RNA triphosphatase-mediated mRNA capping is essential for maintaining transcript homeostasis and the survival of Toxoplasma gondii.

RNA modifications are crucial for gene expression in eukaryotes; however, the regulatory role of 5' 7-methylguanosine (mG) cap, the first modification of mRNA, remains unknown in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we show that the mRNA capping machinery of Toxoplasma consists of three distinct enzymes: RNA triphosphatase, guanylyltransferase, and guanine-N7-methyltransferase, which together add mG cap to RNA, recognized by cap-binding protein, TgeIF4E. Biochemical and genetic studies show that among three capping enzymes, RNA triphosphatase (TgCet) is unique and a member of the tunnel family of metal-dependent phosphohydrolases, which is structurally and mechanistically distinct from the human RNA triphosphatase.

Lectin based differential profiling of sperm membrane glycans for assessment of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull fertility.

Spermatozoa membrane glycocalyx plays a crucial role in sperm functions, including maturation, female reproductive tract protection, oviductal epithelium adhesion, and oocyte fusion. This study investigated differences in glycan abundance and mapping in buffalo spermatozoa from high-fertile (HF) and low-fertile (LF) bulls. Semen samples were analyzed for motility, vitality, morphology, and functional characteristics before glycan profiling.

Deletion of splicing factor Cdc5 in Toxoplasma disrupts transcriptome integrity, induces abortive bradyzoite formation, and prevents acute infection in mice.

Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, has over 75% of its genes containing introns; however, the role of RNA splicing in regulating gene expression remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the pre-mRNA splicing factor Cdc5 is part of a large spliceosomal complex essential for maintaining the transcriptome integrity in Toxoplasma. TgCdc5 depletion results in splicing inhibition with widespread changes in gene expression affecting several parasite processes, including the lytic cycle, DNA replication and repair, and protein folding and degradation.

Genetic landscape of thrombophilia in recurrent miscarriages.

The etiology of recurrent miscarriage (RM) is extremely heterogeneous, encompassing genetic, immunological, anatomical, endocrine, thrombophilic, infectious, and uterine abnormalities. Thrombophilia is a major contributor to pregnancy complications, potentially harming the fetus and jeopardizing the continuation of pregnancy. Therefore, successful pregnancy outcomes depend on maintaining a delicate balance between coagulation and fibrinolytic factors, crucial for ensuring the adjustment of the basal plate to facilitate adequate placental perfusion.

Unraveling determinants of integrated farming systems adoption for sustainable livelihood and dietary diversity.

Introduction: Over the years, smallholder farmers have faced more vulnerability to risk and uncertainty in India due to their dependence on cereal crops. One way to reduce this risk is through diversified agriculture, integrating different practices for efficient resource utilization, and adopting a farming systems approach. An integrated farming system (IFS) is one such technique that provides year-round income from different components of enterprises.

Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Postpartum Women from Lower and Middle-income Backgrounds in India and its Effects on Early Mother-infant Bonding: An Observational Study.

The study was designed to examine the mental health impact of COVID-19 infection in postpartum women and its effects on mother-infant bonding during the first eight weeks postpartum. Fifty-seven consenting eligible postpartum women were recruited for the study. They were assessed at two time points using standardized rating scales to measure distress and uniquely designed scales assessing COVID-19-specific outcome fears and bonding.

Resilience among involuntarily childless couples and individuals undergoing infertility treatment: a systematic review.

Infertility is regarded as a highly stressful and challenging experience. However, the response to this unexpected moment varies from one individual to the other. The review explores research that studies resilience in the context of infertility and its treatment.

Buffalo sperm membrane glycan-binding proteins reveal precise and preferential binding signatures with specific glycans targets on oviduct epithelium and zona pellucida-an implication in fertilization.

Sperm membrane glycan-binding proteins (lectins) interact with the counterpart glycans in the oviduct, oocytes, and vice-versa. It has already been well known that specific glycans are present on oviductal epithelium and zona pellucida (ZP) in different mammalian species. Some of these glycans are necessary for oviductal sperm reservoir formation and gamete recognition.

Analysis of amplification and association polymorphisms in the bovine beta-defensin 129 (BBD129) gene revealed its function in bull fertility.

β-defensins are adsorbable on the sperm surface in the male reproductive tract (MRT) and enhance sperm functional characteristics. The beta-defensin 129 (DEFB129) antimicrobial peptide is involved in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization. However, its role in bovine fertility has not been well investigated.

Beta-defensins as marker for male fertility: a comprehensive review†.

Bovine male fertility in animals has a direct impact on the productivity of dairy herds. The epididymal sperm maturations involve extensive sperm surface modifications to gain the fertilizing ability, especially by absorptions of the plethora of biomolecules, including glycoprotein beta-defensins (BDs), enzymes, organic ions, protein, and phospholipids. Defensins are broad-range nonspecific antimicrobial peptides that exhibit strong relations with innate and adaptive immunity, but their roles in male fertility are relatively recently identified.

Farm typology for planning targeted farming systems interventions for smallholders in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India.

Due to complexity of smallholder farms, many times technologies with great potential fail to achieve the desired impact in leveraging productivity and profitability of the farming community. In the Indo-Gangetic Plains there is an urgent need to understand the diversity of farm households, identifying the main drivers deciding their system thus, classifying them into homogenous groups. In the present study, the diversity of smallholder farms was assessed using crop, livestock and income related characteristics and associated farm mechanization.

Placental Chorangiocarcinoma: Case Report with Literature Review of a Rare Entity.

Chorangiocarcinoma is an extremely rare tumor seen in the placenta, with only six cases reported in the literature so far. Its morphological characteristics, criteria for diagnosis, and the pathophysiology remain controversial to date. Although it was predominantly considered a benign entity, a solitary case of distant metastasis has been reported in the literature.

Promising role of defensins peptides as therapeutics to combat against viral infection.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitously present small peptides, which play a critical function in the innate immune system. The defensin class of AMPs represented an evolutionarily ancient family containing cationic cysteine residue and frequently expressed in epithelial or neutrophils cells. It plays myriad functions in host innate immune responses against various infection.

Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii Spt5 like transcription elongation factor.

Elongation has emerged as a highly regulated step in the multistage process of transcription. Control of gene expression mediated through transcription elongation remains an unexplored area of study in Toxoplasma gondii where the demands of complex lifecycle necessitate a regulated transcription program. Here, we elucidate the central role of Spt5 homolog in T.

Effect of summer pruning and CPPU on yield and quality of kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa).

A field experiment was conducted on bearing vines of kiwifruit cv. Abbott to find the effect of CPPU (N-(2- chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea) and summer pruning on fruit yield, fruit size and quality. CPPU greatly stimulated fruit growth indicating that it can be a powerful tool for improving kiwifruit cropping.