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Microplastics presence in the environment is now a major global issue. Personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) contain microbeads and are one of the primary sources of microplastics which contribute to health and ecological risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of microbeads in a widely used PCCPs (facial scrubs) in the Indian market and the extent to which these microbeads can serve as vectors for toxic compounds like chromium under different environmental conditions. Four of the ten facial scrubs contained microbeads of size ranging from 220 to 600 µm. Based on FTIR analyses, two of the four tested samples (A and B) were made of polypropylene, while the other two samples (C and D) were made of polyethylene. Furthermore, the study revealed that PP microbeads, which are very common, could efficiently adsorb Cr (VI) (3.09 mg Cr/g). Adsorption of Cr (VI) on microbeads was greater in acidic and saline conditions indicating that microbeads can potentially act as vectors for toxic compounds in marine aquatic ecosystems. It was estimated that 4.7 x 1010 microbeads, which amount to 3.8 tonnes of microbeads are released into the environment annually. Based on these results, policy measures for preventing the release of microbeads/microplastics into the environment are suggested.

Rapid urbanization and the growing tourism industry in the Himalayan region have raised significant concerns about the sustainable handling and management of solid waste in the area. This concern is particularly pronounced in the unique and vulnerable ecosystem of cities nestled in the eastern Indian Himalayas, where geography, ecology, and socio-economic factors converge to create distinctive challenges. This study undertakes a thorough investigation of solid waste management practices and challenges in two smart cities nestled in the eastern Himalayan region of India, specifically Gangtok and Namchi. The primary objective was to unveil the complex challenges confronting these cities by conducting an in-depth exploration of waste management practices. This comprehensive investigation was achieved through the collection of samples, conducting surveys within each ward of the cities, and performing physicochemical characterization analyses. The study also proposes a solution-oriented approach leveraging life cycle analysis. Despite the Himalayan backdrop, waste generation varies significantly, with Gangtok producing substantially more waste (50 tons per day (TPD)) compared to Namchi (4.6 TPD). Both cities excel in waste collection, but Gangtok leads in proactive treatment, with 22% (11 TPD) undergoing composting and recycling. However, shared challenges at riverside disposal sites, including overfilled dumpsites and leachate contamination, pose potential environmental hazards amid the Himalayan allure. Organic waste predominates at 40.9% and 40.01% in both cities, indicating composting potential. Plastic closely at 22.25% (Namchi) and 22.65% (Gangtok) was way above the global (12 %) and national (8.4 %) average respectively, emphasizing the urgency of plastic waste reduction strategy. The 16.95% cardboard in Gangtok highlights potential commerce-related waste. The study also highlights the importance of comprehensive policies for informal sector well-being. The lifecycle assessment of Namchi and Gangtok reveals significant methane emissions (99%) from waste anaerobic decomposition potentially due to poor source segregation. Implementing a futuristic waste strategy reduces emissions by 38% in Namchi and 40% in Gangtok, through biogas utilization and renewable energy adoption. The findings advocate for citizen engagement, improved collection, targeted campaigns, and circular economy principles. To ensure sustainability and resilience in waste management within mountain regions, tailored strategies such as material recycling facilities, community engagement initiatives, and landfill diversion mandates should integrate ecological, socioeconomic, and logistical considerations, fostering awareness and participation among communities.

Introduction: Schisandra chinensis, also known as Chinese magnolia vine, belongs to the family Schisandraceae. There are two types of fruit of Schisandra that differ in species: one is from S. chinensis, named Wuweizi, and the second belongs to S. sphenanthera, named Nanwuweizi. Both are native to the southern Chinese. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners used plants for the treatment of cancer. The experiment shows that the extract of the berry is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and used as traditional medicine in southeast Asia and Russia for the treatment of cardiovascular and GI diseases. Flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and Schistantherin A are the major phytoconstituents. Methodology: Data was collected from online databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science and searched using different keywords: S. chinensis phytochemistry and Schistantherin A. The prime objective of this review was to provide previously reported information such as pharmacological activity and toxicity about the Chinese plant species. Result: According to our research, S. chinensis contains a variety of physiologically active compounds, including terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, and schistantherin A. Additionally, previous studies have demonstrated the significant pharmacological action of fruit extracts and shows anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer effects. Discussion: The following research indicates that S. chinensis has a great potential for facilitating the creation of preventative as well as medicinal products and supplements for cancer, hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and other disorders. Chinese magnolia vine is a safe and effective plant for human consumption. As such, it should be incorporated in food intakes and as an active ingredient in medicinal formulations. Conclusion: S. chinensis is a good source of phytoconstituents that may be added to food and have the potential to treat a variety of mild to serious medical ailments. Other scientists will be motivated to investigate the chosen plant species further as a result of this assessment, especially in the areas of toxicity and biologically active

Summary: Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) generates limited long-lasting adaptive memory responses leading to short-lived protection against adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Here, we show that host sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibition by AGK2 significantly enhances the BCG vaccine efficacy during primary infection and TB recurrence through enhanced stem cell memory (TSCM) responses. SIRT2 inhibition modulated the proteome landscape of CD4+ T cells affecting pathways involved in cellular metabolism and T-cell differentiation. Precisely, AGK2 treatment enriched the IFNγ-producing TSCM cells by activating β-catenin and glycolysis. Furthermore, SIRT2 specifically targeted histone H3 and NF-κB p65 to induce proinflammatory responses. Finally, inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway abolished the protective effects of AGK2 treatment during BCG vaccination. Taken together, this study provides a direct link between BCG vaccination, epigenetics, and memory immune responses. We identify SIRT2 as a key regulator of memory T cells during BCG vaccination and project SIRT2 inhibitors as potential immunoprophylaxis against TB.

The spatial and temporal variability of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) during El Niño years (2002, 2004 & 2009) and its impact on district-wise yield of four important kharif crops viz., rice, maize, pearlmillet and sorghum over India were analysed. The number of districts fall under different rainfall classes are different in normal and El Niño years and found that there is a small shifting of spine curve towards left, which indicate the number of districts under lower rainfall classes increased in El Niño years. As far as National level analysis indicated that the yield of these major kharif crops grown steadily during the study period with higher rate of 43 kg/ha in maize and lower rate of 6.2 kg/ha in sorghum due to technological advancement. Identified high and medium vulnerable districts with respect to above crops in El Niño years based on yield changes > −10 per cent compared to average of previous and succeeding years. 77 and 36 districts identified as highly vulnerable with respect to rice and sorghum, respectively. Whereas 36 and 65 districts in the case of sorghum and maize, respectively. Thus, the results of this study provide an opportunity to policy makers/ researchers/other stakeholders to prepare short and long term contingency plan to cope up with the situation, if there is any forecast of El Niño in future.

Summary: Background: India has seen more than 43 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 2022, with a recovery rate of 98.8%, resulting in a large section of the population including the healthcare workers (HCWs), susceptible to develop post COVID sequelae. This study was carried out to assess the nature and prevalence of medical sequelae following COVID-19 infection, and risk factors, if any. Methods: This was an observational, multicenter cross-sectional study conducted at eight tertiary care centers. The consenting participants were HCWs between 12 and 52 weeks post discharge after COVID-19 infection. Data on demographics, medical history, clinical features of COVID-19 and various symptoms of COVID sequelae was collected through specific questionnaire. Finding: Mean age of the 679 eligible participants was 31.49 ± 9.54 years. The overall prevalence of COVID sequelae was 30.34%, with fatigue (11.5%) being the most common followed by insomnia (8.5%), difficulty in breathing during activity (6%) and pain in joints (5%). The odds of having any sequelae were significantly higher among participants who had moderate to severe COVID-19 (OR 6.51; 95% CI 3.46–12.23) and lower among males (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.39–0.76). Besides these, other predictors for having sequelae were age (≥45 years), presence of any comorbidity (especially hypertension and asthma), category of HCW (non-doctors vs doctors) and hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Interpretation: Approximately one-third of the participants experienced COVID sequelae. Severity of COVID illness, female gender, advanced age, co-morbidity were significant risk factors for COVID sequelae. Funding: This work is a part of Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)- Rational Use of Medicines network. No additional financial support was received from ICMR to carry out the work, for study materials, medical writing, and APC.

Nanotechnology is continuously marking its presence in sustainable agriculture and crop protection. Microbially synthesized nanomaterials bear an additional advantage over their chemical counterparts in being eco-friendly, economical and synergistic effects of microbial metabolites. Many researchers have reported the enhanced antimicrobial effects of microbially synthesized nanomaterials in crop protection in an environmental-friendly manner. The nanomaterials do not only kill the pathogen directly but also have shown their role as biotic elicitors, modulating the plants’ immune responses, overexpression of defense-related genes, modulation of oxidative stress and changing the ‘omics’ of the plant system. Despite the numerous advantages in agriculture system, certain risks are associated with nanomaterials. Phytotoxicity, eco-toxicity, concentration optimization, impact on native microbiota and the safe use of plants for animal consumption are some of the challenges which require extensive research. Further, strict regulatory authorities across the world regarding the use of nanomaterials, costing, scaling-up and optimizing the microbial condition for the synthesis of nanomaterials are certain steps to ensure the effective use of microbially engineered nanomaterials in the field conditions.

Diesel engines contribute significantly to deteriorating air quality. Tightening legislation has led to various technological advances, but developments differ between countries. In India, air quality has not improved and fine particle (PM2.5) related premature deaths are predicted to increase. In this study, we characterized the particle emissions of an Indian-manufactured BS IV (Bharat Stage, comparable to Euro emission standards) heavy-duty diesel vehicle and studied the effects of different fuels, fuel blends and lubricating oils. The main aims of the study were to investigate the particle emission dependency on fuel types and fuel blends used in India and to produce useful data for further use (e.g. legislative parties and modeling): emission factors (PN, PM, BC, other chemical compounds), size distributions and volatility of particles. Additionally, the sensitivity of the emissions to the lubricating oil choice was studied. Two lubricating oils, two fossil fuels conforming to BS IV and BS VI emission standards and two biofuel – BS IV fossil fuel blends were tested, one containing Renewable Paraffinic Diesel (RPD) and the other renewable Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (r-FAME). The tests were conducted on a chassis dynamometer (Delhi Bus Driving Cycle, DBDC). Our results show that the emitted particles were in ultrafine particle size range, and both the soot mode particles and smaller nanoparticles were affected by fuels and lubricating oils. The transition from BS IV grade diesel to BSVI was shown to have potential in reducing particle emissions (PN and eBC) of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in India. Blending fossil fuel with biofuel strongly affected particle number emissions, chemical composition, and eBC emissions and the emissions were highly sensitive to biofuel type. Changing the lubricating oil had a comparable magnitude of effect as changing the fuel and the results indicate that in order to reduce particle emissions, a combination of fuel and lubricating oil should be chosen, instead of choosing them separately.

To develop intelligent and sustainable cities, the government of India launched initiatives like Smart Cities and the Clean Development Mission. Solid waste management (SWM) has become one of the primarily focused areas of such initiatives. The changing dynamics of urban waste characteristics due to unplanned urbanization and rapid growth in urban populations (due to migration) has been a significant concern for local authorities in urban areas to develop an effective SWM plan. The development of a long-term SWM plan along the line of the government initiatives' objectives requires understanding the waste quantities, characteristics, and existing waste management practices. This paper presents an overview of existing waste management activities, financial and institutional demographics in six selected Indian Smart Cities, and the field studies to assess SWM systems as per the waste management rules. The study involved a participatory approach to collect data from local bodies and stakeholders. Indicative strategies for the development of waste management systems were formulated based on the outputs of this analysis. Discussion on pathways includes waste characterization, funding sources, data technologies, and service level benchmarking to plan an integrated solid waste management system for a Smart City. The outcomes of this study shall equip local authorities in designing waste systems to accelerate the transition towards innovative and sustainable waste systems.

Nanoparticles (NPs) bear unique properties that leads to its immense application in diverse domains. But excessive use of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) in various industrial sectors may lead to detrimental impacts on our environment in the near future. Among NPs, applications of nanoiron in various industrial sectors are gradually increasing and its interaction with the soil-plant system is an area still to be explored. In this review, we have focused upon positive as well as the negative impact of nanoiron in plants. As per available literature, it is evident that higher concentration of nanoiron causes oxidative stress while lower concentration leads to plant growth promotion. In addition to this, review also highlights the uptake, translocation and accumulation of nanoiron in plant system which subsequently leads to alterations in the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular traits of plants. Moreover, various factors contributing towards the translocation of nanoiron in shoot and root system of plants has been duly discussed.

In this paper, an efficient hybrid numerical scheme which is based on a joint venture of the q-homotopy analysis method and Sumudu transform is applied to investigate the time-fractional modified Degasperis-Procesi (DP) equation. The present study considers the Caputo fractional derivative. The fractional order modified DP model is very important and plays a great role in study of ocean engineering and science. The proposed scheme provides a beautiful opportunity for proper selection of the auxiliary parameter ℏ and the asymptotic parameter ρ ( ≥ 1) to handle mainly the differential equations of nonlinear nature. The offered scheme produces the solution in the shape of a convergent series in a large admissible domain which is helpful to regulate the region of convergence of a series solution. The proposed work computes the approximate analytical solution of the fractional modified DP equation systematically and also presents graphically the variation of the obtained solution for diverse values of the fractional parameter β.

India imposed one of the world’s strictest population-wide lockdowns on March 25, 2020 for COVID-19. We estimated epidemiological parameters, evaluated the effect of control measures on the epidemic in India, and explored strategies to exit lockdown.We obtained patient-level data to estimate the delay from onset to confirmation and the asymptomatic proportion. We estimated the basic and time-varying reproduction number (R0 and Rt) after adjusting for imported cases and delay to confirmation using incidence data from March 4 to April 25, 2020. Using a SEIR-QDPA model, we simulated lockdown relaxation scenarios and increased testing to evaluate lockdown exit strategies.R0 for India was estimated to be 2·08, and the Rt decreased from 1·67 on March 30 to 1·16 on April 22. We observed that the delay from the date of lockdown relaxation to the start of the second wave increases as lockdown is extended farther after the first wave peak—this delay is longer if lockdown is relaxed gradually.Aggressive measures such as lockdowns may be inherently enough to suppress an outbreak; however, other measures need to be scaled up as lockdowns are relaxed. Lower levels of social distancing when coupled with a testing ramp-up could achieve similar outbreak control as an aggressive social distancing regime where testing was not increased.

Mucormycosis isolated to the mandible is a rare presentation occurring generally after dental procedures. The case we report presented with discharging sinuses over facial region with radiological appearance of isolated osteomyelitis of the mandible. The patient used to apply an addictive dental powder over his teeth leading to caries. Following this, he pulled out all his teeth, which probably led to his condition. Invasive sampling revealed mucormycosis. An extensive search for an underlying immunodeficiency revealed that the patient had chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Despite a prolonged course of L-Amphotericin B, the patient continued to have intermittent pus discharge and surgical debridement and curettage was eventually required. The patient had a chronic course with minimal soft tissue involvement which initially did not raise the suspicion of mucormycosis. The main learning point is that an unusual invasive fungal infection in an otherwise healthy host can be the first symptom of an underlying primary immunodeficiency, like CGD. Invasive fungal infections in patients with CGD often have an indolent course.

A new series of Pyrimidine (A, D and F) and quinazoline (B, C and E) analogues of 1,5-benzodiazepines were prepared via its nitrile-derived amidoximes in and nitrilium ions, respectively using one pot Domino reaction with DMAD in presence of DABCO catalyst and benzanilide in presence of Tf2O and 2-chloropyridine. The prepared molecules were examined for their biological property namely apoptotic and antiproliferative effects through cell cycle arrest using breast cancer cell line of human (MCF-7). Receptor-ligand interactions were studied on human epidermal evolution factor receptor (HER-2) with the help of molecular docking using Autodock 4.2.6 molecular modeling software. All the compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects on cell proliferation in a concentration dependent fashion (20–100 μg/mL). Notably, compound C exhibited highest inhibitory activity and caused inhibition of S and G2 phase in cell cycle arrest via caspase dependent apoptotic pathway in MCF-7 cells lines. Keywords: Pyrimidine, Quinazoline, 1,5-Benzodiazepines, Domino reaction, Anticancer agent

Species identification from the samples obtained in wildlife crime cases usually presents a difficult challenge for forensic science investigators. The present paper describes a short study where a blood stain sample was recovered from an area outside the protected area network and used to determine a species identity. The mitochondrial DNA region of the questioned sample was amplified and sequenced using universal primers of cytochrome b gene (Cyt b) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) for species identity. The obtained sequencing results were compared with the most homologous sequences extracted from the NCBI-GenBank database. A phylogenetic tree was prepared with the aligned sequences to determine the species identity with strong bootstrap support. The mean distance and species score generated revealed that the grade of sequence similarity showed maximum homology (100 %) with the sequence obtained from the database. Based on the genetic analysis, the collected sample related to Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) which is listed as Schedule I under the Indian Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Across the world, hunting is one of the main causes of the decline in populations of wild vertebrates. This activity has serious effects not only on the specific, target populations but also on the dynamics and structures of other animal populations. Often the only evidence available for successful prosecution of poachers is in the form of small pieces of skin, bone, and meat. In such cases, forensic investigations can irrefutably establish the identity of the species involved in the illegal hunting by using genetic technologies.This articles describes an investigative study in a suspected wildlife hunting incident in which molecular biology techniques were employed to identify the species involved. Using fragments of cytochrome b (Cyt b) and 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) mitochondrial markers, the samples were confirmed to be from an IUCN Red List species, the Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica).This is the first genetic record of an Indian porcupine from the Uttarakhand population.The genetic analysis in this study was suitable for diagnosing the species and concluding a criminal investigation. Molecular forensic techniques can, therefore, provide an important tool that enables local law enforcement agencies to apprehend poachers. Meanwhile the present study represents a small step in reducing the hunting of porcupine in Uttarakhand as well as other adjoining states, with the aim of conserving biodiversity.

The advent of the nanotechnology era offers a unique opportunity for sustainable agriculture provided that the exposure and toxicity are adequately assessed and properly controlled. The global production and application of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) in various industrial sectors have tremendously increased. Most of the nanoparticles end up in water and soil where they interact with soil microorganisms and plants. Investigating the uptake, translocation and accumulation of CeO2-NPs is critical for its safe application in agriculture. Plant uptake of CeO2-NPs may lead to their accumulation in different plant tissues and interference with key metabolic processes of plants. Soil microbes can also be affected by increasing CeO2-NPs in soil, leading to changes in the physiology and enzymatic activity of soil microorganisms. The interactions between CeO2-NPs, microbes and plants in the agricultural system need systemic research in ecologically relevant conditions. In the present review, The uptake pathways and in-planta translocation of CeO2-NPs,and their impact on plant morphology, nutritional values, antioxidant enzymes and molecular determinants are presented. The role of CeO2-NPs in modifying soil microbial community in plant rhizosphere is also discussed. Overall, the review aims to provide a comprehensive account on the behaviour of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and their potential impacts on the soil microbial community and plant health.

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a threat to global health, food security, and development today. Antibiotic resistance can occur naturally but mainly due to misuse or overuse of antibiotics, which results in recalcitrant infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) among bacterial pathogens.These mainly include the MDR strains (multi-drug resistant) of ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). These bacterial pathogens have the potential to “escape” antibiotics and other traditional therapies. These bacterial pathogens are responsible for the major cases of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI) globally. ESKAPE Pathogens have been placed in the list of 12 bacteria by World Health Organisation (WHO), against which development of new antibiotics is vital. It not only results in prolonged hospital stays but also higher medical costs and higher mortality. Therefore, new antimicrobials need to be developed to battle the rapidly evolving pathogens. Plants are known to synthesize an array of secondary metabolites referred as phytochemicals that have disease prevention properties. Potential efficacy and minimum to no side effects are the key advantages of plant-derived products, making them suitable choices for medical treatments. Hence, this review attempts to highlight and discuss the application of plant-derived compounds and extracts against ESKAPE Pathogens.

A DNA reference library was generated, and a phylogenetic assessment of 11 turtle species (in nine genera and two families) from Uttarakhand was carried out. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences were generated, and the data were compared with published data available for a group from northeastern India to identify geographical signatures. The NJ approach was used to resolve the species taxonomy. A population-level comparative study indicated that most of the turtle species from the northern and northeastern parts of India have geographical genetic signatures. The results of this study can be used to delineate boundaries between or within species and populations. This study will be of use to law enforcement agencies in identifying species effectively in wildlife offence cases. Keywords: Turtle, Genetic study, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, Uttarakhand, Wildlife forensics and conservation

Objectives: The aim of the merit-3 study was to determine the safety and performance of the BioMime Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System (SES) in all-comer patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in one-year clinical follow-up period. Methods: The meriT-3 was a multi-centre, observational, post-marketing study conducted in 1161 patients with CAD who were implanted with BioMime SES at 15 sites in India. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac event (MACE) at one year defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months. Major adverse cardiac event occurred at 30 days and subsequently at 6 months and at long-term follow-up of 1 year was analyzed. Results: MACE observed at 1 and 6 months follow-up was 16 (1.38%) and 21 (1.83%) respectively. Cumulative 1 year MACE was 26 (2.35%) with 16 (1.39%) all cause death, 4 (0.35%) MI and 6 (0.52%) TLR. In addition, ST was observed in 1 (0.09%) patient. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the BioMime SES is safe and effective in a “real-world”, all-comers CAD patients, indicating low rates of MACE. CTRI Acknowledgement No: REF/2016/07/011808.

Pepper leaf curl virus (PepLCV) is a serious threat to pepper (Capsicum spp.) production worldwide. Molecular mechanism underlying pepper plants response to PepLCV infection is key to develop PepLCV resistant varieties. In this study, we generated transcriptome profiles of PepLCV resistant genotype (BS-35) and susceptible genotype (IVPBC-535) after artificial viral inoculation using microarray technology and detail experimental procedures and analyses are described. A total of 319 genes differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible genotypes were identified, out of that 234 unique genes were found to be up-regulated >2-fold in resistant line BS-35 when compared to susceptible, IVPBC-535. The data set we generated has been analyzed to identify genes that are involved in the regulation of resistance against PepLCV. The raw data have been deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database under accession number GSE41131.