ABSTRACT
The rising prevalence of adolescent obesity poses significant health risks, necessitating innovative dietary interventions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a sprouted millet-based instant mix to alleviate obesity and promote health among adolescents aged 13–19 years. The intervention involved formulating a nutrient-dense instant mix, standardizing its composition, conducting sensory evaluation, and assessing its efficacy through a 3-month supplementation trial with 60 obese adolescents (30 boys, 30 girls). Evaluation was carried out by taking Anthropometric measurements. Nutrient profile as well as microbial analysis were performed to see the efficacy of mix. Results demonstrated significant reductions in body weight and BMI, improved nutritional status and high sensory acceptability. Microbial analysis confirmed the mix’s stability for three months. The sprouted millet-based instant mix offers a culturally relevant, effective and sustainable solution to address adolescent obesity.

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Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a crucial role in maternal health, foetal development, and lactation. Deficiency in vitamin D is a global health concern, affecting pregnant women and neonates, with implications for bone health, immune regulation, and metabolic function. Emerging research links insufficient vitamin D levels to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth, as well as neonatal complications such as low birth weight, impaired skeletal development, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Supplementation has shown promise in reducing these risks. Additionally, vitamin D is essential during lactation, supporting maternal recovery and infant growth. This review synthesizes current knowledge on vitamin D’s biological roles, risks of deficiency, and clinical relevance in pregnancy, neonatal development, and lactation.

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The present article discusses the effectiveness of the green synthesis method in the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Cassia angustifolia leaves. They enabled the investigation of the interactions of variables by the use of the response surface methodology and the Box-Behnken design. Characterization was carried out by UV-Vis, DRS, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDAX. The UV-Vis had a blue-shifted absorption peak at -400 nm. According to TEM and SEM, CuO NPs had a diameter of 20-62.5 nm and were round-shaped. The zeta potential was -22.6 mV, the average hydrodynamic diameter was 111.65 nm, and it implies that the nanoparticles were well stabilized. EDX detected only the existence of copper elements. Optimal synthesis occurred at 60°C and 7932 rpm. As it is indicated by the findings, the stable and crystalline CuO NPs have been green-synthesized, which can offer safer and more sustainable alteration of the conventional process.  

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Rice cultivation in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India were under serious threat to two major disease namely rice blast caused by Magnaporthegrisea and brown spot of rice caused by Helminthosporiumoryzae.  Documentation of these two disease carried out in 30 locations of Madurai along with Geo positioning System for precise location of disease occurrence. Three different disease spreading patterns observed.  Resistant varieties ofKarnataka Ponni, Super Ponni, ADT 36, ASD 16 , and ASD 19  both blast and brown spot of rice were found to be affected severely. In vivo attempt was made to control these disease with Pseudomonos species.  The alarming study definitely gains a greater importance to rice resistant breeders. This pilot study would be extended to field study in future.  

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Pest insects significantly impair and devastate the world's agriculture, yet the major method used to manage them by using chemical insecticides which are extremely damaging to both human health and the environment. End ophytes are abundant sources of secondary metabolites with biologically active properties that have the potential to be effective biocontrol agents. To isolate endophytic fungi Colletotrichum falcatum (OQ553930)from medicinal plant Mukia maderaspatana(L.) Roem. The Colletotrichum falcatum (OQ553930) ethyl acetate extract was extracted and analysed for TLC and Phytochemical analysis. The extracts were applied to Spodoptera litura using residual film and dipping methods. The results demonstrated that the larval mortality in the dipping method increased by a percentage as 85%, 65%, and 25% when the extract concentration was increased (1mg/ml, 0.5mg/ml, 0.25mg/ml), whereas the larval mortality in the residual film method showed the mortality percentage as 20%, 12%, 7% when the same extract concentration was maintained. Therefore, Colletotrichum falcatum (OQ553930) ethyl acetate extract can be used as an alternative to chemical insecticides to control Spodoptera littoralisand possibly other lepidopterans. This could be a significant contribution to integrated pest management strategies.

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Fungi invading objects containing cellulose are called cellulolytic fungi. These fungi produce “cellulolytic enzymes or cellulases”, which decompose cellulose (a polysaccharide) into first oligosaccharide and then monosaccharides, and ultimately to glucose molecules. Chaetomium globosum (Kunze)is reported to be a destructive cellulolytic fungus causing damage to our cultural heritage of library books, monuments, paintings, archival materials etc. In the present investigation, diversity of C. globosum in different library books of District - Gorakhpur (located in North- Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India) has been studied. Cellulase activity of C. globosumisolated and cultured has been assayed using Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) Agar medium technique. Gram’s iodine solution is used as indicator. The Enzyme Index of C.globosum has been reported as 3.6, which shows that it is industrially important fungus, which may be exploited for the production of cellulase enzyme at industrial level. Therefore, this research work strongly supports the concept that screening of cellulase producing ability of C. globosum and other microorganisms is very important.

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Oral microrganisms such as bacteria, fungi, virus and protozoa are associated with various oral diseases.When the bacterial molecules adsorb onto the tooth surface a so-called acquired film is formed called biofilm.From the nidus bacteria and bacterial products are propogated to distant parts to cause disease in these organ systems. Streptococcus mutans is a gram positive facultative anaerobic bacterium belonging to a group of mutans streptococci which consists of S.sobrinus and several other species.S. mutans species members also have adhesins on their surface that help mediate binding to salivary glycoproteins and bacteria derived salivary components. S mutans is actively associated with dental caries.Search Strategy: Medline, Pubmed, Ebsco, Google Scholar were searched using the following terms in different combinations. Oral microflora, S.mutans, .microbiome, virulence, adhesins, pathogenicity  

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Background: Organic polymer resins typically exhibit poor thermal resistance beyond 300?°C, limiting their application in fire-resistant structural components. In contrast, inorganic alumino-silicate polymers, known as geopolymers, offer superior thermal stability, chemical durability, and environmental compatibility. However, the development of geopolymer resins using purely liquid precursors remains underexplored, particularly for applications requiring lightweight, low-shrinkage matrices.This study presents the synthesis of an organic geopolymer matrix using liquid sodium silicate and sodium aluminate as the primary precursors. Fly ash and metakaolin were used as seeders to initiate geopolymerisation. Various concentration ratios of the precursors were evaluated through a controlled titration and curing process. Samples were thermally cured between 70?°C and 100?°C, and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm geopolymer formation within the 900–1400?cm?¹ spectral range. The optimal curing temperature was found to be between 75–85?°C, producing a pseudo-gel geopolymer matrix with minimal shrinkage and suitable for composite laminates. FTIR analysis confirmed successful geopolymerisation in samples with Si:Al molar ratios of 30:20 (fly ash) and 50:25 (metakaolin), exhibiting characteristic absorption peaks near 950–960?cm?¹. Among the 11 synthesized formulations, five showed hardened structures with improved moisture removal and microstructural consistency. This research demonstrates the feasibility of producing low-cost, thermally stable geopolymer resins using two liquid precursors. The findings highlight the critical role of precursor ratios, curing regimes, and seeder type in optimizing the resin’s microstructural integrity. Such geopolymers show promise for future applications in composite fabrication, particularly in thermally demanding or fire-resistant environments.  

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Problem: Multifarious odor detection through olfaction is one of the vital processes that regulates observable behaviors together with physiological functions in fish. The aquatic environment accommodates a vast range of olfactory cues, among which free amino acids are very common. Moreover, polyamines, which are products of amino acid decarboxylation, constitutes another important class of odors. Discernment of certain responses against these important odor molecules may enable the advancement of aquatic feed preparation facilitating fish growth. Approach: The behavioral response of L. rohita against L-amino acids of different nature was analyzed. These responses were compared with the responses against two biologically pertinent polyamines. The dose dependent responses were also discussed among four successive polyamine doses. This behavioral study was further followed by neuronal activity dependent labelling of olfactory epithelium using immune ofluorescence method. Findings: The findings suggest putrescine and spermidine as potent olfactory stimulator as well as attractant for this L. rohita. Among L -amino acids, arginine exhibited a well pronounced behavioral response, although a more positive behavioral approach was found for both the environmentally relevant biogenic amines relative to L-amino acids. This is supported by the concomitant number of c-FOS immune positive cells found on olfactory rosette upon application of these stimuli. Conclusion: The behavioral response of L. rohita was highest at the dose of 10-5 M for both putrescine and spermidine. Neuronal activity dependent labelling after exposure to differential polyamine doses revealed maximum p-ERK labelled cells in olfactory epithelium at the dose of 10-4 for both the diamines. Thus, L. rohita show attractive behavioral approach for both the polyamines. Future research on feeding behavior against these polyamines added diet will pave the path for sustainable aquaculture growth.  

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As academic libraries evolve into holistic learning environments, there is growing interest in how biophilic elements such as indoor plants can enhance student well-being, academic focus, and comfort. While the psychological benefits of greenery are increasingly acknowledged, empirical studies focusing on student preferences for plant integration in library settings, especially in developing countries, remain limited.This study investigates university students' preferences regarding the type, placement, and perceived impact of indoor plants in academic library spaces. It also explores differences in preferences and concerns across public, private, and national universities in Bangladesh.A quantitative survey was conducted with 274 university students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis H and Dunn’s post hoc) used to assess differences across institutional types.Students overwhelmingly supported the presence of indoor plants, citing improved aesthetics, stress reduction, and enhanced concentration. Preferences favored small, low-maintenance plants placed near reading areas. Significant differences were observed across university types: national university students expressed stronger preferences and greater concerns about space, cost, and maintenance. Challenges identified included allergy risks, space limitations, pest issues, and budget constraints.This study contributes new insights to biophilic design theory in educational settings by highlighting how student preferences are shaped by institutional context. It provides actionable recommendations for academic library planners and emphasizes the need for tailored, resource-sensitive greening strategies. The findings are especially relevant for universities in resource-constrained regions seeking to balance well-being with practical design considerations.  

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Class imbalance is a critical challenge in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), where the uneven distribution of class labels often results in biased models and reduced predictive performance. This issue becomes more pronounced in sensitive applications such as healthcare diagnostics, fraud detection, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems, where minority class instances often represent rare but highly significant events. This study explores the theoretical foundations of class imbalance. It also reviews a range of strategies for addressing imbalance, including data-level approaches (undersampling, oversampling, SMOTE and its variants), algorithm-level techniques (cost-sensitive learning, threshold), and advanced frameworks such as RESMOTE  and ASEB. Furthermore, the role of deep learning in tackling imbalance is examined, with a focus on transfer learning, attention mechanisms, and data augmentation for improving minority class recognition. Comparative analyses across different domains demonstrate how imbalance handling improves recall, precision, and generalization, though challenges remain in high-stakes areas like medical prediction and rare event detection. The findings emphasize that no single solution is universally optimal; instead, domain-specific, hybrid, and context-aware methods provide the most effective outcomes. This work contributes to the growing understanding of imbalance-handling methodologies and underscores the need for continuous research to build fair, reliable, and application-ready AI systems

ABSTRACT
In situ hybridization (ISH) has long been an indispensable molecular technique for visualizing nucleic acids within their native cellular or tissue environments. By employing complementary probes that specifically bind DNA or RNA sequences, ISH enables precise detection of genetic material with chromogenic or fluorescent readouts. Recent advances, such as the hybridization chain reaction (HCR), have significantly improved the sensitivity and resolution of ISH, permitting robust analysis of low-abundance targets. Parallel to these developments, CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as a transformative gene-editing platform capable of inducing targeted double-stranded DNA breaks and facilitating either gene disruption or precise repair. Together, these two technologies hold great promise for advancing both fundamental research and therapeutic applications.To fully realize CRISPR’s potential, however, efficient and safe delivery strategies remain essential. Conventional vectors such as plasmid DNA, mrna, and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes face limitations including instability, inefficient uptake, and risks of off-target activity. To address these barriers, nanocarrier systems—particularly nanosponges and hydrogels—have been investigated as versatile delivery vehicles. Nanosponges, with their porous three-dimensional architecture, enable encapsulation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, offering controlled release and enhanced stability. Their biocompatibility and tunable properties make them attractive for encapsulating CRISPR/Cas9 components and protecting them from enzymatic degradation. Hydrogels, by contrast, provide an injectable, tissue-like platform capable of forming in situ and sustaining localized release of gene-editing complexes. Their structural versatility allows fine-tuning of mesh size, degradation kinetics, and swelling behavior, all of which influence CRISPR delivery efficiency. The integration of ISH, HCR, CRISPR/Cas9, nanosponges, and hydrogels represents a convergence of diagnostic precision with therapeutic innovation. ISH and HCR provide molecular tools for spatial mapping and sensitive detection of nucleic acids, while CRISPR/Cas9 delivers unparalleled editing precision. Embedding these tools within nanosponge and hydrogel carriers creates multifunctional systems capable of both localized imaging and gene modulation. This synergy opens new avenues in oncology, regenerative medicine, and infectious disease treatment, marking a significant step toward safe, efficient, and clinically translatable gene therapy.  

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Arsenic, a metalloid that is present in the water, soil, rock, living organisms and atmosphere. Arsenic becomes free in the environment through the natural (erosion, biological, weathering and volcanic activity) and anthropogenic (mining, combustion of fossil fuels, agriculture and wood preservation) activities. Although anthropogenic activities cause local problems and the most severe environmental problems are caused by the mobilization of arsenic under ordinary conditions. High arsenic concentrations occur naturally in groundwater at certain places and result in serious health issues when this groundwater is supplied as drinking water. The present work describes a comprehensive analysis of the contamination of arsenic in groundwater within the Meerut district of Western Uttar Pradesh, India.  

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This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis and pharmacognostic evaluation of three medicinal plants from the Acanthaceae family abundantly found in North Bihar, India - Adhatoda vasica, Andrographis paniculata, and Hygrophila auriculata. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of leaves were examined. Physicochemical parameters like ash values, extractive values, and moisture content were determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed on different solvent extracts. HPLC analysis was carried out to identify and quantify major bioactive compounds. The pharmacognostic features provide useful information for authentication and standardization of these plant materials. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and other constituents. HPLC confirmed the presence of vasicine in A. vasica, andrographolide in A. paniculata, and lupeol in H. auriculata as major compounds. The free radical scavenging potential of crude extracts were also examined and significant scavenging activity exhibited by these plants confirms their antioxidant potential. The abundance of phytochemical compounds indicates that these plants contain high levels of medicinal compounds which acts synergistically and can be widely utilized for the extraction of natural compounds. This study provides valuable data to establish quality control parameters for these important medicinal plants of the Acanthaceae family.

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Histological changes in liver tissue of albino mice Mus musculus was studied   using Transmission electron microscopy. Liver is the largest gland in the body. The liver Neutralizes and breaks down toxins, drugs, alcohol, and metabolicwastes. It Converts harmful substances (like ammonia, alcohol, and medications) into less toxic compounds for elimination. FRD was prepared by using Edible coconut oil and vanaspati ghee mixture in the ratio of 2:3 respectively and it was administrated at a dose of 10ml/kg body weight with normal chow diet for 30 days. Fresh wheatgrass juice in various dosages was administered.  This study used albino laboratory mice (Mus musculus), which were 40–50 days old and had an initial weight of 20–40 grams on average. The animals were divided into five groups. After 30 days of the experiment, FRD increases the amount of lipids that accumulate in the hepatocytes' cytoplasm and nucleus. However, following the administration of higher dosages of T. aestivum, there are notable alterations, including the elimination of lipid droplets from the nucleus and a decrease in the quantity of lipid droplets from the cytoplasm.  

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Accurate estimation of water spread in reservoirs is essential for effective water resource planning and management. This study focuses on the Veeranam Watershed in Tamil Nadu and demonstrates the application of geo-spatial technology—specifically, remote sensing and GIS—for computing the water spread area using Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 imagery. Spectral indices such as the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Modified NDWI (MNDWI) were used to extract the water extent, and the results were validated through ground truthing using GPS-based field observations. A total of 55 ground control points were collected along the reservoir boundary and compared with the satellite-derived maps. The accuracy assessment yielded an overall classification accuracy of 91.3% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.87, indicating strong agreement between remote sensing outputs and field data. The study highlights the effectiveness of integrating ground truthing with geo-spatial techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of water spread computations, offering valuable insights for hydrological monitoring and watershed management.

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Koshi Region is a major tributary of the Ganga River which originates at an altitudeof 7,000 m in the Himalayas. Bihar is divided into three primary agro climatic zones based on soil type, precipitation, temperature and location. It is anticipated thatthe state has a total gross sowing area of 80.26 lakh ha and a total net sowing area of56.38 lakh ha. The percentage of land that is being farmed is 1.42%. Paddy, wheat,legumes, maize, potato, sugarcane, oil seeds, tobacco, and jute are the primaryagricultural products that are grown here. Rice, wheat, and maize are the three maintypes of main crops.Pest and food production are linked for centuries. In early nineteenth century pestcontrol done by biological methods. But later on pest control methods usingchemical such as pesticides provides farmer a tool which benefitted farmers & wholeworld.Post industrial revolution in the Europe & rapid growth in population in west compelledscientist to think about a different methods to enhance food production.There was no way that the 20thcentury population boomcould have happened. Without a corresponding rise in agricultural output.  Almostone-third of all food grown requires the use of pesticides. Without pesticides, foodoutput would drop by 78% for fruit, 54% for vegetables, and 32% for grains. As aresult, pesticides are essential for improving health and boosting production inagriculture across the globe.Because of the chemical compounds used in pesticides, they may beharmful to the environment as well as the species it is intended to kill. This includesbirds, fish, helpful insects, and non-target plants. Additionally, environmentalpollution occurs when pesticide contamination spreads from the intended plants.The poisoning of the environment and food supplies by such chemical residues hasnegative effects on human health. Moreover, pesticide use is influenced by climatechange-related variables, leading to increased pesticide consumption and pesticidecontamination.

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Problem: Alginate, a naturally occurring biopolymer with applications in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology, is traditionally produced by Azotobacter vinelandii. However, the natural production capacity of this bacterium remains low, posing a challenge for large-scale industrial extraction. Approach: To enhance alginate productivity, random mutagenesis was employed to induce genetic heterogeneity in A. vinelandii. Chemical mutagens were applied, generating diverse mutant strains. These mutants were evaluated through colony morphology, viscosity studies, and fermentation experiments to identify improved alginate producers. Findings: Several mutants demonstrated significantly higher alginate yields compared to the wild-type strain. Genetic and biochemical analyses revealed alterations in metabolic pathways, particularly those regulating precursor biosynthesis, polymerisation, and alginate secretion. Overexpression of key biosynthetic genes and redirection of carbon flux toward polysaccharide synthesis contributed to improved productivity. Conclusion: Random mutagenesis is shown to be an effective strategy for strain improvement in biopolymer production. The enhanced A. vinelandii mutants provide a promising platform for sustainable, large-scale microbial alginate production, offering economically viable solutions to meet the growing industrial demand for biopolymers.  

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Proximate analysis is an essential tool for evaluating the nutritional composition of food powders and blends, which are increasingly used in the development of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods. This study investigates the proximate composition of amylase-rich powders, seeds, nuts, beans, and leaf powders prepared from commonly consumed ingredients. Nutrients analyzed include energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, iron, and calcium. Results reveal that these powders provide significant amounts of macronutrients and essential micronutrients, with notable variation among groups. Seeds and nut powders showed the highest fat and protein concentrations, whereas leaf powders were rich sources of calcium and iron. Findings highlight their potential applications in combating nutrient deficiencies and in food product development

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This research investigates the combined use of fly ash and finely crushed waste glass in green concrete as partial replacements for cement and fine aggregate, respectively. Seven concrete mixes were designed with varying replacement levels (0-30% fly ash and 0-20% glass). The study evaluated mechanical properties (compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength), durability (water absorption), and economic viability (material and life-cycle cost) at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The results show that Mix M3 (20% fly ash and 10% glass) yielded the best mechanical performance with a 28-day compressive strength of 42.3 MPa, superior tensile and flexural strength, the lowest water absorption (4.2%), and optimal cost-efficiency. The synergistic interaction between fly ash and glass enhanced particle packing, reduced porosity, and supported sustainability by minimizing cement usage. The findings affirm that appropriately proportioned industrial by-products can produce durable, eco-efficient, and structurally sound green concrete suitable for broad construction applications.  

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Problem: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is extensively used in industrial and consumer applications, but its leachates—rich in chemical additives such as phthalates and vinyl chloride monomers—pose potential health risks. While microplastic exposure is increasingly linked to gut microbiota disruption, the specific effects of PVC-derived leachates on probiotic microbes that maintain gut homeostasis remain poorly understood. Approach: PVC leachate was generated by UV-aging PVC in aqueous medium and chemically characterized via GC–MS. Probiotic strains—Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum—were exposed to varying concentrations of leachate (0.1–10%) under anaerobic conditions. Growth kinetics, colony counts, pH changes, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production (acetate, propionate, butyrate), and oxidative stress responses (ROS assays) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. Findings: PVC-derived leachates caused a clear dose-dependent inhibition of probiotic growth, with ≥ 50% reduction in CFU observed at ≥ 5% exposure. SCFA production significantly declined, particularly for butyrate and acetate, while ROS levels were markedly elevated, indicating oxidative stress. These results reveal disruption of both probiotic viability and their beneficial metabolic output. Conclusion: PVC leachates negatively impact probiotic gut bacteria by suppressing growth, reducing SCFA production, and inducing oxidative stress, thereby threatening microbial balance and gut health. These findings emphasize the need to include plastic-derived leachates in microbial toxicology assessments and encourage further in vivo studies to validate health implications and explore probiotic resilience strategies.  

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To examine the magnitude of water first-rate decline in the Ken River of Panna, this take a look at examined the seasonal variation of physicochemical parameters of water, diagnosed capacity pollution assets, and clustered the tracking months with similar traits. Water samples have been collected in four wonderful seasons to assess temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) awareness, five-day biochemical oxygen call for (BOD), chemical oxygen call for (COD), electrical conductivity (EC), chloride ion (Cl) awareness, general alkalinity (TA), turbidity, overall dissolved solids (TDS) attention, general suspended solids (TSS) concentration, and overall hardness (TH) the use of widespread strategies. The analytical results revealed that 40% of water first-class indices have been inside the permissible limits counseled by way of different businesses, excluding EC, Cl concentration, TA, turbidity, DO attention, BOD, and COD in all seasons. Statistical analyses indicated that 52% of the contrasts were substantially exceptional at a ninety-five% self-assurance c programming language. The issue evaluation provided the exceptional healthy among the parameters, with four elements explaining 94.29% of the whole variance. TDS, BOD, COD, EC, turbidity, DO, and Cl had been particularly chargeable for pollutants loading and have been due to the full-size amount of commercial discharge and toxicological compounds. The cluster analysis showed the seasonal exchange in floor water great, which is commonly a trademark of pollutants from rainfall or different assets. However, the values of various physicochemical houses numerous with seasons, and the highest values of pollution were recorded within the wintry weather.  

ABSTRACT
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) remains a cornerstone of food security for over half of the world’s population, with South and Southeast Asia serving as its primary centers of production and consumption. Despite India’s significant contribution to global rice cultivation, regions such as Nagaland in the North Eastern Himalayas remain underexplored for their genetic diversity, even though they represent hotspots of traditional landraces. Understanding the extent of diversity within these landraces is crucial for breeding programs aimed at yield stability, pest resistance, and climate resilience. In this study, 18 upland rice genotypes collected from Nagaland were evaluated for genetic divergence using Mahalanobis’ D² statistics and grouped into four distinct clusters through Tocher’s method. Results indicated considerable inter-cluster variation, with maximum divergence observed between Cluster II and Cluster III, suggesting their potential use as parents in hybridization programs. Panicle weight and 100-seed weight contributed the most to total divergence, highlighting their importance in selection. These findings reaffirm the value of local landraces in breeding initiatives, especially in the face of climate variability, disease outbreaks, and rising demand for resilient crops. Incorporating such genetic diversity into breeding pipelines can accelerate the development of rice varieties with enhanced adaptability, productivity, and sustainability.

ABSTRACT
After the population growth rate increases tremendously, alternative food sources are receiving much attention in this regard. Edible insects and edible freshwater mollusca species are accepted to be the best alternative food among the different tribal communities since time immemorial. They are revealed to be rich in different nutrient composition which can benefited the mankind to get nutritious food to a great extent in India. They also plays significant role in treating different deadly diseases like cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction, inflammation and many other. Edible insects of northeastern region have been reported to be rich in different bioactive compounds and are having antioxidants properties because of which they play an essential role in preventing deadly diseases. Several species of Mollusca are considered as highly nutritive and a good alternative source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Thus, it can be represented that the edible insect species and molluscs present in this region to be the most preferred and the cheapest source of nutrients i.e carbohydrate, lipid and minerals. It is pretty clear that these two cheapest alternative food sources are available in northeastern region and have the ability to combat against malnutrition and under nourishment to a great extent.  

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North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India has rich biodiversity of plants.Cercospora Fres. is a phytopathogenic fungus causing diseases in different plants of economic importance. In the present investigation, during survey of villages and forests of Gorakhpurdistrict, three phytopathogenic species of Cercospora have been collected and reported -Cercospora achyranthina, C. cocciniae and C. papaya, infecting three medicinally important plants -Achyranthes aspera, Coccinia grandis and Carica papaya. Morpho-taxonomy of these three species of Cercospora including camera lucida drawings have been done. Phyto-pathological investigations have also been performed including reductions in photosynthetic areas of leaves. It is concluded that these Cercospora species affect the productivity as well as medicinal properties of these medicinally important plants.  

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Oil pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, leading to ecological damage and loss of livelihoods. Bioremediation, specifically nutrient amendment (biostimulation), offers a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to conventional remediation methods. This study used a mesocosm simulation to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of ammonium, nitrate, and organic nitrogen sources on petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. Soils collected from three oil-impacted Niger Delta communities were artificially contaminated with diesel and treated with nitrogen amendments. Results showed that ammonium enhanced rapid hydrocarbon breakdown, while organic nitrogen sustained the highest microbial proliferation and long-term nutrient availability. Regression analysis confirmed strong positive correlations (r = 0.93–0.96) between nitrogen concentration and microbial activity. These findings demonstrate that nitrogen-based biostimulation can significantly accelerate remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils in tropical wetland ecosystems and provide evidence for field-scale application in the Niger Delta.

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Anemia remains a significant complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to cardiovascular morbidity, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Conventional therapies, including erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), iron supplementation, and blood transfusions, have improved outcomes but are limited by safety concerns, hyporesponsiveness, and incomplete correction of underlying pathophysiology. Advances in molecular understanding of erythropoiesis, iron regulation, and inflammation have catalyzed the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Among these, hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) represent a paradigm shift, offering an oral, physiologically adaptive approach that enhances endogenous erythropoietin production, optimizes iron utilization, and mitigates inflammation-driven erythropoietic suppression. Emerging therapies targeting hepcidin, ferroportin, and inflammatory pathways, as well as gene-editing, stem cell, and small-molecule approaches, further expand the therapeutic landscape. Despite their promise, unresolved issues regarding long-term safety, cardiovascular risk, tumorigenic potential, and cost-effectiveness necessitate ongoing research. This review synthesizes current evidence on HIF-PHIs and other novel agents, explores their clinical integration, and highlights future directions toward a personalized, multimodal approach to CKD anemia management, aiming to transcend the limitations of ESA-based therapy and improve patient outcomes.