2025
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PublicationBook Chapter Therapeutic Potential of Biotoxins and Biotechnological Innovations(Springer Nature, 2025) Prince Kumar Singh; Gereraj Sen Gupta; Umesh Kumar; Parvati Madheshiya; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka K. Singh; Ashish Kumar Mishra; Saumya Mishra; Shivani Gupta; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Supriya P. TiwariThe captivating world of biotoxins, often perceived as nature’s formidable weapons, presents an intricate and promising landscape for scientific exploration and innovation. Biotoxins, originating from a vast spectrum of life forms such as bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, exhibit a remarkable diversity of bioactive compounds. Their structural diversity, coupled with potent biological activities, positions them as valuable resources for drug discovery, agricultural and environmental management. This chapter highlights into specific case studies where biotoxins have been harnessed to develop antivenom, anti-cancer agents, analgesics, other therapeutic marvels, etc. The comprehensive understanding of biotoxin mechanisms, bioprospecting, and biotechnological tools, including genetic engineering and synthetic biology, offers exciting avenues for the sustainable extraction, production, and modification of biotoxins. The biotechnological harnessing of biotoxins emphasizes the significant progress and potential future applications of biotoxins reliant on collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and regulators to unlock their full capacity. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.PublicationBook Chapter Antidiabetic drugs from natural sources(Elsevier, 2025) Parvati Madheshiya; Gereraj Sen Gupta; Ashish Kumar Mishra; Shivani Gupta; Supriya P. TiwariMedicinal plants play a crucial role in addressing diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly in developing nations due to their disease-cure efficacy and their cost-effectiveness. DM, a metabolic disorder, poses a significant threat to global health. Its prevalence is projected to reach 4.4% worldwide by 2030. Modern medicine includes numerous limitations, emphasizing the requirement for more effective and safer therapies. Through preclinical and clinical evaluations, numerous plants have exhibited significant antidiabetic properties. It provides comprehensive profiles of these plants, spanning from antiquity to the present, highlighting their potential side effects across various experimental models. These plants may prevent diabetes complications and metabolic problems in different methods. Several phytoconstituents with antidiabetic properties have been isolated from these plants in recent years. This chapter provides an interactive review of plant parts used, mechanisms of action, and key phytoconstituents to help readers find and conduct studies on DM-treating plants. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PublicationBook Chapter Agrochemicals: harmful and beneficial effects of climate change scenarios(Elsevier, 2025) Shivani Gupta; Ashish Kumar Mishra; Shailza Mishra; Gereraj Sen Gupta; Parvati Madheshiya; Supriya P. TiwariThe intricate interactions between agrochemical usage and climate change represent a critical axis influencing global agricultural systems. Agrochemicals, comprising fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, serve a dual purpose in agriculture: augmenting the crop yield and quality while imposing significant risks to environmental sustainability and human health. Climate change characterized by rising global temperatures, altered precipitation regimes, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations introduces further complexities to this dynamic relationship. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of the multifaceted interplay between agrochemical applications and climate change scenarios, emphasizing both their deleterious and advantageous impacts. The escalating reliance on agrochemicals to meet the surging global food demand has been linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions, accelerated soil degradation, and the contamination of aquatic ecosystems. This chapter synthesizes contemporary research to elucidate the interactions between agrochemical utilization and climate change variables, delineating their implications for agricultural ecosystems. It underscores the imperative for adopting sustainable agrochemical practices and developing robust policy frameworks to harmonize agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. Ultimately, this work advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to optimize agrochemical deployment in the context of climate change, aiming to safeguard ecological stability and ensure global food security. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PublicationBook Chapter Rising CO2, thriving plants: unraveling growth mechanisms and adaptive strategies(Elsevier, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Shivani Gupta; Shailza Mishra; Parvati Madheshiya; Gereraj Sen Gupta; Supriya P. TiwariThe unceasing escalation in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations exerts far-reaching impacts on the plant growth and ecosystem dynamics. This chapter delves into the intricate mechanisms by which elevated CO₂ modulates plant physiology, metabolism, and morphology, highlighting its dual role as a catalyst for growth and a mediator of stress responses. The enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and carbon assimilation under elevated CO₂ drive accelerated biomass accumulation. However, these benefits are frequently offset by the trade-offs in nutrient allocation and compromised stress tolerance. By examining key processes such as photosynthetic pathways, hormonal regulation, source-sink dynamics, and secondary metabolism, this chapter provides an integrative perspective on plant adaptation to elevated CO₂ conditions. Moreover, the interplay between elevated CO₂ and environmental stressors, including nutrient limitations, ozone toxicity, and water scarcity, underscores the complexity of plant-environment interactions in a shifting climate. Advances in experimental methodologies, such as free-air CO₂ enrichment systems and multiomics approaches, have yielded transformative insights into plant responses. Concurrently, predictive modeling serves as a cornerstone for devising sustainable agricultural strategies under future climate scenarios. Despite significant progress, critical knowledge gaps persist, necessitating interdisciplinary research to unravel the multifaceted challenges posed by the rising atmospheric CO₂ and its synergistic interactions with other climatic stressors. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PublicationArticle Understanding competition between two invasive woody plants of India under an altered rainfall regime(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghProsopis juliflora and Leucaena leucocephala are notable examples of invasive woody plants that can spread throughout similar habitats in India. However, little is known about how these two species may interact with one another if future rainfall pattern shifts, which is particularly concerning. Recognizing the pivotal role of eco-physiological parameters in deciphering the dynamics of interspecific competition, a study was devised to elucidate the interplay between L. leucocephala and P. juliflora under simulated rainfall conditions. At Botanical Garden, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India, three fixed rainout shelter plots were established, each receiving distinct precipitation levels: low rainfall (LR), normal rainfall (NR), and high rainfall (HR). Within each plot, three replicate subplots were dedicated to pure stands of L. leucocephala (L), pure stands of P. juliflora (P), and mixed stands of the two species (LP). The findings of the study underscore significant variations in soil Inorganic N, N-mineralization, based on precipitation levels, with maximum values observed in HR plot and L. Similarly, biomass, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate exhibited significant variability in response to precipitation treatment, reaching their highest values in HR plot and L. Conversely, root length, root-shoot ratio, and water use efficiency peaked in LR plot and P, presenting a contrasting trend. This study suggests that L. leucocephala may facilitate the growth of P. juliflora by improving the soil's nitrogen availability and, consequently, the eco-physiological characteristics of the plant in mixed plant stands. Furthermore, L. leucocephala is providing P. juliflora with favourable conditions for robust growth under water stress—a scenario indicative of Facilitative approach. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.PublicationArticle Role of stomatal and leaf anatomical features in defining plant performance under elevated carbon dioxide and ozone, in the changing climate scenario(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Shivani Gupta; Shahibhushan Agrawal; Supriya P. TiwariThis research investigates the interactive effects of elevated ozone (eO3) and carbon dioxide (eCO2) on stomatal morphology and leaf anatomical characteristics in two wheat cultivars with varying O3 sensitivities. Elevated O3 increased stomatal density and conductance, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage, particularly in the O3-sensitive cultivar PBW-550 (PW), compared to HUW-55 (HW). Conversely, eCO2 reduced stomatal density and pore size, mitigating O3-induced damage by limiting O3 influx. Ultrastructural analysis showed that eO3 increased plastoglobule density and damaged chloroplast structure, while eCO2 preserved chloroplast integrity and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Additionally, eCO2 increased leaf thickness and improved mesophyll conductance, counteracting the negative effects of O3 on leaf anatomy. The CO2-induced modifications in stomatal and leaf anatomy significantly impacted plant physiology by altering stomatal conductance and O3 uptake. The protective effect of eCO2 was more pronounced in the O3-sensitive cultivar PW than in the O3-tolerant HW. These findings provide insights into the stomatal and leaf anatomical responses of plants under future climate conditions, aiding in the developing strategies to improve crop resilience and productivity under O3 stress. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.PublicationArticle Vegetables under siege: the hidden threat of metal contamination in Varanasi’s suburban soils(Springer, 2025) Rashmi K. Singh; Ashish Kumar Mishra; Ansuman Sahoo; Alok Kumar Khare; Supriya P. TiwariHeavy metal pollution in soils and edible crops poses a critical environmental challenge worldwide. This study examined the contamination of soils by heavy metals in Varanasi region of the Indo-Gangetic plains and assessed its impact on the phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant profiles of vegetables. Field investigations were conducted at various sites irrigated with wastewater from industries such as fabric dyeing, battery production, and paint manufacturing. Samples of soil, water, and vegetables including S. oleracea, L. siceraria, M. spicata, A. grain, L. acutangula, A. esculentus, M. charantia, P. vulgaris, and S. melongena were collected from agricultural fields frequently exposed to industrial wastewater. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr) were measured in soil, water, and vegetables, revealing highest metal pollution index (MPI) in Lohta, followed by Ramnagar, Varuna, Dinapur, Shivpur, and least at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). A positive correlation was observed between metal contamination along with increased phenolic and flavonoid content in vegetables, indicating potential biomarkers for heavy metal-induced stress. Additionally, significant elevations in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activities were recorded across contaminated sites, suggesting heightened oxidative stress from increased free radical production. Hierarchical clustering and regression analyses revealed that leafy vegetables (S. oleracea, M. spicata, A. grain) exhibited strongest antioxidant responses. These findings underscore that prolonged consumption of these contaminated vegetables may pose serious health risks due to heavy metal-induced oxidative stress. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2025.PublicationArticle The soil response in experimental Leucaena leucocephala plots under manipulated rainfall regimes(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghLeucaena leucocephala, a prominent invasive woody plant in India, is constantly recognised for its capacity to invade in various ecosystems. The chances of invasion by L. leucocephala are increasing due to rainfall variability, to which the plant has already adapted. However, the understanding of L. leucocephala, particularly its response to soil attributes and alterations in nutrient cycling processes under varying rainfall conditions, is currently inadequate. In response to the perceived threat of rainfall shift and invasion impacting native plant species through soil modification, the study was designed to investigate the interplay between L. leucocephala invasion and simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup included three rainout shelter plots receiving different precipitation levels (low, normal, and high) and subplots within each plot dedicated to pure stands of L. leucocephala. The study findings reveal significant variations in soil inorganic nitrogen and N-mineralization based on precipitation levels and seasons, with the highest values observed in the high rainfall plot and during the rainy season. In contrast, microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen) peaked in the low rainfall plot and during the summer season, indicating a contrasting trend. The implications of the study suggest that, in addition to variable rainfall, L. leucocephala may play a significant role in altering nutrient cycling, particularly nitrogen cycling. The plant enhances soil properties related to nitrogen availability, creating opportunities for multiple invasions and potentially leading to a chance of “Invasion Meltdown,” with a significant threat to native biodiversity. Overall, the research is emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics to formulate effective management strategies for preserving native ecosystems. © International Society for Tropical Ecology 2025.PublicationErratum Correction to: The soil response in experimental Leucaena leucocephala plots under manipulated rainfall regimes (Tropical Ecology, (2025), 66, 1, (91-103), 10.1007/s42965-025-00373-0)(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghIn this article, wrong Table 3 appeared; the table should have appeared as shown below. Soil total inorganic nitrogen (TIN, is µg g−1) and N-mineralisation (N-MIN, is µg g−1 month−1) under different precipitation treatments (OC, LR, NR, HR) and seasons. Values are mean ± SE. (pooled seasonal data of 2021–22) Soil properties Seasons OC LR NR HR TIN Summer 7.64 ± 0.05Ab 6.46 ± 0.10Aa 7.55 ± 0.11Ab 9.16 ± 0.08Ac Rainy 11.59 ± 0.19Cab 10.49 ± 0.16Ca 11.49 ± 0.19Cb 12.88 ± 0.21Cc Winter 8.92 ± 0.04Bb 7.62 ± 0.11Ba 9.45 ± 0.14Bb 10.92 ± 0.07Bc N MIN Summer 6.25 ± 0.05Ab 4.62 ± 0.04Aa 5.30 ± 0.05Ab 6.95 ± 0.17Ac Rainy 12.11 ± 0.28Cb 9.79 ± 0.13Ca 12.24 ± 0.32Cb 14.24 ± 0.52Cc Winter 7.50 ± 0.08Bb 5.84 ± 0.04Ba 6.59 ± 0.03Bb 8.96 ± 0.05Bc Different combinations of letters are significantly different from each other (P < 0.05). The uppercase letters represent seasons and lower case letters represent precipitation treatments The original article has been corrected. © International Society for Tropical Ecology 2025.PublicationArticle Unveiling oxidative stress: surface ozone triggers phenylpropanoid pathway shifts and metabolite rewiring in PBW-550 wheat(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Shahibhushan Agrawal; Supriya P. TiwariKey message: Ozone stress reconfigures wheat metabolism by downregulating glycolysis and the TCA cycle while channelizing the pentose phosphate pathway and amino acid biosynthesis to enhance secondary metabolite synthesis and oxidative stress resilience. Abstract: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of metabolic pathway reconfigurations in the ozone-sensitive wheat cultivar PBW-550 during the milking stage under elevated ozone (O3) stress. Utilizing UHPLC-HRAMS, we observed a significant shift in primary metabolic pathways, with glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle downregulated, while alternative pathways such as the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and amino acid biosynthesis were upregulated. This metabolic shift facilitated enhanced production of secondary metabolites, particularly through the phenylpropanoid pathway, which plays a crucial role in oxidative stress defense. Key enzymes, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), were significantly upregulated, driving the synthesis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that strengthen stress resilience. In addition, resource reallocation led to increased levels of amino acids, purines, and unsaturated fatty acids, further diverting the carbon pool toward secondary metabolite production. This adaptive strategy highlights the plant’s prioritization of repair and defense mechanisms under O3 stress. Our findings underscore wheat’s metabolic plasticity in response to ozone, providing valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance crop resilience in ozone-affected environments. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.