Heavy metal characterisation in surface sediments off southeast coast of India: Implication on marine pollution

1810-1818The present study investigated heavy metals (Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) distribution in the surface sediments off Karaikal – Velankanni offshore along the east coast of Bay of Bengal as an indicator of marine pollution during 2004-2005. The sediments were analyzed for sand, silt, clay ratio, CaCO3, organic matter, and heavy metal (Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) contents. The contamination factor (CF) values for the heavy metals are found to be in the order: Mn >Cr >Ni >Zn >Cu >Pb during August 2004; and during January 2005 the CF values were found to be in the order: Zn >Mn >Cu >Ni >Pb >Cr. Zn contamination was found to be low to moderate. 10 samples were found with low and moderate Mn contamination. All the samples displayed moderate contamination with Cu, Ni, and Pb. Among the selected sediments, those which are collected from Karaikal and Velankanni shore were found to be highly contaminated by heavy elements due to the discharge of effluents from petrochemical, oil spills, port activity, and shipping activities. The occurrence of a wide range of elements in coastal sediments is mainly related to the textural variability of sediments during 2004 and 2005

Hyaluronic Acid Nanomaterials in Targeted Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy

Hyaluronic acid and the CD44 receptor have been the subject of 3D interaction and molecular analysis that has revealed crucial residues, binding specificity, stabilizing relationships, and structural insights within the complex. The analysis has focused on amino acid interactions. It is a crucial field of study with both fundamental and applied consequences because this understanding not only illuminates the molecular mechanisms directing their interaction but also shows promise for future therapeutic approaches. The new methods cover a variety of strategies, such as creating highly focused treatments, combining treatments with other well-known techniques like immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and moving toward customized medicine. Combining state-of-the-art nanotechnology with hyaluronan-based pharmaceuticals could improve lung cancer therapy's precision, bioavailability, and drug delivery. Clinical trials will be essential in proving these medicines' safety and effectiveness so that they may be incorporated into standard cancer treatment. Moreover, investigating immune regulation via hyaluronan may open up new avenues for bolstering the body's defenses against  cancer. With a calculated binding energy score of -6.70, the interaction between hyaluronan and the CD44 protein receptor was observed to be remarkably strong and favorable, suggesting a robust connection. This highlights the potential for utilizing hyaluronic nanomaterials to facilitate the targeted delivery of commercially available cancer drugs to specific cancer sites

Effect of Weed Management Practices of Small Onion (Allium cepa var. Aggregatum) Nursery on the Weed Flora, Weed Control Efficiency and Seedling Production

Control of weeds in nursery is necessary for production of healthy and sturdy seedlings. In this regard, field experiments were conducted to study the effect of different weed management practices on weed control efficiency and performance of onion seedling in nursery at two phases. The results from the first experiment revealed that, among the herbicide treatments, lowest weed density and weed dry weight was observed in Pre-emergence (PE) application of oxyfluorfen at 0.250 kg a.i ha-1 followed by PE application of oxyfluorfen at 0.125 kg a.i ha-1. Whereas, the highest weed control efficiency was observed in hand weeded plots followed by pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen at 0.250 kg a.i ha 1. In the second experiment, lower weed density, weed dry weight and higher weed control efficiency was observed in lay by application oxyfluorfen @ 0.125 kg ha-1 as PE + 2nd application @ 0.0625 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS. Seedling characters viz., higher root length, seedling height, 100 seedling weight and seedling yield was recorded in PE application of oxyfluorfen at 0.125 kg a.i ha-1 and PE application of oxyfluorfen at 0.125 kg a.i ha-1 + oxyfluorfen at 0.0625 kg a.i ha-1 (lay by) at 20 DAS in the first and second experiments respectively