A study to assess the occurrence and factors of maternal near-miss among women admitted in maternal unit in selected hospitals of Kolkata, India

Background: Assessment of the occurrence of maternal near-miss (an event in which a woman comes close to maternal death, but survive), identify the factors of maternal near-miss and to find out the association between determining factors and selected sample characteristics of maternal near-miss women.Methods: A descriptive survey is carried out among purposively selected women admitted in the maternity unit of two tertiary hospitals of Kolkata. Data are collected by face-to-face interview using valid and reliable semi-structured interview schedule to identify factors of maternal near-miss. WHO selected maternal near-miss proforma (2011) is used for assessment of occurrence of maternal near-miss by using record analysis.Results: The occurrence of maternal near-miss is identified as 100 out of 1669 women admitted in maternity unit. Eclampsia occurred maximum (27%) followed by severe pre-eclampsia (19%), severe PPH (6%) among potentially life-threatening conditions. Multigravida (65%), multipara (54%), non-booked cases (5%), duration of labour more than 18 hours (65%), caesarean section (78%), referred cases (79%), maternal type 1 delay (53%) and type 2 delay (67%) all are the factors mainly responsible for developing maternal near-miss. Significant association present between reproductive and obstetrical factors and maternal education, marital age (p<0.01). Significant association is also present between maternal delay factors and residence, maternal education, monthly family income, marital age (p<0.01).Conclusions: Exploring the factors of maternal near-miss may help to identify the factors early, which in turn will prevent the condition. Lesson can be learned from cases of near-miss which can serve as a useful tool in reducing maternal mortality ratio

Recombinant Protein Production: Advancements And Applications

Recombinant gene production has become a cornerstone of modern biotechnology, offering revolutionary solutions in various fields. This abstract explores the diverse applications of recombinant gene technology, highlighting its pivotal role in medicine, agriculture and industry, while also discussing the latest advancements and challenge. Recombinant gene production involves the deliberate manipulation of genetic material to create hybrid DNA sequences with desired traits. This technology has enabled the synthesis of therapeutic proteins, vaccines and enzymes that were once scarce or inaccessible. In medicine recombinant gene expression systems have revolutionized the treatment of various diseases, ranging from insulin production for diabetesb management to monoclonal antibody therapies for cancer treatment. In agriculture, recombinant gene technology has been harnessed to develop genetically modified crops with enhanced nutritional content, resistance to pests and diseases and improve yield. These advancements hold promise for addressing global food security challenges, although they also raise concerns about ecological impact and consumeracceptance. Industrial applications of recombinant gene production encompass the production of biofuels, bioplastics and wide array of biobased chemicals. This technology enables the cost effective production of valuable compounds through microbial fermentation or other bioprocesses, contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices. Recent advancements in recombinant gene production include the development of novel expression systems such as synthetic biology tools that enable precise control over gene expression and metabolic pathways. Additionally, innovations like CRISPR based genome editing have accelerated the modification of host organisms for improved recombinant protein yields and functionalities. Despite its transformative potential, recombinant gene production faces challenges. Ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of genetically modified products remain a priority. Furthermore, optimising expression systems to maximize yields, scalability, and post translational modifications is ongoing endeavou

Assessment of the customized birth weight formula in a low risk Indian population

Background: Birth weight is probably the single most important factor that affects neonatal mortality, infant and childhood morbidity in both developed and developing countries. Objective of the study was to formulate a model for prediction of fetal weight at term based on individualized fetal growth parameters.Methods: 131 participant low risk gravidas were enrolled into the study. The participants underwent an ultrasound 7 days prior to delivery. All fetal variables of growth of a random 100 participants were incorporated in an equation derived using multiple regressions to predict birth weight at term. The new equation was then prospectively applied to another 31 pregnant women for validation. The diagnostic performance of the new regression formula was then compared to the Hadlock formula.Results: The customised birth weight formula predicted a higher accuracy with MPE±SD of 0.790±9. compared to the Hadlock formula with MPE±SD - 4.42±8.73. The new formula also explained a greater variance in birth weight of 56% compared to the Hadlock formula of 49%.Conclusions: The new model based on individualized fetal growth parameters recognizes the capacity to modulate an accurate final birth weight, thus emphasizing the need for customized population specific birth weight formulas

Importance Of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) For Sustainable Agricultural Production

The utilization of excessive synthetic chemical fertilizers in crop fields to get a high level of yield reduces the quality of soil as well as crops. The modern and sustainable cultivation technique must increase the utilization of organic fertilization. Rhizobacteria are very efficient microorganisms that decrease the nitrogenous content in crops and provide harmless food for mankind. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria enhance crop yield and quality, and also protect from plant diseases. This organic fertilizer also reduces environmental pollution; hence it is eco-friendly. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) has gathered significant attention in agricultural research for their positive impacts on plant growth and yield. This review aims to explore and analyze the effect of PGPR on the cultivation of rice and legumes, emphasizing the mechanisms underlying their beneficial impacts, and discussing potential applications in sustainable agricultural systems and future application perspectives

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of cytotoxic activity of Pandanus fascicularis L. (Fruits)

The present study was conducted to evaluate possible phytochemicals present, and cytoctoxic activity of extract of fruits of Pandanus fascicularis L. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard test methods of different chemical group. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity was done using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, ethyl acetate, pet ether and chloroform extracts show presence of maximum phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, proteins, terpens, phenols, glycosides, carbohydrate in different fractions etc. During cytotoxicity test, the positive control groups showed nonlinear mortality rates at lower concentrations and linear rates at higher concentrations. The LC50 values of Chloroform extract was found 1.0636 µg/ml where the positive control vincristine sulphate showed LC50 at a concentration of 0.200µg/ml. Therefore, the plant extract possess potent cytotoxic effect

Potential Approach Of Mushrooms In Bioremediation –A Short Review

One of the biggest environmental problems facing the world today is the soil contamination caused by industrialization and the widespread use of chemicals. "Bioremediation" is an affordable and ecologically beneficial cleanup method that employs microorganisms to swiftly and efficiently break down dangerous pollutants. Substances that are toxic are changed into less harmful forms. The ability of fungi to change a variety of hazardous compounds has led to the possibility of using them in bioremediation. Mushroom-foring fungi, mostly basidiomycetes, are some of the natural most powerful decomposers due to their quick development and huge biomass output. They also emit strong extracellular enzymes. Among these enzymes are lignin peroxidases, laccase, and manganese peroxidase. Several mushrooms have been used to remove contaminants from contaminated environments, including Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium Trametes versicolor. Bioremediation has made use of Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus tuber-regium, P. ostreatus, and P. pulmonarius. This paper highlights the use of mushrooms for bioremediation as well as applying fungal mycelia in bioremediation, in general referred to as myco-remediation. A brief summary of the future of using mushrooms for bioremediation is also provided

Aquatic Plants in phytoremediation of contaminated water: Recent knowledge and future prospects

The increase of heavy metals in natural resources, including land and water has been rapidly raised due to a variety of natural methods, higher agricultural activities, contaminated irrigation water, speedy industrial development, amplified industrial wastes and mining. Heavy metals (HM) are able to remain in the environment longer time and go in the food chain, and ultimately accumulate in humans for biomagnification since they are not biodegradable. HMs contamination is extremely dangerous for humans and the ecology due to its poisonous nature. Traditional methods of cleanup are expensive and could harm the environment. Therefore, phytoremediation is an alternate method via plants to eliminate toxic HMs from the atmosphere as well as to avoid additional contamination, due to its environment-friendly, economic, efficient, exclusive and cost-effective approach. Aquatic plants can be utilized to decontaminate the contaminated sites as they are not food crops, thus reducing the danger of food chain contamination. Here, sources of HMs and their impact on human health have been briefly discussed. Several phytoremediation techniques and factors affecting the phytoremediation methods are also described. In addition, different strategies to decontaminate the metal-polluted water using aquatic plants are also reviewed. Finally, future perspectives for usages of aquatic plants in phytoremediation techniques were briefly summarised

Ornamental Plant in phytoremediation of contaminated soils: Recent progress and future directions

Increasing anthropogenic practices for industrialization and rapid gloalization have contributed to problems of metal – induced toxicity, results in severe environmental deterioration. In the current scenario, heavy- metals contamination is a major threat to living beings of the world because of these toxic metals persist in the environment for a prolong time. &nbsp;&nbsp;The phytoremediation is considered as a suitable process in present days to eliminate heavy-metals from environment as its cost- effectiveness, eco-friendliness etc. In the field of phytoremediation, the ornamental plants can be used for dual purpose – cleaning the environment and bringing the aesthetic value to the site. The ornamental plant is used as a test plant because of their high biomass and accumulate more heavy metal concentration from the soil. Moreover, as ornamental plants are not edible, so the risk of biomagnifications and bioaccumulation into the food web is reduced. This comprehensive review highlights recent progress on the applicability and advantages of ornamental plant for the phytoremediation potential in heavy- metals contaminated soil. In addition, briefly discuss on several factors that affecting the phytoremediation techniques of heavy metals and addressed their future directions for sustainable treatment of heavy metals. &nbsp

A review on phytoremediation capability of Tagetes erecta Linn. against heavy metals

Now a days, Phytoremediation is treated as a set of emerging techniques that use several selected plants to contain, eradicate, immobilize or degrade contaminants from water and soil in order to clean the contaminated sites. Recent researches have directed to the application of non-edible floriculture plants having the capability to erase the toxic metals from polluted environment including their aesthetic value as a good proposal for phytoremediation. The plant Tagetes erecta Linn., locally recognized as Ganda Phul (Marigold) that belongs to the family of Asteraceae can grow widely in heavy metal stress of Cd, Cr, Pb etc. The plant species can absorb and accumulate varieties of contaminated heavy metals like Pb, Cr, As, Cd, Co, Hg etc. This article includes a brief overview about the toxic impact of the Cr, Cd, and Pb on the plant. In addition, the discussion highlights recent progress on the application of phytoremediation competence of the plant, Tagetes erecta Linn. concerning with the heavy metals