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Bael is a fruit crop that is extensively distributed throughout South-East Asia and is underutilized in medicine. The potential applications of bael's therapeutic and nutritional qualities in diverse ethnic communities are enormous. This study focuses on evaluating the morpho-pomological and molecular characteristics, utilizing SSR markers, of 80 wild bael genotypes alongside the NB-5 and NB-9 cultivars, derived from the North Western plains of India. Based on the evaluated morpho-pomological features, substantial variations were found between all genotypes. The fruit's inner diameter and pulp weight varied from 4.41 to 11.54 cm and 34.63 to 786.41 g, respectively. Numerous variations in the genotypes were observed in the shell weight/fruit, fruit skull thickness and fruit yield/plant. The bael fruit mucilage's total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar content varied from 40.10 to 49.60 obrix and 8.11 to 21.17%, respectively. Using ward cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into two primary clusters. Among the bael genotypes, the population structure analysis identified three subpopulations. SSR markers are used to measure genetic variety; of the 27 polymorphic markers, 17 show allelic diversity between genotypes. Molecular genetic diversity analysis, on the other hand, highlighted the genotypes genetic distinctiveness by classifying them into three major clusters. These findings offer valuable insights into the rich diversity and intricate interactions among the bael genotypes under investigation, paving the way for more strategic future breeding and selection efforts to elevate the quality of this remarkable fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites harmful to humans and animals. Patulin (PAT) is a toxin found in different food products but especially in apples and their derivative products. The most common fungi producers of this compound are Aspergillus clavatus and Penicillium expansum. The production of patulin, as other mycotoxins, can be impacted by diverse phenomena such as water and nutrient availability, UV exposure, and the presence of antagonistic organisms. Consequently, gaining a comprehensive understanding of climate and environmental conditions is a crucial step in combating patulin contamination. In this study, moulds were isolated from 40 apple samples collected from seven locations across Hungary: Csenger, Damak, Pallag, Lövőpetri, Nagykálló, and Újfehértó. A total of 183 moulds were morphologically identified, with 67 isolates belonging to the Alternaria, 45 to the Aspergillus, and 13 to the Penicillium groups. The location possessed a higher influence than farming method on the distribution of mould genera. Despite the requirement of higher temperature, Aspergillus species dominated only for the region of Újfehértó with approximately 50% of the isolates belonging to the genus. Four of the seven locations assessed: Csenger, Debrecen-Pallag, Nyírtass and Nagykálló, were dominated by Alternaria species. All isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium were tested for the presence of the isoepoxidone dehydrogenase (idh) gene, a key player in the patulin metabolic pathway. To guarantee patulin production, this ability was confirmed with TLC assays. The only Aspergillus strain that presented a positive result was the strain Aspergillus clavatus B9/6, originated from the apple cultivar Golden Reinders grown in Debrecen-Pallag by integrated farming. Of the Penicillium isolates only one strain, B10/6, presented a band of the right size (500-600 bp) for the idh gene. Further sequencing of the ITS gene showed that this strain should be classified as Talaromyces pinophilus. The TLC tests confirmed this microorganism as the only patulin producer under the studied conditions for its cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chronic inflammatory condition of the intestine, ulcerative colitis (UC), is challenging to successfully manage once diagnosed. Currently, available medical therapies for UC exhibit minimal efficacy with unacceptable side effects, while inventive biological agents are expensive and yet not well accepted by patients. Discovering more effective and safer treatments to treat UC is therefore essential. One of the primary alkaloids found in Aegle marmelos, aegeline, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as being able to suppress several pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for inflammation. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of aegeline in alleviating 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis through the NFƙB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Mice were randomly allocated into six groups, Normal control (NC), Model control (MC-TNBS, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid), STD (TNBS + sulfasalazine 100 mg/kg), AG1, AG2, and AG3 (TNBS + aegeline 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) respectively. Physical parameters such as a change in body weight, stool consistency, rectal bleeding, colon length, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and disease activity index (DAI) were assessed and supporting gene expression studies of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes were evaluated and histopathological changes observed. Administration of aegeline (10, 20 mg/kg) was found to be effective in colon protection by lowering the disease activity score and myeloperoxidase level and improving other physical parameters. Aegeline in high dose significantly downregulated the gene expression of NFƙB, iNOS, COX-2, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18, conferring great anti-inflammatory potential. Suggestive of the findings, aegeline reduced the damage to the colon by downregulating transcriptional genes and enzymes leading to inflammation and mitigated TNBS-induced colitis probably through the NFƙB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of renewable energy sources to replace conventional energy sources like fossil fuels is essential. Solar panels are the most widespread technology for clear energy production. However, is crucial to raise the efficiency of solar panels. A large portion of sunlight is reflected by the front surface of the panel and thus the use of an Anti-Reflecting Coating (ARC) has become significant in raising the efficiency of solar panels, through reducing the reflection losses. The ARCs made of natural extracts were utilized to improve the efficiency of Silicon solar panels. The natural extracts were produced from Kailashpati fruit juice and Badminton ball tree flower powder. In the synthesis of these natural extracts, monometallic gallium chloride nanoparticles were used to check their effect on the efficiency of solar power generation. The novelty of this paper is the attempt to mathematically calculate the absorbance of the ARCs, at a particular wavelength, with the use of the refractive indices and thicknesses of ideal ARCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides an assessment of the distribution of key Non-Timber Forest Product species in India, namely Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Buchanania lanzan Spreng., Madhuca longifolia (J. Koenig ex L.) J. F. Macbr., Phyllanthus emblica L. and Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. The suitable habitat was analyzed under current climate scenarios and subsequently, the future distribution (2050s and 2070s) was mapped under RCP 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios, along with the past distribution (mid-Holocene, ~ 6000 cal year BP) using the MaxEnt species distribution model. The distribution of all species is primarily driven by key bioclimatic factors, including annual precipitation (Bio_12), mean annual temperature (Bio_1), isothermality (Bio_3) and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio_19). The results indicate that the present distribution of these species is mainly centred in the Western Ghats regions, Central Highlands, North-eastern India and Siwalik hills. The current study suggests that under the future climate change, the suitable habitat for A. marmelos and T. bellirica is expected to increase while for B. lanzan, M. longifolia and P. emblica, it is projected to decline. A. marmelos and T. bellirica are anticipated to exhibit resilience to future climate changes and are expected to be minimally affected, while B. lanzan, M. longifolia and P. emblica are highly sensitive to high temperature and alteration in rainfall pattern expected under future climate changes. The projections of habitat suitability areas can be used as a valuable foundation for developing conservation and restoration strategies aimed at alleviating the climate change impacts on NTFP species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayas, globally acknowledged as one of the four biodiversity hotspots, underscore their ecological significance, boasting abundant flora and fauna. Among these, a diverse array of wild fruits such as Aegle marmelos, Artocarpus lakoocha, Baccaurea spp., Carissa spp., and others provide essential nutrition for local populations. These fruits, rich in bioactive compounds, offer nutraceutical potential, contributing to health aspects like antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The integration of Himalayan wild fruits into circular practices supports sustainable livelihoods. The responsible harvesting, efficient processing, and value addition of these fruits align with circular principles, striking a balance between conservation and progress. Technologies such as anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy conversion, and composting can harness waste generated during cultivation and processing, contributing to a circular economy and rural Himalayan community development. Preserving, accessing, and commercializing underutilized fruits can significantly enhance economic prosperity and the quality of life for inhabitants. However, integrating these fruits into agriculture faces multifaceted challenges, spanning social, economic, environmental, agronomic, and political dimensions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustainable development, aiming to eradicate poverty, malnutrition, and hidden hunger. Moreover, addressing these challenges is not only vital for sustainable development in the Himalayan region but also for mitigating carbon footprints and tackling issues like poverty, malnutrition, hidden hunger, and climate change. The exploration of these concepts within the Himalayan context holds immense promise for sustainable development and ecological conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen and sulfur-doped carbon quantum dots (N,S-CQDs) were successfully synthesized utilizing Aegle Marmelos as an environmentally friendly precursor via an innovative method. Various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including fluorescence spectroscopy, XPS and HR-TEM, were employed to analyse the N,S-CQDs. The material demonstrates excitation-dependent emission behaviour, emitting a blue light under UV lamp illumination. Notably, the emission remains pH-independent. The synthesized N,S-CQDs exhibit a high quantum yield of 31.42%. The resulting blue-emitting N,S-CQDs were utilized for both quantitative and qualitative determination of brilliant green (BG) dye and Cu2+ ions in aqueous environmental samples, with drinking water and treated wastewater as representative real samples, demonstrating a robust recovery of BG dye of 99.6–101.06% for drinking water and 102.4–105.8% for treated wastewater samples and favourable recovery for Cu2+ ions of 99.2–104% for drinking water and 100.8–107.4% for treated wastewater samples. The fluorescence of N,S-CQDs was influenced by BG dye/Cu2+ ions through the PET mechanism, causing fluorescence quenching/enhancement. Fluorescence lifetime decay analysis confirmed dynamic quenching with BG dye and aggregation-induced high fluorescence emission with Cu2+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The purpose of this study is to review the effectiveness of medicinal plants on memory and learning in both human and animal models. Material and Methods: Various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 2023. Results: The studies focused on thirty different herbs, including Bacopa monnieri , Polygonum odoratum , Morus alba , Ginkgo biloba , Salvia officinalis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Melissa officinalis , Panax ginseng , Saraca asoca , Polygala tenuifolia , Boswellia papyrifera , Boswellia serrata , and Aegle marmelos. Conclusions: The inclusion criteria were adults, participants with cognitive impairment, and healthy participants, without age or gender restrictions. The studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials, and the findings were synthesized narratively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess and compare the effect of mouthwash containing 0.3% Aegle marmelos (Bael) leaves extract with other herbal mouthwashes containing 0.3% Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) barks extract and 0.3% Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves extract and with 0. 2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival health and salivary p H among adults. Materials and Methods: A triple blinded randomized controlled trial with concurrent parallel study design was carried out. Around, 48 young adults were randomly allotted to four groups - Group A (Chlorhexidine), Group B (Cinnamon), Group C (Bael) and Group D ( Neem) by simple randomization technique. They were advised to rinse with 10 ml of their respected mouthwashes twice daily for 1 minute for a period of 28 days. The dental plaque score and gingival inflammation score were recorded using Plaque index and Gingival index at the baseline, 15th day, 22nd day and 29th day. Statistical analysis were done using ANOVA and repeated measure ANOVA for the plaque and gingival scores and Paired sample t test for p H Results: Mouthwashes containing Bael, Neem and Chlorhexidine showed a stastistically significant reduction in the plaque levels at the end of second week (mean difference from baseline to 2nd week = 0. 158, 0. 100 and 0. 108 respectively with p value < 0. 05). However, at all the time points considered in the study, Bael was more effective in reducing the gingivitis. Conclusion: Bael extract mouthwash is as effective as the gold standard Chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing the plaque and gingivitis and opens new perspectives for its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative studies under laboratory conditions have been carried out to investigate the influence of different alternative host plants viz., bael [Aegle marmelos (L.)], curry leaves [Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.], ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lam.) and lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f.] on biology and morphometrics of Lemon butterfly, Papilio demoleus (Linn.). The lemon is the most preferred host of P. demoleus used as a controlled experimental host plant. The variations in periods of larval, pupal and rate of emergence into adult have been recorded and found that the lemon was the most preferred host plant on which all the larval stages survived smoothly. The caterpillars when reared on alternative hosts showed an increase in average larval period. The average survival percent of larvae were reported highest on bael leaves, followed by curry leaves and ber leaves. Similar patterns of results were also recorded on the pupal period and rate of emergence with alternative hosts. The morphometric variations in weight, size and colour of caterpillars, pupae and adults were also measured and found in decreasing order of host preferences as lemon>bael>curry>ber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinolone synthase from Aegle marmelos (AmQNS) is a type III polyketide synthase that yields therapeutically effective quinolone and acridone compounds. Addressing the structural and molecular underpinnings of AmQNS and its substrate interaction in terms of its high selectivity and specificity can aid in the development of numerous novel compounds. This paper presents a high-resolution AmQNS crystal structure and explains its mechanistic role in synthetic selectivity. Additionally, we provide a model framework to comprehend structural constraints on ketide insertion and postulate that AmQNS's steric and electrostatic selectivity plays a role in its ability to bind to various core substrates, resulting in its synthetic diversity. AmQNS prefers quinolone synthesis and can accommodate large substrates because of its wide active site entrance. However, our research suggests that acridone is exclusively synthesized in the presence of high malonyl-CoA concentrations. Potential implications of functionally relevant residue mutations were also investigated, which will assist in harnessing the benefits of mutations for targeted polyketide production. The pharmaceutical industry stands to gain from these findings as they expand the pool of potential drug candidates, and these methodologies can also be applied to additional promising enzymes. A high-resolution structure provides a mechanistic explanation to the synthetic selectivity of quinolone synthase (AmQNS) and possible consequences of functionally relevant residue mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many underutilized edible fruit species (UEFS) are found in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), which support food security (FS) for both indigenous people and other dependent communities. Unfortunately, there is little study and fragmented information available about these naturally edible products. The UEFS of the IGP was the subject of a systematic review utilizing the PRISMA protocol, which produced implications for FS and land degradation neutrality (LDN). This review aims to survey, summarize, and annotate the published information about the angiosperms native and naturalized UEFS of IGP to identify and make use of this species, particularly for the sustainable development of this region. A systematic review confirmed that 371 species of UEFS, of which 62 species were threatened and near threatened (TNT)-UEFS. Among the TNT-UEFS, 41 species were threatened, while 21 species were NT. The threatened species were further categorized as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in the IGP as vulnerable (21 species), endangered (16 species), and critically endangered (four species). This systematic review suggests integration of the native and naturalized UEFS in afforestation and reforestation programs to aid in various ecosystem services. Calamus inermis, Corypha taliera, Licuala peltata, and Saurauia punduana are examples of multipurpose species that require immediate sustainable conservation and cultivation initiatives to save them from extinction in the near future. Multipurpose species such as Aegle marmelos, Buchanania lanzan, Manilkara hexandra, Syzygium cuminii, Tamarindus indica are immensely constructive and climate-smart by surviving in harsh agroclimatic conditions and have great potential for establishment on marginal and wastelands throughout the IGP region. These resilient fruit species enhance biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes in addition to providing food for humans. It progressively advances India’s commitment to LDN, combating climate change, and achieving the UN-SDGs, which call for reducing hunger and raising FS by 2030. As a result, the study will offer baseline data for the next investigations and be helpful to policymakers in creating sustainable and scientific policies for the IGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides from non‐conventional sources, such as fruits, have gained significant attention recently. Aegle marmelos (Bael), a non‐conventional fruit, is an excellent source of biologically active components with potential indigenous therapeutic and food applications. Apart from polyphenolic components, this is an excellent source of mucilaginous polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are one the major components of bael fruit, having a high amount of galactose and glucuronic acid, which contributes to its potential therapeutic properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the conventional and emerging techniques of polysaccharide extraction from bael fruit. Insight into the attributes of polysaccharide components, their techno‐functional properties, characterization of bael fruit polysaccharide, emulsifying properties, binding properties, reduction of hazardous dyes, application of polysaccharides in film formation, application of polysaccharide as a nanocomposite, and biological activities of bael fruit polysaccharides are discussed. This review also systematically overviews the relationship between extraction techniques, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Additionally, recommendations, future perspectives, and new valuable insight towards better utilization of bael fruit polysaccharide have been given importance, which can be promoted in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In surveys conducted from 2020 to 2022, five leaf samples each from symptomatic Agele marmelos trees and seedlings, along with five samples from asymptomatic trees and seedlings, were collected in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. The DNA extraction from all the samples was subjected to nested PCR assays, using the universal phytoplasma-specific primers set (P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2). The resulting 1.2 kb amplified products were observed in all the symptomatic samples but not in the asymptomatic samples. Bael phytoplasma strain sequences from the trees and seedlings were found 100% identical within themselves and only two representative sequences (one each from tree and seedling) were deposited in GenBank (NCBI) as PP415872 (AmA-1) and PP415873 (AmA-2). BLASTn searches revealed the maximum (100%) sequence identity with a phytoplasma strain from murraya little leaf strain of Faizabad (GenBank Acc.no. OP984129) and lowest (99.84%) with arecanut crown choking of Shimoga (GenBank Acc. no. OM417502) from Karnataka. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the bael phytoplasma isolates with peanut witches' broom group phytoplasma strains. Virtual RFLP analysis confirmed their identity as 'Ca. P. australasiaticum', a 16SrII-D subgroup strain. This study presents the first identification of a phytoplasma strain in A. marmelos, emphasizing its potential threat to fruit crops and the need for vigilance in nursery practices to prevent further dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, consumers are more aware of the effects of their diet on their health, and thus demand natural or minimally processed food products. Therefore, research has focused on processes that assure safe products without jeopardizing their nutritional properties. In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of high-pressure processing (550 MPa/3 min/15 °C, HPP) on a fruit salad (composed of melon juice and pieces of Golden apple and Rocha pear) throughout 35 days of storage at 4 °C. For the physicochemical properties analysed (browning degree, polyphenol oxidase activity, antioxidant activity (ABTS assay), and volatile profile), a freshly made fruit salad was used, while for the microbiological tests (total aerobic mesophiles, and yeast and moulds) spoiled melon juice was added to the fruit salad to increase the microbial load and mimic a challenge test with a high initial microbial load. It was determined that processed samples were more microbiologically stable than raw samples, as HPP enabled a reduction of almost 4-log units of both total aerobic mesophiles and yeasts and moulds, as well as an almost 1.5-fold increase in titratable acidity of the unprocessed samples compared to HPP samples. Regarding browning degree, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in processed versus unprocessed samples (roughly/maximum 68%), while the addition of ascorbic acid decreased the browning of the samples by 29%. For antioxidant activity, there were no significant differences between raw and processed samples during the 35 days of storage. An increase in the activity of polyphenol oxidase immediately after processing (about 150%) was confirmed, which was generally similar or higher during storage compared with the raw samples. Regarding the volatile profile of the product, it was seen that the compounds associated with melon represented the biggest relative percentage and processed samples revealed a decrease in the relative quantity of these compounds compared to unprocessed. Broadly speaking, HPP was shown to be efficient in maintaining the stability and overall quality of the product while assuring microbial safety (by inactivating purposely inoculated microorganisms), which allows for longer shelf life (7 versus 28 days for unprocessed and processed fruit salad, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose to effectuate this research work is to investigate the efficiency of crude xylano-pectinolytic enzymes in extraction and clarification of fruit juices, so as to improve their physical (clarity, viscosity and soluble solid), functional (total polyphenolic content) and sensory characteristics (acceptability). In this study, various conditions like enzyme dose, treatment time and stirring speed have been optimized. The extraction and clarification efficiency were found to be optimum at enzyme dose between 2:8 and 4:16 IU/g pulp, treatment time between 30 to 60 min and stirring speed of 50 and 60 rpm for different fruit juices. Enzymatic treatment enhanced the physicochemical, organoleptic and nutritional properties and generated juice with improved yield and clarity. After xylano-pectinolytic enzymatic treatment of various fruit juices, maximum increase in yield (95%), filterability (40%) and maximum decrease in viscosity (58%) was found in case of Tamarindus indica. Maximum increase in clarity (39%) and polyphenolic content (37%) was observed in case of Aegle marmelos. Maximum increase in reducing sugars was found in case of Fragaria ananassa along with other properties. All these attributes of xylano-pectinolytic enzymes indicate an adequate prospect for bio-industrial research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Colorectal cancer stands as a frequently occurring fatal disease for several decades and the use of nanoparticles has long been explored in cancer treatments. Engineering the size and shape to attain an optimal efficacy of the nanoparticles and using a specific plant resource to enhance its compatibility to other healthy cell is a propitious approach. The present study investigates the anti-cancer activity of CuO NP synthesized from Aegle marmelos leaf extract against human colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The CuO NPs (Nanoparticles) exhibited promising characteristics with UV and SEM-EDAX, its photochemical constituents were analyzed with FTIR, and the geometry of the synthesized nano-particles was studied using Zeta potential and particle size analyzer. The cell viability was scrutinized via trypan blue assay and further toxicity was determined by cell morphology and several in vitro analyses where the MTT assay presented that the 25 µg/mL of CuO NPs as the IC50 concentration. RESULTS: The nuclear fragmentation was studied by DAPI staining which resulted in increased fluorescence of the treated cells indicating the robust effect of the CuO NPs and the mitochondrial damage was monitored through MMP analysis with declining fluorescence. The most vital aspect of understanding cancer pathogenesis is oxidative stress which was evaluated by ROS, NO, and LPO with favorable outcome. Conclusion: The cell viability and ROS assay coalesce to suggest that CuO NPs indeed induce apoptosis and it is evident that Biogenically synthesized CuO NPs contain anti-proliferative potential and promotes apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxide nanostructures have garnered significant attention in nanotechnology for their diverse applications. This study presents a green synthesis approach using an aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf extract-based medium to produce copper oxide (Cu4O3) nanoparticles. Optimisation was achieved through a simplified Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, investigating critical parameters such as temperature, surfactants (AOT and Tween 80), and additives (ascorbic acid and chitosan). Under optimised conditions (AOT: 0.0012 mM, ascorbic acid: 10 mM, chitosan: 1 %, temperature: 80 °C), near-spherical nanoparticles of ~200 nm were obtained. Comprehensive characterisation through UV-Vis, DLS, electron microscopy, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the nanoparticles' properties, while antibacterial assays showed promising results against Escherichia coli bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease that results in memory impairment. Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (AM) is used as a traditional medicine. AM leaves have the potential to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. This study used scopolamine to induce AD in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AM leaf extract using this model. Motor and memory functions were tested by the motor activity and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, respectively. The density of the synaptophysin and dendritic spines in the CA1 were detected by immunofluorescence and Golgi impregnation, respectively. The hippocampal histology was reviewed by H&E staining. After the treatment, the latency times in the MWM tests of the AD groups reduced, while the motor activities showed no difference. The density of the synaptophysin of the AD groups increased after the treatments, and that of the dendritic spines also increased in all AD groups post-treatment. The hippocampal tissue also recovered. AM leaf extract can improve cognitive impairment in AD models by maintaining the presynaptic vesicle proteins and dendritic spines in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa is an economically and therapeutically valuable tree. It is cultivated as a fruit plant in southeast Asian countries. In this research, we investigated the allelopathy and possible allelochemicals in the leaves of A. marmelos. Aqueous methanol extracts of A. marmelos exhibited significant inhibitory effects against the growth of Lepidium sativum, Lactuca sativa, Medicago sativa, Echinochloa crusgalli, Lolium multiflorum, and Phleum pratense. Bioassay-directed chromatographic purification of the A. marmelos extracts resulted in identifying five active compounds: umbelliferone (1), trans-ferulic acid (2), (E)-4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester (3), trans-cinnamic acid (4), and methyl (E)-3'-hydroxyl-4'-methoxycinnamate (5). The hypocotyl and root growth of L. sativum were considerably suppressed by these compounds. Methyl (E)-3'-hydroxyl-4'-methoxycinnamate also suppressed the coleoptile and root growth of E. crusgalli. The concentrations of these compounds, causing 50% growth reduction (I50) of L. sativum, were in the range of 74.19–785.4 μM. The findings suggest that these isolated compounds might function in the allelopathy of A. marmelos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effect of oral administration of Zingiber officinale and Aegle marmelos extracts on the growth performance and immunomodulatory activities of the shrimp Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). A methanol extract of the Z. officinale rhizome and A. marmelos leaf was sprayed into a pellet feed at concentrations of 0% (control), 0.05% (treatment 1), and 0.1% (treatment 2), respectively. Shrimps fed the extract (T1) showed substantial improvements in growth performance and feed utilization efficiency when compared to the control group. Extract-fed shrimp also exhibited an increase in immune-related gene expression in comparison to controls. After 4 weeks of feeding, shrimp were injected with the white spot syndrome virus and observed for another 2 weeks to determine mortality. Compared to shrimp fed the control diet, Z. officinale and A. marmelos extract–fed shrimp displayed a decrease in hemolymph clotting time and an increase in immunological parameters such as total hemocyte count, prophenoloxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity both before and after viral challenge. Fourteen days after the WSSV challenge, the cumulative mortality of extract-fed shrimp was considerably lower compared to the mortality of the control group which died shortly after the challenge. Therefore, the Z. officinale and A. marmelos extracts could be used as immunostimulants to enhance the growth and resistance of shrimp against the white spot syndrome virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a significant endodontic pathogen, and its virulence has been shown to be significantly influenced by Enterococcal fibronectin binding protein-A (EfbA). Targeting this virulent protein using alternative strategies would be a novel idea to combat the complications of E. faecalis in dental healthcare settings. Thus, the rationale of this investigation is to identify potent bioactive compounds from Aegle marmelos for their antimicrobial properties against EfbA of E. faecalis. Aim: To assess the frequency of EfbA among clinical isolates of E. faecalis and evaluate the antibacterial activity of essential bioactive compounds from Aegle marmelos. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro and in-silico pilot study was conducted from April 2022 to June 2022 in the Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India to detect the frequency of EfbA in E. faecalis. Patients with typical root caries were included. Microbiological processing of 20 root caries samples was performed to characterise E. faecalis and detect the EfbA gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. Crude methanol extract was obtained from A. marmelos and assessed for its antimicrobial effect against the isolated strains of E. faecalis. Furthermore, several biomolecules from A. marmelos were evaluated for their inhibitory properties through in-silico docking analysis. Results: E. faecalis was identified in 12 (60%) out of 20 root caries samples, and three isolates (25%) were identified as Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) strains based on the antibiogram susceptibility profile, showing resistance to more than three different tested antibiotic groups. EfbA was detected in two of the three MDR strains (66.7%). The crude extract of A. marmelos exhibited promising antibacterial activity. In-silico analysis of the essential oil compounds from A. marmelos revealed that Aegeline had a high interaction with low docking energy and a high number of hydrogen bonds. Conclusion: The current study highlights the potential of aegeline from A. marmelos as an antibacterial agent against resistant strains of E. faecalis. However, additional in-vivo research must be conducted to experimentally validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytes, which live asymptomatically within the healthy tissues of the host plant, have attracted researchers due to their massive bioactive potential. Some co-existing endophytes and their host plants have developed a unique interaction through time, which influences the creation of metabolic products in plants and thus the quality and amount of crude pharmaceuticals obtained from medicinal plants. Numerous investigations have shown that endophytes chemically produce secondary metabolites just like their hosts. Locals in Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia have utilized Aegle marmelos for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including dysentery, diarrhoea and dyspeptic symptoms. There have been numerous studies reporting the successful isolation of novel, beneficial bioactive compounds with antibiotic, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties from endophytic fungi of this tree. The valuable bioactive chemicals produced by endophytic bacteria and actinomycetes have, however, received only a limited attention, making it a prime location for the discovery of new compounds for use in agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. This review examines existing research data to reveal the biopotential of endophytes from Aegle marmelos as a promising source of naturally produced chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at the Microbiology Laboratory, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station Bawal to examine the impact of bio-inoculants and chemicals seed priming on bael seed germination. There were 15 seed priming treatments i.e., control, IBA @ 100 ppm and 50 ppm for 24 hours, NAA @ 50 and 100 ppm for 24 hours, GA3 @ 50 and 100 ppm for 24 hours, KNO3 @ 1 per cent for 24 hours, Azotobacter (HT 54) for 30 minutes, Trichoderma viride for 30 minutes, Rhizobium (CK 16) for 30 minutes, PSB (P 36) for 30 minutes, hot water for 30 minutes, nitric acid for 3 minutes, sulphuric acid for 3 minutes. Among different seed priming treatments, shortest germination time (12.7 days) was recorded with sulphuric acid for 3 minutes in agar medium at 28 °C under laboratory conditions and the highest germination percentage (83.3 %), dry weight per seedling (153.2 mg), seedling length (12.2 cm) and vigour index I (976) and II (12256) were observed when bael seeds primed with GA3 @ 100 ppm for 24 hours under laboratory conditions.° [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoencapsulated bael fruit (Aegle marmelos L. Correa (Family: Rutaceae)) extracts reveal novel prospects in the development of dietary supplements with improved biological activities in the field of the food industry. The main objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize aqueous, ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 50% acetone extracts of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles and investigate the effect of encapsulation on in vitro release of polyphenols, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities, and their stability. Bael fruit extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method. Characterization, in vitro release profiles of polyphenols, determination of antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant activity, and accelerated stability were conducted. The results of the characterization confirmed the successful encapsulation of extracts of bael fruit in the alginate matrix. The aqueous extract of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles exhibited a more controlled slow‐release profile, accounting for 21.82% ± 1.17% and 48.14% ± 0.52% of polyphenols at solutions of pH 1.2 and pH 6.8, respectively. In general, the results of the bioactivity assessment suggested that nanoencapsulation could facilitate the enhancement of its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and thin layer chromatography fingerprint showed the stability of aqueous bael fruit extract encapsulated alginate nanoparticles at 27 and 4°C over a month. In summary, the results of this study revealed the potency of nanoencapsulated aqueous extract of bael fruit to develop a dietary supplement with improved antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities. Practical Application: The encapsulation of bael fruit extracts into a nanocarrier enhances bioactivities and promotes the controlled release of bioactive compounds. This could be useful in the future food industry, based on scientifically proven data, and inspire the market by means of the development of dietary supplements. Overall, the results would facilitate the formulation of novel commercially elegant nanoencapsulated dietary supplements with improved potential to manage a healthy life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are essential to our life as they provide us with food and, through photosynthesis, release oxygen into the atmosphere. Historical accounts about plants demonstrate their many benefits to humans and other living things. Rapid population growth and industrialization have damaged agricultural and forest flora. Raising awareness of the value of plants for sustainable development is necessary. This study focuses on the medicinal benefit of the phyto-diversity of angiosperms from the Shamli region of Uttar Pradesh and their medicinal value for mankind. Shamli is located near the Ganga River, on the eastern side of the Yamuna River at an elevation of 248 meters above sea level. This region's ideal temperature is between 13.8°C and 33.2°C. The vegetation of Shamli is enhanced by a variety of trees, shrubs, and plants. In addition to documenting fifty plant species that belong to several angiosperm genera and families, such as Abutilon indicum, Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta Indica, Moringa oliefera, and Calotropis gigantea, a critical study of the area's plant life has been conducted. The engagement with the locals of the Shamli region recorded the ethnomedicinal significance of the collected plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to identify the features of subsurface fresh bruises of fruits and vegetables by traditional uniform imaging techniques due to the mild symptoms. Owing to the capability of depth-varying and signal-enhanced characterization, spatial-frequency domain imaging was used to detect the fresh bruising (within 30 minutes) of 10 kinds of fruits and vegetables (carrot, Fuji apple, cucumber, golden delicious apple, fruit cucumber, delicious apple, mango, yellow peach, rose plum, and honey peach). Through the procedures of image acquisition, image demodulation, whiteboard correction and inverse estimation, optical properties of the fruits and vegetables were obtained. The results indicated that there were great differences of optical properties between non-bruised and bruised samples, with decreased values of reduced scattering coefficients for the bruised ones, which visually realized the non-destructive detection of early bruising. The novel method proposed in this paper is promising for non-destructive detection of early bruising of fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on occurrence, host plant preference and morphometric features of the arboreal microsnail Insulipupa malayana (Issel, 1874) (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Vertiginidae) were carried out from selected sites of West Bengal, India. The snail species use the stem and bark of five plant species (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Mangifera indica, Aegle marmelos, Swietenia macrophylla, and Roseodendron donnell-smithii) as microhabitat, and the most preferred host plant was A. marmelos (Jacobs' selectivity index Dia= 0.5 ± 0.19). The mean ± SE values of shell height (SH), shell width (SW), aperture length (AL), aperture width (AW), body weight, apical angle (AA) and spire ratio (SR) of the collected specimens were measured as 1.95 ± 0.06 mm, 1.03 ± 0.01 mm, 0.54 ± 0.02 mm, 0.74 ± 0.02 mm, 0.86 ± 0.06 mg, 0.55 ± 0.02, and 1.89 ± 0.06, respectively. The present study will be informative to frame conservation strategies for I. malayana in India and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of the Aegle marmelos plant were used for the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and further characterized by different techniques, including (Ultra Violet-Visible) UV-Vis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-Vis showed a peak at 330 nm, which may be due to the Surface Plasmon Resonance phenomenon. XRD analysis showed the crystalline nature of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). In contrast, SEM showed that nanoparticles were not aggregated or clumped, EDX showed the presence of elemental copper., and further, the TEM analysis revealed the average particle size of copper oxide nanoparticles to be 32 nm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcusaureus (S. aureus) was found to be 400 µg/mL, whereas for Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida dubliniensis (C. dubliniensis) it was 800 µg/mL. The zone of inhibition in the well diffusion assay showed the antimicrobial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles, and it also showed that as the concentration of copper oxide nanoparticles increased, the zone of inhibition also increased. Further, the electron microscopic view of the interaction between copper oxide nanoparticles and C. albicans cells showed that CuO NPs were internalized and attached to the cell membrane, which caused changes in the cellular structure and caused deformities which eventually led to cell death. The prepared CuO NPs showed significant photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in the presence of sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple vinegar is highly recommended for nutrition due to its health benefits and bioactive components. However, the apple cultivar greatly influences the quality of the vinegar. In this research, our focus was on examining the impact of four different apple cultivars on the physicochemical attributes, chemical composition, as well as biological properties—including antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activities—of vinegar. Interestingly, the physicochemical properties of vinegar and the contents of acetic acid and polyphenols depend on the apple cultivars. HPLC chromatographic analysis showed that citric acid (820.62–193.63 mg/100 g) and gallic acid (285.70–54.40 µg/g) were mostly abundant in the vinegar samples. The in vivo results showed that administration of Golden Delicious apple vinegar (10 mL/kg) to adult Wistar rats reduced carrageenan-induced inflammation by 37.50%. The same vinegar sample exhibited a significant antidepressant effect by reducing the rats' immobility time by 31.07% in the forced swimming test. Due to its high acidity, Golden Delicious vinegar was found to be more effective against bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, resulting in a MIC value of 31.81 mg/mL. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of various vinegar samples was found to be powerful, displaying optimal values of IC50 = 65.20 mg/mL, 85.83%, and 26.45 AAE/g in the DPPH, β-carotene decolorization and TAC assays, respectively. In conclusion, the apple cultivars used in this study impact the chemical composition and biological activities of vinegar, which may help demonstrate the importance of raw material selection for the production of vinegar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects 7-21% of the world's population. People suffering from this illness can have a significant change in their quality of life and their productivity at work. Medicinal plants and their derived products have long been explored and used for their medicinal qualities throughout the world to cure numerous ailments, including gastrointestinal problems. The main aim of this study was to predict highly efficacies therapeutic molecules from the medicinal plant, Aegle marmelos to bind potential target against IBS and gastrointestinal protection, using in silico molecular modeling tools. A total of 16 phytocompounds were identified through the IMPPAT database from A. marmelos, and their structures were drawn by Chemsketch software. All the phytocompounds were docked against the chosen potential target protein, Motilin receptor (MLNR). The selected phytocompounds showed better binding affinities (–5 to –8.4 kcal × mol − 1 ) against the target. Top-scored phytocompounds from A. marmelos, Aegeline (–8.4 kcal × mol − 1 ), Alloimperatorin methyl (–8.2 kcal × mol − 1 ), and Imperatorin (–8.2 kcal × mol − 1 ) were selected for further evaluation and compared to the standard drug R093877 (–6.7 kcal × mol − 1 ). Drug-likeness, ADME & T and other physicochemical properties of selected top scored phytocompounds were assessed to confirm their druggability. The molecular dynamics simulation studies of selected top scored phytocompounds showed stable binding affinities with the MLNR protein on entire period. Based on these findings, the top three scored phytocompounds might be used as potent and safe molecules against the MLNR protein and could potentially be used in the treatment of IBS. Sixteen phytocompounds were identified from Aegle marmelos to bind potential target protein Motilin receptor (MLNR) against IBS, using in silico molecular modeling tools. Top scored phytocompounds; Aegeline, Alloimperatorin methyl, and Imperatorin were selected for further evaluation and compared to the standard drug R093877. The molecular dynamics simulation studies showed that the selected three compounds have stable binding affinities with the MLNR protein and could potentially be used in the treatment of IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present research aimed to investigate the novel applications of synthesized La doped CuFe2O4 nanomaterial (LCF NMs) using renewable bio-fuel (Aegle Marmelos extract) by combustion process. The sensor applications were accomplished by modified electrode using LCF NMs with graphite powder and examined its excellent sensing action towards heavy metal (Lead content) and drug chemical (Paracetamol) substances. The thermodynamics of redox potential and super-capacitor behavior of LCF NMs were investigated through Cyclic Voltametric (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectral (EIS) methods under specific conditions at scan rate of 1 to 5 mV/s. The heterogeneous photo-catalytic process of prepared NMs on Fast orange Red (FOR) dye-decolouration was investigated and noted its excellent degradation (91.7%) at 90 min using 20 ppm of dye solution and 40 mg of synthesized samples under Sun-light irradiation. Further, the antibacterial activity of synthesized NMs is investigated against various strains of gram positive (Bacillus subtillis) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which confirms that the LCF NMs have higher activity towards gram positive bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 19 mm. This synthesized LCF NMs is a multi-functional material with stable and eco-friendly materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krill oil (KO) and the impregnation process to enrich food matrices with bioactive compounds have become relevant. The impregnation process of KO microcapsules into Golden apple tissue was evaluated in this study. A KO emulsion was used at different temperatures to impregnate Golden apple slices. The results show that an increase in temperature causes greater removal of water and penetration of the KO microcapsules. At 60 °C, the volume changes of the samples were evident, obtaining the highest concentration of astaxanthin. Through the impregnation process, it is possible to produce a new food product with potential functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were synthesized by an aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos seeds employing an environmentally friendly technique. UV-vis spectroscopy measurements indicated a strong peak at max 424 nm, confirming the monodispersed Au NPs. The production of A. marmelos-Au NPs was found to involve the action of phytochemicals in the aqueous extract as capping and bio-reducing agents, as determined by FTIR and EDX analysis. XRD examination confirmed the crystalline character of the resulting A. marmelos-Au NPs as Face Centre Cubic (FCC). A. marmelos-Au NPs were found to be 20 to 25 nm in size and spherical in form by TEM analysis. This study found that green synthesized gold nanoparticles had substantial antibacterial, antioxidant, photocatalytic and anticancer effects. Within 180 minutes, catalytic deprivation of dyes such as methylene blue, methyl orange and methyl red was found to be approximately not more than 45% degradation respectively. Furthermore, the reduction of organic dyes followed pseudo first order kinetics. Aegle marmelos Au NPs shown superior antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus at 10 mM/ml concentrations, with Zone inhibition of 12.5 and 13.53 mm, respectively. The greatest DPPH scavenging activity was recorded at 100 g/ml concentration, with IC50 values of 79.5% and 41.13 g/ml, respectively. The biogenic Ag NPs had the greatest anticancer activity against the cancer cell lines BXPC3, H358, and OVCAR-3 cell lines with an IC50 values were 6.9 nM, 8.9 nM, 33.6 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the present day, antibiotic drugs are gradually becoming obsolete due to the development of antimicrobial resistance. As a result, the scientific community is in search of new antibiotic drugs which can be safely administered to the patents. Natural products are generally known for their nontoxic nature and many of them are known to produce a variety of pharmacological activities. The aim of this work is to extract the leaves of Aegle marmelos, phytochemical characterization of the extract, identification of phytoconstituents by thin layer chromatography, ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy of extract and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity. Extraction of the leaves of Aegle marmelos has been conducted using a Soxhlet apparatus. About 10.32% yield of extract was obtained. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic leaf extract by standard methods showed the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins and triterpenoids which were confirmed by TLC. ATR-FTIR Spectroscopic study was conducted to determine the type of functional groups present in extract. The ethanolic leaf extract also produced antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and zone of inhibition was 14 mm and 16 mm respectively when compared to standard antibiotic tetracycline. From this research it can be inferred that ethanolic leaf extract of Aegle marmelos has antimicrobial activity because of the presence of secondary metabolites in it. Further investigation will hereby be conducted in future regarding the route of administration of the extract and the type of dosage form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne incognita is a widespread pathogen that parasitises vegetables and other crops, reducing yields worldwide. The present study evaluates the nematicidal properties of Aegle marmelos (leaves and fruit) and Tinospora cordifolia (stem) extracts against Meloidogyne incognita under in-vitro conditions. Second-stage juveniles (J2s) were treated with different concentrations (0.5%–8%) of the extracts and observations were taken after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure. A significant finding unveils that A. marmelos (leaf) extract exhibited the highest mortality rate 86.48% at 8% concentration; followed by 82.74% in T. cordifolia (stem) extract and 67.04% in A. marmelos (fruit) extract at 4% concentration. These results underscore the diverse nematicidal activity within plant extracts, shedding light on the potential applications in various fields. Further research and field trials are still required to validate the practical applicability of these plant extracts, paving the way for environment-friendly nematode control in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the use of natural materials for various applications has become increasingly popular due to the growing awareness of the environmental impact of man-made materials and the need to find cost-effective solutions for different applications. This study presents a new method to analyze the microwave absorption properties of dried and sintered Bael (Aegle marmelos) leaves, using 3D printed hollow rectangular polylactic acid (PLA) tubes. This innovative approach allows for a more precise investigation of the absorption properties of the leaves, providing valuable insights into their potential microwave-absorbing materials applications. The results of the VNA (vector network analyzer) test showed that a 9-mm thickness of dried Bael leaves exhibited excellent reflection losses of − 28.64 dB at 11.35 GHz and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.20 GHz below − 10 dB in the X-band region. In addition, when the amount of powder in the dried and sintered Bael leaves samples was varied while being tested using 3D PLA tubes, the results revealed that both samples had good microwave absorption performance. The dried sample had an EAB of 2.75 GHz, while the sintered sample had a comparable EAB of 2.55 GHz with 6 × 10 PLA tubes. This suggests that the Bael leaves along with PLA are more effective at absorbing microwaves than other materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deficiency of fossil fuel resources, amplifying fuel price and its related environmental anxieties grasped great attention for finding an alternative fuel. Such alternative options can be fuels obtained from agricultural residues, plants, and wastes. The present research emphases on complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) and gray relational analysis (GRA) modeling of a diesel engine fuelled by Annona squamosa (AS) and Aegle marmelos (AM) co‐pyrolysis oil/diesel binary opus as an engine fuel to optimize the engine characteristics. Co‐pyrolysis oil is obtained from AS+AM feedstock at pyrolysis temperature of 500°C. To obtain engine data for training and testing the proposed COPRAS and GRA models were adopted for the engine control factors such as engine load (W) and compression ratio (CR) in a test engine rig through experimentation and hybrid optimization technics. From the engine output responses reveals that F2080 opus delivers an augmented brake thermal efficiency (22.01%) than diesel (21.56%) at peak load. Subsequently, F2080 fuel emits substantial lessening of CO (11.88%) and HC (5.64%) emissions as compared to diesel (F0). Based on the results, it is conclude that F2080 blend at CR of 17.5 and 100% load was delivered the greater engine distinctiveness through optimization outcomes and experimental evaluation compared to F0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasshoppers pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity worldwide, causing substantial damage to various crops such as cereals, legumes, orchards, vegetables, grasslands, and forest plantations. This research aimed to study the species diversity of grasshoppers in five selected paddy field locations of Kamrup district, Assam, and assess the efficacy of aqueous extracts from the leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) and Aegle marmelos L. (bael) for controlling the most common grasshopper species, Acrida exaltata, found in the study locations. A total of 36 species of grasshoppers were collected and identified, out of which Acrididae was the most predominant grasshopper family, constituting 77.78% of the total collected species. The experimental results demonstrated abnormal changes in behaviour, including slower movement and increased inactivity among the aqueous extracts treated insects. Both the treated groups showed morphological and behavioural change with the more prominent effects observed from the neem-treated group. Haemolymph analysis revealed the presence of severe deformities in both treated groups, such as the spindle-shaped formation of cells, nuclear membrane disintegration, cell fusion and stacking, cytoplasmic vacuole formation, and cytoplasm degeneration. These findings demonstrate the pesticidal potential of neem and bael extracts against the Acrida exaltata grasshopper species, following its toxic impact on haematological, physiological, and morphological behaviour, suggesting the need for further research on their use as effective and environmentally friendly control measures against grasshopper pest infestations in densely vegetated and paddy fields in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury contamination is a significant public health and environmental problem; thus, detection of Hg2+ at sensitive levels is very important for environmental protection. In this study, we report a noble green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using Aegle marmelos fruit peel extract, characterising their catalytic properties for reduction of methylene blue (MB) and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) detection of Hg2+ ions based on this reaction. The transformation of MB dye in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) was analysed by UV-visible spectroscopy, and kinetics of pseudo first order were found. Changes of CL were used for determination of Hg2+ in the presence of ethylenediamine. Interestingly, the formation of the ethylenediamine-CuNPs-Hg2+ complex increases the rate of H2O2-Luminol catalysis and the corresponding CL growth. The given effect was applied to determine the Hg2+ concentration in real water. The linear range of the calibration curve was from 0.01 pM to 1.0 pM of Hg2+, and 0.0062 pM was the detection limit. The assay selectivity was confirmed using other toxic metallic ions. The proposed approach may be qualified as cost effective, eco-friendly, sensitive and selective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]