Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an intriguing yet contentious etiological factor in breast cancer, with growing evidences suggesting its role as early trigger in breast carcinogenesis. This retrospective case-control study compared the types and prevalence of HPV DNA in breast carcinoma tissues and non-malignant breast tissues to decipher a possible association between HPV infection and breast cancer. The study was conducted between 1st January, 2024 and 15th March, 2025 and included 230 tissue specimen preserved in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks in Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk General Hospital, and private laboratories in Kirkuk city, Iraq. Of these, 130 samples were diagnosed as breast cancer (cases), while 100 samples represented benign breast lesions (control). Clinical and pathological data, including tumour grade, tumour stage, hormone receptor status (ER and PR), and HER-2/neu status, were obtained from the medical records of participants. Molecular detection of HPV was performed using High- and Low-risk PapillomaStrip and PCR assays. HPV DNA was detected at a significantly higher rate in breast cancer cases as compared to controls (P < 0.0001). HPV type 32 was the most prevalent genotype, detected in 24.6% breast cancer samples as against 3% in control. HPV positivity was observed in patients with high-grade (grade III) and advanced-stage tumours. No significant associations were found between HPV positivity and tumour laterality, ER status, or PR status. However, HPV-positive cases showed significantly higher proportion of HER-2 positivity in comparison to HPV-negative cases. In conclusion, HPV infection was more prevalent in breast cancer patients, especially those with HER-2–positive, high-grade, and advanced-stage tumours, thereby suggesting a potential role for HPV in aggressive breast cancer progression.

Brewer spent yeast (BSY) is an underutilized byproduct of brewery industry that can be used as a renewable source for β-glucan extraction, contributing to a circular economy. The present study was aimed to extract β-glucan from indigenous and commercial brewing yeasts using two different extraction methods. Pilsner beer was brewed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MK680910) for the collection of indigenous BSY and commercial BSY was collected from Underdoggs Brewery and Kitchen, Ludhiana (India). The BSY derivatives, obtained from cell lysis and extraction, were assessed for their proximate analysis. β-glucan content in indigenous BSY was found to be 16.6 mg g-1 by acid-base extraction and 15.1 mg g-1 by water extraction methods, while commercial BSY yielded 19.1 and 16.5 mg g-1 by the respective methods. β glucan was characterized using FTIR, with evidence provided by the bands recorded around 1034-1150 and 889 cm⁻¹, which corresponded to C-O-C stretching in polysaccharides. The acid-base extraction method was more efficient than water extraction, producing higher yields with fewer impurities. The study paves the way for cost-effective, scalable extraction process that can benefit the brewing industry and other sectors relying on β-glucan.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient vital for various physiological processes in plants; however, its narrow gap between deficiency and toxicity demands careful nutrient management. This study assessed the impact of zinc (zinc sulphate heptahydrate @ 0.0-15.0 mM L-1) on the composition of chloroplast pigments and anti-oxidative enzyme activities within the chloroplasts of acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) leaves over two consecutive years. Moderate zinc concentrations (7.5-10.0 mM L-1) significantly improved chlorophyll (a, b, total), carotenoids, xanthophylls and plastoquinone contents, signifying enhanced chloroplast development and better photosynthetic ability. Rubisco activity, a crucial enzyme for carbon fixation, reached its maximum at 10.0 mM L-1. In contrast, both zinc deficiency (0.0 mM L-1) and toxicity (≥ 12.5 mM L-1) led to significant decline in pigments and Rubisco activity, associated with increased oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and ascorbate peroxidase activities within chloroplast were elevated under stress conditions, indicating a compensatory activation of antioxidant defence system. This biphasic response revealed the dual role of zinc in maintaining the physiological balance at optimal levels while triggering the oxidative stress and metabolic disturbances under deficiency or excess. The study emphasizes the critical zinc threshold required to sustain photosynthetic function and redox balance in acid lime.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a protective role during heat stress in dairy animals by acting as chaperones that facilitate the folding, unfolding, and refolding of denatured proteins. The present study was aimed to characterize HSPB6 gene on molecular basis and to assess the association between detected single nucleotide polymorphism and physiological parameters in buffaloes. Ninety-six (96) female buffaloes reared at Directorate Livestock Farms (DLF), GADVASU were targeted in this study. HSPB6 gene located on 18th autosome of Bubalis bubalis (BTA 18) plays an important role in apoptosis and stress response. Primers were designed as forward and reverse gene-specific primers with sizes of 578 and 720 bp, respectively. Two polymorphic loci (SNPs) which included translational mutation at locus A1277G in exon 2, and transversional mutation at locus A1123C in intron were found in HSPB6 gene when contrasted to buffaloes (NCBI GenBank AC 059174.1). Nucleotide substitution at g.1277A>G in exon 2 was found to be non-synonymous which changed sequence at position 91 from lysine (K) to glutamic acid (E) and individual SNP locus i.e., g.1123A>C was found to be remarkably associated (p < 0.01) with respiration rate. It can be concluded that AG genotype at locus g.1277A>G showed minimum value of respiration rate, rectal temperature and heat tolerance coefficient which established them to be thermotolerant. Experimental study in large population is required to assess the relationship of allelic variations in key heat shock protein genes.

The most frequent forms of α- and β-degenerate anaemias are characterized by disruption in the formation of bead protein which leads to the defective hemoglobin condition called thalassemia, a prevalent hereditary blood illness. The present study was aimed to diagnose haemoglobin A2 (HbA2) in patients suffering from thalassemia so as to provide a reference for further improvements in thalassemia control. Data was collected from 155 thalassemia patients at Baghdad Medical City between November 2024 and March 2025 regarding red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin (HbA), hemoglobin A2, and fetal hemoglobin (HbF). The relationships between different parameters were analysed. HPLC results demonstrated that thalassemia patients had significantly higher mean for HBA2, HBA, and HBF (P≤0.01) in comparison to the control group. The correlation coefficient results between serum ferritin and RBC in HBA2 patient group were insignificant (P≤0.01). The study revealed that the individuals exhibiting β-thalassemia trait have normal levels of serum ferritin, slightly elevated red blood cell counts, and high levels of HBA2.

Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) is widely used in Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical industry due to the presence of medicinally important bioactive compounds. Seven commercial cultivars of P. emblica along with one wild genotype were characterized for morpho-molecular characters and antioxidant profiling. Morphological experiments were structured using a randomized block design, and molecular analysis was performed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The pomological traits revealed significant variation among the evaluated cultivars. The principal component analysis depicted 75.1% variation in fruit traits, and it clustered all the commercial cultivars together and bifurcated the wild variety separately. Further, the commercial cultivars were superior in all fruit traits and had high antioxidant potential as compared to the wild genotype. Molecular characterisation through molecular markers revealed the mean PIC value of 0.51 and 76.7％ polymorphism. At cultivar level, these markers yielded polymorphic loci value ranging from 79.2 (cv. Kanchan) to 95.2% (cv. Krishna). Shannon's information index was between 0.28 (wild type) and 0.37 (cv. NA-7), indicating the genetic diversity. Cluster analysis through UPGMA method showed minimum similarity coefficient of 0.53 between wild type and cv. Kanchan. The pomological and molecular results authenticated the variability among the evaluated aonla cultivars and indicated the usefulness of pomological and molecular studies for precise characterization of P. emblica genotypes viz-a-viz genetic variability which could be exploited in future varietal improvement programmes.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae) bark is one of the most important spices used to enhance the taste and flavour of Indian foods. C. zeylanicum bark, besides its use as a spice, has potential antioxidants, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective potential. The present study was aimed to characterize key chemical constituents of C. zeylanicum bark essential oil and determine its chemoprotective effect against triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC). The chemical composition of C. zeylanicum bark essential oil was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The analysis identified 29 chemical compounds, amongst which (E)-cinnamaldehyde (69.89%), eugenol (14.27%), δ-cadinene (2.80%), and (Z)-caryophyllene (2.33%) were the key constituents. C. zeylanicum bark essential oil produced concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells. C. zeylanicum bark essential oil at 15.62 µL mL-1 concentration produced maximum inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells which was about 90.6%. The aroma profile of C. zeylanicum bark essential oil and in vitro anticancer activity provide a scientific basis for its possible use as a cancer remedy.

Field experiments were carried out to assess the impact of various bioformulations in presence of different levels of inorganic fertilizers on plant nutrient (NPK) availability and uptake by garlic during rabi seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Station, SKLTGHU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad (India). The study was conducted in a contrast factorial randomized block design with ten treatments including control, each replicated three times. The results demonstrated higher nitrogen (2.14%), and phosphorus (0.59%) contents in plant and greater N & P uptake (98.62 and 27.42 kg ha-1) in treatment 50% N + 100% P + 50% K + Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1 + potassium solubilizing bacteria @ 6 kg ha-1 + Trichoderma viride @ 10 mL L-1 + sesame oil @ 0.5% over other treatments. The highest available N, P and K (166.85, 38.31 and 137.22 kg ha-1) in soil, highest potassium content (1.85%) and uptake (82.99 kg ha-1) in plant was found in treatment (50% N + 50% P + 100% K + Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1 + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria @ 5 kg ha-1 + Trichoderma viride @ 10 mL L-1 + neem oil @ 0.5%). The study revealed that there is a need to assess different combinations of nutrient sources, botanicals and bioagents on physiological and nutritional behaviour of garlic.

Understanding scapular morphology is essential for interpreting species specific adaptations related to locomotion, muscle attachment, and ecological strategies. This study used geometric morphometric techniques to analyse scapular shape variation and morphological phylogeny in five mammalian species, barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and Indian Pariah dog (Canis lupus familiaris). The study was aimed to understand how scapular morphology reflects species-specific adaptations. A total of 144 homologous landmarks were digitized from high-resolution images of lateral and medial scapular surfaces. Shape variation was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and Procrustes ANOVA. Morphology-based clustering was performed using hierarchical UPGMA dendrograms based on PCA. Results revealed that PC1 accounted for 80.40% of shape variance (species-wise), mainly associated with acromion process orientation and scapular spine morphology. PCA analysis (surface-wise) described the lateral and medial scapular surfaces showed a more balanced variance distribution (PC1: 33.71%, PC2: 20.81%, PC3: 18.83%). Procrustes ANOVA showed a significant effect of scapular surface on shape (F = 10.34, P < 0.0001) but not on size (P = 0.0888). The phylogenetic dendrogram separated the species into two major phenetic groups. The study offers new insights into scapular shape diversity and its ecological and evolutionary significance among studied mammals.

In present study on okra, the level of heterosis over mid- and better-parents, along with the type of gene action for yield, quality, and resistance to Bhindi Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (BYVMV) disease were assessed by crossing six single-cross (SC) commercial hybrids in a 2 × 4, line × tester mating design. Two promising SC hybrids, ‘Radhika’ and ‘SVOK-1408’, could be recommended for BYVMV disease at hot spot regions. Most traits exhibited non-additive gene action, indicating heterosis breeding as an excellent approach to improve traits. Two genitors among SC hybrids, ‘Radhika’ and ‘Anushri’, were identified based on GCA effects and mean performance. These could be utilized for subsequent breeding. In double-cross (DC) hybrids, the percent disease index of BYVMV had the strongest desirable heterotic effect. This was followed by pod yield plant1, total dietary fibre content of pod, pod length, pod weight, number of pods plant-1, and pod diameter. Commercial utilization of DC hybrids "Radhika × Bindu" and "SVOK-1408 × Anushri" should could be beneficial following multilocational screening in tropics and subtropics. High-yielding DC hybrids, resistant to BYVMV disease, could be utilized in segregating generations, and potential breeding strategies have been addressed to find multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a major legume in Eastern India, contributing to the nutritional security and soil fertility through symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium spp. However, the efficiency of native strains under local conditions remains poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify native isolates from pigeon pea root nodules, and to evaluate their symbiotic efficiency and plant growth-promoting traits. Fourteen bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 12 belonged to Bradyrhizobium spp., while isolates S5 and S15 were identified as Pseudomonas azotoformans and Paenibacillus amylolyticus, respectively. All Bradyrhizobium isolates tested positive for catalase, oxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrogenase activity. Isolates S9, S3, S6, S13, and S1 showed significantly higher nitrogenase activity as compared to the other isolates. Plant growth-promoting assays revealed phosphate solubilisation, zinc solubilization, and potassium solubilization in ten, eight and five isolates, respectively. Eleven isolates produced siderophores and all of these synthesized indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Notably, isolate S6 (Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense) exhibited all PGPR traits and high nitrogenase activity, identifying it as the most promising isolate. Isolates S3, S1, and S9 also demonstrated strong potential. These results demonstrated the value of efficient native isolates as region-specific bioinoculants for pigeon pea, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Sheep play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, especially in arid, semiarid, and marginal farming regions where crop and dairy production are less viable. This study evaluated the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf meal-based diets on the blood biochemical profiles of ‘Deccani’ sheep reared under intensive and semi-intensive systems. Thirty-six growing lambs (14-18 kg) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments viz., T1 (control), T2 (75% groundnut cake + 25% Moringa leaf meal), and T3 (50% groundnut cake + 50% Moringa leaf meal) with six lambs per group in each system. The experiment lasted 90 days. Hematological and biochemical data were analysed using Student’s t-test. No significant differences (P < 0.01) in hematological parameters were observed among the diets in either system. Hb concentrations ranged from 9.83 to 11.25 g dL-1 across the treatments, while PCV values were higher in T2 than in T1 and T3. Total protein levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in T3 in both systems. Glucose levels showed a non-significant decrease in T2 as compared to T1 and T3. SGOT and SGPT values remained within the normal range. Overall, better blood biomolecule levels indicate that 25% Moringa inclusion under intensive rearing is superior to semi-intensive management.

Styler end rot is one of the most significant diseases which affects the styler end of guava fruit causing direct yield loss. The present study was aimed to characterize the causal pathogen of styler end rot (Phomopsis psidii) on physiological basis, and to assess its growth kinetics (ΔrAUKC) under laboratory conditions. The impact of various nutrient media, temperature regimes, pH, carbon, nitrogen and trace elements on pathogenic growth was evaluated. Among the six nutrient media tested, potato dextrose agar (PDA) gave highest diametric growth (90 mm) and growth rate (0.59 mm h-1) with a ring-pattern white mycelial growth. The maximum diametric growth (90 mm) with higher growth rate (0.56-0.59 mm h-1) was observed at a temperature of 25ºC and pH 6.5 after 144 h incubation. Further, the peak growth of fungus was noted between 48-72 h incubation, irrespective of nutrient media, temperature or pH. In terms of biomass production, the highest mean biomass was observed with starch as carbon source (1141.87 mg biomass), potassium nitrate as nitrogen source (282.30 mg biomass) and magnesium sulphate as trace element (858.33 mg). Understanding the optimal growth conditions of Phomopsis psidii lays the foundation for developing targeted cultural and chemical control methods against guava styler end rot.