Removal of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) using activated carbon prepared from mango kernel activated with H3PO4

The present work reported the adsorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions on activated carbon prepared from mango kernel, a seasonal waste from mango fruits. Kernels from dried mango fruit shells were taken out and pulverized in a micro-pulverizing mill. The powder thus obtained was activated with 40% H3PO4 and carbonized at 600 °C for 1 hour in an inert atmosphere. Physico-chemical characteristics such as elemental composition, surface area, functional groups and surface morphology of the activated carbon were analyzed using elemental analyzer, BET surface area analyzer, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis respectively. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Cr (VI) concentration, carbon dose, pH, rate of agitation, time and temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) was found to be 7.8 mg g−1 at pH 2 and temperature 35 °C. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm best represented the equilibrium data and a pseudo-second order relation represented the adsorption kinetics

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KASHYAP GHRITA & KASHYAP SYRUP IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DONTODBHED JANYA VYAPAD (DENTITION DISORDERS)

Dantodbhed janya Vyapad is commonly faced problem in children during the Dentition period. The study was conducted with an objective of evaluating the role of Kashyap Ghrita and Kashyap Syrup in management of Dontodbhed janya Vapad on various scientific parameters. The present study was conducted on 60 children who are clinically treated due to Dantodbhed janya Vyapad (Dentition Disorders).Out of three groups 20 patients were administered Kasyap Ghrita with dose of 3ml-5ml (1/2-1 TSF) two times for 7 days, 20 patients of second group were administered Kashyap Syrup with dose of 5ml-8ml (1-11/2TSF) two times for 7 days and 20 patients were administered both Kashyap Ghrita (3-5ml) along with Kashyap Syrup (5-8ml) single dose for 7 days.During present trail it was observed that there was significant improvement in clinical manifestations of Dantodbhed janya Vapad after the therapy of Kashyap Ghrita. Symptomatically the Kashyap Ghrita is more effective than in syrup form in Dantodbhed janya Vyapad, because Ghrita is Yogavahi as well as palatable with giving potent energy. Also rejuvenates and increases immunity with counteracts the disorders of Dentition. The present study shows that the Kashyap Ghrita is more effective than Kashyap syrup

ROLE OF KUMAR KALYAN RAS AND SITOPALADI CHURNA IN CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT

Childhood is an important age of human being and growth and development mainly occurs in this age. Balanced diet and well nutritional foods are necessary for growth and development. In Ayurveda this stage is called Kapha dominant period of life. In this age a child should be healthy for proper development. So this study is focused on child’s growth and development and the role of Kumar Kalyan ras and Sitopaladi churn in the management of childhood.STUDY DESIGN: The study was single grouped, which contains 12 children selected from the O.P.D. and I.P.D of Vd. Prem Shankar Ayurveda hospital, colleges, campus, M.M.M Government Ayurved College Udaipur. For the well development and growth of a child, Kumar Kalyan ras and Sitopaladi churn drug, dosage of 1-2 gram is given twice a day with honey (Madhu) before meal. The regimen followed for a period of three months with follow up after every 15 days interval. Base line assessment was done after selection of children as per inclusion and exclusion criteria.RESULTS: The study suggests that the oral consumption of Kumar Kalyan ras and Sitopaladi churna with honey improves digestion, immunity and general growth.

Observations on fertile populations of two Porella (Porellaceae, Marchantiophyta) species from Kumaun Region in the Western Himalaya, India

The unrecorded androecia and feebly described gynoecia in Indian specimens of two Porella species, namely, P. densifolia subsp. appendiculata (Steph.) S. Hatt.  and P. campylophylla var. ptychantha (Mitt.) F. Shaheen & S.C. Sriv., collected from Kumaun region in the state of Uttarakhand in Western Himalaya, are being described and compared besides observing variations in vegetative features of the plants

The state of Scapania ligulata Steph. (Scapaniaceae, Marchantiophyta) in Western Himalaya, India

The two subspecies of the leafy liverwort, Scapania ligulata Steph., namely, subsp. ligulata and subsp. stephanii (Mull Frib.) Potemkin, Piippo & T.J. Kop., collected from the Kumaun and adjacent region in Western Himalaya, India are being described and compared. The report of the presence of the subspecies stephanii in this region confirms the fact that the ligulata-stephanii species complex having both subspecies migrated to Himalaya. The paper provides some additional distinctive features between the two subspecies

Benchmarking of different microbes for their biosurfactants antifungal action against plant pathogens

The biotic stress caused by phytopathogens (bacteria, fungus, yeast and insect pests) is a primary factor in yield loss of plants. Biocontrol agents and their active compounds are used to manage such plant pathogens. Here, in our study, we screened four bacterial isolates identified as Bacillus cereus, B. anthracis, B. velezensis and Serratia marcescens after morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization (16s rDNA sequencing) for production of biosurfactant by foam forming activity, oil spreading tests and emulsification activity. Highest foam stability (75 min) and maximum emulsification activity E24% (75%) was observed by B. velezensis strain. Among all the four isolates, Bacillus velezensis strain produced maximum biosurfactant (0.349±0.004 g/50 mL). Biosurfactant of all the four bacterial isolates were checked for fungal inhibiton on PDA plate(s). Bacillus velezensis showed comparatively the highest percent inhibition 58.82, 88.15, 78.45,72.68, 83.96, 75.47, 68.07 and 88.44% against Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. ciceri, Helminthosporium maydis, F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Helminthosporium oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Bacillus velezensis biosurfactant among all the four bacterial isolates was found to be most effective against the tested phytopathogens

Household transmission investigation for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a rural and urban population of north India.

BackgroundTransmissibility within closed settings, such as households, can provide a strategic way to characterize the virus transmission patterns because the denominator can be well defined. We aimed to characterize the household transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) and its associated risk factors.MethodsThis prospective case-ascertained study was conducted among the household contacts of laboratory-confirmed SARS CoV-2 cases residing in Ballabgarh, Haryana. We enrolled 148 index cases and their 645 household contacts between December 16, 2020 and June 24, 2021. We defined household contact as any person who had resided in the same household as a confirmed COVID-19 case. Baseline data collection and sample collection for real time- reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and IgM/IgG against SARS CoV-2 were done on day 1 visit, and followed for a period of 28 days. RT-PCR was repeated on day 14 or whenever the contact is symptomatic and blood sample for serology was repeated on day 28. We estimated household secondary infection rate (SIR) and other epidemiological indicators-median incubation period and serial interval. We employed binomial logistic regression to quantify risk factors associated with infection.ResultsThe household SIR was 30.5% (95% CI: 27.1-34.1%). The secondary clinical attack rate was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.2-11.8). The risk factors that showed higher susceptibility to infection were household contacts who were the primary care giver of the case, whose index cases were symptomatic, those with underlying medical conditions, those living in overcrowded households, who were sharing toilet with the index cases and also who were not wearing a mask when coming in contact with the case. The median (IQR) incubation period was 4 days (4, 5), mean (SD) serial interval 6.4 (±2.2) days, and median (IQR) serial interval 5 days (5, 7).ConclusionHouseholds favour secondary transmission of SARS CoV- 2, hence, index cases are recommended to self-isolate and wear masks; and household contacts to follow strict COVID infection control measures within households when a family member is infected

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of antenatal interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health in Nepal.

BackgroundMaternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high in many economically underdeveloped countries, including Nepal, and good quality antenatal care can reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, identifying how to best improve antenatal care can be challenging.ObjectiveTo identify the interventions that have been investigated in the antenatal period in Nepal for maternal or neonatal benefit. We wanted to understand their scale, location, cost, and effectiveness.Study designOnline bibliographic databases (Cochrane Central, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, British Nursing Index, PsycInfo, Allied and Complementary Medicine) and trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched from their inception till May 24, 2020. We included all studies reporting any maternal or neonatal outcome after an intervention in the antenatal period. We screened the studies and extracted the data in duplicate. A meta-analysis was not possible because of the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcomes, so we performed a narrative synthesis of the included studies.ResultsA total of 25 studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies showed a variety of approaches toward improving antenatal care (eg, educational programs, incentive schemes, micronutrient supplementation) in different settings (home, community, or hospital-based) and with a wide variety of outcomes. Less than a quarter of the studies were randomized controlled trials, and many were single-site or reported only short-term outcomes. All studies reported having made a positive impact on antenatal care in some way, but only 3 provided a cost-benefit analysis to support implementation. None of these studies focused on the most remote communities in Nepal.ConclusionOur systematic review found good quality evidence that micronutrient supplementation and educational interventions can bring important clinical benefits. Iron and folic acid supplementation significantly reduces neonatal mortality and maternal anemia, whereas birth preparedness classes increase the uptake of antenatal and postnatal care, compliance with micronutrient supplementation, and awareness of the danger signs in pregnancy

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of antenatal interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health in Nepal.

Maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high in many economically underdeveloped countries, including Nepal, and good quality antenatal care can reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, identifying how to best improve antenatal care can be challenging. To identify the interventions that have been investigated in the antenatal period in Nepal for maternal or neonatal benefit. We wanted to understand their scale, location, cost, and effectiveness. Online bibliographic databases (Cochrane Central, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, British Nursing Index, PsycInfo, Allied and Complementary Medicine) and trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched from their inception till May 24, 2020. We included all studies reporting any maternal or neonatal outcome after an intervention in the antenatal period. We screened the studies and extracted the data in duplicate. A meta-analysis was not possible because of the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcomes, so we performed a narrative synthesis of the included studies. A total of 25 studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies showed a variety of approaches toward improving antenatal care (eg, educational programs, incentive schemes, micronutrient supplementation) in different settings (home, community, or hospital-based) and with a wide variety of outcomes. Less than a quarter of the studies were randomized controlled trials, and many were single-site or reported only short-term outcomes. All studies reported having made a positive impact on antenatal care in some way, but only 3 provided a cost-benefit analysis to support implementation. None of these studies focused on the most remote communities in Nepal. Our systematic review found good quality evidence that micronutrient supplementation and educational interventions can bring important clinical benefits. Iron and folic acid supplementation significantly reduces neonatal mortality and maternal anemia, whereas birth preparedness classes increase the uptake of antenatal and postnatal care, compliance with micronutrient supplementation, and awareness of the danger signs in pregnancy

A cross sectional study to evaluate antenatal care service provision in three hospitals in Nepal

Background Globally too many mothers and their babies die during pregnancy and childbirth, a key element of optimizing outcomes is high-quality antenatal care (ANC). The Government of Nepal have significantly improved ANC and health outcomes through high-level commitment and investment, but still only 69% attend four recommended antenatal appointments. Objective To evaluate the quality and perceptions of ANC in Nepal to understand the compliance with Nepalese standards. Study Design This cross-sectional study took place at a tertiary referral and private hospital in Kathmandu, and a secondary hospital in Makwanpur. It recruited 538 female inpatients on postnatal wards during the two-week data collection period in May/June 2019. A case note review and verbal survey of women to understand the pregnancy information they received and their satisfaction with ANC was performed. We created a summary score of the completeness of ANC services received ranging 0-50 (50 indicating complete accordance with standards) and investigated the determinants of attending 4 ANC visits and patient satisfaction. Results The median ANC attendance was 4 visits at the secondary and referral hospitals and 8 at the private hospital. 24% attended less than 4 visits. 22% (117/538) attended a first trimester visit and 12% (65/538) attended visits at all points recommended in the standards. Over 90% of women had blood pressure monitoring, hemoglobin estimation, blood grouping and Rhesus typing, HIV and syphilis screening. 50% of women had urinalysis at every visit (IQR 20 to 100). 95% (509/538) reported receiving pregnancy information, but retention was variable: 93% (509/538) received some information about danger signs, 58% (290/502) remembered headaches whereas 98% (491/502) remembered fluid leaking. The ANC completeness score revealed the private hospital offered the most complete clinical services (mean 28.7, SD=7.1) with the secondary hospital performing worst (mean 19.1, SD=7.1). The factors influencing attendance at 4 ANC visits in the multivariable model were beginning ANC in the first trimester (OR 2.74 (95% CI 1.36, 5.52) and having a lower level of education (no-school OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.23, 0.91), Grades 1-5 OR 0.49 (95%CI 0.26, 0.92)). Overall 56% (303/538) of women were satisfied with ANC. The multivariable analysis revealed satisfaction was more likely in women attending the private hospital compared to the referral hospital (OR 3.63 95% CI 1.68 to 7.82) and lower in women who felt the ANC facilities were not adequate (OR 0.35 95% CI 0.21 to 0.63) and who wanted longer antenatal appointments (OR 0.5 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75). Conclusions Few women achieved full compliance with the Nepali ANC standards, however, some services were delivered well. To improve, each antenatal contact needs to meet its clinical aims and be respectful. To achieve this communication and counselling training for staff, investment in health promotion and delivery of core services is needed. It is important that these interventions address key issues, such as attendance in the first trimester, improving privacy and optimizing communication around danger signs. However, they must be designed alongside staff and service users and their efficacy tested prior to widespread investment or implementation