| 1 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Hanan Azhar, Sehla Jabbar, Maryam Nusrat, Qulb-e-Anfal, Muhammad Adnan Sabir Mughal.
Page No :
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Cholera & Human Neglect: The Price of Unsafe Water
Abstract
Cholera is an acute diarrheal sickness caused by Vibrio cholerae. It can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, which leads to severe dehydration and life-threatening hypovolemic shock and even death if not treated. Flooding increases disease spread by affecting healthcare systems, contaminating water supplies, and relocating populations. In the 2022 flood, Pakistan faced recurrent outbreaks, which caused widespread destruction to health facilities and enhanced exposure to contaminated water. The prevalence remains high due to poor surveillance, lack of proper sanitation, and limited access to safe drinking water. Risk factors like poverty, malnutrition, unhygienic food, blood type O, H. pylori infections, and lack of breastfeeding increase susceptibility. Effective prevention and control strategies necessitate advanced WASH infrastructure, health education, immunization, surveillance, and immediate care with oral hydration solutions (ORS). Reinforcing these public health strategies minimizes cholera-related illness and reduces mortality in endemic areas.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ahtesham Khalid, Kamran Ahmad Nasir, Zainab Sami Ullah, Ammara Ameer, Muhammad Mahboob Ali Hamid.
Page No : 1-2
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Evaluating the Digestibility of Non-Forage Fiber Sources in Goat TMR Supplemented with Fibrolytic Enzymes
Abstract
The goats form a large portion of livestock industry in Pakistan due to their capacity to effectively use fibrous and low-quality feeddstuffs. Nevertheless, the low digestibility and lignin levels in traditional forages still limit productivity of majority of production systems. Sources of non-forage fiber (NFFS) especially soybean hulls and beet pulp are highly fermentable and palatable substitutes that stabilize rumen functionality as well as provide a stable supply of nutrients. These ingredients in combination with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes can enhance the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose and improve intake, growth performance, digestibility and feed efficiency. NFFS is also useful in promoting sustainable feeding systems through less reliance on cereal grains and the utilization of agro-industrial by-products. This is a synthesis of existing data on nutritional value of NFFS and fibrolytic enzymes in goat diets in terms of their impact on digestibility, rumen health, growth performance, and production efficiency at Pakistani production conditions.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Mahboob Ali Hamid, Ali Usman, Kmaran Ahmad Nasir, Abdullah Nisar, Ammara Ameer.
Page No : 3-4
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Effects of Protease and Bacillus subtilis Supplementation on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Low-Protein Diets
Abstract
Protein is an essential but expensive ingredient in broiler feeds, and the poultry industry still tries to find a way of balancing between cost-effectiveness and the desirable performance of chickens. One of the potential solutions to reducing feed costs is a reduction in dietary crude protein (CP), but these reductions tend to limit growth, feed efficiency and carcass quality by reducing the capacity to supply amino acids and their digestion. Dietary supplements which include exogenous protease enzymes and probiotics, especially Bacillus subtilis, have attracted significant concern in recent years due to their ability to improve nutrient utilization and general gut functionality. These additives have the ability to reduce the biological limitations of low-protein feeding by enhancing protein hydrolysis, stabilizing intestinal microbiota and enhancing mucosal health. There has been emerging evidence that when they are used together, they generate synergistic effects of improvement of weight gain, feed ratio, and nutrient digestibility. All these responses contribute to a more cost-effective, biologically efficient, and environmentally sustainable way of producing broilers.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Mahboob Ali Hamid, Muhammad Imran, Ali Usman, Kamran Ahmad Nasir, Ammara Ameer.
Page No : 5-6
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Synergistic Effects of Phytase, Carbohydrases and Citric Acid on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Broilers Fed Energy-Restricted Diets
Abstract
Increased feed prices have increased pressure on nutritional approaches to support broilers despite low dietary energy density. Nevertheless, reducing dietary energy usually jeopardizes the rate of growth, feed ratio and the use of nutrients. Enzyme supplementation- especially phyatase (3000 FTU/kg), β-mannanase (5000 IU/g), xylanase-15000 IU/g at 100 g/ton), organic acids (citric acid 5 g/kg) have proven to mitigate the adverse effects of low-energy diets. These supplements improve the digestibility of nutrients, improve gut morphology, minimize anti-nutritional effects and make the gastrointestinal environment healthier. This review presents the individual and synergistic action of these supplements and their potential use to counteract energy reduced performance losses in broilers fed on energy-restricted diets. It is indicated that incorporation of phytase, carbohydrases, citric acid positively impacts body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increases the bioavailability of energy-yielding nutrients which results into more profitable and sustainable broiler production.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Alishba Zahid, Rais Ahmed, Raba Rasheed, Fozia Iqbal, Sunaina Shoukat.
Page No : 7-8
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Probiotics in the Control of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens: Veterinary Microbiological Approaches
Abstract
Global livestock production has been greatly affected by enteric bacterial pathogens (i.e. animal health, productivity, food safety and economic viability). In veterinary medicine there is known to be a reduction in enteric bacterial pathogens by probiotics, particularly in livestock. Pathogens such as Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens and Lawsonia intracellularis can cause digestive disorders of poultry, swine, cattle, small ruminants, and companion animals. Advances in veterinary microbiology have revealed that certain strains of lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus species, bifidobacteria and yeasts have the potential to lower colonization of pathogens, enhance gut integrity, and increase performance in farm animals by preventing the development of antimicrobial resistant strains. Probiotics have attracted more interest in veterinary microbiology because of their ability to improve host immunity, prevent pathogen colonization, and modify intestinal flora. This article discusses scientific basis, mechanism, use, and issues of use of probiotics for treatment of enteric bacterial pathogens in animals. When taken together, probiotics offer vets a long-term, empirically supported approach to intestinal disease management and also decreases their reliance on antibiotics.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Alishba Zahid, Rais Ahmed, Malaika Zahid, Ayesha Irum, Misha Sajjad.
Page No : 9-10
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Gut Microbiota and Host Immunity: The Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Infectious Disease Management
Abstract
Immune homeostasis depends on gut microbes and the immune system. Using non-pharmacological methods, probiotics and prebiotics strengthen immunity and lower the incidence of infectious diseases. Prebiotics mainly use microbial fermentation to promote the development and activity of advantageous microorganisms. Short-chain fatty acids (SCAFs) synthesized by prebiotics, support innate and adaptive immunity, modulate inflammatory pathways, and fortify epithelial barriers. By strengthening mucosal defenses, encouraging IgA secretion, competing with pathogens, and reestablishing microbial balance, they provide health benefits. Both prebiotics and probiotics are useful in treating respiratory, urogenital, parasitic, and helminths infections as well as gastrointestinal infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and recurrent Clostridium difficile. Additionally, they are involved in parasite infections, antiviral immunity, and vaccine response. Personalized microbiome-based therapies, next-generation probiotic development, and growing interest in synbiotics and postbiotics are some of the future directions. Prebiotics and probiotics can be used to modify the gut microbiota, which is a promising and practical way to improve host immunity and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Maheen Khalid, Aaraf Waris, Muhammad Umaid, Saim Riaz, Aqsa Naeem Chawla.
Page No : 12-14
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Nutritional Intervention for Women’s Hormonal Health: From PCOS to Menopause
Abstract
Menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) represent two hormonally driven conditions in women that respond well to targeted nutritional strategies. Evidence shows that micronutrients and bioactive compounds, including vitamin D, inositols, and marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and selected hormonal imbalances, although outcomes vary across populations. During menopause, risks of obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis increase, making nutrition critical for long-term health and daily functioning. Diets rich in phytoestrogens, particularly soy isoflavones, as well as whole-food and plant-based dietary patterns, can alleviate vasomotor symptoms and improve quality of life. In PCOS, nutritional management focuses on weight control, low-glycemic-load carbohydrates, and anti-inflammatory dietary approaches to optimize metabolic and endocrine parameters. Overall, individualized, evidence-based dietary interventions across life stages are essential for supporting hormonal balance, reducing chronic disease risk, and enhancing overall well-being in women experiencing PCOS and menopause.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Saba Mushtaq, Khadija Fatima, Hira Fatima, Eman Farrukh, Moiza Noor, Madiha Sarfraz.
Page No : 15-17
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The Expanding Role of Biotechnology in the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diseases
Abstract
The rate of infectious diseases worldwide is still very high, and new pathogens and resistance to antibiotics are major issues. Although they are commonly used, traditional diagnostic methods are often unresponsive in terms of sensitivity and are not very successful. Biotechnology has revolutionized this sector with the introduction of the most sophisticated tools used, such as PCR, next-generation sequencing, and DNA microarrays, which enable fast and accurate determination of infections. Economical diagnosis still requires immunological procedures of ELISA and monoclonal antibodies. Recent advances, such as CRISPR, nanobiotechnology, and lab-on-a-chip technologies, are transforming point-of-care testing and making it more accessible in low-resource environments. In spite of these developments, there is still accessibility and economic constraints. Better epidemic readiness, predictive health surveillance, and smarter diagnostics are just some of the expected results of biotechnology and AI integration in the future.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Taashifa Arshad.
Page No : 18-20
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Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are closely interrelated metabolic disorders that together represent a growing global health burden. Obesity is a major risk factor for T2DM and plays a central role in its pathogenesis through mechanisms involving insulin resistance, dysregulated lipid metabolism, chronic low-grade inflammation, and altered adipokine secretion. Modern lifestyles characterized by physical inactivity and excessive caloric intake have created environmental conditions that interact with genetic predisposition to promote both obesity and diabetes. This review critically examines the relationship between obesity and T2DM, with particular emphasis on the role of free fatty acids, visceral adiposity, adipocytokines, and insulin resistance. In addition, patterns of genetic investigation relevant to obesity and T2DM are discussed, highlighting the importance of studying quantitative traits and early-life phenotypes. Understanding these interconnections is essential for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for both conditions
| 10 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Amir , Aqeel Murtaza, Uzair Imran, Kalsoom shoukat, Muneeba Begum, Muhammad Hammad Bilal.
Page No : 21-24
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Phytoremediation–Microbial Synergies for Sustainable Environmental Cleanup
Abstract
Phytoremediation is a green, economically efficient, and sustainable approach of reducing environmental pollution by use of plants and the microorganisms associated with them. Plants and soil microbiota interaction will improve uptake, transformation, and sequestration of the toxic contaminants, such as heavy metals, organic, and emerging chemical hazards. Microbial associates like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), endophytes and mycorrhizal fungi enhance the efficacy of phytoremediation through nutrient acquisition, synthesis of bioavailable metabolites as well as regulation of plant stress responses. This synergy hastens the degradation of contaminants besides restoring the ecological balance and soil health. Recent developments in omics technologies and molecular ecology have increased the knowledge on the genetic and biochemical pathways used by plants to interact with microbes in polluted environments. But still, there is a problem of field-scale implementation, the stability of microbes and the variability of the environment. Further studies are required to combine microbial consortia engineering, systems biology and genetic engineering of hyperaccumulator species into increased phytoremediation capabilities. In general, the idea of using plant-microbe synergies can be seen as a promising direction in the process of achieving sustainable and resilient clean-up methods in the environment.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Hafiz Abdul Moeed, Muhamad Tayyab Naveed, Muhammad Usama, Muhammad Jawwad.
Page No : 25-26
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Nutritional Solutions to Enhancing Feed Conversion and Methane Gas Emissions in Ruminants
Abstract
The production of ruminants has the two fold challenge of improving productivity at the same time reducing environmental effects, especially enteric methane. The article is a synthesis of the literature on nutritional interventions to enhance feed efficiency and decrease the production of methane. We discuss processes that connect diet, rumen fermentation and methane, and the strategies that can be used such as forage quality, grain supplementation, fat supplementation and additives such as tannins and probiotics. Economic and practical factors are moderate in adoption. These should be incorporated into climate-sensitive systems to make ruminant agriculture sustainable
| 12 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Talha Talib , Muhammad Shahid Anees, Ayesha Zimmal , Zainab Ashraf, Hafiza Rikza Tanveer.
Page No : 27-28
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Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock: A One Health Review
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock is a global health concern in the modern era. AMR in food-producing animals poses a threat to human health and the resilience of food systems. Antibiotic use in livestock is on the rise worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Large-scale use of antibiotics in livestock animals leads to the selection of resistant bacteria and resistance genes, which spread through the environment, food, and direct contact. Human resistant infections are also linked to the use of antibiotics on farms. This complicated problem, which affects the health of people, animals, and the environment, is known as a "one health issue." The burden and causes of animal AMR, the main routes of transmission, the effects on human health and the food chain, and intervention techniques that include environmental controls, biosecurity, and diagnostics are all covered in this review.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Anas Khan, Muhammad Nadeem, Zain ul Islam, Usama Saleem, Hamza Khalid, Hanan Mushtaq.
Page No : 29-30
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Neem-Based Nanoformulations for Improved Management of Pests in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.): Current Advances
Abstract
Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is attacked by a wide range of insect pests that significantly reduce yield and quality, leading to heavy reliance on chemical insecticides for their control. Prolonged and indiscriminate use of these chemicals in tea plantations has resulted in the development of pest resistance, pesticide residues in tea products, and adverse ecological impacts. The formulations made of neem are a green alternative to the traditional pesticides. Nanotechnology has made it possible to develop the neem-based formulations to increase bioavailability of such phytochemicals. These nano-enabled products have an enhanced deadly and sub-lethal effect when it comes to the key tea pests. This article summarizes the present developments, performance, and future of neem-based nano-formulations in sustainable tea pest management. This article reviews the current progress, effectiveness, and future prospects of neem-based nano-formulations as a sustainable approach to tea pest management.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Ayaz Haider Khan, Hina Allah Ditta, Syeda Ayesha Ashfaq, Saud Hassan, Abdul Kareem.
Page No : 31-32
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Genetic Control of Anti Nutritional Factors and Their Dietary Implications
Abstract
Anti nutritional factors (ANFs) represent a very heterogeneous group of plant metabolites which diminish nutrient bioavailability, induce digestive retardation or cause toxicity in humans and livestock. Major ANFs are phytic acid, raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), saponins, tannins, protease inhibitors, lectins, gossypol, glucosinolates, cyanogenic glycosides and oxalates, erucic acid and 2 N oxalyl L 2 -diaminopropionic acid (2 ODAP). Traditional breeding of crops has lowered the ANFs in certain crops, whereas genetic relationships and pleiotropy have slowed down. Recent developments in genomics, multi omics, marker assisted selection, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas based genome editing make it possible to do ANF biosynthesis genes very specific and precise. The review is a synthesis of the information on ANF biosynthesis, dietary effects, and genetic control of them using the viewpoints of a plant breeder.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Ali Murtaza, Muhammad Umar Daraz, Maryam Iftikhar, Saud Hassan, Abdul Kareem.
Page No : 33-35
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Integrating Agronomic Practices with Genetic Improvement for Climate Resilient Crops
Abstract
Due to climate change, the abiotic and biotic stress is increasing at the expense of world food security. The review recommends a comprehensive strategy of creating climate-resistant crops, such as incorporating the use of innovative genetic enhancement with the enhancement of agronomic processes. We investigate synergistic approaches, such as conservation agriculture, precision farming, and integrated nutrient management, and accelerated breeding, genome editing, and microbiome engineering. It has been proved that the alignment of the genetic gains and environmental management results in the better systemic resilience, higher yields, and sustainability. We conclude that one of the key elements in implementing this dual strategy will be the harnessing of digital agriculture and artificially Intelligence to enable agrifood systems to adjust to a fast-changing climate.
| 16 |
Author(s):
Ali Murtaza, Shaiza Rasool, Muhammad Awais Tariq, Saud Hassan, Muhammad Ahad.
Page No : 36-38
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Integration of AI and Multi-Omics Data in Plant Genetics
Abstract
The growing demand for resilient crops, climate change and the availability of high-throughput sequencing and sensor technologies have created an unprecedented opportunity for data-driven crop improvement. Multi-omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics and phenomics) capture different layers of biological information, yet analysing each layer separately loses the holistic view of how these molecules collectively shape phenotype. Integrating these heterogeneous datasets with artificial intelligence (AI) can reveal complex gene-environment interactions and accelerate trait improvement. This review, written from a plant breeder’s perspective, summarizes the current state of AI-assisted multi-omics integration in plant genetics. We describe the omics landscape, discuss machine-learning algorithms and integrative frameworks, review applications in breeding (stress tolerance, disease resistance, yield and quality traits), and examine challenges such as data heterogeneity, model interpretability and equitable data sharing. Finally, we offer recommendations for the next generation of AI-enabled plant breeding programs.
| 17 |
Author(s):
Ayaz Haider Khan, Fatima Toufiq, Tahira Karamat, Abdul Kareem, Aftab Akhtar.
Page No : 39-41
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Metabolite Profiling and Analytical Techniques in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement
Abstract
Plant breeding should be able to enhance yield, nutritional and stress resistance. Comprehensive profiling of small molecules is called metabolomics which joins genotype, environment and phenotype and therefore becomes an irreplaceable toolkit in the study of plant genetics and crop enhancement. Hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites are found in plant tissues and it has been estimated that plant metabolome has over 200 000 compounds, though only a small fraction of these have been deposited in publicly accessible databases. It is now feasible to identify thousands of metabolite features using the high throughput platforms including gas chromatology mass spectrometry (GC MS), liquid chromatology mass spectrometry (LC MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE MS) although the metabolite identification continues to act as a bottleneck. Untargeted LC MS data sets normally annotate 2 to 15 percent of detected peaks.
| 18 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Ahad, Ali Murtaza, Ayaz Haider, Abdullah Bin Abid, Hafsa.
Page No : 42-43
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From Gene Discovery to Marketed Variety: Navigating the Commercialization Pipeline in Modern Plant Breeding
Abstract
Commercialization of modern plant breeding, including discovery of a gene through to a commercially viable crop line is an integrated and complicated process that integrates both sophisticated scientific innovation and enormous regulatory, economic, and social issues. It starts with the discovery of the candidate genes based on genomic resources and multiomics data, and then the development of precise traits based on such methods as transgenesis, CRISPRCas9 gene editing, and marker assisted selection. Doubled haploids and high throughput phenotyping are some of the key technologies that hasten breeding cycles. Nevertheless, commercialization is severely limited by crowded intellectual property rights, expensive and incompatible international regulatory systems particularly between genetically modified and gene-edited products as well as the absolute necessity of social acceptance
| 19 |
Author(s):
Maryam Siddique, Muhammad Naqi Shah, Rameesha Ashraf, Areeba Razzaq, Muhammad Zaid Munir, Huda Zahra.
Page No : 44-45
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Role of Swertia chirayata on Human Health
Abstract
High altitude Himalayan regions are home to the therapeutic herb Swertia chirayata, also referred to as “chirayatah”. The tall, erect stem, lance-shaped leaves, and tiny greenish-yellowish blooms of this herb make it easy to identify. Its distinctive physical characteristics include egg-shaped fruits with dark seeds and an orange-brown stem with yellowish pith. It has antipyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, liver protection and maintenance of the GIT role. Local populations regularly used it to cure a variety of health problems due to its potent qualities. These include more complicated disorders like diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as common ones like fever, malaria and stomach difficulties.
| 20 |
Author(s):
Uzair Imran, Haider Ali Aslam, Muhammad Sufyan, Waqar Younis, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Amir .
Page No : 46-48
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Harnessing Biotechnology to Develop Disease-Resilient Plants
Abstract
Plant diseases continue to be the key limitation to agriculture in the world, and the climate changes are contributing to the pressure of the pathogens and deteriorating the resistance of the hosts. Conventional breeding is not always enough to meet the need for broad-spectrum resistance and durability. Biotechnology provides specific methods to surmount these shortcomings by providing specific manipulation of genomes, control over the pathogen, and preferential purposeful modification of the relationship between plants and microbes. This short review talks about important biotechnological ways to make plants more resistant. These include transgenic expression of resistance genes, CRISPR-based gene editing, RNA-based silencing, molecular marker-assisted selection, tissue culture and regeneration, microbial engineering, and synthetic biology strategies. The principles, applications and limitations of each strategy are discussed with regard to the complementary functions in resistance breeding. Lastly, the review offers insights into how these tools can be combined to come up with crops that are resilient, flexible, and those that can endure the changing disease threats in order to maintain agricultural output.
