Climate change, especially terminal heat stress, poses a major threat to wheat production by affecting both crop establishment and grain quality. Developing climate-resilient cultivars requires identifying genotypes that can maintain stable seed Vigour and grain quality under different thermal conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the genetic stability of these key traits in diverse wheat genotypes to identify promising lines for breeding heat-resilient varieties. This study aimed to assess the genetic stability of seed Vigour and grain quality parameters in 43 diverse wheat genotypes. Laboratory experiments were conducted on seeds produced under two contrasting field environments: a temperate condition (E1: 2023-24) and a heat-stress condition (E2: 2024-25). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P less than 0.01) genotypic differences for all ten evaluated traits, confirming substantial genetic variability. The heat-stress environment generally compromised seed performance, significantly reducing mean germination to 85.09% and seedling dry weight to 0.16 g, while notably increasing mean grain protein content to 12.69%. Among the genotypes, WH 1182 demonstrated superior stability with one of the highest Seed Vigour Index-I values (3548.75) under stress. PBW 750 excelled in biomass accumulation, achieving the highest seedling dry weight (0.49 g) and Seed Vigour Index-II (46.17) in the stress environment. Furthermore, HD 2307 proved genetically stable for grain quality, maintaining the highest protein content (15.90%) under heat stress conditions.

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is one of the most common viral causes of respiratory tract infections worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic and non-pharmaceutical interventions significantly altered the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. This study compared HRV genotypic diversity in Mexican children with pneumonia before and during the pandemic. A total of 1983 children with pneumonia were included: 1404 pre-pandemic (2010–2013) and 579 pandemic (2021–2023). Multiplex RT-PCR was used for HRV detection. Genotyping was conducted on 136 samples with Ct < 30 by sequencing the VP4/VP2 region. Species and genotype assignments were validated using BLAST and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis (MEGA XII). HRV positivity increased from 16% (233/1404) before the pandemic to 60.4% (350/579) during the pandemic period. HRV-A and HRV-C predominated in both periods; HRV-C infection was significantly associated with severe pneumonia in the pre-pandemic period (OR 3.520; p = 0.012), but this association was not observed during the pandemic. A total of 72 genotypes were identified without a dominant type in either period. HRV circulation patterns shifted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a marked increase in prevalence. The high genotypic diversity observed across both periods underscores the importance of continuous molecular surveillance to better understand HRV circulation and its clinical relevance.

ABSTRACT Drought‐adapted new‐generation wheat genotypes enhance production and productivity in water‐limited agroecologies, including South Africa. Therefore, drought‐tolerant wheat ideotypes need to be bred and deployed using economic traits and tolerance indices. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetically diverse wheat genotypes and select drought‐adapted lines based on yield response, tolerance indices and genetic groups using biplot analyses for breeding and production. Ninety‐eight wheat genotypes were assessed in five environments, that is, two seasons and three sites under drought‐stressed (DS) and non‐stressed (NS) growing conditions using an alpha lattice design with two replications. Grain yield (GY) was recorded, and yield‐based 10 drought‐tolerance indices were computed for genotype selection and comparison of test environments using the genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot model. The mean GY values of the test genotypes in descending order across the five environments (E) were 1.59 t ha −1 (Bethlehem site in 2022, designated as BHM‐E2), 1.57 t ha −1 (Kransfontein in 2021, KRANS‐E4), 1.03 t ha −1 (Ficksburg in 2021, FICKS‐E3), 0.63 t ha −1 (Bethlehemin 2021, BHM‐E1) and 0.58 t ha −1 (Kransfontein in 2022, KRANS‐E5). The following genotypes were the best yielders: LM29, LM9 and at BHM‐E1, BHM‐E2, FICKS‐E3 and KRANS‐E4; LM59, LM63, LM66 and LM67 at BHM‐E2, FICKS‐E3 and KRANS‐E4; and LM83 at BHM‐E1, BHM‐E2 and FICKS‐E3. The genotypes LM59, LM25, LM84, LM96, LM23 and LM39 exhibited low tolerance (TOL), susceptibility index (SSI) and high mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), drought index (DI), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI) and relative drought index (RDI) values in a desirable trend. Correlation analysis revealed a strong association ( p < 0.001) between mean GY in non‐stressed conditions ( Y p ) and drought tolerance indices such as TOL ( r = 0.87), MP ( r = 0.77), SSI ( r = 0.72), SDI ( r = 0.72), GMP ( r = 0.65) and STI ( r = 0.54). In contrast, the mean GY in stressed conditions ( Y s ) positively and significantly ( p < 0.001) correlated with YI ( r = 1.00), DI ( r = 0.97), RDI ( r = 0.73), YSI ( r = 0.73), GMP ( r = 0.51) and MP ( r = 0.41). The indices were invaluable in identifying relatively high‐yielding and drought‐tolerant wheat genotypes, and their combined use could be effective for screening drought tolerance in wheat breeding programmes. Based on GGE biplot analysis, genotypes LM6, LM9, LM30, LM64, LM83 and LM95 were discerned to be stable and high‐yielding in the test environments. Developing new breeding populations is recommended using the above complementary selections through combining ability tests and progeny selection for yield and agronomic traits performance for variety registration and release.

BackgroundChronic HCV and pulmonary TB are widespread infectious diseases with a high socio-economic burden. Determining the HCV genotype in TB patients is of key importance, since comorbid pathology poses challenges for combined therapy and affects disease prognosis, while different genotypes respond differently to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).Objective. To identify the types of HCV genotypes in patients with pulmonary TB and to characterize the clinical, demographic and social profile of patients with combined pathology.Materials and methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed using data from the Federal Hepatitis Registry. Seventy patients who met the inclusion criteria were included: confirmed coinfection with HCV and pulmonary TB, available HCV genotyping results and an established diagnosis of TB. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Categorical variables are presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables are reported as mean ± SD.ResultsThe most frequently detected HCV genotype was 3a (49 patients, 70.0%), followed by genotype 1b (12 patients, 17.1%), genotype 1a (8 patients, 11.4%) and genotype 2 (1 patient, 1.4%). Men accounted for 55 patients (78.6%) and women, 15 (21.4%). The mean age was 44.1 ± 9.0 years, with the largest proportion aged 30–44 years (30, 42.9%) and 45–59 years (33, 47.1%) and the smallest proportion aged 0–17 years (2, 2.9%), 18–29 years (1, 1.4%) and over 60 years (4, 5.7%). According to TB forms based on WHO/CDC classification, the distribution was as follows: pulmonary TB, bacteriologically confirmed: 37 patients (52.9%); pulmonary TB, clinically diagnosed: 21 patients (30.0%); extrapulmonary TB: 9 patients (12.8%); miliary TB: 3 patients (4.3%). Analysis of the patients’ social status revealed that 44 (62.8%) were unemployed, 17 (24.3%) were employed, 1 (1.4%) was a serviceman, 2 (2.9%) were students or schoolchildren, 2 (2.9%) were incarcerated individuals and 4 (5.7%) were retirees. Disability was noted in 10 patients (14.3%) and a history of antiviral therapy was reported in 6 patients (8.6%). In patients with HCV coinfection and pulmonary TB, genotype 3a predominates among working-age men. Genotype 3a is associated with faster liver disease progression, development of fibrosis, cirrhosis and metabolic disorders, highlighting the need for early detection and careful monitoring. Bacteriologically confirmed TB was most common, while some patients had unconfirmed diagnoses. A significant proportion of patients belonged to socially vulnerable groups, particularly the unemployed, emphasizing the need for social support and educational programmes to improve therapy adherence and access to medical care. The data underscore the importance of HCV genotyping at the time of coinfection diagnosis before starting antiviral therapy, conducting targeted HCV screening among patients with TB and ensuring access to direct-acting antiviral treatment tailored to genotype and treatment duration, especially for patients with cirrhosis.ConclusionsIn patients with coinfection of HCV and pulmonary TB , genotype 3a predominated, with men of working age and socially vulnerable groups more frequently affected, highlighting the need for early genotyping, comprehensive management and access to antiviral therapy considering genotype and social status.

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), an important solanaceous vegetable, shows high phenotypic plasticity, making it a valuable model for studying genotype × environment (G×E) interactions. Sixty-eight diverse brinjal genotypes (22 inbred lines and 46 F₁ hybrids) were evaluated at ICAR–Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, India, during the summer (March–June) and kharif (July–October) seasons of 2024–25 to assess seasonal phenotypic plasticity and stability of seven qualitative morphological traits under contrasting environments. The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications per genotype in each season. Data were analysed using chi-square, McNemar’s, Stuart-Maxwell tests, and two-way ANOVA. Out of the 68 genotypes, 57.4% (39) exhibited complete phenotypic stability across both seasons, with inbred lines (59.1%, 13/22) slightly more stable than hybrids (56.5%, 26/46). Growth habit was the most plastic trait (23.5% genotypes changed), followed by fruit colour (17.6%) and fruit shape (13.2%), whereas calyx colour, fruit flesh colour, leaf vein colour, and leaf spininess remained invariant. Kharif conditions favoured erect growth habit, darker fruit pigmentation, and rounder fruit shape. Hybrids displayed greater plasticity for growth habit and fruit shape, while inbreds were more responsive for fruit colour. Highly significant G×E interactions were detected for growth habit (p = 0.0012) and fruit colour (p = 0.003). Thirty-nine genotypes showing complete stability across seasons, including 12 inbreds and 27 hybrids (listed in the manuscript), are recommended as promising parental material for breeding season-independent, climate-resilient brinjal cultivars and for direct commercial cultivation where consistent morphological expression and market preference are essential. These findings highlight the critical role of phenotypic plasticity and stability in developing adaptable brinjal varieties for variable and changing climatic conditions.

Genotypic diversity and acidogenic potential of Streptococcus mutans genotypes isolated from in situ biofilms formed under strong cariogenic challenge in the presence of fluoride

Comprehensive nutritional and antinutritional characterization of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan): Insights into genotypic diversity and protein quality

Genotype diversity and evolution of noroviruses GI.3[P13] associated acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in Beijing, China from 2016 to 2019.

Comprehensive screening and evaluation of diverse Mediterranean barley genotypes for salt tolerance using multiple agro-morphological and tolerance indices criteria

Impact of gamma irradiation in different doses on earliness, morpho-physiological characteristics, and yield traits of diverse bread wheat genotypes

Integrative genomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals the regulatory role of m6A genes in heat stress adaptation across rice genotypes.

Salt stress reduces rice yield by altering leaf membrane lipid metabolism and physiological traits (in salt-tolerant genotype).

Hypertension is a leading global cardiovascular risk, and emerging evidence suggests that genetic variants particularly polymorphisms in the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene may influence blood pressure by modulating gut microbiota, folate, and homocysteine metabolism. In an Iraqi case-control study involving 180 adults (90 hypertensive, 90 normotensive), researchers genotyped the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants via PCR-RFLP, measured serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B₁₂ by ELISA and chemiluminescence assays, and profiled gut microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing. They found that the 677 T allele was more common in hypertensive individuals (p = 0.021), who also had significantly higher homocysteine (18.1 ± 5.2 vs 12.6 ± 4.3 µmol/L, p < 0.001), lower folate (6.8 ± 2.4 vs 9.2 ± 2.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), and reduced B₁₂ (280 ± 85 vs 340 ± 92 pg/mL, p = 0.004). Microbiome analysis revealed gut dysbiosis in hypertensives, marked by reduced diversity (Shannon index 3.25 ± 0.42 vs 3.68 ± 0.39, p = 0.002), decreased Bifidobacterium (3.6 ± 1.4% vs 6.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001), and an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (2.9 ± 0.8 vs 1.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Critically, there was a significant gene–microbiome interaction: individuals with the TT genotype and low microbial diversity had the highest homocysteine levels (21.9 ± 5.3 µmol/L, p = 0.018 for interaction). These findings highlight a complex interplay between MTHFR polymorphisms and gut microbiota in regulating homocysteine metabolism in hypertensive Iraqi adults—and suggest that personalized nutritional or probiotic interventions might help manage hypertension.

Development wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines through Lines by Testers crosses, is the foremost objective for enhancing yield importantly for sustainable agriculture. The present investigation was carried out at the Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, during the Rabi season of 2023–2025. Thirteen genetically diverse wheat genotypes, including ten lines from NBPGR and three testers from IIWBR, were crossed in a Line x Tester mating design to generate 30 F1 hybrids. These hybrids, along with the parents and a standard check variety, were evaluated to estimate general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) governing yield and its related traits. The experimental material was sown in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Observations were recorded on eleven quantitative characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of effective tillers per plant, length of main spike (cm), number of spikelets per main spike, number of grains per main spike, thousand grain weight (g), biological yield per plant, harvest index and grain yield per plant (g). Data were collected from all 30 F1 hybrids, 13 parents and one standard check for each of the traits under study. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes, indicating sufficient genetic variability for all the traits studied. GCA analysis identified IC82137 and IC534770 among the lines and SKW–196 among the testers as good general combiners for grain yield and associated traits. SCA effects revealed promising hybrid combinations such as IC534770 x SKW–196 and IC532780 x UNNAT 343, which exhibited high specific combining ability for grain yield per plant. The identified superior parental lines and cross combinations can be effectively utilized in future breeding strategies aimed at enhancing productivity and adaptability in bread wheat.

Developing effective breeding strategies remains critical for achieving sustainable improvements in the genetic yield potential of wheat. The present investigation was carried out at the Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, during the Rabi season of 2023–2025. Thirteen genetically diverse wheat genotypes, including ten lines from NBPGR and three testers from IIWBR, were crossed in a Line x Tester mating design to generate 30 F1 hybrids. These hybrids, along with the parents and a standard check variety, were evaluated to estimate heterosis, governing yield and its related traits. The experimental material was sown in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Observations were recorded on eleven quantitative characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of effective tillers per plant, length of main spike (cm), number of spikelets per main spike, number of grains per main spike, thousand grain weight (g), biological yield per plant, harvest index and grain yield per plant (g). Data were collected from all 30 F1 hybrids, 13 parents and one standard check for each of the traits under study. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes, indicating sufficient genetic variability for all the traits studied. Positive and significant heterosis over the standard check was observed in several crosses, with IC534770 x PBW–677 showing the highest positive heterosis for grain yield per plant. A considerable range of both positive and negative heterosis was observed for grain yield per plant among the F1 hybrids. In terms of better parent heterosis, five crosses- IC-532908 x SKW 196, IC-60213 x SKW 196, IC-532155 x PBW 677, IC-532780 x PBW 677 and IC-534770 x SKW 196-exhibited significant positive heterosis. Similarly, six crosses-IC-532908 x SKW 196, IC-60213 x SKW 196, IC-532155 x PBW 677, IC-532780 x PBW 677, IC-532802 x SKW 196 and IC-534770 x SKW 196-recorded significant positive heterosis over the standard check. However, the number of crosses showing significant heterosis and the extent of heterosis varied across traits. Overall, the study revealed that several hybrids demonstrated substantial and desirable heterosis for a range of agronomic traits. The presence of wide-ranging heterosis, both in positive and negative directions, along with significant and favorable heterotic responses from certain crosses, indicates the strong potential of these hybrids for further genetic improvement in bread wheat.

Genetic variation in plant functional traits has been recognized as a potential avenue for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat, which is a cost-effective strategy for reducing environmental burden of excessive N fertilizer application. In this study, a total of 126 diverse wheat genotypes originating from 16 countries were cultivated in pots supplied with a low N level at 10mg kg- 1 to explore the functional traits determining NUE and their responses to N limitation. Under low N condition, significant genetic variations were observed in root morphological traits, photosynthesis capability and NUE among the wheat genotypes. The ranges of NUE and physiological NUE across 126 genotypes were 0.39-1.41g mg- 1 and 0.39-1.26g mg- 1, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed the examined root morphological traits were closely associated with plant N content, NUE and biomass accumulation under low N condition. Specially, roots with high root mass density (RMD) were beneficial to improve NUE, while high specific root length (SRL) and specific root surface area (SRA) were positively correlated with plant N concentration in response to N limitation. In contrast, photosynthesis traits exerted little effect on NUE in wheat at early growth stage under low N condition. Root morphological traits were superior to photosynthesis capacity in mediating wheat response to low N condition. Notably, RMD holds promise for application in breeding programs aimed at improving NUE in wheat.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important and nutritionally rich crop, serving as a key source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Enhancing genetic potential is essential to improve yield, disease resistance, and adaptability. This study evaluated fourteen diverse tomato genotypes, collected from Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur to assess their morphological and yield performance. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant genotypic variability was observed across all traits, indicating broad potential for selection. PCA explained 47.2% of total variability through the first two components, grouping genotypes into three distinct clusters. Strong positive correlations were found among fruit length, weight, and yield traits, while fruit number showed a greater influence with yield per plant. Genotypes G5, G7, G10, and G11 demonstrated superior yield, desirable fruit characteristics, and low wilt incidence, making them promising for future breeding programs. The results highlight substantial genetic diversity and provide a strong basis for developing high-yielding, disease-tolerant tomato varieties.

Drought affects chrysanthemum growth and yield, highlighting the need for reliable indicators of tolerance. This study evaluated 68 genetically diverse genotypes under hydroponics and pot culture using a completely randomized design to identify key physiological, biochemical and morphological traits linked to drought adaptation. Stress was imposed with 10 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) in hydroponics at the seedling stage and 60 kPa soil moisture tension in pots for 10 days at the vegetative stage based on our preliminary studies. Traits measured included chlorophyll content, carotenoids, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), canopy temperature depression (CTD), chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass and reproductive parameters. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among chlorophyll content, RWC, MSI, CTD and fluorescence, suggesting coordinated mechanisms that preserve photosynthetic efficiency and cellular stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified chlorophyll b, fluorescence, biomass and reproductive traits as major contributors to phenotypic variation. The first few PCs explained 71.0 % variation in hydroponic control, 75.5 % in hydroponic stress, 61.6 % in pot control and 77.9 % in pot stress, indicating context-dependent adaptive strategies. Under hydroponic stress, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, biomass, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contributed strongly to both PC1 and PC2, with Punjab Singar, Violet, Gulmohar, Garden Beauty and Shwet excelling in these traits, while Autumn Joy and Naughty White were distinguished by flowers per plant and chlorophyll a/b. In contrast, under pot stress, no trait contributed simultaneously to both PCs. Overall, chlorophyll content, RWC, MSI, CTD, chlorophyll fluorescence and reproductive traits emerged as robust indicators for breeding drought-resilient chrysanthemum cultivars.

Despite global improvements in water, sanitation, and rotavirus vaccination, rotavirus-associated diarrhea continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality among children in low-to-middle-income countries. Genomic surveillance is essential for evaluating vaccine efficacy and detecting emerging escape variants. In this study, we used VirCapSeq-VERT (VCS) to analyze rotavirus genetic diversity during Zambia's 2023 diarrhea surveillance. Stool samples from under five children with diarrhea were collected from health facilities across nine provinces. Out of 245 samples, 72 were rotavirus qPCR-positive with Ct <33 and underwent targeted viral enrichment and sequencing using VCS on the Illumina NextSeq2000. Bioinformatic analysis showed 70/72 strains had near complete genome constellations being genotyped as 45 Wa-like, 11 DS-like, and 14 reassortant strains. VP7 and VP4 analyses showed diverse genotypes (G1-G3, G8-G9, G12; P[4], P[6], P[8], P[11] clustering with vaccine and wild-type strains. Furthermore, G3 and G12 combined with P[4], P[6], and P[8] were the most predominant genotypes (35/70 and 13/70, respectively). Notably, nine samples had an M5 VP3 genotype with a 91% similarity to a simian rotavirus strain. Antigenic epitope analysis highlighted substitutions in P[6], G2, and G12, associated with immune escape. G3P[8] was the most common in severe cases. Fully vaccinated children showed significantly milder disease (p = 0.033). This study highlights VCS's utility in detecting viral diversity, reassortment, zoonotic transmission, and immune escape variants, providing crucial insights for assessing vaccine performance and public health strategies.

The study was conducted during the 2023–25 Rabi season at the Research Farm of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Thirteen genetically diverse wheat genotypes, including ten lines from NBPGR and three testers from IIWBR, were crossed in a Line x Tester mating design to generate 30 F1 hybrids. These hybrids, along with their parents and a standard check variety, were evaluated to determine the type of gene action influencing yield and associated traits. Observations were recorded on eleven quantitative characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of effective tillers per plant, length of main spike (cm), number of spikelets per main spike, number of grains per main spike, thousand grain weight (g), biological yield per plant, harvest index and grain yield per plant (g). The experimental material was sown in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The findings of the study emphasize the potential of utilizing both additive and non-additive gene effects in wheat improvement programs. The identified superior parental lines and cross combinations can be effectively utilized in future breeding strategies aimed at enhancing productivity and adaptability in bread wheat.