Insect pest resistance: an alternative approach for crop protection

From experience with insect resistance caused by synthetic chemical insecticides, it is clear that no single management tactic can provide lasting solutions to the insect pest problem. Biological control is a component of integrated pest management strategies that minimize insecticide spray applications and move towards ecofriendly systems of pest management. Successful utilization of host plant resistance, phytochemical products, pheromones, biological control agents such as predators, parasitoids, entomopathogenic bacteria, virus, nematodes, and fungi can help to control many destructive pests to achieve sustainable crop protection

Green mussel (Perna viridis) culture in recirculating aquaculture system: A performance evaluation from Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

This research assesses the growth performance of green mussels, Perna viridis, cultivated in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Mussels were cultivated under three distinct treatments (T1, T2, and T3), with variations in key environmental parameters recorded from stocking to harvesting. T2 demonstrated the greatest ultimate weight (55.55±0.21 g), length (10.45±0.10 cm), and width (3.51±0.06 cm), followed by T1, while T3 revealed the least growth performance (50.5±0.09 g, 9.07±0.06 cm, and 3.59±0.06 cm, respectively). The water quality parameters remained within an acceptable range, with temperatures ranging from 26.9±0.59 to 32.2±0.83°C, pH levels varying between 7.10±1.16 and 7.92±2.75, and dissolved oxygen levels ranging from 4.62±0.28 to 5.31±0.31 ppm. Ammonia and nitrite concentrations were also lowest in T2 (0.01±0.01 mg/L and 0.05±0.02 mg/L, respectively), suggesting better water quality management. The findings indicate that RAS provides a controlled environment conducive to mussel growth, with T2 conditions being the most optimal. This research highlights the practicality of incorporating RAS into green mussel cultivation as a viable alternative to traditional methods in Bangladesh

Effect of standing water levels on methane gas emission and yield performance of transplanted Aman rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. BRRI dhan51)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of standing water levels on methane gas emission and yield of transplanted Aman rice (cv. BRRI dhan51) during July to December 2015 at medium low-lying area of Mohangonj upazila under Netrokona district. The experiment comprised five standing water levels on surface paddy soil viz., 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm. Methane (CH4) gas emission, yield components and yield of transplanted Aman rice were significantly affected by standing water levels on surface paddy soil. CH4 emission was gradually increased with rising standing water levels and remained static condition at 20-25 cm water level.  The highest CH4 emission was observed at 20 cm standing water level and the lowest CH4 emission was recorded at 5 cm water level. The highest CH4   peak recorded at 85 days after transplanting (DAT). The highest CH4 flux (36.59 mg/m2/h) was observed in treatment 20 cm water level whereas the lowest CH4flux (21.17 mg/m2/h) was observed in 5 cm water level.  Finally, the CH4 emission dropped at 108 DAT. On and average, the CH4 emission rate during rice cultivation followed 20 cm > 25 cm> 15 cm > 10 cm > 5 cm water level. Soil Eh gradually decreased with progress of time and plant growth and at 85 DAT highly reduced condition developed in all treatments. The maximum reduced condition was observed (-238.67 mV) in treatment 20 cm water level and minimum one (- 214.667 mV) was found in 5 cm water level. The highest grain (5260 kg ha-1) and straw (6725.0 kg ha-1) yields were obtained at 10 cm standing water level while the lowest grain (4191.6 kg ha-1) and straw (5050.0 kg ha-1) yields were recorded in 5 cm and 15 cm water level, respectively. It may be concluded that 10 cm standing water level is beneficial for transplant Aman rice (cv. BRRI dhan51) cultivation in low lying area in respect of grain yield and environmental issues

Assemblages of Insect Pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Fields at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

The provision of pollination services by pollinators is threatened by declines in their abundance and diversity.  The reduction in pollinator populations may result in a decline in plant species diversity. Research on insect pollinators is a significant topic of discussion among researchers worldwide, primarily due to population declines attributed to various stressors, including climate change and the scarcity of floral resources. This study investigates the variety and quantity of insect pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Fields at the University of Rajshahi are crucial to the success of agro-ecosystems. From November 2024 to February 2025, a field investigation was conducted to explore the diversity of insect pollinators. A total of 382 individuals belonging to 33 species of 17 families and 4 insect orders viz., Hymenoptera (6), Diptera (16), Lepidoptera (10), and Odonata (1) recorded in the mustard field. Dipterans were predominant (45.52%) and it was followed by Hymenoptera (42.67%), Lepidoptera (10.48%), and Odonata (0.79%). The diversity indexes were as follows: H\u27 = 3.82, Evenness (E) = 0.8708, and Simpson Index = 0.9413. The significant variety and uniform distribution of insect pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 fields underscore their essential function in facilitating pollination and improving crop yield. These results highlight the need to preserve pollinator habitats in agricultural settings to guarantee sustained crop production and ecosystem vitality. The findings highlight the ecological importance of pollinators in magnifying crop productivity through effective pollination services. Preserving such agroecosystems is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture and food security in the region

Overview on virosomes as a novel carrier for drug delivery

As from the last eras number of the revolution in the drug delivery technologies have been seen to attain the targeted drug delivery or site specific action of the drug. The prospects of the drug delivery by using biomimetic nanoparticles such as virosomes is an motivating research & development field as showing targeted action by fusion with the targeted action by fusion through target cell. It can be engaged as vehicle & vaccines furthermore victory of virosomal drug delivery depends on the method used to make the encapsulated bioactive materials, characterization & formulation of finished products. They are reconstituted viral envelopes that can be conveyance of different macromolecules as these are biocompatible, biodegradable, nonautoimmunogenic. Virosomes denotes such a unique system for presentation of antigen to immune system. Peptides, nucliecacid & medications such as antitoxins, anticancer agents &steroids can be encapsulated. This review focus on various aspects of Virosomes, such as Structure of Virosomes Component, Advantages, disadvantages, Method of preparation, Characterization, recent Patents and applications of Virosomes etc. Key words: Neurodegenerative, Nonimmunogenic, Endolysosomal, Cryoprotectants, Applications

L-quebrachitol Modulates the Anti-convulsant Effects of Carbamazepine Possibly Through Voltage-gated Sodium Channel Blocking Mechanism in Chicks: In Vivo and In Silico Studies

Introduction: L-Quebrachitol (LQB), a naturally occurring bioactive compound, exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. However, its therapeutic potential in convulsant management remains largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of LQB in an In Vivo model and to examine its molecular interactions via In Silico docking simulations. Methods: In the In Vivo study, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 80 mg/kg to induce convulsions, and the test animals were treated orally with three doses of LQB (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg), with carbamazepine (CBZ) at 80 mg/kg as a standard drug. Results: The results indicated that LQB at all tested doses significantly (p \u3c 0.05) prolonged seizure latency and decreased convulsion frequency, with the 10 mg/kg dose showing the most significant effects. Furthermore, the combination of LQB (10 mg/kg) and CBZ (80 mg/kg) resulted in a synergistic increase in anticonvulsant activity. In the In Silico study, molecular docking analysis revealed that both LQB and CBZ interacted with the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), a key receptor involved in convulsions, with LQB demonstrating a binding affinity (BA) of -5.4 kcal/mol, which was moderate compared to CBZ\u27s BA. Conclusion: LQB showed potential anti-convulsant activity in PTZ-induced convulsion animals, possibly through blocking sodium channel receptors. Further studies are needed to clarify its mechanisms and clinical potential in convulsion treatment

Exploring the therapeutic potential of lipid-based nanoparticles in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly malignant and invasive tumor with significant mortality and morbidity. Current treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy encounter significant limitations, such as poor targeting, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that offer targeted delivery, enhanced efficacy, and reduced side effects. The advent of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) offers a promising tool for OSCC therapy, potentially overcoming the limitations of current therapeutic approaches. LNPs are composed of biodegradable and biocompatible lipids, which minimize the risk of toxicity and adverse effects. LNPs can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, improving their solubility and stability in the biological environment, thereby enhancing their bioavailability. LNPs demonstrate significantly higher ability to encapsulate lipophilic drugs than other nanoparticle types. LNPs offer excellent storage stability, minimal drug leakage, and controlled drug release, making them highly effective nanoplatforms for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, LNPs can be modified by complexing them with specific target ligands on their surface. This surface modification allows the active targeting of LNPs to the tumors in addition to the passive targeting mechanism. Furthermore, the PEGylation of LNPs improves their hydrophilicity and enhances their biological half-life by reducing clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. This review aims to discuss current treatment approaches and their limitations, as well as recent advancements in LNPs for better management of OSCC

Schizophrenia risk conferred by rare protein-truncating variants is conserved across diverse human populations

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic mental illness and among the most debilitating conditions encountered in medical practice. A recent landmark SCZ study of the protein-coding regions of the genome identified a causal role for ten genes and a concentration of rare variant signals in evolutionarily constrained genes1. This recent study—and most other large-scale human genetics studies—was mainly composed of individuals of European (EUR) ancestry, and the generalizability of the findings in non-EUR populations remains unclear. To address this gap, we designed a custom sequencing panel of 161 genes selected based on the current knowledge of SCZ genetics and sequenced a new cohort of 11,580 SCZ cases and 10,555 controls of diverse ancestries. Replicating earlier work, we found that cases carried a significantly higher burden of rare protein-truncating variants (PTVs) among evolutionarily constrained genes (odds ratio = 1.48; P = 5.4 × 10−6). In meta-analyses with existing datasets totaling up to 35,828 cases and 107,877 controls, this excess burden was largely consistent across five ancestral populations. Two genes (SRRM2 and AKAP11) were newly implicated as SCZ risk genes, and one gene (PCLO) was identified as shared by individuals with SCZ and those with autism. Overall, our results lend robust support to the rare allelic spectrum of the genetic architecture of SCZ being conserved across diverse human populations

Global, regional, and national incidence of six major immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019

BACKGROUND: The causes for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are diverse and the incidence trends of IMIDs from specific causes are rarely studied. The study aims to investigate the pattern and trend of IMIDs from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: We collected detailed information on six major causes of IMIDs, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, between 1990 and 2019, derived from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in number of incidents and age standardized incidence rate (ASR) on IMIDs, by sex, age, region, and causes, were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. FINDINGS: In 2019, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease accounted 1.59%, 36.17%, 54.71%, 0.09%, 6.84%, 0.60% of overall new IMIDs cases, respectively. The ASR of IMIDs showed substantial regional and global variation with the highest in High SDI region, High-income North America, and United States of America. Throughout human lifespan, the age distribution of incident cases from six IMIDs was quite different. Globally, incident cases of IMIDs increased with an AAPC of 0.68 and the ASR decreased with an AAPC of −0.34 from 1990 to 2019. The incident cases increased across six IMIDs, the ASR of rheumatoid arthritis increased (0.21, 95% CI 0.18, 0.25), while the ASR of asthma (AAPC = −0.41), inflammatory bowel disease (AAPC = −0.72), multiple sclerosis (AAPC = −0.26), psoriasis (AAPC = −0.77), and atopic dermatitis (AAPC = −0.15) decreased. The ASR of overall and six individual IMID increased with SDI at regional and global level. Countries with higher ASR in 1990 experienced a more rapid decrease in ASR. INTERPRETATION: The incidence patterns of IMIDs varied considerably across the world. Innovative prevention and integrative management strategy are urgently needed to mitigate the increasing ASR of rheumatoid arthritis and upsurging new cases of other five IMIDs, respectively. FUNDING: The Global Burden of Disease Study is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project funded by Scientific Research Fund of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (2022QN38)

Mapping geographical inequalities in access to drinking water and sanitation facilities in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-17

Background: Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is an essential human right, recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals as crucial for preventing disease and improving human wellbeing. Comprehensive, high-resolution estimates are important to inform progress towards achieving this goal. We aimed to produce high-resolution geospatial estimates of access to drinking water and sanitation facilities. Methods: We used a Bayesian geostatistical model and data from 600 sources across more than 88 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to estimate access to drinking water and sanitation facilities on continuous continent-wide surfaces from 2000 to 2017, and aggregated results to policy-relevant administrative units. We estimated mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive subcategories of facilities for drinking water (piped water on or off premises, other improved facilities, unimproved, and surface water) and sanitation facilities (septic or sewer sanitation, other improved, unimproved, and open defecation) with use of ordinal regression. We also estimated the number of diarrhoeal deaths in children younger than 5 years attributed to unsafe facilities and estimated deaths that were averted by increased access to safe facilities in 2017, and analysed geographical inequality in access within LMICs. Findings: Across LMICs, access to both piped water and improved water overall increased between 2000 and 2017, with progress varying spatially. For piped water, the safest water facility type, access increased from 40·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 39·4–40·7) to 50·3% (50·0–50·5), but was lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to piped water was mostly concentrated in urban centres. Access to both sewer or septic sanitation and improved sanitation overall also increased across all LMICs during the study period. For sewer or septic sanitation, access was 46·3% (95% UI 46·1–46·5) in 2017, compared with 28·7% (28·5–29·0) in 2000. Although some units improved access to the safest drinking water or sanitation facilities since 2000, a large absolute number of people continued to not have access in several units with high access to such facilities (>80%) in 2017. More than 253 000 people did not have access to sewer or septic sanitation facilities in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, despite 88·6% (95% UI 87·2–89·7) access overall. Many units were able to transition from the least safe facilities in 2000 to safe facilities by 2017; for units in which populations primarily practised open defecation in 2000, 686 (95% UI 664–711) of the 1830 (1797–1863) units transitioned to the use of improved sanitation. Geographical disparities in access to improved water across units decreased in 76·1% (95% UI 71·6–80·7) of countries from 2000 to 2017, and in 53·9% (50·6–59·6) of countries for access to improved sanitation, but remained evident subnationally in most countries in 2017. Interpretation: Our estimates, combined with geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden, identify where efforts to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are most needed. By highlighting areas with successful approaches or in need of targeted interventions, our estimates can enable precision public health to effectively progress towards universal access to safe water and sanitation