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Snakebite envenoming represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions where venomous snakes are prevalent. Globally, it has been estimated that every year 81,000–1,38,000 people die due to venomous snakebites along with enormous morbidity and physical disability to the survivors. Almost 70% of estimated global snakebite deaths are from South Asia Region. However, more than half of the global burden due to snakebite is alone from India with an estimated annual average of about 58,000 deaths. Thus, this is a significant public health problem for a developing country like India compared to the other Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Considering the problem of snakebites in developing and tropical countries, which contributes almost 95% of the total snakebites of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has re-designated snakebite as a priority Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) in 2017. However, there is a little more than a 5-year window left for reducing mortality and morbidity due to snakebite envenoming by 50%, in aligning with the WHO 2030 target. Thus, for achieving this target within the span of half a decade, for this decades-old problem, there is an urgent need to recognize the fundamental challenges for addressing the unmet needs and recognizing the opportunities.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 10 yield and yield component traits was conducted using an association panel comprising 225 diverse spring wheat genotypes. The panel was genotyped using 10,904 SNPs and evaluated for three years (2016–2019), which constituted three environments (E1, E2 and E3). Heritability for different traits ranged from 29.21 to 97.69%. Marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified for each trait using data from each environment separately and also using BLUP values. Four different models were used, which included three single trait models (CMLM, FarmCPU, SUPER) and one multi-trait model (mvLMM). Hundreds of MTAs were obtained using each model, but after Bonferroni correction, only 6 MTAs for 3 traits were available using CMLM, and 21 MTAs for 4 traits were available using FarmCPU; none of the 525 MTAs obtained using SUPER could qualify after Bonferroni correction. Using BLUP, 20 MTAs were available, five of which also figured among MTAs identified for individual environments. Using mvLMM model, after Bonferroni correction, 38 multi-trait MTAs, for 15 different trait combinations were available. Epistatic interactions involving 28 pairs of MTAs were also available for seven of the 10 traits; no epistatic interactions were available for GNPS, PH, and BYPP. As many as 164 putative candidate genes (CGs) were identified using all the 50 MTAs (CMLM, 3; FarmCPU, 9; mvLMM, 6, epistasis, 21 and BLUP, 11 MTAs), which ranged from 20 (CMLM) to 66 (epistasis) CGs. In-silico expression analysis of CGs was also conducted in different tissues at different developmental stages. The information generated through the present study proved useful for developing a better understanding of the genetics of each of the 10 traits; the study also provided novel markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) to be utilized for the development of wheat cultivars with improved agronomic traits.

Snakebite envenoming represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions, where venomous snakes are endemic. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, offers a promising framework for addressing the complex dynamics of snakebite envenoming. This review provides a comprehensive epidemiological analysis on the role of One Health in snakebite prevention, control and research efforts. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, we examined the aspects on environmental, social, and economic factors influencing snakebite incidence, as well as the interactions between humans, snakes, and domestic animals. We also highlighted innovative strategies for integrating One Health principles into snakebite surveillance, education, and treatment initiatives. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key research gaps, this paper aims to inform the strategic efforts to mitigate the burden of snakebite envenoming within a holistic and collaborative framework.

Sole application of chemical fertilizers for crop raising has shown a harmful effect on the environment. Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a better option that meets the crop demand as well as improves the soil quality and the residual soil nutrient for the succeeding crop. Based on the preceding rationale, a two-year factorial randomized block design (FRBD with three replications was conducted to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth, yield, and nutrient acquisition of groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.), as well as its subsequent residual effects on finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.). The experimental design incorporated two factors: seed inoculation with biofertilizers and nutrient management practices. The seed inoculation factor comprised two levels: S1 (solid carrier-based Rhizobium ) and S2 (liquid carrier-based Rhizobium ). The nutrient management factor consisted of five levels: N1 (100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) supplied via urea), N2 (75% RDN from urea + 25% RDN from farmyard manure (FYM)), N3 (50% RDN from urea + 50% RDN from FYM), N4 (25% RDN from urea + 75% RDN from FYM), and N5 (100% RDN supplied via FYM). The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) for groundnut was 20:40:20 kg ha − 1 of nitrogen, phosphorus (P 2 O 5 ) and potassium (K 2 O). The results showed that seed inoculation did not influence significantly a few growth characters and yield parameters of both groundnut and finger millet, however, seed and grain yield of respective crops and nutrient removal were influenced significantly, and, S 1 : solid carrier-based Rhizobium noted the highest value. All the growth, yield parameters, yield and nutrient removal by groundnut and finger millet were significantly influence by treatments of nutrient management. The treatment N 1 : 100% RDN (urea) in groundnut and N 5 : 100% RDN (FYM) in finger millet indicated significantly the highest growth, productivity and nutrient removal in both years of the experimentation.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in the soil–plant–human continuum, influencing soil health, crop productivity, and human nutrition. Its behavior in soil is governed by a complex interplay of physicochemical and biological factors, including soil pH, organic matter, clay content, redox conditions, and environmental variability. Zn availability typically decreases in alkaline, calcareous, and sandy soils, whereas its solubility increases markedly with decreasing pH, resulting in a 100‐fold decrease per unit decline. Organic matter exerts a dual influence by stabilizing Zn through complexation while also enhancing its mobility via soluble organometallic forms. Processes such as adsorption and desorption regulate Zn partitioning between the solid and solution phases of soil, thereby controlling its bioavailability and plant uptake. Zn plays essential roles in plant metabolism, including enzyme activation, membrane stabilization, and growth regulation, and contributes to human health by supporting immune function, endocrine regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. However, Zn imbalance remains a key challenge, as both Zn deficiency and excessive accumulation can adversely affect plant performance and human health, leading to impaired metabolism, oxidative stress, and micronutrient interactions. Furthermore, climate change is expected to alter Zn dynamics in soils, influencing its mobility, bioavailability, and transfer across trophic systems. This review provides a comprehensive, integrative synthesis of Zn dynamics across interconnected systems and highlights future research directions, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that combine soil management, microbial interventions, crop improvement, and precision agriculture to increase Zn use efficiency and ensure sustainable agricultural and nutritional security.

Rice, the predominant food crop in India, is being grown traditionally with improper plant nutrient management mostly under the flooded situation. Recent advancement in research on crop science focuses on water-saving rice technologies for maximization in crop and water productivity under the backdrop of a shrinking water resource base for ensuring environmental and agricultural sustainability. Under this situation, an experiment was conducted in two consecutive years in a split-plot design keeping rice cultivation methodologies, viz., aerobic culture, System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and conventional flooded culture in main plots and integrated plant nutrient management (INM) treatments in sub-plots. The experiment was aimed at understanding the effects of different rice production systems and INM on nutrient content, uptake, and use efficiency. The change in soil quality parameters was also studied to understand the impact of crop establishment methods (CEM) and INM options. Significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in nutrient uptake and use efficiency was observed under aerobic culture compared to SRI and flooded method, although aerobic culture showed the highest physiological nitrogen use efficiency. Post-harvest available Fe status was significantly lower in aerobic rice (mean 10.39 ppm) compared to other crop establishment technologies; however, Zn status was higher in aerobic rice over the flooded situation. Although available potassium was not affected due to rice cultivation methods, available nitrogen and phosphorus status were influenced remarkably. Soil microbial quality was improved in aerobic rice in comparison to flooded rice. SRI proved to be the most efficient rice establishment method for enhancement in nutrient uptake, use efficiency, and enrichment of soil chemical and microbiological quality. Irrespective of crop culture, integrated plant nutrition in rice improved the nutrient uptake, use efficiency, and soil quality parameters. The study revealed that, under the alluvial soils of the Indo-Gangetic Plains of Eastern India, SRI can be considered as a water-saving rice production method. The method can also improve nutrient uptake, efficiency, and soil quality parameters if proper INM is adopted.

Post-transplant infections constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients worldwide. Tuberculosis (TB) contributes significantly to this burden in endemic countries, such as India. We report a case of renal allograft TB, 10 years post-transplantation, diagnosed during a routine outpatient visit. An asymptomatic rise in serum creatinine level and a 6 month history of immunosuppressive drug non-compliance prompted evaluation of graft dysfunction. Biopsy of the renal allograft tissue suggested chronic active antibody mediated rejection with epithelioid granulomas in the interstitium. Guided by kidney biopsy, further testing with urine acid fast bacilli and urinary GeneXpert yielded positive results for TB. Treatment of TB was further complicated by the development of anti-tubercular therapy induced hepatitis and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, which were managed with the reintroduction regimen and escalation of steroid dose, respectively. Our case highlights the atypical presentation and challenges in managing patients with TB in a post-renal transplant setting.

The sustainability of local aquaculture supply chains is strongly influenced by livelihood security and dynamics of the stakeholders. This study investigates these aspects, along with different stakeholder’s livelihood vulnerability levels, in the live fish supply chain of Tripura, India, during 2023–2024. Primary stakeholders comprising fish farmers (producers), wholesalers cum commission agents, and retailers, while secondary stakeholders comprised fish feed suppliers, transporters, labourer’s, fertilizer dealers, money lenders and the fisheries department of the Government of Tripura. Among these, money lenders posed challenges due to their high-interest loans, adversely impacting the profitability of small and marginal fish farmers. The study highlighted the significant role of wholesalers and government agencies in influencing the supply chain. Using the Household Livelihood Security Index (HLSI), the analysis revealed 60.0% achieved high health security while food, education and social security found to be at moderate levels. However, majority of the stakeholders experienced low economic, institutional and infrastructural security. The Household Livelihood Vulnerability Index (HLVI) primary stakeholders were 0.317, with sensitivity and limited adaptive capacity as dominant contributors to vulnerability. Secondary stakeholders exhibited slightly lower vulnerability (HLVI: 0.270), though specific households faced moderate risks. Factors like limited access to health, food, and water resources, coupled with constrained socio-economic profiles and weak networks, heightened vulnerability. These findings emphasized the need for targeted interventions aimed at strengthening institutional support, improving infrastructure and extending financial and technical assistance to smallholders. The study concludes by underscoring the importance of stakeholder sensitive policies to promote sustainable aquaculture, build resilience and support equitable development across the live fish supply chain.

In the eastern part of India, rice as the most vital staple food crop supports as well the livelihood security of a vast population. Rice is mostly grown under conventional flooded culture without proper nutrient management. Crop performance, water productivity and economic profitability of rice cultivation need to be assessed under water-saving rice production methodologies with proper integrated plant nutrient management strategies using locally available low-cost nutrient sources. A field trial was conducted at the Adaptive Research Farm, Polba (58.57 m msl), Agriculture Department, West Bengal, India, during the rainy/wet seasons of 2014 and 2015 under aerobic culture, the system of rice intensification (SRI) and conventional flooded culture. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of integrated plant nutrition and water-saving rice production methodologies on the crop performance and water productivity of rice and analyse the economic profitability of rice under different nutritional management and crop production methods such as aerobic culture, conventional flooded and SRI with an objective of sustainability in rice cultivation in the agroclimatic region. The results revealed that crop productivity significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied from 4.68 t ha−1 (average yield recorded under aerobic culture) to 6.21 t ha−1 (average yield as achieved under SRI). Cultivation of rice under aerobic and conventional culture resulted in 24.6% and 20.9% yield reduction respectively as compared to SRI. Integrating 75% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through chemicals with 25% RDN from vermicompost resulted in maximum crop productivity irrespective of crop culture. Aerobic rice culture registered maximum water economy in terms of both irrigation water productivity and total productivity. The study concludes that, for maximization of economic profitability, value cost ratio and partial factor productivity of nutrients the SRI method can be adopted along with integrated nutrient management (75% of RDN through chemicals with 25% RDN from vermicompost) in the lower Indo-Gangetic Plain Zone (IGPZ) of West Bengal, India.

In-situ rehabilitation of fly ash at dumping sites has rarely been addressed for crop production due to growth-related constraints, largely of heavy metal (HM) contamination in soils and crops. Current communication deals with a novel approach to identify a suitable management option for rejuvenating the contaminated soils. In this background, a 60-days incubation experiment was conducted with different fly ash-soil mixtures (50 + 50%, A1; 75 + 25%, A2; 100 + 0%, A3) along with four ameliorants, namely, lime (T1), sodium sulphide (T2), di-ammonium phosphate (T3), and humic acid (T4) at 30 ± 2 °C to assess the ability of different fly ash-soil-ameliorant mixtures in reducing bio-availability of HMs. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable bio-available HM contents for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) and their respective ratios to total HM contents under the influence of different treatments were estimated at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of incubation. Further, the eco-toxicological impact of different treatments on soil microbial properties was studied after 60 days of experimentation. A1T1 significantly recorded the lowest bio-availability of HMs (~49–233% lower) followed by A2T1 (~35–133%) among the treatments. The principal component analysis also confirmed the superiority of A1T1 and A2T1 in this regard. Further, A1T1 achieved low contamination factor and ecological risk with substantial microbial biomass carbon load and dehydrogenase activity. Thus, liming to fly ash-soil mixture at 50:50 may be considered as the best management option for ameliorating metal toxicity. This technology may guide thermal power plants to provide the necessary package of practices for the stakeholders to revive their contaminated lands for better environmental sustainability.