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Electronic trash, often known as E-waste, is a type of garbage generated by electronic in the industrial world, trash is one of the most difficult and rapidly expanding issues. E-waste is made up of old or end-of-life electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, televisions, generators, DVDs, mobile phones, freezers, and other items that are typically discarded by their original owners due to their short lifespan. It contains a number of hazardous constituents that have a negative impact on the environment and, more importantly, human health if not properly managed. Because it includes harmful chemical elements, E-waste proves to be a significant difficulty. Since it is believed that E-waste is a future of communications but due to the short life span of various appliances, they are being trashed and pollutes the environment. Many groups and governments from various nations have implemented a variety of ways to address the problem and threat to the environment and human health. Hence, this review presents a compendium of various sources of E-waste, environmental hazards, its composition and characterization, E-waste scenarios in India and global world. For the sake of the future, techniques of handling and processing, as well as E-waste recycling, should be used. This paper mainly outlines the issue of E-waste also covering the improvement and plan to tackle the issue.

Researchers have focused their efforts on nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles due to their particular uses in a range of domains, including photocatalysis and antibacterial activity. As a result, numerous research projects utilising green synthesis approaches based on physical, chemical, and plant extracts have recently been published. Because they are affordable, biocompatible, and simple to scale up, plant extract-based green methods have been regarded as a good substitute to other approaches to the production of nanoparticles because they completely do away with the need for additional stabilising agents. In addition to a number of vitamins, plant extracts include significant amounts of phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, and other phytochemicals. These phytochemicals serve as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents during the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from their corresponding precursors. Because of these unique properties of phytochemicals, nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles have been effectively produced using green synthesis techniques using extracts of plant parts such as bark, roots, and leaves, among others. This review provides an overview of recent studies on the synthesis of nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles from plant extracts and plant parts. The benefits of nickel nanoparticles in a range of applications, such as photocatalytic water contamination remediation and antibacterial activity, are highlighted in this paper with particular emphasis.

Carbapenems, frequently used for the treatment of infections caused by Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are being reported with increased resistance rate. Colistin with other antibiotics has emerged as a saviour but inappropriate reporting of colistin susceptibility is a serious clinical concern. To detect the antimicrobial resistance of GNB isolates obtained from blood samples, further, colistin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing of carbapenem-resistant isolates was done by the Broth Micro-dilution Method (BMD). This prospective study was done in the Department of Microbiology from January 2020 to December 2020. The GNB isolated from blood samples were identified & antimicrobial-susceptibility testing was performed by the Vitek 2 system. Colistin MIC of carbapenem-resistant isolates was done by the BMD method. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS 21. Growth was obtained in 5% of blood samples and 546 (75.8%) of these were GNB including predominantly E.coli, Klebsiella spp & Acinetobacter spp. Carbapenem-resistant infections 246 (48.5%) showed significant association with ICU admission, resistance to other classes of antibiotics & mortality. Among the carbapenem-resistant isolates, only seven (2.9%) were found resistant to colistin by the BMD test. Most of these were Klebsiella spp. (71.4%) & obtained predominantly from ICU patients (85.7%). All the carbapenem-resistant isolates were found intermediate sensitive to colistin by the VITEK-2 system. The isolates of GNB were characterized as MDR 323 (59.2%), XDR 164 (30%) and PDR 2 (0.4%). Use of, colistin, should be guided by BMD, the reference method for MIC testing to avoid erroneous reporting of colistin resistance.

Background: In the absence of precise microbiological data, treatment is started with broad-spectrum antimicrobials, without discrimination as to the likely causative microorganisms resulting in ineffective therapy and increased antimicrobial resistance. The study was planned to know clinicomicrobiological profile of infections in patients admitted to ICU. Methods: This prospective study was conducted for one year (January to December 2020). All the patients admitted to the medical ICU with evidence of infection after 48 h of admission were included in the study. The specimens received were cultured and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined according to standard protocol. The detailed clinical profile and risk factors were noted in these patients to correlate to the outcome. The data obtained were statistically analysed. Results: Over a period of 1 year, 1039 patients were admitted to the medical ICU and infections were present in 105 patients with an infection rate of 10%. A total of 122 bacterial infections were characterised and 131 isolates were obtained. The most common isolate was Klebsiella spp.(24.4%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (22.9%) and Pseudomonas spp.(19.1%). Conclusions: As the use of antibiotics has increased, it has led to increased antimicrobial resistance and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance patterns and the result of culture reports provides guidance for the treatment, thus improving the outcome of the patient.

Introduction: Aspergillus is one of the most ubiquitous airborne saprophytic fungi. Humans constantly inhale numerous conidia of this fungus. The conidia are normally eliminated in the immunocompetent host by innate immune mechanisms. With increase in the number of immunocompromised patients, there has been a dramatic increase in severe and fatal invasive aspergillosis (IA). The present study was aimed to know the clinico-mycological profile of suspected pulmonary aspergillosis cases. Methods: The present study was a prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year in the department of microbiology in admitted cases with clinical suspicion of pulmonary aspergillosis. Samples such as sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, endotracheal secretions, fine-needle aspiration or biopsy and blood (for serological analysis) were collected and processed as per standard protocol. Results: Over a period of 1 year, 89 cases were included in the study. Their mean age was 58.7 years. Majority were male (60.6%). The most common presentation was cough (89.9%), followed by chest pain (57.3%) and fever (56.2% most common chest X-ray finding was homogeneous haziness (40.4%). Fungal smear was positive in 55.1% and 61.8% showed fungal growth. Galactomannan (GM) and (1-3)-β-D glucan positivity were 56% and 83.3%, respectively. The mortality was observed in 21.4% of patients. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that GM assay and (1-3)-β-D glucan assay are useful diagnostic modalities with a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pulmonary aspergillosis in high-risk patients along with positive fungal culture. Thus, these tests are early markers for IA.

Puccinia spp. causing rust diseases in wheat and other cereals secrete several specialized effector proteins into host cells. Characterization of these proteins and their interaction with host’s R proteins could greatly help to limit crop losses due to diseases. Prediction of effector proteins by combining the transcriptome analysis and multiple in-silico approaches is gaining importance in revealing the pathogenic mechanism. The present study involved identification of 13 Puccinia triticina (Pt) coding sequences (CDSs), through transcriptome analysis, that were differentially expressed during wheat-leaf rust interaction; and prediction of their effector like features using different in-silico tools. NCBI-BLAST and pathogen-host interaction BLAST (PHI-BLAST) tools were used to annotate and classify these sequences based on their most closely matched counterpart in both the databases. Homology between CDSs and the annotated sequences in the NCBI database ranged from 79 to 94% and with putative effectors of other plant pathogens in PHI-BLAST from 24.46 to 54.35%. Nine of the 13 CDSs had effector-like features according to EffectorP 3.0 (≥0.546 probability of these sequences to be effector). The qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that the relative expression of all CDSs in compatible interaction (HD2329) was maximum at 11 days post inoculation (dpi) and that in incompatible interactions (HD2329 + Lr28) was maximum at 3 dpi in seven and 9 dpi in five CDSs. These results suggest that six CDSs (>0.8 effector probability as per EffectorP 3.0) could be considered as putative Pt effectors. The molecular docking and MD simulation analysis of these six CDSs suggested that candidate Lr28 protein binds more strongly to candidate effector c14094_g1_i1 to form more stable complex than the remaining five. Further functional characterization of these six candidate effectors should prove useful for a better understanding of wheat-leaf rust interaction. In turn, this should facilitate effector-based leaf rust resistance breeding in wheat.

Background Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are associated with high mortality. Serum fungal biomarkers offer an advantage over the traditional methods in early diagnosis and better clinical outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of (1–3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) assay in the patients suspected of IFI. Materials and Methods This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, over a period of 1 year. A total of 862 serum samples were received from patients suspected of IFI, for the BDG test (Fungitell, Associates of Cape Cod Inc., USA). The test was performed as per kit protocol. Appropriate samples were processed for KOH fungal smear and fungal culture. Blood culture was done by Bactec (Biomerieux). Statistical Analysis Results were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated at different cutoffs. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using SPSS 21.00 software was calculated and the diagnostic accuracy was shown by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results Among 862 patients, 546 (63.3%) were males. The predominant age group (25.6%) was between 61 and 70 years. The most common risk factor (54.8%) was prolonged intensive care unit stay. Out of the total samples, 455 (52.8%) samples were found positive for BDG. Fungal elements were seen in 48 (10.5%) KOH smears and fungal growth was obtained in 81 (17.8%) cultures. Comparison of BDG assay and culture at different cutoffs yielded AUC—0.823. Sensitivity (100%), specificity (51.3%), accuracy (55.6%), PPV (15.8%), and NPV (100%) were observed at the kit cutoff of 80 pg/mL. Optimum sensitivity and specificity of 79.2% and 70.3%, respectively, were observed at a cutoff of 142.4pg/mL. A significant correlation was observed between BDG positivity and piperacillin–tazobactam use and dialysis. Among BDG positive patients, 38(8.4%) succumbed to death. Conclusion Detection of BDG helps in the early diagnosis of IFI in critically ill patients. As the assay has a high NPV, a negative test can be used to stop the empirical antifungal drugs. The use of a higher cutoff can be useful to avoid false-positive results.

Abstract In wheat, a meta-analysis was performed using previously identified QTLs associated with drought stress (DS), heat stress (HS), salinity stress (SS), water-logging stress (WS), pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), and aluminium stress (AS) which predicted a total of 134 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) that involved at least 28 consistent and stable MQTLs conferring tolerance to five or all six abiotic stresses under study. Seventy-six MQTLs out of the 132 physically anchored MQTLs were also verified with genome-wide association studies. Around 43% of MQTLs had genetic and physical confidence intervals of less than 1 cM and 5 Mb, respectively. Consequently, 539 genes were identified in some selected MQTLs providing tolerance to 5 or all 6 abiotic stresses. Comparative analysis of genes underlying MQTLs with four RNA-seq based transcriptomic datasets unravelled a total of 189 differentially expressed genes which also included at least 11 most promising candidate genes common among different datasets. The promoter analysis showed that the promoters of these genes include many stress responsiveness cis-regulatory elements, such as ARE, MBS, TC-rich repeats, As-1 element, STRE, LTR, WRE3, and WUN-motif among others. Further, some MQTLs also overlapped with as many as 34 known abiotic stress tolerance genes. In addition, numerous ortho-MQTLs among the wheat, maize, and rice genomes were discovered. These findings could help with fine mapping and gene cloning, as well as marker-assisted breeding for multiple abiotic stress tolerances in wheat.

Study was performed for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle using Azadirachta indica mediated leaf extract and silver nitrate solution. After exposing the silver ions to the aqueous neem leaf extract, the rapid reduction of silver ions led to the construction of Ag-NPs in solution. The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR Spectroscopy, Scanning electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). FT-IR result showed the biomolecules responsible for the bio-reduction of silver ion to Ag-NPs. SEM analysis showed the formation of the spherically agglomerated synthesized silver nanoparticles with size range from 31.84 ​nm to 47.85 ​nm. EDX profile showed elemental composition and the homogeneity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles and strong signal of the Ag-NPs was obtained in combination with weak signal of Carbon and Oxygen. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized Ag-NPs were evaluated against Gram Positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and model Gram(−) Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. This nanoparticle was found to be effective against the tested organisms from the zone of inhibition (ZOI) observed after 24 ​h of incubation. The Zone of Inhibition was found to be 13 ​mm and 10 ​mm against E. Coli and S. aureus respectively and the biofilm evaluated has shown a significant impact towards nanoparticle concentration.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an important area in the field of nanotechnology, which has cost effective and environment friendly benefit over physical and chemical methods. The present study aims at preparation of silver nanoparticles through green route using leaves of Ocimum canum Sims, a widely distributed medicinal herb. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by SEM and XRD. The spherical and rod like morphological shapes were proven by SEM techniques. Crystallographic structure was confirmed by XRD and average particle size of synthesized silver nanoparticles was calculated which was found to be of 15.72 nm. The antibacterial activity of these prepared silver nanoparticles against pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) has shown the highest ZOI of 2.45 cm at 30 ppm.

Nickel and Copper nanoparticles were synthesized by simple chemical method and studied for antimicrobial activities. The size of synthesized Nickel and Copper nanoparticles was found to be 24.00 nm and 13.13 nm respectively. The XRD analysis reveals the crystal system of Nickel and Copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles were found orthorhombic whereas the nickel nanoparticles were monoclinic. The antimicrobial activities of Nickel and Copper nanoparticles dispersed in DMSO was investigated. Comparative sensitivity test of these synthesized nanoparticles was carried out against three pathogenic micro-organisms (Gram negative bacteria), viz. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pneumonia Typhus, using agar diffusion cup plate method. Copper and Nickel nanoparticles have shown appreciable sensitivity at 100 μg/ml against all test micro-organisms. Comparatively, Copper nanoparticles were found to exhibit higher zone of inhibition (ZOI) than Nickel nanoparticles.

Downgrading in the yield of crop is due to the inadequate availability of water. The way out for this trouble is to construct synthetic resources dependent on natural polymers with great water absorption and preservation limits. The present study investigated the design of agar-agar (Agr) and gelatin (GE) copolymerized methyl acrylate (MA) and acrylic acid (AA) hydrogel (Agr/GE-co-MA/AA) as a soil conditioner for moisture maintenance in agriculture. Agr/GE-co-MA/AA hydrogel was prepared by utilizing microwave-assisted green synthesis following the most suitable reaction conditions to obtain a remarkable water swelling percentage. The fabricated Agr/GE-co-MA/AA hydrogel was investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The water holding capacity of the soil and sand was examined by mixing Agr/GE-co-MA/AA hydrogel with soil and sand. The result demonstrates that the water holding time extended from 10 to 30 days for soil and 6 to 10 days for sand by using Agr/GE-co-MA/AA hydrogel. This synthesized biodegradable, low-cost and non-toxic Agr/GE-co-MA/AA hydrogel shows novelty as soil water maintaining material for irrigation in agriculture.

Introduction: The global burden of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) is increasing worldwide. Smear microscopy has low sensitivity, culture based tests for identification of tubercle bacilli and drug susceptibility testing take weeks to give results. Molecular tests allow rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) and drug resistance in 4-8 hours. Real-time-PCR based GeneXpert provides only RIF susceptibility. In this study newer GenoType MTBDRplus VER 2.0 assay is utilized which gives sensitivity of both the first line anti-tubercular drugs. Aim: To evaluate the performance of Line Probe Assay (LPA) for rapid identification and detection of drug resistance in MTBC in respiratory and non-respiratory samples. Materials and Methods: All the samples (respiratory and non-respiratory) received from clinically suspected cases of Tuberculosis (TB), admitted in various wards, ICUs and outdoor patients of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital during the study, were processed in the Department of Microbiology. Samples other than Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) were digested and decontaminated by NALC-NaOH method. Microscopy by ZN (Ziehl-Neelsen) staining, liquid culture by MGIT (Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube, BD BBLTM), and LPA by the GenoType MTBDRplus assay, VER 2.0, HAIN Life Science) were performed on all the samples. Results: A total of 70 samples were considered which includes 34 respiratory samples and 36 non-respiratory samples. Out of the 70 samples, 13 (18.6%) were smear positive, 23 (32.8%) grown in culture and 29 (41.4%) were detected positive for MTBC by LPA. Considering culture as gold standard the sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of the LPA for diagnosis of TB in respiratory and non-respiratory samples were found as (83.33%, 72.73%), (72.73%, 80%), (62.5%, 61.54%) and (88.89%, 86.96%) respectively while sensitivity of LPA in smear positive and smear negative samples were found as 90% and 69.23% respectively. All the samples except two showed sensitivity to Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF). Two samples were found resistant to INH only. Conclusion: LPA performed directly on samples is a wonderful tool for fast detection of MTBC in the respiratory samples along with INH and RIF resistance. In comparison, the sensitivity of LPA is less in non-respiratory samples. Still, many patients can be diagnosed and can start appropriate treatment till the culture report is received.