Potentially toxic element (PTEs) related health risk assessment from air conditioner filter dust in and around Chennai metropolitan

1078-1088We report the health risk assessment of air conditioner filter dust collected from different parts of Chennai city, Southern India, using geochemistry and magnetic properties as proxy. The particle size analysis indicates dust particles range from 0.5 μm to 955 μm and the dust grains falling in the range between 30 to 40 μm. The XRD results indicate that the dust samples contain magnetite, hematite, goethite, and trace elements. The hazard index (HI) of trace elements for child and adult determined in our study shows the probable risk for elements as: Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu > Zn. The daily exposure for inhalation [carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic LDDinh] and cancer risk for inhalation (CRinh) were showing high risk and health impact for Cr followed by Ni. It is suggested from the study that higher ventilation rate assisted by means of a mechanical system and use of air conditioners with regular cleaning can improve the living conditions in the Metropolitan areas

Environmental DNA signatures distinguish between tsunami and storm deposition in overwash sand

AbstractSandy onshore deposits from tsunamis are difficult to distinguish from storm deposits, which makes it difficult to assess coastal hazards from the geological record. Here we analyse environmental DNA from microbial communities preserved in known tsunami and storm-deposited sediments and intercalating soils and non-marine sediments near Cuddalore, India, and Phra Thong Island, Thailand. Both sites were impacted by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and a subsequent storm flooding event (2011 Cyclone Thane at Cuddalore and a 2007 storm at Phra Thong Island). We show that the microbial communities in the overwash deposits are significantly different from soil and sediments that are not derived by overwash processes at both locations. Our method also successfully discriminates between modern tsunami deposits and storm deposits. We suggest molecular techniques have the potential to accurately discriminate overwash deposits from catastrophic natural events.</jats:p

Dehydration of Chiral α-Amides to Chiral α-Nitriles under the Appel Reaction Conditions

An efficient synthesis of Nα-protected amino nitriles from Nα-protected amino acid amides employing Ph3P, I2 and NMM was described. Various amino acid amides, protected by Fmoc, Z and Boc were conveniently converted to nitriles in high yields. Side chain protected amino acid amides were well-tolerated and a good yield of products was obtained. The protocol serves as one of the mild, among a few available, methods for the racemization-free conversion of Nα-protected amino acid amides to corresponding nitriles with neither harsh condition nor catalyst. Graphic Nα-protected amino acid amides were efficiently transformed to Nα-protected amino acid nitriles employing I2, PPh3, and NMM under mild reaction conditions. Fmoc, Boc and Cbz-protected amino acid amides were converted into their corresponding nitriles groups. Side chain protected amino acid amides also underwent facile conversion to their corresponding nitriles with good yields

Clinical outcomes and safety of anakinra in the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a single center observational study

Abstract Background and objective Evidence for the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is lacking. Anakinra, which targets IL-1-mediated inflammation, is reserved for refractory cases of MIS-C; however, its use in the treatment of MIS-C is not clearly established. Patients and methods To examine a role for anakinra in MIS-C, we performed a single center observational cohort study of all MIS-C patients diagnosed at our children’s hospital from May 15 to November 15, 2020. Demographics, clinical features, diagnostic testing, and cardiac function parameters were compared between MIS-C patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) monotherapy and IVIG with anakinra (IVIG + anakinra). Results Among 46 patients with confirmed MIS-C, 32 (70%) were in the IVIG + anakinra group, of which 9 (28%) were also given corticosteroids (CS). No patients were treated with anakinra alone. MIS-C patients in the IVIG + anakinra group were enriched in a CV shock phenotype (p = 0.02), and those with CV shock were treated with higher doses of anakinra for a longer duration. Furthermore, MIS-C patients in the IVIG + anakinra group exhibited improvements in fever and cardiac function with or without CS. No significant adverse events were observed, and no differences in IL-1β levels were found among MIS-C patients in the IVIG + anakinra group. Conclusions Anakinra treatment, which was co-administered with IVIG primarily in patients with severe MIS-C, was associated with improvements in fever and cardiac function, and demonstrated a favorable side-effect profile. These findings suggest a role for adjunctive anakinra in the treatment of severe MIS-C