A pot study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) foliar exposure on growth and development of wheat, zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) uptake in Cd-contaminated ...soil under various moisture conditions. Four different levels (0, 25, 50, 100 mg/L) of these NPs were foliar-applied at different time periods during the growth of wheat. Two soil moisture regimes (70% and 35% of water holding capacity) were maintained from 6 weeks of germination till plant harvesting. The results revealed that the growth of wheat increased with ZnO NPs treatments. The best results were found in 100 mg/L ZnO NPs under normal moisture level. The lowest Cd and highest Zn concentrations were also examined when 100 mg/L NPs were applied without water deficit stress. In grain, Cd concentrations decreased by 26%, 81% and 87% in normal moisture while in water deficit conditions, the Cd concentrations decreased by 35%, 66% and 81% compared to control treatment when ZnO NPs were used at 25, 50 and 100 mg/L. The foliar exposure of ZnO NPs boosted up the leaf chlorophyll contents and also decreased the oxidative stress and enhanced the leaf superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities than the control. It can be suggested that foliar use of ZnO NPs might be an efficient way for increasing wheat growth and yield with maximum Zn and minimum Cd contents under drought stress while decreasing the chances of NPs movement to other environmental compartment which may be possible in soil applied NPs.
•Cadmium (Cd) and water stress negatively affected shoot, roots and grain yield of wheat.•Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) improved the growth under stress.•Foliar ZnO NPs improved chlorophyll contents and minimized oxidative stress in shoots.•Foliar ZnO NPs increased Zn and decreased Cd contents in wheat grains under Cd and water deficient stress.
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FIS, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
A great number of studies have been conducted to examine the direct impact of corporate social responsibility on firm's financial performance, but this direct relationship seems to be spurious and ...imprecise. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the intervening role of corporate image and customer satisfaction on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance. Data is collected from 229 companies listed on Pakistan stock exchange using simple random sampling technique. Structural equation modelling has been used for the measurement model and for hypotheses testing. Results indicate that corporate image and customer satisfaction partially mediate the association between corporate social responsibility and financial performance. The study concludes that corporate social responsibility significantly affects the firm's financial performance by developing a positive image among the stakeholders and decreasing overall costs. This study will help management of organizations to realize the importance of corporate social responsibility.
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FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Plants have been used as medicinal agents since the origin of mankind. High cost and severe side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy has limited their general acceptability and fuel up ...the search for alternate options. The alternative treatment options like phytochemicals have come up with ease of availability and cost effectiveness. Owing to their general acceptance, safety, low side effects and multistep targeting in signal transduction pathways, plant derived phyto-constituents have promising anti-carcinogenic potential for skin related cancers. This leads to the surge in research of new phytochemicals for the prevention and cure of a variety of skin cancers which are major cause of morbidity and mortality in present world. Although very limited clinical data involving humans is available in literature to demonstrate favorable eff ;ects of phyto-constituents on various types of skin carcinomas yet the topical treatment with these plant derived anticancer phytochemicals is very promising. There are various mechanisms and pathways responsible for antitumor activity of plant derived medicinal compounds such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome-c, Down regulation of Anti-apoptotic proteins and Up regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, Activation of Caspase, Fas, FADD, p53 and c-Jun signaling pathway, Inhibition of Akt signaling pathway, phosphorylation of ERK, P13K, Raf, survivin gene, STAT 3 and NF-kB. In-vitro testing of skin cancer cell lines models offers the opportunity for identifying mechanisms of action of compounds from plant origin against variety of skin related cancers. This review thus aims at providing an overview of plant derived anti-cancer compounds which have been reported to show promising anti-carcinogenic effects against various skin cancer cell lines and on animal models. Phytochemicals that are discussed in this review include steroids, coumarines, trepenes, essential oils, alkaloids, esters, ethers, resins, phenols and flavonoids. This review also provides information about marketed formulations developed so far from plant derived compounds for skin cancer prevention and treatment.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in arable lands has become a serious matter for food security. Among various approaches, the application of nanoparticles (NPs) for remediation of contaminated water and ...soils is attaining more popularity worldwide. The current field experiment was executed to explore the impacts of single and combined use of ZnO NPs, Fe NPs and Si NPs on wheat growth and Cd intake by plants in a Cd-contaminated field. Wheat was sown in a field which was contaminated with Cd and was irrigated with the raw-city-effluent while NPs were applied as foliar spray alone and in all possible combinations. The data revealed that straw and grain yields were enhanced in the presence of NPs over control. Chlorophyll, carotenoids contents and antioxidants activities were enhanced while electrolyte leakage was reduced with all NPs over control. In comparison with control, Cd uptake in wheat straw was reduced by 84% and Cd uptake in grain was reduced by 99% in T8 where all three NPs were foliar-applied simultaneously. Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) contents were increased in those plants where ZnO and Fe NPs were exogenously applied which revealed that ZnO and Fe NPs enhanced the bio-fortification of Zn and Fe in wheat grains. Overall, foliar application of different NPs is beneficial for better wheat growth, yield, nutrients uptake and to lessen the Cd intake by plants grown in Cd-contaminated soil under real field conditions.
•All NPs (ZnO, Fe (Fe3O4, Fe(II, III) oxide) and Si NPs) increased the wheat growth and yield under Cd stress.•All NPs increased chlorophyll contents and antioxidant enzyme activities under Cd stress.•All NPs decreased Cd concentrations in straw and grains of wheat.•Combined use of these NPs was more effective in decreasing Cd concentration in grains.
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FIS, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Nanoparticles (NPs), as a novel source of industrial materials, have been extensively used in recent years which ultimately ends up in soils and may cause toxic effects on plants. Gibberellic acid ...(GA), phytohormone, has ability to minimize abiotic stresses in plants. The role of GA in minimizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs stress in plants is still unknown. In current study, soil was spiked with TiO2 NPs (0, 100, 200, 400, 600 mg/kg) while GA was foliar-sprayed at different concentrations during wheat growth. The findings revealed that TiO2 NPs increased the growth, chlorophyll contents, and nutrient (P, K, Fe, Mn) concentrations in tissues till 400 mg/kg and then decrease was observed at 600 mg/kg level of NPs whereas the values of these parameters were higher compared to control irrespective of NPs levels. The NPs enhanced the antioxidant activities (SOD, POD, CAT, APX) and reduced the oxidative stress (EL, H2O2, MDA) in leaves over the control. Foliar GA further improved the growth, yield, nutrients and antioxidant activities while minimized the oxidative stress compared to respective sole NPs- treatments. The interactive effects of NPs and GA were dose dependent. The results proved that studied doses of TiO2 NPs were not toxic to wheat plants except the highest level (600 mg/kg) used and GA positively affected the yield of wheat under TiO2 NPs application. The GA can be used to improve crop growth in the presence of NPs which, however, needs further investigation at higher doses of TiO2 NPs in various crops.
•TiO2 NPs increased plant growth up to 400 mg/kg and decreased plant growth at 600 mg/kg of NPs.•Gibberellic acid (GA) improved the wheat growth at all doses of TiO2 NPs.•GA enhanced the photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzyme activities at all doses of TiO2 NPs.•GA enhanced the nutritional values of wheat grains under TiO2 NPs.
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FIS, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Past research proposes that corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects employees' behaviors and attitude. However, the empirical evidence of this claim is limited particularly in the context of ...eastern developing economies like Pakistan. So, the study in hand is an effort to extend the existing CSR literature by investigating the impact of CSR on employee performance using the lens of social identity theory. Additionally, the study also investigates the intervening role of employee engagement (EE) in the above‐mentioned association. To test the proposed model, data were collected from employees of the manufacturing sector in two waves with an interval of 4 weeks. The findings suggest that CSR has a significant impact on employees' performance and engagement. Findings also confirm that EE partially mediates the association of CSR and employee performance. The study concludes with its theoretical and practical implications and directions for future researchers.
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FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Reprogrammed metabolism is key biochemical characteristic of malignant cells, which represents one of the emerging hallmarks of cancer. Currently, there is rising contemplation on oxidative pentose ...phosphate pathway (PPP) enzymes as potential therapeutic hits due to their affiliation with tumor metabolism. 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), third oxidative decarboxylase of PPP, has received a great deal of attention during recent years due to its critical role in tumorigenesis and redox homeostasis. 6PGD has been reported to overexpress in number of cancer types and its hyperactivation is mediated through post‐transcriptional and post‐translational modifications by YTH domain family 2 (YTHDF2), Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and via direct structural interactions with ME1 (malic enzyme 1). Upregulated expression of 6PGD provides metabolic as well as defensive advantage to cancer cells, thus, promoting their proliferative and metastatic potential. Moreover, enhanced 6PGD expression also performs key role in development of chemoresistance as well as radiation resistance in cancer. This review aims to discuss the historical timeline and cancer‐specific role of 6PGD, pharmacological and genetic inhibitors of 6PGD and 6PGD as prognostic biomarker in order to explore its potential for therapeutic interventions. We anticipate that targeting this imperative supplier of NADPH might serve as tempting avenue to combat the deadly disease like cancer.
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DOBA, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Altered enzymatic machineries are a substantial biochemical characteristic of tumor cell metabolism that switch metabolic profile from oxidative phosphorylation to amplified glycolysis as well as ...increased lactate production under hypoxia conditions. Reprogrammed metabolic profile is an emerging hallmark of cancer. Overexpression of several glycolytic enzymes and glucose transporters has been reported in 24 different types of cancers that represent approximately 70% of all the cancer cases around the globe. Thus, targeting glycolytic enzymes could serve as tempting avenue for drug design against cancer. Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is an important glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 3‐phosphoglycerate to 2‐phosphoglycerate. Recent investigations have revealed the overexpression of PGAM1 in several human cancers that is linked with tumor growth, survival, and invasion. The aim of this review is to update scientific research network with cancer‐specific role of PGAM1 to elucidate its capability as bonafide therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Moreover, we have also summarized the reported genetic and pharmacological inhibitors of PGAM1. This study suggests that further investigations on PGAM1 should focus on the exploration of molecular mechanisms of PGAM1 overexpression in development of cancer, assessment of biosafety profiles of known inhibitors of PGAM1, and utilization of PGAM1 inhibitors in combinatorial therapies. These future studies will surely support the unbiased strategies for the development of novel PGAM1 inhibitors for cancer therapies.
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FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a devastating pest that attacks a wide range of crops, including sugarcane, rice, and maize. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ...toxicity potential of native plant extracts (Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globulus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cannabis sativa, Citrullus colocynthis, Nicotiana tabacum) against S. frugiperda. Four different concentrations (50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm) of the ethanolic plant extracts was evaluated against S. frugiperda third-instar larvae to determine their median lethal concentration (LC50). After 72 h of exposure, the LC50 values of A. indica, E. globulus, P. hysterophorus, C. sativa, C. colocynthis, N. tabacum, and positive control (Spinetoram) were 186.104, 518.438, 320.027, 334.259, 252.651, 720.980 and 189.369 ppm respectively. The maximum percent mortality was caused by the highest concentration (400 ppm) of A. indica (64 ± 0.18), E. globulus (48 ± 0.22), P. hysterophorus (56 ± 0.18), C. sativa (56 ± 0.18), C. colocynthis (60 ± 0.00), and N. tabacum (40 ± 0.28), after 72 h of treatment while Spinetoram induced 100 ± 0.00 percent mortality of S. frugiperda and only 4 ± 0.18 percent mortality was recorded in a control group. Results showed that all plant extracts were found to be effective against S. frugiperda. The compounds from the two most effective ethanolic plant extracts were identified by using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). The key compounds identified in neem leaf extract and kortuma fruit extract are predominantly biologically active molecules. Many of them were volatile compounds that belonged to different chemical categories, such as fatty acids, hydrocarbons, esters, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and amines. Terpenes exhibited a wide range of different biological activities, such as serving as insecticides and antifeedant. The presence of various functional groups in the plant extract was determined by conducting a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Farmers should employ these kinds of environmental friendly insecticides to lessen the impact of fall armyworm because these products are cheaper to use and better for the economy and the environment.
•Toxicological assessments of native plant extracts against the maize pest.•Characterization of most effective ethanolic plant extracts.•Sustainable and eco-friendly management of fall armyworm.
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FIS, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Spodoptera frugiperda
(J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest of maize crops, posing a serious threat to food security. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity of fungal ...isolates (Ma:
Metarhizium anisopliae
and Bb:
Beauveria bassiana
) and nematode species (Sc:
Steinernema carpocapsae
and Hb:
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
) alone and in-combinations against the 3rd instar larvae of
S. frugiperda
. The entomopathogens alone induced mortality ranging from 31.67 to 80.00% (fungal isolates:
B. bassiana
and
M. anisopliae
@ 1 × 10
5
– 1 × 10
8
conidia ml
− 1
) and from 41.67 to 81.67% (nematodes:
H. bacteriophora
and
S. carpocapsae
: @ 50–400 IJs). When applied in combinations LC
50
+ LC
50
and LC
30
+ LC
30
, they induced 36.67–76.67% mortality against 3rd instar
S. frugiperda
larvae. The combinations LC
50
+ LC
50
(Bb + Hb) and LC
30
+ LC
30
(Bb + Sc and Bb + Hb) demonstrated a synergistic impact, after exposure of ten days compared with others. Among all treated groups, the maximum feeding reduction was observed with Hb (45.00%) and Bb (34.74%) when applied alone, and with LC
50
+ LC
50
combination of Bb + Hb (36.30%) and LC
30
+ LC
30
of Bb + Hb (22.96%). The surviving larvae showed negative impacts on growth and development, including reduced pupation (16.67, 15, 21.67, and 25%), adult emergence (30, 33.33, 46.15, and 53.33%) and fecundity (21.25, 0, 16.25, and 26) with Bb and Hb (alone treatment), and Bb + Hb (combination: LC
50
+ LC
50
and LC
30
+ LC
30
), respectively. All the treated groups showed egg eclosion except Hb and Bb + Hb (combination: LC
50
+ LC
50
and LC
30
+ LC
30
). Maize crop in Pakistan is consistently damaged by
S. frugiperda
. Integrated application of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and nematodes offers a promising alternative approach to manage agricultural crop damage and reduce reliance on conventional synthetic insecticides, thereby mitigating their harmful impacts on the ecosystem.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, ZAGLJ
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