Winged odyssey: Profiling bacterial vistas in migratory avifauna via 16S rRNA sequencing.

Avian migration is an intrinsic biological phenomenon that involves trans-boundary movements to evade adverse ecological circumstances. During migration, avian gut bacterial taxa may serve as a potential source of bacterial dissemination via fecal contamination at stop-over sites. Therefore, bacterial taxa composition as well as diversities were investigated employing 16S rRNA sequencing in fecal samples collected from flocks of seven migratory avian species visiting southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Global distribution and definitive host range of Echinococcus species and genotypes: A systematic review.

Echinococcus species (spp.) are regarded as neglected cestodes causing several potential zoonoses of global public health. This systematic review critically appraises the worldwide distribution of Echinococcus spp.

Correction: A cross-sectional survey of hard ticks and molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus parasitizing domestic animals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Enhancing the potential of phenomic and genomic prediction in winter wheat breeding using high-throughput phenotyping and deep learning.

Integrating high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) based traits into phenomic and genomic selection (GS) can accelerate the breeding of high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat cultivars. In this study, we explored the applicability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)-assisted HTP combined with deep learning (DL) for the phenomic or multi-trait (MT) genomic prediction of grain yield (GY), test weight (TW), and grain protein content (GPC) in winter wheat. Significant correlations were observed between agronomic traits and HTP-based traits across different growth stages of winter wheat.

Biallelic variants in CSMD1 are implicated in a neurodevelopmental disorder with intellectual disability and variable cortical malformations.

CSMD1 (Cub and Sushi Multiple Domains 1) is a well-recognized regulator of the complement cascade, an important component of the innate immune response. CSMD1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where emergent functions of the complement pathway modulate neural development and synaptic activity. While a genetic risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, the role of CSMD1 in neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear.

Clinical genomics expands the link between erroneous cell division, primary microcephaly and intellectual disability.

Primary microcephaly is a rare neurogenic and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by significant brain size reduction that results in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) problems, including mild to severe intellectual disability (ID), global developmental delay (GDD), seizures and other congenital malformations. This disorder can arise from a mutation in genes involved in various biological pathways, including those within the brain. We characterized a recessive neurological disorder observed in nine young adults from five independent consanguineous Pakistani families.

Consanguineous marriages increase the incidence of recurrent tuberculosis: Evidence from whole exome sequencing.

Background: In this study, we have identified multiple mutations in the IL-12R1 gene among Pakistani patients who have inherited them through consanguineous marriages. These patients have experienced severe Bacille-Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection as well as recurrent tuberculosis. We will demonstrate the pivotal role of interleukin (IL)-12/interferon (IFN)-γ axis in the regulation of mycobacterial diseases.

Exome sequencing identifies homozygous variants in MBOAT7 associated with neurodevelopmental disorder.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a large group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a congenital limitation in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, and problem solving), adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, and practical skills), originated at birth and manifested before the age of 18. By whole exome sequencing of five consanguineous Pakistani families presenting hallmark features of ID, global developmental delay, aggressive and self-injurious behaviors, microcephaly, febrile seizures and facial dysmorphic features, we identified three novel homozygous missense variants (NM_024298.5: c.

Novel mutations in CYBB Gene Cause X-linked chronic Granulomatous Disease in Pakistani patients.

Background: Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency that causes susceptibility to recurrent fungal and bacterial infections. The CYBB gene encodes gp91 component of the Phagocytic Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and specifically, X-linked CGD is caused by mutations in the CYBB gene, located on the X chromosome. The aim of the study was to characterize functional and genetic mutations in X-linked CGD.

Phyto-Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Their Biological Activities.

Background: Nanotechnology finds broad applications in the field of nanomedicine, an emerging new field used for diagnosis, treatment, prevention of diseases, and improvement of health.

Objectives: To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from and and to carry out their antimicrobial, insecticidal, and phytotoxic activities, a step toward the new range of nanomedicines.

Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from and by chemical reduction method, and further biological activities of these nanoparticles were compared with crude methanolic extract, prepared through cold maceration process, at the concentration of 50 mg/ml.

Analysis of associated risk factors among recurrent cutaneous leishmaniasis patients: A cross-sectional study in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Background: Leishmaniasis is the second and fourth highest cause of mortality and morbidity respectively among all tropical diseases. Recurrence in the onset of leishmaniasis is a major problem that needs to be addressed to reduce the case fatality rate and ensure timely clinical intervention. Here we are investigating the association of risk factors with recurrent cutaneous leishmaniasis to address this issue.

, Encoding the βV-Spectrin Protein, Leads to a Syndrome of Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay, and Seizures.

Whole exome sequencing has provided significant opportunities to discover novel candidate genes for intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Variants in the spectrin genes , and have been associated with neurological disorders; however, gene-variants have not been associated with any human disorder. This is the first report that associates gene variants (ENSG00000137877: c.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards cutaneous leishmaniasis in referral cases with cutaneous lesions: A cross-sectional survey in remote districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania spp. and transmitted by female sandflies. Terrorism and counter-insurgency military operations in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) lead to a large-scale migration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and thus, new outbreaks of several infectious diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred.

Nanoparticles as Alternatives for the Control of : A Systematic Approach to Unveil New Anti-haemonchiasis Agents.

is an infectious gastrointestinal nematode parasite of small ruminants. This study addresses the / anti-haemonchiasis potential, toxicological effects, and mechanism of action of nanoparticles. Online databases were used to search and retrieve the published literature (2000 to 2021).

Genetic Diversity of Polymorphic Marker Merozoite Surface Protein 1 () and 2 () Genes of Isolates From Malaria Endemic Region of Pakistan.

Understanding the genetic diversity of species through polymorphic studies can assist in designing more effective control strategies of malaria like new drug formulation and development of a vaccine. Pakistan is moderate endemic for , but little is known about the genetic diversity of this parasite. This study aimed to investigate the molecular diversity of based on and genes in the malaria-endemic regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Cystic Echinococcosis in Livestock Population of the Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease prevalent in Pakistan, but the genetic diversity of the cestode is largely unexplored in the country. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of CE infecting the livestock population of the Malakand division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 1,200 livestock, including buffaloes, cattle, goats, and sheep, were examined for echinococcosis from November 2017-2018 at different slaughterhouses in the Malakand division.

Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) from Poultry Litter for Removal of Chromium (Cr (VI)) from Wastewater.

Pakistan, an agricultural country, raises 146.5 million commercial and domestic poultry birds, which generate around 544,831 tons of waste per year. This waste finds its final disposal in agricultural land as soil fertilizer or disposal site amendment.

Novel IL-12Rβ1 deficiency-mediates recurrent cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Background: The IL-12/IFN-γ axis plays a vital role in the control of intramacrophagic pathogens including Leishmania infections.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate genetic defects in the IL-12/IFN-γ axis in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients, using immunological and genetic evaluation.

Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify IFN-γ , while flow cytometry was performed to analyze surface IL-12Rβ1/IL-12Rβ2 expression and phosphorylation of signal transducers as well as the activator of transcription 4 (pSTAT4).

Impact of land use/land cover changes on water quality and human health in district Peshawar Pakistan.

The quality and quantity of groundwater resources are affected by landuse/landcover (LULC) dynamics, particularly the increasing urbanization coupled with high household wastewater discharge and decreasing open lands. This study evaluates temporal changes of groundwater quality for 2012 and 2019, its relation to Landuse/landcover, and its impact on Peshawar's residents (study area), Pakistan. A total of 105 and 112 groundwater samples were collected from tube wells in 2012 and 2019.

A cross-sectional survey of hard ticks and molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus parasitizing domestic animals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Background: In tropical and subtropical countries, tick infestation causes major public health problems and considerable financial losses to the livestock industry. This study was aimed to assess the species composition of richness and analyze the phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in the District Bannu of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Methods: Collected ticks were identified morphologically and DNA extracted from R.

A Systematic Review on Comparative Analysis, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Against .

is an important pathogenic nematode parasite and major economic constraint of small ruminants in tropics and subtropics regions. This review is an attempt to systematically address the; (a) efficacy of different plants against by and proof; (b) toxicology, mechanism of action, and active phyto-compounds involve in anti-haemonchiasis activity; (c) and comparative analysis of plant species evaluated both and . Online databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were searched and published research articles (1980-2020) were gathered and reviewed.

Cystic echinococcosis: an emerging zoonosis in southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the principal causes of economic loss to the livestock industry because of its morbidity and mortality of food-producing animals and condemnation of important visceral organs. Pakistan being an agricultural country having an extensive livestock sector, is mostly practiced by poor people, which has a fundamental role in the economy. The present study was aimed to conduct a cross-sectional survey and PCR based confirmation of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep, goats, cows, and buffaloes from southern regions (three districts: Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Karak) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Antidepressant-like effect of ethanol in mice forced swimming test is mediated via inhibition of NMDA/nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway.

There is evidence for a dramatic relationship between depression and alcohol consumption. Depressed patients may abuse ethanol because this agent reduces the symptoms of depression. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the NMDA/nitric oxide/cGMP pathway in the antidepressant-like effect of ethanol in an animal model of behavioral despair.

A synergy of activity, stability, and inhibitor-interaction of HIV-1 protease mutants evolved under drug-pressure.

A clinically-relevant, drug-resistant mutant of HIV-1 protease (PR), termed Flap+ and containing L10I, G48V, I54V and V82A mutations, is known to produce significant changes in the entropy and enthalpy balance of drug-PR interactions, compared to wild-type PR. A similar mutant, Flap+ , which evolves from Flap+ and contains the single change at residue 54 relative to Flap+ , does not. Yet, how Flap+ behaves in solution is not known.