for lisianthus and stock, respectively. Greatest chlorophyll contents were recorded (75.3 SPAD) in lisianthus, while (81.6 SPAD) in stock, when sprayed with Isabion and humic acid, respectively. Isabion consistently yielded best results indicating its potential as an effective biostimulant for promoting growth, yield, and quality attributes, and may be used by the growers to enhance yield and quality of selected specialty cut species.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a notorious, Gram-negative pathogen and is a leading cause of healthcare settings and community-acquired infections. This is the commensal of human microbiota and can invade and cause infections in different body parts. The global emergence of antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae has become a major challenge in the whole medical community. Alternative paths to treat the infections caused by these MDR pathogens are needed as these bacteria become resistant to last-resort antibiotics like colistin. The lytic bacteriophages (phages) are the bacteria's natural predators and can rapidly eliminate the bacterial cells. Phages are abundant in nature and have recently been found to be effective tools in modern biotechnology. They can be used to control the bacterial infectious diseases. They can be manipulated easily and potentially used in therapeutics, biotechnology, and research. Several studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have demonstrated the possible applications of the lytic phages in treating K. pneumoniae superbug strains. Phage endolysins have drawn the scientific world's attention because of their involvement in phage adsorption and bacterial capsules digestion. These phage-encoded enzymes digest the polysaccharide components of bacterial cell walls by recognizing and binding them. Phage lysins, being strong biological agents, are capable of effectively and swiftly eliminating bacteria. This review summarizes the information on phages of K. pneumoniae and phage-based therapies to target their bacterial hosts.

In this study, findings of a comprehensive survey of accounting educators' opinions and practices concerning to ethics in accounting curriculum are presented. A questionnaire was used to gather the opinions of accounting faculty regarding the inclusion of ethics education in the accounting curriculum. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to analyze the survey results as the same method was used by researchers while conducting similar studies. As state boards across the globe require continued professional education in accounting curriculum, this study also finds that accounting faculty considers ethics education necessary for the profession’s needs. Accounting faculty themselves are most suitable for teaching ethics education and prefer real-world application over conventional academic content. As far as the methodology used to teach ethics is concerned, educators support integration in different subjects as opposed to a stand-alone course and support the view that study is the most useful technique for ethics education.

The paper investigates connections among green transformational leadership-GTL, environmental performance-EP association along GHRM (Green Human Resource Management) and, Green Innovation-GI as mediating factors. It explores environmental values' moderating role among GTL and EP. Using structural equation modeling, 15 SMEs were surveyed, and 110 data points were collected from individuals. Results indicate that GTL contributes significantly to EP. Additionally, the mediation analysis confirms that GTL and EP are positively mediated by GHRM and GI. It is also highlighted that EV has a moderating effect on GTL/EP relationships. A sustainable business culture can be fostered by utilizing these insights.

The detection of cancer remains a significant challenge due to limitations of current screening approaches, where usually several procedures and imprecise information are required. Liquid biopsy has emerged as an appealing method that makes it unnecessary to use invasive procedures. It depicts the biology of tumors at first sight based on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and exosomes in the blood of the patient. This paper provides a review of the likelihood of the integration of liquid biopsy with medical imaging methods, such as MRI, CT, PET, and ultrasound, to enhance the accuracy of tumor identification. We expand on how liquid biopsy might improve healthcare imaging by defining tumor characterization more accurately and precisely, avoiding false positive and negative values, and providing genetic integration information that is often useful when interpreting imaging scans. Case examples are employed to demonstrate the seamless combination of liquid biopsy data with imaging outcomes, which can help expand the understanding of cancer pathophysiology and treatment sensitivity. However, artificial intelligence and machine learning should be used to support the execution of this supposed synergistically integrated strategy. The article also explains the problems concerning the integration of these two diagnostic methods and stresses the importance of standardizing the procedures and cooperation between the disciplines. This aggregation could result in earlier detection, improved monitoring, as well as individual approaches to cancer patients, hence leading to a significant increase in positive clinical outcomes.

Breast cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of breast cells. Genetic variants in ESR1, HER1, and HER2 have been associated with breast cancer risk across different populations, with varying results. This study aimed to validate the association of ESR1 (rs2234693 and rs2046210), HER1 (rs11543848), and HER2 (rs1136201) variants with breast cancer risk in the KP population of Pakistan using a larger dataset. The study cohort included 528 patients with BC and 530 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected, and DNA was extracted using a non-enzymatic method. Genotyping was performed using the T-ARMS-PCR protocol. Our results for ESR1 (rs2234693) indicated a non-significant association between the mutant C allele (P = 0.102), TC (P = 0.1002), and CC genotype (P = 0.398) and breast cancer risk. In contrast, ESR1 and rs2046210 showed a significant association with the mutant A allele (P = 0.001), GA (P = 0.001), and AA genotype (P = 0.001), indicating an increased risk. HER1 and rs11543848 showed an increased risk of breast cancer, with the mutant allele A (P = 0.001), GA (P = 0.001), and AA genotype (P = 0.001). Similarly, alleles G (P = 0.004), AG (P = 0.001), and GG genotype (P = 0.003) of HER2 (rs1136201) were associated with higher breast cancer risk. Furthermore, ESR1 (rs2234693) was significantly associated with PR status, while both HER1 (rs11543848) and HER2 (rs1136201) were considerably associated with HER2 receptor status. In conclusion, this study explored the association of the selected variants of ESR1, HER1, and HER2 with breast cancer risk in the KP population using a larger data set, providing valuable insights into the genetic factors contributing to breast cancer risk and corresponding value added to breast cancer management.

To meet the challenges of sustainability and nutritional quality, innovative food processing technologies are essential. This study investigates the application of ultrasound and thermosonication- emerging non-thermal preservation techniques- to improve the functional properties of broccoli juice. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), the processes were optimised to maximize chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content. Optimal ultrasound parameters (4 min, 91.1 % amplitude) achieved 12.29 mg/100 mL chlorophyll and 79.38 mg/100 g ascorbic acid. Thermosonication (6.9 min, 66 % amplitude, 40 °C) gave comparable results. Both treatments significantly improved phenolic composition and mineral content, demonstrating superior preservation of bioactive compounds and reduced nutrient degradation compared to traditional methods. The results highlight the potential of ultrasound and thermosonication for sustainable food systems by improving nutritional quality and shelf life, thereby contributing to reduced food waste and environmentally friendly processing. This research provides valuable insights into the integration of non-thermal technologies in the production of functional beverages, supporting the development of circular food systems and sustainable innovation.