Spectrum of Disorders of Sex Development: A Single-Center Experience in the Southern Area of Iraq.

BACKGROUND: The most common presentation of disorders of sex development (DSD) is in the neonatal period when a baby is born with atypical ("ambiguous") genitalia, making it unclear whether the child is a boy or a girl. This study aims to provide an overview of the DSD spectrum, seen in Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center (FDEMC), Basrah, southern area of Iraq. METHODS: A retrospective study on patients with DSD was referred to FDEMC, a tertiary center in Basrah, between January 2009 and December 2023. RESULTS: Out of the total 150 studied patients, individuals above 15 years old comprised the majority. Sex chromosomal DSD made up 37.3% of the cases, while 46, XY DSD comprised 34.7%, and 46, XX DSD accounted for 28% of the total. CONCLUSION: Many patients with DSD in Basrah were diagnosed late, beyond infancy. Increasing awareness among healthcare providers and families is essential for early diagnosis during infancy.

Covalent organic frameworks and related innovative materials in chiral separation and recognition.

Chiral recognition and enantioseparation are of paramount importance in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and material science. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising materials for chiral separation due to their unique structural features and tunable properties. This review provided a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the application of COFs and related innovative materials for chiral separation and recognition. Various strategies were analyzed for the design and synthesis of chiral COFs, including the incorporation of chiral building blocks, post-synthetic modification, and the integration of chiral selectors. The applications of chiral COFs in chromatographic techniques, membrane separations, and other emerging methods were critically evaluated with the emphasis on their advantages and limitations. Additionally, the review summarized the potential of combining COFs with other nanomaterials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanoparticles, to enhance chiral recognition and separation performance. The fundamental principles and mechanisms of chiral recognition were discussed, highlighting the role of chiral selectors and their interactions with enantiomers. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in this field were discussed, providing insights into the development of more efficient and versatile chiral separation systems based on COFs and related materials.

Algerian Prickly Pear Seed By-Products: Fatty Acids Composition, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities towards Tyrosinase, Urease, α-Amylase, and Cholinesterase, along with the Ability to Protect from Thermal Protein Denaturation.

Prickly pear seed is a source of the most expensive oil in the world, which is rich in vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its extraction generates a large quantity of press cake. These two by-products need to be valued. The current study aimed to assess the fatty acid composition of oil and the phytochemical composition of press cake. In addition, the antioxidant and the inhibition of thermal protein denaturation effects of both Algerian seed by-products were evaluated with their inhibitory action against the activities of urease, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and cholinesterase enzymes. The GC MS analysis result revealed the richness of our oil in linoleic (74%) and palmitic (13%) acids methyl esters, respectively. The chemical composition of press cake was characterized by a high value of dry matter (94.94 ± 0.05%), especially the carbohydrates (85.13 ± 0.94%). The results of antioxidant activity presented by IC50 and A0.5 ranged from 7.51 ± 0.03 to 88.10 ± 0.92 µg/mL. Furthermore, the IC50 values were 40.19 ± 1.21 and 61.18 ± 0.03 µg/mL in thermal protein denaturation assay, and ranging from 22.97 ± 0.72 to 385.99 ± 0.27 µg/mL for the inhibition of enzymatic activities. These results indicate that the studied oil can be one of the strongest oils for its impressive effects and also encourage us to reuse its press cake in feed livestock.

Molecular prevalence, epidemiology, and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia microti in dogs with a note on its impact on host hematological profile.

Babesia (B.) microti is an intra-erythrocytic protozoan parasite that infects humans as well as domestic and wild animals. Prevalence of B. microti was investigated in 654 apparently healthy dogs belonging to 55 different breeds from three districts in Punjab province (Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur and Jhang) and two districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (Dir Upper and Charsadda) in Pakistan. The hematological profile of dogs, risk factors associated with the infection and phylogenetic diversity of the detected isolates were also evaluated. In total, 29 blood samples (4 %) scored PCR positive. Sanger sequencing of partial 18S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of B. microti. The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences based on the 18S rRNA gene displayed global phylogenetic similarity with the isolates that were previously documented from Russia, France, Poland, Spain, China, Japan and USA. The infection rate was consistent across different sampling sites and dog breeds. Sex or presence of ectoparasites on dog was also not associated with B. microti prevalence. Babesia microti infected dogs had elevated red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (%) than uninfected animals. This study presents updated data about the prevalence of B. microti among local Pakistani dogs and will be helpful in designing control strategies against this tick-borne pathogen as the tick infesting a B. microti infected dog may transmit this parasites to human as well.

16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data from the gut microbiota of adolescent Afghan refugees.

The gut microbiota residing in the distal ileum and colon is the most complex, diverse, and densest microbial ecosystem in the human body. Despite its known role in human health and disease, gut microbiome diversity and function are rarely explored in vulnerable populations such as refugees. The current study aimed to explore gut microbiota diversity and sources of variation among adolescent Afghan refugees residing in Peshawar, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 10 - 18 years old, healthy adolescents (n=205) for 16S rRNA gene sequence (V4-V5 hypervariable region) analysis on isolated faecal DNA. Bioinformatics analyses were performed using Kraken2, Bracken and Phyloseq. The data presented here will allow researchers to profile the gut microbiota of this rarely explored, vulnerable population who are at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. The data can be used to provide insight on the impact of demographic characteristics, dietary intake, nutritional status, and health on gut microbiome diversity, and enables a comparative analysis with similar data sets from other population groups of relevance. The amplicon sequencing data are deposited in the NCBI Sequence Read Archive as BioProject PRJNA1105775.

Spatiotemporal analysis and clinico-epidemiological study for seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonotic disease. The study was conducted to estimate the Seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis in a total of 450 dogs, from a total of 97 puppies and 353 adult dogs selected for examination Sampling, started from January to December 2023 in District Kasur in the province Punjab of the country Pakistan. Leptospira IgG ELISA kit manufactured by DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany was used for the screening of canine Leptospira antibodies. Out of 450 tested dogs, 183 dogs (40.67%) were tested positive for Leptospira antibody for the screening of Leptospira antibodies. The estimated Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in various age groups of dogs, were 23.7% (23/97) and 45.3% (160/353), in puppies and adults, respectively (P < 0.05). It was found that out of the sampled dogs, a total of 35/127 (27.6%), 29/100 (29%), 73/130 (56.2%), and 46/93 (49.5%) dogs were tested seropositive for Leptospira antibodies in winter, spring, summer and fall, respectively (P < 0.05).

Dry Knee Arthroscopy With Carbon Dioxide Insufflation for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are commonly treated through orthopaedic surgery, with traditional procedures relying on arthroscopy using fluid as the medium. However, dry arthroscopy has emerged as a potentially advantageous alternative technique. This method allows the knee joint to remain dry, reducing the risk of fluid leakage and enabling a more precise surgical visualization, resulting in shorter operation times and fewer complications. Recent research has highlighted the benefits of carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during ACL reconstruction, which can decrease pain and discomfort during early recovery. This article introduces a technique for performing ACL reconstruction that eliminates the need for arthroscopic fluid for visualization or instrumentation. Based on CO2 insufflation, this technique shows promise as a viable alternative to traditional fluid distention methods.

Corrigendum: Methotrexate-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles exert substantially improved cytotoxic effect on lung cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1194578.].

Failure of Surgical Aortic Valve Prostheses: An Analysis of Heart Team Decisions and Postoperative Outcomes.

Objectives: To analyze Heart Team decisions and outcomes following failure of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) prostheses. Methods: Patients undergoing re-operations following index SAVR (Redo-SAVR) and those undergoing valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV-TAVR) following SAVR were included in this study. Patients who underwent index SAVR and/or Redo-SAVR for endocarditis were excluded. Data are presented as medians and 25th-75th percentiles, or absolute numbers and percentages. Outcomes were analyzed in accordance to the VARC-3 criteria. Results: Between 01/2015 and 03/2021, 53 patients underwent Redo-SAVR, 103 patients ViV-TAVR. Mean EuroSCORE II was 5.7% (3.5-8.5) in the Redo-SAVR group and 9.2% (5.4-13.6) in the ViV group. In the Redo-SAVR group, 12 patients received aortic root enlargement (22.6%). Length of hospital and ICU stay was longer in the Redo-SAVR group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), PGmax and PGmean were lower in the Redo-SAVR group as compared to the ViV-TAVR group (18 mmHg (10-30) vs. 26 mmHg (19-38), p < 0.001) (9 mmHg (6-15) vs. 15 mmHg (9-21), p < 0.001). A higher rate of paravalvular leakage was seen in the ViV-TAVR group (p = 0.013). VARC-3 Early Safety were comparable between the two populations (p = 0.343). Survival at 1 year and 5 years was 82% and 36% in the ViV-TAVR cohort and 84% and 77% in the Redo-SAVR cohort. The variables were patient age (OR 1.061; [95% CI 1.020-1.104], p = 0.004), coronary heart disease (OR 2.648; [95% CI 1.160-6.048], p = 0.021), and chronic renal insufficiency (OR 2.711; [95% CI 1.160-6.048], p = 0.021) showed a significant correlation to ViV-TAVR. Conclusions: Heart Team decisions are crucial in the treatment of patients with degenerated aortic bioprostheses and lead to a low mortality in both treatment paths thanks to patient-specific therapy planning. ViV-TAVR offers a treatment for elderly or intermediate-risk profile patients with comparable short-term mortality. However, this therapy is associated with increased pressure gradients and a high prevalence of paravalvular leakage. Redo-SAVR enables the surgical treatment of concomitant cardiac pathologies and allows anticipation for later VIV-TAVR by implanting the largest possible valve prostheses.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Symptoms among Afghan Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Background: Decades of conflict and cycles of disasters in Afghanistan have caused enormous impacts on health, the economy, and even national security. Objectives: We aimed to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and their determinants among Afghan healthcare workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 830 Afghan healthcare workers working in public and private hospitals was conducted between May and July 2021. We employed a non-probability sampling method to select our subjects. The questionnaire was composed of sections on sociodemographic information, working conditions, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Multivariable linear regression models were fitted using SPSS 21 to identify determinants of mental health symptoms among Afghan healthcare workers at a 5% significance level. Results: Of all participants, 52.3% (435) had symptoms of depression, 48.8% (405) anxiety, and 46.9% (389) stress. The likelihood of mental health symptoms was higher among those who worked in an urban setting (P = 0.001), were physically inactive (P = <0.001), had a decrease in income or an unpaid salary in the past six months (P = <0.001), thinking of leaving Afghanistan (P = <0.001), had medical comorbidity (P = <0.001), and being single (P = 0.048)]. Conclusion: This study highlights the important findings about the psychological health of healthcare workers in Afghanistan. These findings suggest rapid, actionable, and locally relevant interventions to assure potential improvements in working and living conditions for the health staff.

Production of Fucoxanthin from Microalgae Isochrysis galbana of Djibouti: Optimization, Correlation with Antioxidant Potential, and Bioinformatics Approaches.

Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid with remarkable antioxidant properties, has considerable potential for high-value biotechnological applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical fields. However, conventional extraction methods of this molecule from microalgae are limited in terms of cost-effectiveness. This study focused on optimizing biomass and fucoxanthin production from Isochrysis galbana, isolated from the coast of Tadjoura (Djibouti), by testing various culture media. The antioxidant potential of the cultures was evaluated based on the concentrations of fucoxanthin, carotenoids, and total phenols. Different nutrient formulations were tested to determine the optimal combination for a maximum biomass yield. Using the statistical methodology of principal component analysis, Walne and Guillard F/2 media were identified as the most promising, reaching a maximum fucoxanthin yield of 7.8 mg/g. Multiple regression models showed a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and the concentration of fucoxanthin produced. A thorough study of the optimization of I. galbana growth conditions, using a design of experiments, revealed that air flow rate and CO2 flow rate were the most influential factors on fucoxanthin production, reaching a value of 13.4 mg/g. Finally, to validate the antioxidant potential of fucoxanthin, an in silico analysis based on molecular docking was performed, showing that fucoxanthin interacts with antioxidant proteins (3FS1, 3L2C, and 8BBK). This research not only confirmed the positive results of I. galbana cultivation in terms of antioxidant activity, but also provided essential information for the optimization of fucoxanthin production, opening up promising prospects for industrial applications and future research.

Elucidating Chiral Resolution of Aromatic Amino Acids Using Glycopeptide Selectors: A Combined Molecular Docking and Chromatographic Study.

An asymmetric synthesis is a favorable approach for obtaining enantiomerically pure substances, but racemic resolution remains an efficient strategy. This study aims to elucidate the chiral resolution of aromatic amino acids and their elution order using glycopeptides as chiral selectors through molecular docking analysis. Chiral separation experiments were conducted using Vancomycin as a chiral additive in the mobile phase (CMPA) at various concentrations, coupled with an achiral amino column as the stationary phase. The Autodock Vina 1.1.2 software was employed to perform molecular docking simulations between each enantiomer (ligand) and Vancomycin (receptor) to evaluate binding affinities, demonstrate enantiomeric resolution feasibility, and elucidate chiral recognition mechanisms. Utilizing Vancomycin as CMPA at a concentration of 1.5 mM enabled the separation of tryptophan enantiomers with a resolution of 3.98 and tyrosine enantiomers with a resolution of 2.97. However, a poor chiral resolution was observed for phenylalanine and phenylglycine. Molecular docking analysis was employed to elucidate the lack of separation and elution order for tryptophan and tyrosine enantiomers. By calculating the binding energy, docking results were found to be in good agreement with experimental findings, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms governing chiral recognition in this system and the interaction sites. This comprehensive approach clarifies the complex relationship between chiral discrimination and molecular architecture, offering valuable information for creating and improving chiral separation protocols.

Inverse FASN and LDHA correlation drives metabolic resistance in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer manifests as a heterogeneous pathology marked by complex metabolic reprogramming essential to satisfy its energy demands. Oncogenic signals boost the metabolism, modifying fatty acid synthesis and glucose use from the onset to progression and therapy resistant-forms. However, the exact contribution of metabolic dependencies during tumor evolution remains unclear. METHODS: In this study, we elucidate the connection between FASN and LDHA, pivotal metabolic genes, and their correlation with tumor grade and therapy response using datasets from public repositories. Subsequently, we evaluated the metabolic and proliferative functions upon FASN and LDHA inhibition in breast cancer models. Lastly, we integrated metabolomic and lipidomic analysis to define the contributions of metabolites, lipids, and precursors to the metabolic phenotypes. RESULTS: Collectively, our findings indicate metabolic shifts during breast cancer progression, unvealling two distinct functional energy phenotypes associated with aggressiveness and therapy response. Specifically, FASN exhibits reduced expression in advance-grade tumors and therapy-resistant forms, whereas LDHA demonstrates higher expression. Additionally, the biological and metabolic impact of blocking the enzymatic activity of FASN and LDHA was correlated with resistant conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These observations emphasize the intrinsic metabolic heterogeneity within breast cancer, thereby highlighting the relevance of metabolic interventions in the field of precision medicine.

Gait asymmetrical evaluation of lower limb amputees using wearable inertial sensors.

This study presents an analysis and evaluation of gait asymmetry (GA) based on the temporal gait parameters identified using a portable gait event detection system, placed on the lateral side of the shank of both lower extremities of the participants. Assessment of GA was carried out with seven control subjects (CS), one transfemoral amputee (TFA) and one transtibial amputee (TTA) while walking at different speeds on overground (OG) and treadmill (TM). Gait cycle duration (GCD), stance phase duration (SPD), swing phase duration (SwPD), and the sub-phases of the gait cycle (GC) such as Loading-Response (LR), Foot-Flat (FF), and Push-Off (PO), Swing-1 (SW-1) and Swing-2 (SW-2) were evaluated. The results revealed that GCD showed less asymmetry as compared to other temporal parameters in both groups. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the groups for SPD and SwPD with lower limb amputees (LLA) having a longer stance and shorter swing phase for their intact side compared to their amputated side, resulting, large GA for TFA compared to CS and TTA. The findings could potentially contribute towards a better understanding of gait characteristics in LLA and provide a guide in the design and control of lower limb prosthetics/orthotics.

A Bibliometric analysis of scientific publication on Peri-Implantitis from 1990 to 2020.

Background: Peri-implantitis can involve about 13% of implants and 20% of patients, it has been reported that its incidence increases from about 0.4 to 43.9% in 3-5 years. The purpose was to analyze, using bibliometric indicators, the scientific efficiency of different organization, countries, and researchers that published articles on Peri-implantitis in various dental journals during the period from 1990 to 2020. Material and Methods: The search was carried out using Scopus database on publications related to Peri-implantitis from 1990 to 2020 using VOSviewer 1.6.15. The selected search encompassed title of article, citation count, year of publication, authors, institution, country and keywords. Data maps were obtained from VOS viewer based on number of papers, citation count, sources, countries and authors. A density visualization analysis was performed to interpret the data. Bibliometric analysis with reference to citation and documents, authors, journals and keywords was also evaluated. Results: An upsurge in number of cumulative papers published on Peri-implantitis from 1990 to 2020 was observed. The top three countries that published most research papers on Peri-implantitis included United States, Sweden and Switzerland respectively. The most productive organization in the field was Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden. The maximum numbers of papers were published in "Clinical Oral Implants Research", while the most published and cited author was Niklaus P. Lang, with 50 papers, 5391 citations with 107.82 average citations per paper. Conclusions: There is a tremendous increase in number of publications on peri-implantitis through collaboration of authors, nations and institutes. Among the leading countries from where evidence is originating includes, USA, Sweden and Switzerland. The leading institutes whose work received most citations included, Kristiansand University (Sweden), Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden), Trinity college (Dublin) and University Of Bern (Switzerland). A positive trend of highly collaborative work was observed among the institutes and authors on peri-implantitis. Key words:Bibliometric analysis, Peri-Implantitis, Scopus, Dental implants.

Experiences of Multiple Myeloma Patients With Treatment in the Palestinian Practice: A Multicenter Qualitative Study in a Resource-Limited Healthcare System.

Background Multiple myeloma is a crippling cancer that puts a significant strain on patients and their families alike. The long and exhausting treatment journey with the disease is challenging not only for patients but also for healthcare systems. This exploratory study was conducted to look into these patients' experiences with their treatment and explore their recommendations and views to improve the Palestinian healthcare system, which can be viewed as an evolving healthcare system within a resource-limited and developing country. Methods The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used for conducting this multicenter exploratory qualitative study. A total number of eight patients with multiple myeloma who received treatment in the Palestinian healthcare system participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. The semi-structured in-depth interviews followed a set interview schedule. Thematic analysis of the data was done using the qualitative interpretive description approach. Results A total of 5.48 h (329 min) of total interview time was analyzed. Among the patients, 6 (75%) were males, 5 (63.5%) lived in urban areas, 5 (62.5%) reported satisfaction with their household income, 6 (75%) underwent bone marrow transplantation, and all of them (100%) had governmental insurance. The qualitative data that emerged after analysis were classified into three major themes and multiple sub-themes. The three major themes were: (1) treatment side effects, (2) factors affecting treatment experience, and (3) recommendations to improve healthcare service. Conclusion The results of this qualitative study offer insight into how people with multiple myeloma view the healthcare system in Palestine and shed light on the variable and challenging experiences with their treatment, side effects, and communication with healthcare providers within the context of a resource-limited and developing country. Future research should involve hemato-oncology doctors and benefit from their expertise in the field.

Occurrence, characteristics, and antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wild birds in the Kasur district of Punjab, Pakistan.

Staphylococcus aureus is gaining worldwide attention because of its substantial impact on public health. The current study aimed to characterize S. aureus strains isolated from wild birds in the Kasur district of Punjab, Pakistan from 2021 to 2022. A total of one hundred samples were collected from five wild bird species. The samples were enriched, inoculated on selective agars and cultured for 24 hr at 37.00 ˚C. All isolates were verified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after Gram staining. Positive isolates were screened for phenotypic (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration s), genotypic antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes. These samples yielded 30 (30.00%) S. aureus isolates, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction utilizing the 16S rRNA gene. Staphylococcus aureus was more prevalent in cloacal samples (16.00%) than oral samples (14.00%). Various S. aureus isolates showed varying degrees of resistance to three different antibiotics. Oxacillin (56.66%; n = 17) and tetracycline (33.33%; n = 10) showed the highest resistance rates with the lowest susceptibility (43.33%; n = 13). In contrast, vancomycin, rifampicin, linezolid, and daptomycin were 100% susceptible. Further disc diffusion study revealed resistance to tetracycline (33.33%), erythromycin (16.66%), and gentamicin (10.00%). The tetK gene was found in 33.33% of wild bird samples, while the ermA gene was found in 16.66% of samples. The aacA-D gene was only found in three (10.00%) isolates. None of the isolates tested positive for virulence genes. In conclusion, S. aureus is carried by wild birds in this area, posing a potentail threat to both humans and animals.

Arthroscopic Confirmation of Femoral Button Deployment During Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ruptures are uncommonly seen in knee ligament injuries. Cconservative treatment is often suitable for isolated tears with mild-to-moderate posterior knee laxity (grades I or II). However, surgical intervention is indicated for symptomatic grade III or multiligament knee injuries. PCL reconstruction has experienced continuous development due to the progress made in arthroscopic techniques and instruments. Abnormal positioning and tensioning of the femoral button result in multiple complications such as residual laxity, loss of quadriceps muscle strength, and joint stiffness. In this Technical Note, we describe direct arthroscopic visualization of the femoral button deployment in PCL reconstruction technique, and we discuss its importance to prevent complications related to button malposition.

Isolation and characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria and their effects on germination, growth, and Cr accumulation in Capsicum annum (L.) under Cr stress.

Chromium (Cr) is a well-known environmental pollutant while less information is available on the role of Cr-resistant bacteria in the alleviation of Cr-stress in chili (Capsicum annum L.) plants. Effect of Cr-resistant bacterial strains on growth and Cr uptake by chili plants was investigated. The results revealed that Cr-stress showed a negative effect on germination, photosynthesis, and relative water content but the inoculation ameliorated the plant stress. Chromium-resistant bacterial strains enhanced the shoot and root growth (33% SL, 19.7% RL), shoot and root dry weight (35%, 32.9%), relative water content (32.25%), membrane stability index (46.52%) SPAD value (50.76%), Cr concentration in shoots and roots (19.87 and 18.52 mg kg-1), bioaccumulation and translocation factor (0.396 mgkg-1), and seedling vigor index (40.8%) of plants. Chromium-resistant bacterial strains enhanced the NPK uptake while reduced Cr uptake by plants. The morphological and biochemical examination of rhizobacterial strains (and NM28) resistant to Cr-stress revealed smooth, off-white colonies of bacteria composed of rod-shaped cells which are Gram positive in reaction while negative in catalase activity. High quantities of malic acid were produced by bacterial strains under study i.e. NM8 (926.12 µgmL-2) and NM28 (992.25 µgmL-2). These strains were identified as Bacillus cereus strain NM8 and Bacillus subtilis strain NM28 through 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed that B. cereus strain NM28 is more effective than B. cereus strain NM8 in promoting the growth of Cr-stressed Chili that might be suitable to develop biofertilizer for sustainable production of vegetables under metal stress.

Surviving the desert's grasp: Decipherment phreatophyte Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst. Adaptive strategies for arid resilience.

Phreatophytes play an important role in maintaining the ecological services in arid and semi-arid areas. Characterizing the interaction between groundwater and phreatophytes is critical for the land and water management in such areas. Therefore, the identification of key traits related to mitigating desertification in differently adapted T. aphylla populations was the focus. Fifteen naturally adapted populations of the prominent phreatophyte T. aphylla from diverse ecological regions of Punjab, Pakistan were selected. Key structural and functional modifications involved in ecological success and adaptations against heterogeneous environments for water conservation include widened metaxylem vessels in roots, enlarged brachy sclereids in stems/leaves, tissues succulence, and elevated organic osmolytes and antioxidants activity for osmoregulation and defense mechanism. Populations from hot and dry deserts (Dratio: 43.17-34.88) exhibited longer roots and fine-scaled leaves, along with enlarged vascular bundles and parenchyma cells in stems. Populations inhabiting saline deserts (Dratio: 38.59-33.29) displayed enhanced belowground biomass production, larger root cellular area, broadest phloem region in stems, and numerous large stomata in leaves. Hyper-arid populations (Dratio: 33.54-23.07) excelled in shoot biomass production, stem cellular area, epidermal thickness, pith region in stems, and lamina thickness in leaves. In conclusion, this research highlights T. aphylla as a vital model for comprehending plant resilience to environmental stresses, with implications for carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.