Monitoring of air pollution and assessment of its risk on traffic policemen

The ambient air quality was monitored at five selected sites in proper Rohtak City. The parameters i.e. sulphur dioxide (SO2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were monitored for eight hours from 9 am to 5 pm once in a week at each of the five sites. Two sites out of five were found to have low pollution, while the other three sites had high level of pollutants, which exceeded the safety limits as per National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The levels of SO2 , NO2 and SPM were lowest at polluted site 2 (University Gate NO. 2) in the City, which ranged between 4.12 µg/m 3 and 40.37 µg/m 3 , 25.37 µg/m 3 and 73.80 µg/m 3 , 138.0 µg/m 3 and 530.7 µg/m 3 of the air respectively. Highest levels of SO2, NO2 and SPM were observed at site 5 ( Hisar Road ) which ranged between 5.30 µg/m 3 and 120.0 µg/m 3 , 68.01 µg/m 3 and 197.84 µg/m3, 730.5 µg/m 3 and 3319.0 µg/m 3 respectively. The concentrations of lead and cadmium were very much below the safety limits at all the sampling sites Health surveillance studies of the traffic policemen revealed that there is a significant excess risk of respiratory problems for traffic policemen as they are exposed to heavy loads of vehicular pollution

Understanding the harmful effects of polyethylene microplastics on Eisenia fetida: A toxicological evaluation

Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm, are pervasive environmental pollutants raising concerns about their toxic effects on terrestrial ecosystems, especially earthworms.A comprehensive toxicological evaluation of polyethylene microplastics on earthworms will be beneficial for determining the detrimental impacts of these ubiquitous pollutants on soil ecosystem. Therefore, in the present study, the best representative soil organism, earthworms (Eisenia fetida), were opted for examining the toxicological effect of polyethylene microplastic. E. fetida were subjected to different concentrations of polyethylene microplastic (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg) in soil and randomly picked out on days 7 to 56. Earthworms exposed to higher concentration of polyethylene (1000 mg/kg of artificial soil) showed a significant reduction in body weight and cocoon formation after 35th days of incubation. A consistent decrease in the concentration of carbohydrates, lipids, and protein was observed when the worms were exposed to the higher concentration of polyethylene. Further, antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were determined for antioxidant stress.Exposure of 200 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg of artificial soil caused a prominent amplification in the build-up of malonedialdehyde (a biological marker of oxidative stress) by 1.29-fold. It also considerably augmented the activity of the antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione S-transferase (1.54-fold), superoxide dismutase (1.51-fold), peroxidase (1.25-fold), and catalase (1.87-fold). The present study's findings provide a new understanding of the toxic effect of microplastic on earthworm E. fetida, presenting a foundation for its risk evaluation on soil ecosystems and non-target biological toxicity.

Validation of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and characterization of green synthesized iron nanoparticles: A comparison

Research on green synthesis in nanotechnology is a forthcoming field in the modern material science area. Potentiality utilization of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles is an area of vast research that makes them a suitable candidate for expanding highly innovative technologies. This study evaluated the effect of the drying method for leaves of the plant, Azadirachta indica on phytochemicals characteristics of extracts, bioactivity attributes and characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) accommodating varied keen compounds. Synthesis of iron (Fe) nanoparticles was done using the green bottom-up method, in which aqueous extract of A. indica leaves acted as an extremely promising reducing and stabilizing agent. Various characterization techniques such as EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), UV-VIS spectroscopy, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) crystallography, Zeta potential and sizer confirmed the fabrication of iron nanoparticles. The quantification results established that oven-dried leaves extract had a higher total phenolic content (108.23 mg GAE/g) and free radical scavenging capacity (250.165 mg GAE/g) than air-dried leaves extract. Characterization results endorsed that air-dried leaves extract acted as an advanced reducing agent that can swap the time consuming and perilous chemical synthesis of nanoparticles for a scalable formulation. The clear, intense XRD peaks revealed the crystalline nature of NPs, EDX results confirmed the purity of samples and finally, FT-IR analysis exhibited the presence of phytomolecules along with Fe NPs in final product obtained

Effect of chemical and bio-fertilizers on the life table attributes of Eisenia fetida

Earthworms are important soil invertebrates and play an important role in improving soil quality. Indiscrete use of chemical fertilizers poses a threat to soil quality. Alteration in the soil chemistry is known to negatively impact the macrofauna of soil, especially, epigeic earthworms. The study aimed to understand the effect of chemical and biological fertilizers on the life table attributes of earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Laboratory adapted E. fetida were reared on artificial soil supplemented with chemical fertilizers, Urea and DAP, and biofertilizers, vermicompost and Rutoz®.It was observed that the presence of urea in soil proved to be detrimental to the biomass accumulation, life span, as well as reproductive potential of the earthworms. Application of urea to the soil harbouring earthworms reduced the weight of individual earthworms from 286±14.24 mg in the control group to 242±12.047 mg as soon as 15 days of the application, while the DAP diminished the earthworm weight to 272±13.54 mg. The effect was more pronounced on the total biomass of the culture owing to the high toxicity of urea. The total mass diminished to one-third,i.e., 1.02±0.05 g on Day 60 as compared to the corresponding control (3.46±0.172 g). The urea and DAP treatment decreased the percent survival of the earthworms by 70% and 40%, respectively.On the other hand, the bio-fertilizers had a positive effect on the earthworms and the biology is comparable to that of the control group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to understand the effect of chemical fertilizers on the survival and reproductive fitness of the worms.

Barriers and Solutions Pertaining to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Implementation in A Block of West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Introduction: Improvement of maternal health care services will not only put a positive impact on maternal health, but also on the health of the new born. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the proportion of eligible beneficiaries who received the benefits provided by the scheme, to identify the barriers faced by the beneficiaries and health providers related to the scheme and to find possible solutions to overcome the barriers found as suggested by them in a block of West Bengal. Method: A cross-sectional study with sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was conducted in a block of West Bengal from January-December 2021. Quantitative data was collected from the digital portal of PMMVY. All beneficiaries who had their Last Menstrual Period (LMP) on and after 1st March 2020 up to 31st December 2020 were included. To identify the barriers faced and suggest possible solutions, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with the beneficiaries, ANMs and ASHAs and Key-Informant Interviews (KIIs) with the Block Medical Officer and Data Entry Operator. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed in the form of themes, codes and verbatim. Results: Total eligible beneficiaries for the three installments were 1066, 917 and 708 respectively. About 95.5% beneficiaries received the first installment, 93.0% received the second and 98.3% had received the third installment. The broad themes [codes] generated from the FGDs were challenges during antenatal care [ANC refused, home visit preferred, home ANC difficult, lockdown], challenges related to the PMMVY scheme [documents unavailable, incomplete forms, payment issues], possible solutions [prepare pre-requisites beforehand, provide cash]. Widely two main themes emerged from the KIIs: Form related issues and Payment issues. Conclusion: Coverage of PMMVY scheme in the block was satisfactory. However, speeding the payment process and stricter monitoring of the scheme is required

Lignin Reinforced Rubber Composites

Lignin is the country's second most abundant renewable biomass resource next to cellulose. The pulp and paper industries produce very large quantities of lignin, most of those are burned to recover energy, pulping chemicals, enzymatic or acid hydrolysis to sugars followed by fermentation to alcohols. Another emerging technology where the lignin being used is in the adhesives and asphalts. For the former, lignin partly replaces phenol in phenol-formaldehyde formulations, for the latter lignin is used as an extender. Lignin in polyurethanes is for good mechanical properties and reactions of lignin such as grafting and crosslinking agent are also well known. Novolak-hexamine based phenolic resins are commonly used as reinforcing and processing aids in nitrile rubber (NBR) compounds. Not only the oil and petrol resistances increase significantly , resin loading is also found to offer better heat resistant properties than carbon blacks. For seals, valves and gasket applications addition of phenolic resins provides superior abrasion resistance, ageing and negligible hardening effects at elevated temperatures. Poor tackiness of NBR compounds can easily be eliminated by using phenolic resin in place of carbon black. The study presented here is to explore the possibility of employing lignin into some value -added rubber based composites . Lignin, gymnosperms, angiosperms and glass varieties, contain alcohol and phenolic groups and also double bonds in their structural moiety and therefore, could resinify into prepolymer in presence of hexamine.Varied proportions of lignin upto 50 parts with respect to total rubber plus hexamine,have been incorporated in medium acrylonitrile (37%) NBR and studied for their processing characteristics and physico-mechanical properties e.g. reinforcement, oil and fuel resistances, ageing and thermal stability. Efficacy of lignin has been found to be superior to either phenolic resin-hexamine or carbon black filled compounds. Finally, attempt has also been made to modify the surface chemistry incorporating CO,> C=O etc. groups by additions of dicumyl peroxide and this modified lignin was found to offer improved rubber-filler adhesion, tackiness and physical properties

COMPUTER-ASSISTED DRUG DESIGNING OF TRIAZOLE DERIVATIVE OF NOSCAPINE AS TUBULIN-BINDING ANTICANCER DRUG

Objective: Microtubule-interfering drugs are commonly used to treat malignant disorders owing to indispensable role of this cytoskeletal element. These drugs include paclitaxel, docetaxel, and the Vinca alkaloids; however, owing to their non-selective action and overpolymerizing effects, these chemotherapy drugs are confounded by complications with serious toxicity (particularly, peripheral neuropathies, gastrointestinal toxicity, myelosuppression, and immunosuppression) (by taxanes) or depolymerizing effects (by Vincas) on microtubules. Thus, there is urgent need to explore novel tubulin-binding agents that are significantly effective and comparatively less toxic compared to currently available drugs for the treatment of human cancer. The current study focuses fusion of two novel anticancer compounds with low toxicity, i.e., noscapine and triazole to generate a new ligand derivative.Methods: Using computer-aided drug designing approach and molecular docking, molecular interaction of these derivatives with αβ-tubulin heterodimer was confirmed and investigated by molecular docking along with dynamics simulation.Results: A greater affinity of the newly designed ligands for binding to tubulin was predicted. The predictive binding free energy (Gbind,pred) of these derivatives (ranging from −10.5178 to −16.8473 kcal/mol) based on linear interaction energy method with a surface generalized born continuum salvation model showed improved binding affinity with tubulin as compared to the lead compound. natural α-Noscapine (−5.505 kcal/mol). The binding energy of ligand determined using LigX, i.e., MM/GBVI was found to be −23.208 kcal/mol.Conclusion: We found that designed derivative compounds have better efficacy as compared noscapine and triazole

Prospects of liquid biopsy in the prognosis and clinical management of gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for one-fourth of the global cancer incidence and are incriminated to cause one-third of cancer-related deaths. GI cancer includes esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, mostly diagnosed at advanced stages due to a lack of accurate markers for early stages. The invasiveness of diagnostic methods like colonoscopy for solid biopsy reduces patient compliance as it cannot be frequently used to screen patients. Therefore, minimally invasive approaches like liquid biopsy may be explored for screening and early identification of gastrointestinal cancers. Liquid biopsy involves the qualitative and quantitative determination of certain cancer-specific biomarkers in body fluids such as blood, serum, saliva, and urine to predict disease progression, therapeutic tolerance, toxicities, and recurrence by evaluating minimal residual disease and its correlation with other clinical features. In this review, we deliberate upon various tumor-specific cellular and molecular entities such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), exosomes, and exosome-derived biomolecules and cite recent advances pertaining to their use in predicting disease progression, therapy response, or risk of relapse. We also discuss the technical challenges associated with translating liquid biopsy into clinical settings for various clinical applications in gastrointestinal cancers

Advances in Testing Techniques for Digital Microfluidic Biochips

With the advancement of digital microfluidics technology, applications such as on-chip DNA analysis, point of care diagnosis and automated drug discovery are common nowadays. The use of Digital Microfluidics Biochips (DMFBs) in disease assessment and recognition of target molecules had become popular during the past few years. The reliability of these DMFBs is crucial when they are used in various medical applications. Errors found in these biochips are mainly due to the defects developed during droplet manipulation, chip degradation and inaccuracies in the bio-assay experiments. The recently proposed Micro-electrode-dot Array (MEDA)-based DMFBs involve both fluidic and electronic domains in the micro-electrode cell. Thus, the testing techniques for these biochips should be revised in order to ensure proper functionality. This paper describes recent advances in the testing technologies for digital microfluidics biochips, which would serve as a useful platform for developing revised/new testing techniques for MEDA-based biochips. Therefore, the relevancy of these techniques with respect to testing of MEDA-based biochips is analyzed in order to exploit the full potential of these biochips

OFFLINE TESTING OF MICRO-ELECTRODE-DOT-ARRAY DIGITAL MICROFLUIDIC BIOCHIPS USING DESIGN-FOR TESTABILITY

Digital Microfluidics is a developing technology that manipulates small amount of liquids on a biochip. These biochips have enabled the automation of laboratory procedures and are used in various application areas including on-chip DNA analysis and point-of-care diagnosis