Mohammad Javed Ansari

Pathogen outbreaks by Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV), extra small virus (XSV), M. rosenbergii golda virus (MrGV), and pathogenic Vibrio spp. ( V. parahaemolyticus , vulnificus , harveyi ) have devastated Bangladesh's freshwater prawn aquaculture, causing mass mortalities and multimillion‐dollar losses due to delayed conventional tissue diagnostics. We collected 1–5 L water samples biweekly or quarterly (July 2023–April 2025) from 10 hatcheries and 10 linked natural sites, filtered (0.45 μm), preserved in ethanol at 4°C, and extracted eDNA using Invitrogen PureLink kits (A260/280 1.7–1.9). Custom TaqMan qPCR assays targeted MrNV RdRp (112 bp), XSV capsid‐UTR (145 bp), MrGV ORF1a‐ORF3 (189 bp), and Vibrio toxR (98 bp), with plasmid standards (91%–97% efficiency, R ² ≥ 0.997), LOD ₉₅ 6–14 copies/reaction (CLSI EP17‐A2), and internal controls. Positives (Ct ≤ 37) were validated in triplicate, Sanger‐sequenced ( n = 152, ABI 3730xl, BigDye v3.1), BLASTn‐analyzed (85%–100% identity, e ≤ 10 ⁻⁶⁰ ), and phylogenetically assessed (IQ‐TREE, 5000 bootstraps). Hatcheries showed 4.7‐fold higher median loads (log ₁₀ copies/L, Wilcoxon p < 10 ⁻¹⁰ ) than natural sites: MrNV 1300 copies/L (94% prevalence, 82%–99% CI) versus 450 (41%, 29%–54% CI); Vibrio 1600 (88%) versus 1400 (76%); XSV/MrGV 850/450 versus 320/280—with frequent co‐infections (SparCC ρ = 0.72, e.g., MrNV‐XSV in 84% hatcheries). Negative binomial GLMMs ( R ² _marg = 0.65, R ² _cond = 0.77) confirmed hatchery effluent spillover (coef. = 2.03, p < 10 ⁻¹¹ ), modulated by distance/salinity ( n = 10 pairs), with biosecurity correlations r = −0.62 ( p = 0.01); eDNA performed optimally at pH 7–8.5, salinity 0.01–36 ppt, 26.5°C–31°C. Variants included MrNV SNPs (6.4 ± 2.1, F _ST = 0.018 hatchery vs. 0.037 natural), novel XSV 6‐nt deletion (23% natural), MrGV substitutions (V134I, N212D, G345S), and Vibrio clades (F _ST = 0.29–0.48). These results validate eDNA as a non‐invasive early‐warning tool, recommending routine hatchery screening, UV/chlorine treatment, and natural monitoring to curb reservoirs and sustain production.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrinological and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is often associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, anovulation, infertility and insulin resistance. In this study, the imminent efficacy of MoLP ( Moringa oleifera leaf powder) and MoLE ( M. oleifera leaf extract) in treating PCOS in female albino mice was explored. Female albino mice were injected with testosterone enanthate [1.0 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.)] for 35-days to induce PCOS. For the treatment, mice were administered with M. oleifera leaf powder (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), M. oleifera leaf extract (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. Following the intervention, body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and stages of the estrus cycle were measured at 0, 7 and 14 days. The ovaries were examined stereologically to determine the number and diameter of follicles. Results indicated that MoLP, MoLE (500 mg/kg b.w.) and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) significantly decreased body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone and LH levels while increasing FSH levels and ovary weight over time compared to PCOS-induced mice. Additionally, regulation of the estrus cycle and folliculogenesis in PCOS-induced mice was observed. Overall, the present study revealed that M. oleifera may have the potential as a therapeutic intervention for PCOS. Graphical Abstract

The present study aimed to optimize a mouth‐dissolving film (MDF) made from Pongamia pinnata stem bark extract to increase patient compliance and accelerate oral disease therapy. Several stem bark extracts were prepared, and karanjin was used as an herbal marker for the extracts. The ethanolic extract showed the maximum yield (12.10% ± 0.09%) and cytotoxic activity against human oral cancer (KB 3‐1) and embryonic kidney cell lines. The MDF formulation was focused on incorporating a fixed amount of the extract and varying concentrations of HPMC E5 polymer, along with evaluating the performance of plasticizers like PEG 400 and propylene glycol (PG). An optimized formulation was determined based on disintegration time, wetting time, and folding endurance. The formulation consisted of HPMC E5 as a film‐forming polymer, PG as a superior plasticizer, ascorbic acid as an antioxidant, and other ingredients contributing to solubility, dispersion, sweetening, and appearance. High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis confirmed higher levels of karanjin in the optimized formulation, ensuring its successful incorporation and stability. Taste masking evaluations indicate a favorable taste profile and a high potential for patient compliance. The stability study displayed no significant changes in the physical characteristics of the film, affirming its stability and quality. In conclusion, the developed herbal‐based optimized MDF presents a promising drug delivery system, offering enhanced patient compliance, taste masking, and stability. The MDF holds great potential for effective treatment and management of oral diseases, providing convenience and improved therapeutic outcomes.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of long‐term integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments on soil properties, crop productivity and the soil quality index (SQI) in scented rice–potato–groundnut cropping system. A comprehensive evaluation of soil quality indicators was carried out using four different SQI calculation methods: linear additive (SQI _LA ), nonlinear additive (SQI _NLA ), linear weighting (SQI _LW ) and nonlinear weighting (SQI _NLW ). Among all the treatments, the INM approach ( T ₁ ), which combines 50% recommended NPK from inorganic fertilizer with 50% N from FYM, resulted in the maximum yield for all three crops. Within the organic nutrient management treatments ( T ₂ – T ₅ ), treatment T ₅ , which involved 33% of the recommended nitrogen from various organic sources combined with beneficial microorganisms, showed significantly higher yield. Of the 17 soil quality attributes in the present study, soil organic C (SOC), available N, available S and total soil bacteria count were identified as the most sensitive indicators influencing soil quality. The plots treated solely with organic inputs with biofertilizers yielded the highest SQI values (SQI _LA —4.01; SQI _LW —0.71; SQI _NLA —3.04; SQI _NLW —0.51), closely followed by the INM‐treated plots (SQI _LA —3.66; SQI _LW —0.66; SQI _NLA —2.82; SQI _NLW —0.47), and both the treatments significantly outperformed other treatments. All four SQIs showed a high correlation with the system of rice equivalent yield (SREY) calculated from all three crops; however, there are significant differences. The weighted linear (SQI _LW ) method proved to be the most sensitive and reliable method for modelling soil quality and predicting crop productivity. The exclusion of biofertilizers from different organic nutrient management options led to 13.36% decline in the SQI value, highlighting the critical role of biofertilizers in maintaining soil health in the scented rice–potato–groundnut system.

This study explores the extraction and characterization of dietary fiber (DF) from carambola fruits, focusing on both peel and pulp fractions. After pretreatment with 96% ethanol to mitigate enzymatic activity, DF was extracted using both hot‐air oven‐drying and freeze‐drying methods. Physicochemical properties, functional attributes, and nutritional composition of the extracted fractions were analyzed. Notably, DF derived from the peel exhibited superior functional, antioxidant, hydration, and physicochemical properties compared to DF from the pulp. The peel fraction of freeze‐dried (FE) showed exceptional attributes, boasting the highest levels of DPPH assay (68.73%), total flavonoid content (14.98 mg QE/100 g DM), total phenolic content (156.6 mg GAE/100 g DM), ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (458.3 mg AAC/g DM), vitamin C (52.12 mg ascorbic acid/100 g DM), and vitamin A (140.2 μg β‐carotene/100 g DM). Additionally, it demonstrated a remarkable oil holding capacity (2.591 g oil/g DM). Furthermore, employing freeze drying as the extraction method proved advantageous, yielding DF with superior physicochemical, nutritional, antioxidant, and hydration properties compared to oven drying. Notably, freeze drying also demonstrated environmental benefits by minimizing energy consumption and CO ₂ emissions, aligning with green extraction practices.

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest of several crops leading to significant yield losses. Developing effective and eco-friendly pest management strategies against fall armyworm (FAW) is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the synthesis and evaluation of the insecticidal activity of silver nanoparticles based on an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL-AgNPs) against FAW. The synthesized MOL-AgNPs were characterized and confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging. Four concentrations (200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm) of MOL-AgNPs and a deionized water as blank control were tested against larval mortality of the last three larval instars of FAW by food dipping method. Results showed different concentrations of MOL-AgNPs exhibited significantly higher larvicidal activity (pth instar, 67.5%, 82.5%, and 95% larval mortality were observed in MOL-AgNPs at 500 ppm after 24, 48, and 72 h of the larval exposure, respectively. Similarly in the 5^th instar larvae, 72.5% (24 h), 83.75% (48 h), and 90% (72 h) mortality was observed after larval exposures to maximum concentration (500 ppm) of MOL-AgNPs. The 6^th instar larvae showed 52.5% (24 h), 57.5% (48 h), and 85% (72 h) percentage mortality at 500 ppm. The MOL-AgNPs demonstrated high larvicidal activity which increased with the increase in concentrations of MOL-AgNPs and duration of exposure. The concentration levels with increased duration of exposure resulted in higher larval mortalities in all three larval instars. However, a more pronounced impact of larvicidal activity was observed on the 4^th and 5^th instars as compared to the 6^th instar. The mortality rates recorded for both the concentration of the nanoparticles and the duration of exposure highlighted the potential of MOL-AgNPs as an eco-friendly and effective pest management strategy.

The main issues with current and traditional cancer therapy delivery systems include a lack of selectivity towards tumors, causing harm to healthy cells, low efficiency in loading drugs, and the inability to visually track the drug's localization after administration. These limitations negatively impact the effectiveness of therapy and result in increased treatment costs. Furthermore, conventional cancer therapies typically target tumor cells through a single mechanism, which eventually leads to the emergence of drug resistance. Concanavalin A, a plant lectin derived from jack beans, has the ability to recognise cells and can be used as an efficient targeting agent in cancer therapy. In the current study, the effectiveness of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with curcumin (CU) and conjugated with ConA has been examined in the fight against A549 human lung cancer cells, with a focus on their anticancer properties. This novel strategy allows for targeted delivery, sustained release, and specific recognition of cancer cells. To verify the successful bonding of ConA to SLNs, we conducted a comparison of the FTIR spectra between the synthesized Cur-SLNs and ConA-SLNs and their respective precursors. Additionally, we employed various techniques, such as XRD (X-ray diffraction), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), particle size analysis, and other methods, to examine the surface morphology and viability of SLNs. The present in vitro study of drug release revealed a sustained release pattern from the ConA-SLNs. The utilization of targeted nanoparticles resulted in a notable increase in the anticancer effectiveness of curcumin, as demonstrated using an anti-proliferation assay. The positive findings from this research indicate the potential of directing nanomedicines towards carbohydrate structures that are overexpressed through lectin (ConA)-mediated delivery in the treatment of lung cancer.

A novel strain isolated from soil identified as Stenotrophomonas geniculata MK2 could control strawberries’ postharvest disease gray mold. An in vitro investigation showed that MK2 had significant bioactivity against Botrytis cinerea, with an observed zone of inhibition of 85%. The strain MK2 was 88% effective in controlling gray mold on detached fruits. De novo whole genome sequencing analysis showed that strain MK2 has a single circular chromosome with a genome size of 736,465 bp, a G + C content of 66.34%, a coding ratio of 89.80%, and a protein-coding gene of 442. The NR database identified about 4284 genes among Stenotrophomonas spp. and S. geniculata, sharing the maximum number of 1277 genes with the MK2 strain. In COG annotation, most gene percentage was linked to general functions. In KEGG annotations, the majority of genes are associated with metabolism. According to the GO analysis, the maximum number of genes involved in the molecular process was linked to catalytic and transporter activity. CAZymes (carbohydrate-active enzymes) showed that enzymes related to glycosyl transferases (48), carbohydrate esterases (54), and glycoside hydrolases (51) are involved in the non-ribosomal synthesis of secondary metabolites. The PHI database showed that in strain MK2, the reduced virulence was 68 protein counts, and similarly unaffected pathogenicity protein counts were 52. AntiSMASH analysis for biosynthesis-related gene clusters involved in the production of secondary metabolites showed ten gene clusters coded for 2,3-dihydroxybenzoylserine, griseobactin, fuscachelin, benarthin, mirubactin, myxochelin, and bacillibactin. The MK2 strain could be a potent biocontrol agent for postharvest diseases.