A comprehensive water buffalo pangenome reveals extensive structural variation linked to population-specific signatures of selection.

Background: Water buffalo is a cornerstone livestock species in many low- and middle-income countries, yet major gaps persist in its genomic characterization-complicated by the divergent karyotypes of its two subspecies (swamp and river). Such genomic complexity makes water buffalo a particularly good candidate for the use of graph genomics, which can capture variation missed by linear reference approaches. However, the utility of this approach to improve water buffalo has been largely unexplored.

Optimization and Characterization of Bioactive Metabolites from Cave-Derived C1.

Extremophilic microorganisms offer an untapped potential for producing unique bioactive metabolites with therapeutic applications. In the current study, bacterial isolates were obtained from samples collected from Chamalang cave located in Kohlu District, Balochistan, Pakistan. The cave-derived isolate C1 () exhibits prominent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDR), including , , and .

Genetic Investigation and Transcriptome Profiling in a Nuclear Family With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder hallmarked by mucocutaneous melanocytic macules and gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis associated with germline/somatic pathogenic variants in the tumor suppressor . PJS is clinically heterogeneous; however, the relationship between clinical phenotype and genotype remains elusive. Here, we report a family with PJS that harbors a heterozygous whole gene deletion combined with a heterozygous variant in that segregates with mucocutaneous pigmentation in the family.

Antimicrobial Peptides as Next-Generation Disinfectants: Tackling Biocide and Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospital Hygiene - A Narrative Review.

The global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is exacerbated by an increase in the number of biocide-resistant pathogens in hospital settings. Traditional disinfection methods face limitations, such as biofilm resilience, environmental hazards, and inadvertent selection of resistant strains. This review explores peptide-based disinfectants as innovative solutions to these challenges and highlights their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and eco-friendliness.

Whole exome sequencing identifies a novel variant causing Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation syndrome (NBIA) in a consanguineous Pashtun family.

Neurodegenerative disorders pose a significant public health problem. Among these, neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation syndrome (NBIA) is particularly challenging because even MRI imaging findings can be subtle. Understanding the genetic basis of NBIA is, therefore, crucial for early diagnosis.

Next generation antimicrobial peptide disinfectant targeting biocide and vancomycin resistant staphylococcus aureus through integrated in Silico and in vitro validation.

The rise of biocide- and antibiotic-resistant microbes in hospital settings demands urgent and innovative strategies to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study presents an innovative disinfectant strategy that leverages antimicrobial peptides (APep) extracted from antimicrobial-producing (AMP) strains isolated from hospital environments under intense antibiotic pressure. Unlike traditional probiotic disinfectants that rely on live bacterial strains prone to AMR, this approach directly utilizes APep from non-resistant strains with a high antioxidant potential to combat AMR and oxidative stress.

Exome sequencing reveals broad genetic heterogeneity for neuromuscular disorders in consanguineous Pakistani Families.

Neuromuscular disorders comprise the majority of neurogenetic conditions, generally characterized by overlapping clinical symptoms, such as spastic paraplegia, muscular abnormalities, and ataxia. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), many patients remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. For many NMDs, early diagnosis helps reduce the impact and mortality of the disorder, particularly in LMICs such as Pakistan, and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.

Seasonal and hospital settings variations in antimicrobial resistance among clinical isolates from cardiac patients: insights from a 7-Year study.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health challenge, particularly in specialized tertiary care settings. Despite its significance, data on the effects of seasonal variations, demographics, and healthcare settings on AMR in Pakistan are scarce.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and resistance patterns of AMR and identify the key contributing factors at a cardiac hospital in Faisalabad from 2012 to 2019 to inform targeted infection control strategies.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) mitigate salt stress in peanut seedlings by enhancing photosynthesis, osmoregulation, and antioxidant activity.

Soil salinization constitutes a major constraint to agricultural sustainability worldwide, with elevated sodium chloride levels inducing complex physiological disruptions that compromise crop productivity. As an innovative approach to abiotic stress mitigation, iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) demonstrate unique advantages in enhancing iron bioavailability and modulating plant stress responses. This investigation systematically evaluated the efficacy of FeO-NPs in ameliorating NaCl-induced stress (150 mM) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.

Sprayable ciprofloxacin loaded chitosan nanospheres-based topical formulation for eliminating multidrug-resistant bacteria and accelerating infected wound healing.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria represent a formidable global health crisis with a substantial risk of prolonged infections due to the diminishing efficacy of traditional antibiotic therapies against these resilient pathogens. A dual strategy offering rapid inactivation of MDR bacteria and reduction in wound area could effectively promote wound healing. In this work, we developed a sprayable topical formulation by integrating a biocompatible biopolymer chitosan with a chemotherapeutic drug ciprofloxacin.

Comparative genomics using long-read sequencing identifies nearly identical TAL effector regions in two pv. isolates collected from the basmati rice-growing region of Pakistan.

The emergence of hostile and novel plant pathogenic strains poses a serious threat to global food security, which renders the strategies for disease management in modern agriculture ineffective. Preventing the consequences of these emerging phytopathogens requires accurate genetic information about the pathogen population to formulate effective management strategies. Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by pv.

Magnetic hyperthermia-triggered multi-functional thermo-responsive lipid nanoparticles for enhanced paclitaxel release and cytotoxicity.

The inadequate safety and efficacy of chemotherapy have led cancer medicine to focus on localizing drug delivery to the target. Thermoresponsive nanocarriers (liposomes and polymeric networks) exploit local hyperthermia to trigger targeted payload release; however, their low stability and unpredictable fate have led to failure in clinical studies. To overcome these challenges, we reported first-of-its-kind thermoresponsive lipid nanoparticles (TLNs) that undergo solid-liquid phase transition under hyperthermia to release the payload.

Decoding fungal communication networks: molecular signaling, genetic regulation, and ecological implications.

Fungal communication networks regulate essential biological processes, enabling fungi to adapt to environmental changes, coordinate development, and establish interactions within microbial communities. These networks are mediated by diverse signaling molecules, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), peptide signaling molecules, and quorum-sensing molecules, which facilitate intra- and interspecies communication. The intricate regulation of these signals occurs through specialized signal transduction pathways such as G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and two-component regulatory systems, allowing fungi to sense external cues and modulate their physiological responses.

Process evaluation for enhanced production of aflatoxin-free citric acid by food-grade Aspergillus niger.

Aspergillus niger is considered as the main horsepower for the production of 90% of citric acid worldwide. Citric acid is produced under submerged fermentation and the process yield depends on A. niger and the process parameters.

Characterization of halotolerant Kushneria isolates that stimulate growth of alfalfa in saline conditions.

A key barrier to crop production is soil salinity, which is a serious and growing problem world-wide due to inadequate water drainage, saline ground water, or inadequate rainfall to wash away soil salts. There is substantial promise for plant-associated microbes isolated from halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) to enhance growth of salt-sensitive crop plants in salty soils. The objective of this study was to identify salt-tolerant bacteria from native halophytes and characterize their ability to stimulate the growth of alfalfa in salty soil conditions.

Multimodal evaluation of lipoxygenase-targeting NSAIDs using integrated in vitro, SAR, in silico, cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 cell line, DNA docking and MD simulation approaches.

Lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways generate biologically active mediators implicated in inflammatory disorders and several classes of cancer. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the COX pathway by inhibiting the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. We reported earlier that several NSAIDs, including naproxen, aspirin and acetaminophen, inhibited lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme at sub-micromolar concentrations.

Let the BOOSTER boost photosynthesis and plant productivity.

Recently, Feyissa et al. discovered an orphan gene, BOOSTER (BSTR), in Populus species, which has been shown to optimize photosynthesis and enhance CO assimilation and biomass accumulation. Integrating BSTR into breeding programs holds promise for boosting crop yields and contributing to food security, increased biofuel production, and sustainable agriculture.

Research advancements in molecular glues derived from natural product scaffolds: Chemistry, targets, and molecular mechanisms.

The mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remains unclear. Historically, research on TCM has mainly focused on exploring the mechanisms of active components acting on single targets. However, it is insufficient to explain the complex mechanisms by which these active components in TCM treat diseases.

Bi-allelic pathogenic variants in TRMT1 disrupt tRNA modification and induce a neurodevelopmental disorder.

The post-transcriptional modification of tRNAs plays a crucial role in tRNA structure and function. Pathogenic variants in tRNA-modification enzymes have been implicated in a wide range of human neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. However, the molecular basis for many of these disorders remains unknown.

Therapeutic potential of naturally derived carbon dots in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening infectious disease characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory response and consequent multi-organ dysfunction. The kidneys, as primary excretory organs with high blood flow, are particularly susceptible to damage during sepsis. Nonetheless, the existing treatment options for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) are still restricted.

Fecal microbiota landscape of commercial poultry farms in Faisalabad, Pakistan: A 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomics study.

This study explores the microbiota of broiler and layer farms, aiming to understand how genetic breed, age, and farm type influence microbial communities in commercial settings. Fecal samples from 18 poultry farms (twelve layers and six broilers) in Faisalabad, Pakistan were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3-V4 region to evaluate bacterial composition. The dominant phylum, Firmicutes, accounted for 58.

An overview of key industrial product citric acid production by Aspergillus niger and its application.

Unlabelled: Citric acid possesses high economic value and is considered as the world's largest consumed organic acid in numerous industries. Citric acid applications range from food to beverage industries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the environment. It is mostly produced by microbial fermentation, but Aspergillus niger is considered as the main workhorse for large-scale production of citric acid.

Expression of endochitinase and exochitinase in lettuce chloroplasts increases plant biomass and kills fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular leafy vegetable with global production of ~28 million Mt, cultivated >1 million hectares, with a market value of US$ 4 billion in 2022. However, lettuce is highly susceptible to fungal pathogens that drastically reduce biomass and quality due to spoilage/rot. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression of chitinase genes via the lettuce chloroplast genome to enhance biomass and disease resistance.

RNA methyltransferase SPOUT1/CENP-32 links mitotic spindle organization with the neurodevelopmental disorder SpADMiSS.

SPOUT1/CENP-32 encodes a putative SPOUT RNA methyltransferase previously identified as a mitotic chromosome associated protein. SPOUT1/CENP-32 depletion leads to centrosome detachment from the spindle poles and chromosome misalignment. Aided by gene matching platforms, here we identify 28 individuals with neurodevelopmental delays from 21 families with bi-allelic variants in SPOUT1/CENP-32 detected by exome/genome sequencing.