Abstract: Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 spike protein; Omicron variants; antibody binding; immune escape; molecular dynamics; protein stability; mutational scanning; binding energetics; ; evolutionary mechanisms

Abstract: High-altitude and marine mammals inhabit vastly different ecosystems yet share the selective pressure of chronic hypoxia. Convergent evolutionary adaptations, particularly in pulmonary architecture with increased elastic fibers, facilitate efficient oxygen use under hypoxia. This review synthesizes molecular insights into these adaptations, highlighting gene family dynamics, positive selection, and convergent amino acid substitutions. The findings from comparative genomic studies offer valuable insights for human pulmonary fibrosis research.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a critical public health concern due to its multidrug resistance and capacity to form persistent infections, particularly in the context of implanted medical devices. Alternative therapeutic strategies that target bacterial virulence instead of viability are increasingly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antivirulence activity of an extract derived from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 against two MRSA strains—USA300 and M86—and to elucidate its effects on bacterial physiology and gene expression under host-mimicking conditions. Methods: Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion, MIC, and time-kill assays. Scanning electron microscopy of cells exposed to the extract confirmed decreased cellular density and morphological changes. Phenotypic assays evaluated biofilm formation, staphyloxanthin production, and adhesion to fibronectin. RT-qPCR analyzed transcriptional responses. Viability was assessed in the presence of human serum and type I collagen. Results: The CRL 2244 extract demonstrated bactericidal activity with up to 6-log10 CFU/mL reduction at 1x MIC. In USA300, the extract reduced the expression of hla, lukAB, fnbA, and icaA, correlating with decreased staphyloxanthin levels. In M86, a significant reduction in biofilm formation and repression of lukAB, nucA, and fnbA were observed. Adhesion to fibronectin was impaired in both strains. The extract showed no cytotoxicity in human serum but reduced viability in collagen-enriched conditions. Conclusions: The Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 extract modulates MRSA virulence in a strain-specific manner, targeting key regulatory and structural genes without inducing cytotoxic effects.

Abstract: The growing misuse of antibiotics has contributed to multidrug resistance, making bacterial infections a growing concern for public health. Numerous current wound dressings, which can cause skin irritation or allergies, are often insufficient for managing large wounds, frequently leading to infections. This highlights the need for better antibacterial materials. Nypa fruticans (Nipa palm), native to Southeast Asia, has been utilized for various purposes due to its multiple benefits, including antimicrobial properties, the presence of probiotics, and high cellulose content. This study evaluated the use of cellulose hydrogels from Nipa fronds loaded with probiotics (ProbioGel) as antimicrobial agents to prevent infections. The study involved an in vitro assay in which the Kirby–Bauer method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the gel against common wound pathogens. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and promoter analysis were performed to identify genes supporting their biochemical properties. The results showed that ProbioGel exhibited the presence of genes for Class II bacteriocin and lysozyme M1 precursor in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 is linked to its notable antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans. This study highlighted the potential of ProbioGel as an innovative and effective antimicrobial and anti-infection agent for wound care. The discovery of genes in the probiotic strain responsible for encoding antimicrobial peptides further supports its therapeutic potential.

Abstract: A parasitological study conducted in the peri-urban area of Bouaké, aims to control the main haemoparasites in cattle. A total of 240 blood samples were taken in 2021 from cattle of different breeds and age groups for the production of blood smears. These blood smears were fixed in 96% methanol for 3 to 5 minutes, then stained with diluted 10% Giemsa for 20 to 30 minutes and observed under a light microscope at immersion objective 100. Four species of haemoparasites specifically caused by ticks were observed: Anaplasma marginale (48.33%), Theileria spp (21.25%), Babesia bigemina (9.58%) and Anaplasma centrale (4.58%). Trypanosoma spp were not encountered. With the exception of B. bigemina, the statistical difference in prevalence was significant at the p-value threshold ≤ 0.05 at the sampling sites. In addition, A. marginale and Theileria spp differed significantly at p-value ≤ 0.05 according to season, with infection levels higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. Among cattle breeds, Theileria spp was more prevalent in the N'dama breed (28.8%). The difference in prevalence for this blood parasite is considered significant at p-value ≤ 0.05 at breed level. Further studies on haemoparasite vectors are needed for more effective integrated pest management.

Abstract: Growth regulatory factors (GRFs) and growth-regulating interacting factors (GIFs) play significant roles in plant growth, development, and environmental stress responses. Previous studies have reported the functions of GRF and GIF genes in model plants such as Arabidopsis and rice. Nevertheless, the GRF and GIF genes remained unexplored in cassava. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tropical economic crop. Its starchy storage roots serve as a major source of food and industrial raw materials, while its protein-rich leaves are widely consumed as leafy vegetables in Africa and other regions, offering high nutritional value and significant horticultural potential. This study identified 28 MeGRFs distributed on 13 chromosomes and 5 MeGIFs on 4 chromosomes through bioinformatic analysis and expression profiling. Promoter analysis uncovered cis-acting elements associated with growth, hormone signaling, and biotic stress responses. The MeGRFs and MeGIFs genes exhibited differential expression patterns in 11 different tissues. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed a significant expression for 11 MeGRFs and 3 MeGIFs under the Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm) treatment. The protein-protein interaction network highlighted a potential GRF-GIF complex with MeGRF28 and MeGIF4 key hub genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the functional evolution of the GRF and GIF gene families in cassava and their roles in horticultural trait development and stress resistance mechanisms.

Abstract: Humans have been fascinated by amphibians that leap and glide from trees for centuries, possibly millennia. Here, I discuss aerial behavior and functional morphology along a gradient of arboreality to better understand the biomechanics of and adaptations for leaping and gliding in amphibians. Even nonarboreal frogs and toads experience short-term airborne flight after takeoff and reliably engage in aerial righting, forelimb-forward and controlled landing, and quick recovery that assist in terrestrial locomotion. However, arboreal amphibians are exposed to additional locomotor challenges, including long-term airborne flights, and subsequently exhibit more sophisticated aerial control. Gliding treefrogs have morphological features that maximize surface area and pressure drag and behavioral postures that enhance aerodynamic torque and maneuverability during flight. Likewise, some arboreal salamanders readily jump, albeit using entirely different biomechanics than anurans. The most arboreal species have flattened bodies, semi-webbed feet, and long limbs that provide high frontal area and pressure drag, enhancing maneuverability during flight. Although arboreal anurans and salamanders independently evolved to jump using completely different takeoff strategies, they seem to have converged upon similar functional morphologies and adaptive behaviors for gliding flight. The biomechanics of leaping and gliding in amphibians help inform our understanding of arboreal locomotion in tetrapods more generally.

Abstract: The field of decision neuroscience is a contributor to the replication crisis in psychology. Here, it was argued that a key reason is the confusion, misrepresentation, and conflation of the roles and definitions of mental phenomena/psychological constructs, behaviors/actions, and neural mechanisms/systems. Four common assumptions about decisions and their underlying systems were outlined and critiqued: 1) the underlying system has discrete processing stages, 2) the stages are linearly causal, 3) they are volitional, and 4) they rely on internal representations. Next, the definitions of mental phenomena (decisions), actions, and neural mechanisms were critiqued, finding that “neural mechanisms” in current decision neuroscience are merely reflections of the mental phenomena they purport to explain. The next, and most radical, argument was that decisions cannot be the cause of actions (without accepting a dualist perspective). Decisions and actions are both caused by neural mechanisms and the resulting correlation makes them appear to be causally related. Finally, it was recommended that the approach taken in autonomous robotics be used as a scaffold for conceiving of the neural mechanisms of decisions and actions.

Abstract: As an early-diverging angiosperm lineage, Chloranthaceae produces specialized coumarins with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its ecological success. Isofraxidin, the most representative dihydroxycoumarin in this clade, exhibits significant pharmaceutical potential. However, its biosynthetic basis remains uncharacterized. Here, we assembled a high-quality triploid genome of Chloranthus erectus (8.57 Gb, contig N50=8.76 Mb) to explore the evolution of defensive metabolism. Genomic analysis revealed an ancient WGD event and expanded gene families associated with pathogen resistance. Metabolomic analysis identified at least 49 coumarin compounds in Chloranthus plants, significantly exceeding previous records. Integrated omics revealed 267 candidate biosynthetic genes across 9 enzyme families governing isofraxidin biosynthesis. PAL-4CL established the phenylpropanoid backbone, amplified COSY genes correlated with umbelliferone accumulation, and CYP71/OMT catalyzed terminal modifications. This study deciphers the chemical defense evolution in early angiosperms and enables engineering of plant-derived antimicrobials.

Abstract: Background: A global issue, tobacco use is on the rise among young people in Asian nations like Pakistan, especially among college students. This study's initial goal was to investigate smoking behaviors, attitudes, and smoking-related information among Pakistani students in different departments and colleges. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in both urban and rural areas between February and April 2025. Data were acquired from Pakistani University's faculties as well as Community College departments. The questionnaire was based on the Global Health Professionals and Global Youth Tobacco Surveys. A total of 760 the students were randomly selected. Results: In the current study, 53 (27.3%) smokers scored very high on the FTND, making them predisposed to heavy smoking dependency. A linear regression analysis found a strong association between students' smoking knowledge and age, residency, smoking status, and geographic location (p<0.001). Significant indicators of smoking knowledge included sex, marital status, and school year (P<0.05). The study indicated that age, family income, marital status, and school-year level were significantly related to students' attitudes and perspectives on smoking (P<0.001). However, the study indicated that age >24 years and second and fourth school years were significantly connected to smoking behavior (P < 0.001). Students with positive attitude ratings had decreased rates of smoking dependency (P<0.05). Smokers exhibited more positive attitudes and views about smoking compared to nonsmokers, and nonsmokers had more smoking-related information (P<0.001). Students from various departments and colleges had significantly diverse knowledge levels on the detrimental impacts of smoking and hazardous tobacco components from cigarettes (P<0.001). Conclusions: The results of the FTND test demonstrated that smokers are highly dependent on smoking in this study. Smoking attitudes, knowledge, and dependence were all higher among fourth-year students. In contrast to nonsmokers, who were more cognizant of the harmful effects of smoking, smokers tended to have more favorable attitudes toward smoking. Departmental and college-level smoking data discrepancies highlight the need for targeted anti-smoking campaigns and enhanced public awareness of the risks associated with tobacco use.

Abstract: Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease caused by the parasite Leishmania, is a public health concern in Europe. Although Spain is an endemic country, it lacks a national surveillance network. To address this, the creation of a research and surveillance network is proposed, which would integrate data from various fields and enhance control and public health strategies. The first objective is to gather epidemiological data on vectors, reservoirs and transmission rates in Spain, with a particular focus on the role of dogs and wildlife as primary reservoirs. The plan includes establishing forums, databases, and specialised training programmes. The second objective is to improve case surveillance and reporting by establishing a comprehensive national registry. Implementing molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics tools will aid analysis of retrospective data and tracking of disease evolution. The third objective is to develop a standardised method for the molecular char-acterisation of Leishmania, using techniques such as PCR and genomic sequencing to de-tect virulence and resistance patterns. Key actions include collecting isolates, sharing an-alytical tools and providing genomic training. The fourth objective is to identify new therapeutic targets in response to toxicity and resistance to current treatments by studying specific enzymes (FeSOD, HDAC), metabolic pathways and natural products. Ultimately, establishing the Leishmaniasis Surveillance Network will support a 'One Health' ap-proach and promote interdisciplinary collaboration towards a national control plan.

Abstract: Ageism, a pervasive form of discrimination based on age, has become a growing concern across various fields. Artificial Intelligence (AI), despite its transformative potential, has unintentionally reinforced ageist stereotypes through flawed design, biased datasets, and implementation practices. This review delves into the complex interplay between ageism and AI, offering a thorough analysis of existing research on the subject and its consequences for older adults. It highlights significant gaps, including the underrepresentation of older individuals in datasets and the absence of age-inclusive design standards, which perpetuate algorithmic biases. Ethical principles, policy development, and societal implications of ageist AI systems are critically assessed. Furthermore, the article proposes constructive strategies and outlines future research directions to promote equitable and inclusive AI systems. By addressing these challenges, this review aims to contribute to a fair and dignified technological landscape for all age groups.

Abstract: Introduction/Background: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) are significant pathogens affecting small ruminants, causing substantial economic losses in the affected regions. The development of effective vaccines against both viruses is crucial for disease control. Recombinant viruses expressing heterologous antigens have shown promise as multivalent vaccine candidates. Methods: Recombinant RVFVs were generated to express either the Hemagglutinin (H) or Fusion (F) proteins from the PPRV strain Nigeria 75/1. The stability of these recombinant viruses was assessed through consecutive passages in cell culture. Immunogenicity studies were conducted in both mice and sheep to evaluate the induction cellular and humoral immune responses capable of protecting against both RVFV and PPRV. Results: The recombinant RVFVs expressing PPRV H or F proteins demonstrated stability in cell culture, maintaining high viral titers and consistent transgene expression over five passages. Immunization of mice resulted in the production of serum antibodies capable of neutralizing both RVFV and PPRV in vitro. In sheep, the recombinant viruses elicited both neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immune responses specific to PPRV and RVFV antigens. Conclusions: The successful generation and characterization of recombinant RVFVs expressing PPRV antigens demonstrate the potential of using rationally attenuated RVFV as a vector for multivalent vaccine development. These results suggest that this approach could be a viable strategy for simultaneous immunization against Rift Valley fever and other prevalent ruminant diseases, such as peste des petits ruminants.

Abstract: Background: Improving nutritional quality of widely consumed foods such as bread with natural additives is a rational approach for community nutrition and management of non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, obesity). Pelemir (Cephalaria syriaca L.), an annual weed growing in wheat fields, improves the quality of bread when added to wheat flour and is expected to reduce the glycemic index due to its high protein, fiber and polyphenol contents. We aimed to investigate the effects of pelemir-added bread on glucose metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones. Materials and Methods: Study population consisted of three groups (healthy control, obesity, and diabetes; each n=20). The participants ingested two test meals (bread with and without pelemir) with one-week interval. Blood samples for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, GLP-1, leptin, ghrelin, and PYY were obtained at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes. The effect on appetite was evaluated subjectively by visual analog scales. Results: Area under curve (AUC)-Insulin and AUC-C-peptide were higher with pelemir-added bread in total group (p=0.044). In healthy group, AUC-GLP-1 was higher with pelemir-added bread (p=0.021). Additionally, pelemir-added bread resulted in an increased trend in AUC-C-peptide and AUC-PYY in healthy group; AUC-Insulin, AUC-C-peptide and AUC-Ghrelin in diabetes group; and a decreased trend in AUC-Leptin and AUC-PYY in obesity group. AUC for progressive food consumption was lower with pelemir bread in obesity group (p=0.006). Conclusion: The preliminary findings of this pilot study suggested that pelemir may possess beneficial effects on regulating glucose metabolism and hormonal responses. However, long-term, large-scale studies are needed to further clarify these effects.

Abstract: In humans, food choice, nutrient intake and meal size are strongly influenced by their sense of smell. Recent studies have shown that humans can perceive the odor of free fatty acids (FFAs), which provide information about the nutritional content of foods. Other studies suggest that the odor perceived is that of secondary oxidation products. The aim of this research was to study the orthonasal perception of palmitic (PA), oleic (OA) and linoleic (LA) fatty acids (FAs) as they elute from the chromatographic column, to correlate the perceived intensity to the olfactory threshold for FAs, and to explore differences related to sex and the general olfactory function of individuals. The ability to perceive the odor of FAs was assessed in 70 healthy subjects, previously classified as normosmic or hyposmic. The number of participants who smelled PA was significantly lower than that of OA and LA. Normosmic participants and females reported perceiving the FA odor with a higher intensity than hyposmic ones and males, respectively. The perception intensity of FA odor reported by participants showed a decreasing order: LA=OA>PA for males, normosmic and hyposmic individuals and LA>OA>PA for females. The olfactory threshold for FA odor reported by the participants was in decreasing order: PA>OA=LA for males, normosmic and hyposmic individuals and PA>OA>LA for females. The results confirm the human ability, with females and normosmic individuals performing better than males and hyposmic ones respectively, to perceive the FA odor and show that the intensity of perception increases with decreasing FA lipophilicity; consequently, the olfactory threshold also decreases.

Abstract: Plants have always been an indispensable part of human life since the beginning of human civilization. Bacopa monnieri (L.), popularly known as Brahmi, is widely considered the water hyssop or Indian pennywort. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenation) and projected to promote mental and physical health, rejuvenate the body in debilitated conditions, and increase longevity. Each naturally synthesized chemical constituent identified from Bacopa monnieri leaf extract with different solvents has significant pharmacological activity. Multiple preclinical and clinical studies have supported the neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, antioxidant, antitumor, learning- and memory enhancing activity of Bacopa monnieri and its bioactive constituents. The present review describes the botany, pharmacology, traditional uses, and phytoconstituents of Bacopa monnieri to highlight future research needs and potential uses of this medicinal herb.

Abstract: Glioblastoma, the most frequent malignant primary brain tumor in adults, presents a significant challenge in cancer treatment, with a mean survival of merely 12-15 months and a 5-year survival rate of less than 2%. Despite extensive research and current treatments, involving maximal surgical excision, radiation, and chemotherapy mainly with temozolomide (TMZ), recurrence remains nearly universal. This is attributable to its infiltrative nature and tumor cells may be found far from the surgical resection cav-ity. To address the critical need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma multiform (GBM), we have developed an innovative theranostic molecule, AGT-7, based on tetrofosmin, a compound used in nuclear medicine bioimaging, and TMZ. AGT-7 was specifically designed to enable simultaneous tumor imaging and tar-geted chemotherapy. Its diagnostic component was inspired by the ability of tetrofosmin to selectively accumulate in glioma mitochondria, driven by its positive charge and the negative membrane potential of these organelles. A chelating moiety allows for radio-labeling with technetium-99m (⁹⁹ᵐTc), enabling precise SPECT imaging. The therapeutic arm comprises a tethered TMZ moiety, delivering localized cytotoxic activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that AGT-7 exerts potent cytotoxic effects in GBM cell lines (T98 and U87), with superior therapeutic efficacy compared to TMZ alone. Toxicity assess-ment in zebrafish embryos confirmed a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, biodis-tribution studies in CFW mice showed that [⁹⁹ᵐTc]Tc-AGT-7 exhibited approximately tenfold lower heart uptake than [⁹⁹ᵐTc]Tc-tetrofosmin, a standard cardiac imaging agent, indicating a significant reduction in off-target cardiac localization. This reduced heart uptake is particularly advantageous, as it minimizes potential cardiotoxicity and en-hances the suitability of AGT-7 as a glioma-targeted theranostic agent.

Abstract: Background: Obesity and its complications have increased in both adults and children, with pediatric populations developing metabolic disorders earlier ages. Long non-coding RNAs, particularly MEG3, are involved in obesity through regulation of lipid metabolism genes including ATF4, FTO, SREBP1, FASN, and ACACA. However, data on MEG3 expression in pediatric obesity are limited. This study evaluated MEG3, FTO, and ATF4 expression in PBMCs from children with obesity and their associations with added sugar intake and lipid metabolism genes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study a total of 71 children aged of 6 to 12 years were included (28 normal weight and 43 with obesity). Anthropometrical and clinical parameters and dietary added sugar consumption were analyzed. Real-time PCR was performed to assess MEG3, FTO, ATF4, SREBP1, FASN and ACACA gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: The expression of MEG3, ATF4, FTO, SREBP1, FASN, and ACACA was decreased in children with obesity. MEG3 and FTO showed sex-dependent expression in children without obesity, while additional sex-related differences were observed for SREBP1, FASN, ACACA, FTO, and MEG3 in children with obesity. MEG3 was correlated with increased levels of ATF4 and SREBP1, and moderately with FTO and FASN. In insulin resistance (IR) children, MEG3, ATF4, FTO, ACACA, and SREBP1 were reduced, while FASN was increased. Added sugar intake negatively correlated with FTO, SREBP1, and ACACA. Conclusions: The MEG3–FTO–ATF4 axis was altered in children with obesity, showing sex- and IR-related differences. Added sugar intake correlated negatively with lipid metabolism gene expression.

Abstract: Declining whole-body and skeletal muscle protein metabolism is frequently linked to ageing, which can lead to metabolic diseases, sarcopenia, and decreased muscle mass. Slower metabolic processes and a higher risk of chronic diseases result from this reduction. Through increased muscle protein synthesis and improved inter-organ metabolic coordination, aerobic exercise has been demonstrated to partially counteract these effects. Prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to modulate the gut microbiota, which in turn affects systemic inflammation, nutrient absorption, and overall metabolic health. This article explores the ways in which gut microbiome-targeting therapies, such pre/probiotics, and exercise can complement one another to maintain metabolic function and encourage better ageing.

Abstract: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an urgent public health threat due to its rapid dissemination and resistance to last-line antibiotics. Cefiderocol (FDC), a novel siderophore cephalosporin, targets resistant Gram-negative pathogens by exploiting bacterial iron uptake mechanisms. However, resistance to FDC is emerging among KPC-producing K. pneumoniae strains. This study characterizes a spontaneous FDC-resistant subpopulation (IHC216) derived from a KPC-producing strain (KPNMA216) using comprehensive genomic, transcriptional, and phenotypic analyses. Given the whole-genome sequencing results, where mutations were identified in genes involved in transcriptional regulation and membrane permeability (ompC) among others, in the present work we further explore their potential implications and conduct a more detailed analysis of the IHC216 genome. qRT-PCR analysis highlighted significant downregulation of iron acquisition systems (fepA, cirA, iroN) and upregulation of alternative iron uptake pathways (iucA, fiU), reflecting a metabolic shift. A notable downregulation of blaKPC-163 correlated with restored susceptibility to carbapenems, indicating collateral susceptibility. Altered expression of pbp2 and pbp3 implicated adaptive changes in cell wall synthesis, potentially affecting FDC resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, enhanced oxidative stress responses via upregulated sodC expression and increased capsule production were observed. These findings underscore the complex interplay of genetic and transcriptional adaptations underlying FDC resistance, highlighting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.