Background: Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a key etiological agent of reproductive failure in swine, resulting in considerable economic losses for the pig farming industry. Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate the molecular prevalence, genetic characteristics, seroprevalence and associated pathological alterations in pigs from Assam, India. Result: Out of the 82 tissue samples screened by PCR targeting 226 bp specific to VP2 gene encoding capsid protein, 9 (10.97%) were found positive for PPV. These samples consisted mainly of pooled aborted fetal materials. Subsequently, next-generation sequencing of a representative clinical sample was carried out. Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 and NS1 genes revealed a high degree of nucleotide identity (99.77-100%) with contemporary PPV strains from China and South Korea. Phylogenetic clustering suggested that the VP1 sequence belongs to the 27a/27a-like lineage. Gross pathological alterations in aborted fetuses included hydrothorax and visceral congestion, whereas histopathology revealed necrosis in multiple organs and lymphoid depletion, which is suggestive of systemic viral effects. Serological screening of 224 pigs using a commercial ELISA kit divulged a seroprevalence of 23.21%, indicating widespread exposure to PPV among both healthy and diseased animals. These combined findings confirm the circulation of potentially virulent PPV strains in Assam and highlight the need of frequent surveillance, which will help in devising appropriate control strategies to mitigate reproductive losses in the swine population.

Porcine circovirus type 2d (PCV2d) is one of the predominant genotypes associated with porcine circovirus-associated diseases, which highlights the need for effective vaccination strategies. This study assessed the expression profile of the major histocompatibility complex class II transactivator (CIITA) gene in pigs immunized with recombinant PCV2d virus-like particles (VLPs). Recombinant PCV2d capsid protein was expressed in insect cells and self-assembled into VLPs, which were further used to immunize piglets. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed for CIITA expression by qRT-PCR and interferon-gamma (IFN γ) production by ELISA. Following PCV2d VLP immunization, CIITA expression increased over time, peaked on day 21, and was associated with elevated IFN-γ secretion. A significant positive correlation between CIITA expression and IFN γ levels was detected in pooled analyses. These findings demonstrate that PCV2d VLPs endorse Th1-biased immune responses and further enhance the CIITA-mediated antigen presentation, supporting their potential as an effective vaccine platform against PCV2d.

Background:Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a leading cause of viral encephalitis, among children, in many Asian countries despite the availability of effective vaccines. There are five JE virus genotypes (GI through GV), with GIII being the most prevalent. However, in the past three decades GI has emerged as the dominant genotype across several Asian countries, while the reappearance of GV is a concern due to the reduced cross-neutralization offered by existing GIII-based vaccines. Although both GI and GIII have been reported to co-circulate in India, all previous JEV isolations from pigs have been of the GIII. Objective:The objective of the study was to elucidate the JEV genotype diversity among pigs in Assam through molecular and virological investigation. Methods:We collected blood, serum and nasal swab samples from apparently healthy pigs as a part of routine disease surveillance in pigs of Kamrup (Rural) district, Assam, India. The samples were processed using standard molecular biology (qRT-PCR, Gene Sequencing, Phylogenetic analysis) and virological techniques (Virus isolation, immunofluorescence, plaque assay) for JE virus detection, isolation and characterization. Results:In this study, we report the first isolation and characterization of a JEV GI from a nasal swab of a naturally infected pig from Assam, India and the isolate was designated as JEV/Pig/Assam/NIVEDI-1/2025 (GI). The identity of the JEV isolate was confirmed by RT-qPCR, phylogeny based on 5'UTR-prM region, full-length envelope protein gene, and immunofluorescence assay. The isolate reached a peak titer of 106.5 TCID50/mL at 72 h post-infection in Porcine stable kidney cells and produced smaller plaques (1.88 ± 0.56 mm) than the reference GIII strain (2.68 ± 0.48 mm) (p < 0.01). Conclusions:The findings underscore that JEV GI is circulating in Assam and there is need for strengthened JEV surveillance in swine to monitor genotype shifts, understand viral evolution, and generate field isolates critical for vaccine evaluation and preparedness against emerging JEV genotypes. The study also demonstrates the feasibility of using nasal swabs for virus detection and isolation thereby providing evidence for the presence of JEV in nasal secretion of naturally infected pigs.

Porcine circovirus type 2d (PCV2d) is the predominant genotype etiological agent of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), causes substantial economic losses to the swine industry worldwide, including in India. Since currently available vaccines are mainly based on the PCV2a genotype, which is unable to offer cross protective immunity against emerging PCV2d strains, development of PCV2d specific vaccine is necessary. In this study, an indigenous virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine candidate was developed using the capsid coding gene (orf2) of an Indian PCV2d isolate expressed in a baculovirus-insect cell system. Recombinant capsid protein expression and self-assembly into VLPs were confirmed by Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. The purified VLPs showed favourable thermostability as well as pH stability and elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses in in vivo porcine model. A delayed booster immunization strategy resulted in prolonged antibody persistence. In further, in vivo challenge study with virulent homologous PCV2d virus vaccinated animals were protected against PCV2 clinical signs. Further, absence of detectable viral DNA in swab and tissue samples, and markedly alleviated histopathological lesions compared with unvaccinated controls animals. Overall, these findings suggest that the indigenous PCV2d VLP vaccine candidate is highly immunogenic and provides protective immunity against homologous PCV2d challenge, highlighting its potential indigenous vaccine candidate for controlling PCVAD against PCV2d.

MmpL3 protein plays a vital role in cell wall synthesis in Mycobacterium. Novel benzoxazole carboxamide derivatives were designed to inhibit cell wall formation by targeting the MmpL3 and combat tuberculosis. Fourteen benzoxazole carboxamide derivatives (BXZ-I to BXZ-XIV) were synthesised, and their structures were confirmed using both experimental and computational methods. Techniques such as molecular docking, ADME, toxicity prediction, deep learning-based docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were used to analyse these compounds. Molecules with promising antimycobacterial activity were selected for MDS, MM-GBSA, and FEP analyses. BXZ-IX and BXZ-XIV exhibited potent activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.62 μg/mL, compared with SQ109 (standard MmpL3 inhibitor), which had an MIC of 10.0 μg/mL. Overall, ten of the selected benzoxazole compounds significantly inhibited the growth of M. smegmatis, with MICs ranging from 15.62 to 62.5 μg/mL in laboratory tests, demonstrating greater effectiveness against the MmpL3 protein.

African Swine Fever (ASF) causes severe economic losses in the global pig industry, characterized by high mortality rates and lack of an effective vaccine. Interestingly, India's indigenous Doom pig breed has displayed tolerance to ASF, remaining seropositive without detectable viremia. This study investigated the genetic basis of ASFV tolerance, focusing on the STING1 gene, a key component of the cGAS-STING antiviral signaling pathway. In-silico docking identified a potential ASFV protein binding site within exon 5 of STING1. A non-synonymous SNP (CGG/TGG; R→W) at position 148 in this region was selected for genotyping. We genotyped 119 pigs, representing tolerant (Doom), susceptible, and ASFV-infected groups, using allele-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing. Doom pigs and most other breeds, including ASFV-infected samples, displayed a conserved GG genotype. Susceptible Manipuri Black and Ghoongroo pigs, however, displayed both AA and GG genotypes, yet still succumbed to the disease. A significant downregulation (0.436-fold) of STING1 was observed in ASFV-infected spleen tissue, indicating active immune evasion by the virus. The lack of a unique allele in Doom pigs compared to susceptible breeds indicates that ASFV tolerance is unlikely to be associated with this STING1 SNP. Therefore, genome-wide studies are recommended to identify markers truly associated with ASFV tolerance in this resilient breed.

ABSTRACT This study unravels the quest for phytochemicals that exhibit antibiofilm properties against Yersinia enterocolitica in the extracts of fruits of Citrus limon and Averrhoa carambola and leaves of Brassica juncea . The specific phytochemicals in the extracts were identified by GC‐MS analysis, and the findings of wet‐laboratory experiments have indicated the presence of compounds with antibiofilm activities, albeit with dose‐responsive effects. The anti‐QS activity of the compounds found in the extract was further confirmed by in silico analysis using molecular docking, which was carried out against the YenR region of Y . enterocolitica . The results showed that D‐allose, 3‐furaldehyde, and 2,4‐dihydroxy‐2,5‐dimethyl‐3(2H)‐furan‐3‐one had the highest docking scores against the 5LO7 receptor of the YenR region. In order to combat biofilms linked to Yersinia enterocolitica , natural plant products that preferentially target the specific receptors of QS could be developed using the potent abilities of protein–ligand complexes with high docking scores.

Lung cancer causes over 1.8 million fatalities each year, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its aggressive nature and high propensity for metastasis contribute significantly to patient mortality. As one of the most common causes of death globally, lung cancer is a serious public health concern, with tobacco smoking being the primary risk factor. Based on histological differences, lung cancer can be classified as small-cell lung cancer or nonsmall- cell lung cancer, the latter accounting for approximately 85% of all cases. Due to its high mortality rate, lung tumors are responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for about 27%. Alarmingly, projections indicate worsening trends; by 2035, lung cancer is expected to claim 3 million lives. Several natural product compounds exhibit anticancer properties through molecular mechanisms, such as targeting reactive oxygen species signaling, reversing multidrug resistance, inhibiting proliferation and metastasis, and inducing apoptosis. Currently, numerous novel cancer treatments are being developed using microspheres, nanoparticles, and other advanced technologies. Biodegradable polymers can deliver pharmaceutical molecules with diverse properties through various mechanisms, reducing dosage requirements and side effects. These systems are widely employed to overcome the challenges posed by lung malignancies. Since the goal of nanotherapeutic drug delivery systems is to regulate tumor cell proliferation, they have shown promise in lung cancer treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of lung cancer, including its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment through phytomolecules and novel therapeutic strategies.

Pigs serve as critical reservoirs and amplifiers for numerous zoonotic viral diseases, presenting substantial public health challenges in India. This study highlights the epidemiology and emerging trends of key zoonotic viruses associated with pigs, emphasizing their role in endemic and emerging disease dynamics. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) persists as a major concern, with pigs acting as amplifying host, while hepatitis E virus (HEV) remains a prominent cause of viral hepatitis, transmitted via contaminated water and pork products. Emerging high-fatality viral zoonoses caused by Nipah virus (NiV) and recurrent threats from swine influenza virus (SIV) demonstrate that the zoonotic landscape is evolving. Furthermore, zoonotic viruses like rotavirus, pseudorabies (ADV or SuHV-1), porcine astrovirus (PAstV), and Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) reflect the expanding diversity of pig-associated pathogens in India. Emerging evidence also implicates viruses such as Chandipura virus (CHPV) in localized outbreaks, indicating broader zoonotic potential. Novel risks such as swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the role of pigs as potential intermediaries for pandemic-prone viruses. This comprehensive study evaluates the prevalence, outbreak dynamics, and public health implications of zoonotic viral diseases of pigs in India, providing valuable direction for developing effective control measures.

Information on global transcriptomic changes in the porcine ampulla after ovulation is crucial for understanding of oviductal physiology at the molecular level. The objective of the present study was to investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signalling pathways regulating the functionality of ampulla in pigs post-ovulation. The RNA-sequencing of the post-ovulatory ampulla (POA) and early luteal ampulla (ELA) tissues was conducted using Illumina NextSeq2000. The R package NOISeq was used to obtain significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the probability of differential expression (1-FDR) value ≥ 0.95 and log2 fold change (log2FC) ≥ 1, which revealed 817 DEGs (657 up- and 160 down-regulated) in the POA vs. ELA group comparison. These DEGs were functionally annotated with various gene ontology terms like sterol biosynthetic process, growth, cell migration, and Reactome pathways like signal transduction, metabolism, and cell cycle, indicating key role of these molecular events in POA. The WNT, TNFR2 non-canonical NF-kB, and hedgehog signalling pathways along with the activation of the immune system process, were enriched in the POA vs. ELA group, which indicates their role in cell–cell interactions and cell fate determination in remodelling the oviductal microenvironment during transition from estrogen to progesterone domination. The highly connected upregulated hub genes ESR1, RAD51, YARS1, TYMS and CDK2 can be regarded as key regulatory factors in synchronizing the changes in POA at the molecular level in the oviduct. The present study revealed several DEGs, signalling pathways and novel modulatory factors associated with the ampullary physiology during early embryonic development in the POA, which may influence fertility and litter size in pigs.

Biomarkers are important tools in almost every biological field, serving as means of understanding biological conditions, responses or processes. Although, applicability and importance of biomarkers in medicine and food are extensively studied and reported in literature, this review will emphasize on biomarkers associated with food and foods of animal origin like meat, fish, milk and egg. Evaluation of quality, safety and adulteration of food commodities is of the utmost importance with the ever-increasing global demand. As meat is the most nutrient rich and demanded commodity, emphasis on meat quality and safety biomarkers is elaborately discussed, highlighting well known biomarkers for sensory attributes of meat like tenderness affected by certain structural proteins and proteolytic enzymes, colour stability determined by myoglobin chemistry and antioxidant activity, volatile chemicals, amino acids, and fatty acids determining flavour, texture and juiciness controlled by intramuscular fat and water-holding capacity etc. Moreover, consumer satisfaction goes hand in hand with attributes like safety, traceability and adulteration of meat, which are also assessed using biomarkers that comprehensively contribute in determining the overall quality of the meat. The meat industry is able to improve product consistency, safety and consumer appeal through these precision-based techniques and biomarkers. This review categorises these biomarkers as chemical and biological in nature, with certain biomarkers overlapping between the categories with respect to its composition, origin and detectability. Additionally, the review highlights the techniques for detecting the biomarkers in conventional and advanced settings starting from basic biochemical methods to advanced techniques.

This research aimed to characterize the mitochondrial genome of the Ghoongroo (GH) pig, a notable breed in India, along with its crossbred varieties, to elucidate their matrilineal components, evolutionary history, and implications for conservation. Seven pigs (5 GH, 2 crossbred, namely Rani and Asha) were sequenced for complete mitochondrial genome, while 24 pigs (11 GH, 6 Rani, and 7 Asha) were sequenced for the complete D-loop of the mitochondrial genome. The genome size of these pigs was determined to be 16,690 bp. Analysis of the mitochondrial sequences and phylogenetics uncovered two distinct matrilineal components within the GH population, a phenomenon also observed in its crossbred counterparts, Rani and Asha. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a clear clustering of GH sequences into two clades, indicating the presence of two independent maternal lineages. The phylogenetic study using complete mitogenome also indicated that GH pigs were originated locally from Indian wild boar independently from Asian and European pig population. Haplotype analysis from complete D-loop sequences revealed 10 different haplotypes, with some sequences shared among GH, Rani, and Asha, while others differed due to varying matrilineal origins. The haplotype analysis using complete mitogenome sequences revealed 16 different haplotypes with some shared sequences among GH. Furthermore, examination of tRNA genes and nucleotide composition of different genes namely rRNAs, COX1, COX2, ATP6, ND4, ND5, ND6, Cytb offered insights into genetic diversity within these pigs. The findings suggest that geographical isolation and historical events likely contributed to the emergence of distinct maternal lineages within the GH breed. This study underscores the significance of mitochondrial DNA analysis in uncovering hidden genetic diversity within seemingly uniform populations. The molecular insights gained into the genetic makeup of GH pigs could aid in designing effective breeding programs for conservation efforts and highlight its significance in understanding the broader context of pig domestication in India.

Investigations on heat stress induced transcriptomic changes is critical to characterization of candidate genes for thermal adaptability in livestock. Continues spells of high ambient temperature due to climate change has amplified reproductive dysfunctions, necessitating immediate attention. The present study aimed to explore the transcriptomic signature of heat stressed granulosa cells (GCs) and signalling pathways regulating their adaptability to thermal challenge. The GCs were collected from small follicles (3-6 mm) of pig ovary. The GCs primary culture was subjected to in vitro heat stress challenge at 42 OC for 6 h. RNA sequencing was conducted for heat stress (treated) and non-heat stress (control) groups using Illumina NextSeq2000 sequencing platform. The significant DEGs were selected using NOISeq R package with cut-offs, probability value >= 0.95 and log2 fold change >= 1. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted for exploring gene ontology enrichment, functional pathways, hub genes in protein-protein interaction network and functional clusters regulating cellular homeostasis and survivability during heat stress challenge. The analysis pipeline yielded a total of 12156 protein coding transcripts, which were expressed during heat stress challenge in GCs, out of which 4904 were differentially (prob. >= 0.95) expressed; 2936 were upregulated and 1968 were downregulated. The large number of DEGs and gene ontologies in the study specifies the concerted mechanisms involving multiple signalling pathways like MAPK, HIPPO, WNT, PI3-AKT, NFKB, NOTCH and many more operating in the cell to maintain cellular homeostasis. Thermal stress induced differentially expressed hub genes HSP90, HSPA8, HSPA5, TGFB1 and PPARG are key elements in stress, regulating multiple pathways and expression of transcription factors. The TNF signalling pathway, phosphatidyl inositol signalling system and DERL3 gene network linked ubiquitin-dependent endoplasmic reticulum associated protein degradation pathway, which regulates cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and estrogen synthesis, can be regarded as novel regulators involved in stress adaptation in pigs.

Researchers have widely undertaken targeted genome editing in pigs to optimize pig productivity, disease tolerance and for biomedical research. The present study aimed to investigate research advancements, focus areas, gaps, and challenges in genome editing in pigs using bibliometric analysis. The bibliographic information of publications on genome editing in pigs from 2010 to 2023 was retrieved from the Scopus database. Bibliometric parameters, such as coauthorship, keyword co-occurrence, citation, bibliographic coupling, and cocitation, was analyzed using VOSviewer. Literature mining was conducted to evaluate the emerging areas and challenges in the development of genome-edited pigs. We found 725 documents on genome editing in pigs, 407 of which were research articles authored by 2826 researchers from 1359 research organizations across 40 countries. The two countries, China and the United States, account for more than 50% of the research publications on genome editing in pigs. Investigations on the optimization of the procedure, delivery methods, editing efficiency, and reducing off-target effects dominated the early phase of research, which has shifted to its application for generating knockout (KO) or knockin (KI) pigs in recent years. Areas such as xenotransplantation, disease resistance, higher muscling, and disease models have dominated the research horizon for genome editing in pigs. Emerging areas in gene editing include base editing, CRISPR-based screens, diagnostics, and therapeutics. However, investigations on reducing heat stress and environmental footprint through genetic alterations need more attention from scientists. Challenges such as off-target effects and regulatory, ethical and societal issues related to channelizing gene-edited pigs from lab to land and then from farm to fork continue to restrain this field.

African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating viral disease in pigs, caused by an enveloped DNA virus (ASFV), with 100

Since the first described outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), which is caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), in Kenya, over a century ago, no approved commercial vaccine is widely available to prevent the disease. Research has focused on two main aspects of the disease. Firstly, targeting the virus virulence factors by identifying proteins responsible for host immune evasion that can be targeted to develop vaccine candidates. Novel strategies, including mRNA-based vaccines and synthetic ASFV genomes with reverse genetics, enable safe, immunogenic, and rapid development of live-attenuated and subunit vaccine candidates. Secondly, by identifying host determinants that confer resistance to ASF. ASFV infects both domestic pigs and wild boars irrespective of age and breed, causing nearly 100 % mortality. Warthogs and bushpigs, natural hosts of ASFV, show no clinical signs despite developing viremia, likely due to distinct innate and adaptive immune responses, epigenetic modifications, and environmental factors. Genetic and epigenetic investigations of this tolerance, focusing on type I interferon (IFN) induction and NF-κB pathways, which are often targeted by viral immune evasion proteins. Understanding these interactions and genetic variations between tolerant/resistant and susceptible animals may guide vaccine development and the creation of tolerant/resistant breeds. This review covers the ASFV genome, transmission, pathogenesis, virus's immune evasion strategies, and the host immunological response against ASFV.

Background Kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) such as dialysis or transplantation represents a severe stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and poses a major global health burden. Although many CKD cases are diagnosed in the earlier stages, the greatest risk occurs when CKD progresses to KFRT. Despite its considerable financial and imposing impact on public health, there is a notable gap in international policies addressing CKD and KFRT. To bridge this gap and help policy makers and health systems effectively tackle the public health challenge of KFRT, a better understanding of the disease burden is essential. Thus, this analysis aims to provide a detailed overview of the global prevalence of KFRT and its associated aetiologies with estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) from 1990 to 2023. Methods This study defined KFRT as individuals on maintenance dialysis for 90 days or more or those who have undergone a kidney transplant, aligning with the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Renal registries served as the primary data sources. Prevalence and underlying aetiology estimates (type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, and other causes) were generated with DisMod-MR 2.1, an epidemiological Bayesian mixed-effects meta-regression modelling tool. Both all-age and age-standardised estimates were reported and accompanied with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Findings In 2023, the number of global cases of KFRT was 4 center dot 59 million (95% UI 4 center dot 17-5 center dot 08) for both sexes and all ages, with an age-standardised prevalence of 50 center dot 7 (46 center dot 1-56 center dot 0) per 100 000 population. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in KFRT prevalence globally. The highest prevalence was found in the GBD high-income regions, while the lowest was observed in sub-Saharan Africa. KFRT prevalence was generally higher in countries classified within the World Bank's high-income and upper-middle-income groups, while lower prevalence was more common in countries within the World Bank's low-income and lower-middle-income groups. Additionally, a pronounced sex disparity was identified, where male dialysis and transplant prevalence estimates were consistently higher than those for females in most countries. Type 2 diabetes and hypertension were among the leading associated aetiologies of KFRT globally. From 1990 to 2023, the all-age and age-standardised prevalence estimates across the ascribed aetiologies increased for KFRT, with the largest increases associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Interpretation KFRT affects approximately 5 million people globally, with high treatment and mortality costs. Our study unveiled considerable geographical variation in KFRT prevalence, which should be seen as indicators of healthcare system opportunities. As the prevalence of the leading aetiologies of KFRT-type 2 diabetes and hypertension-continues to rise, there is a crucial need to prioritise the development and implementation of cost-effective strategies aimed at preventing CKD and its progression to KFRT, particularly in low-resource settings. These preventive efforts must happen in tandem with efforts to expand capacity for dialysis and transplant services. Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.