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Systematic and comprehensive analysis with integration of geochemical methods, multivariate statistical analysis, and quality for drinking and irrigation uses were carried out on forty-two groundwater samples to elucidate the regional factors and processes influencing the geochemical composition of groundwater. Groundwater geochemistry revealed that the abundance of Ca2+ and Na+ was contributed by weathering of carbonate and sodium bearing minerals, while higher HCO3- and Cl- resulted from dissolution of carbonic and salt deposits. The rock weathering is the dominant mechanism controlling the major ion chemistry of groundwater as well as anthropogenic activities. The dominant hydrogeochemical facies of groundwater was Ca-Mg-SO4 and Ca-Mg-Cl. About 33% of the groundwater samples have negative values of chloro-alkaline index revealing chloro-alkaline disequilibrium and the reaction as a cation-anion exchange reaction, while in 67% of the samples, the values are positive, indicating a base-exchange reaction. The saturation index reveals the presence of calcareous nodules, containing a mixture of calcite. The suitability for domestic uses as per BIS 2012 and WHO 2009 for drinking water reaveals that high concentrations of EC, TDS, SO42-, Cl- and F- makes it unsuitable for drinking and domestic uses. Quality assessment for irrigation uses suggest that the groundwater is of excellent to good category, which can be used for irrigation without any serious hazards. Higher salinity and magnesium hazard values at some sites restrict the suitability of groundwater for irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the spatial variability and water quality index (WQI) modeling of groundwater for drinking purposes. Thus, the sample from 30 locations in Jamshedpur city was collected to explore the hydrochemical characteristics. The range of values of trace elements was well complied with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) except Co (0.1 to 13.87 µg/L), Cu (0.12 to 64.62 µg/L), Mn (20 to 1461 µg/L), and Sr (30 to 544 µg/L). The water table of this region showed tremendous variation (0.44 to 4.90 mbgl) as monitored by a sensor-based water level recorder. The WQI model revealed that only 4% of the water in this region is under the excellent categories, followed by good (86%) and poor (10%). Human health risk assessment of trace elements in contaminated groundwater was also performed according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The estimated hazard index (HI) value (4.85E-02 to 1.61E+00) indicated the non-carcinogenic risk. The study provides immense help for public health decision-makers to prevent the communities health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gloriosa superba L., commonly known as "gloriosa lily," "glory lily," and "tiger claw," is a perennial climber in the Liliaceae family. This plant is used in African and Southeast Asian cultures as an ayurvedic medicinal herb to treat various health conditions. Its main bioactive component is colchicine, which is responsible for medicinal efficacies as well as poisonous properties of the plant. A high market demand, imprudent harvesting of G. superba from natural habitat, and low seed setting have led scientists to explore micropropagation techniques and in vitro optimization of its phytochemicals. Plant growth regulators have been used to induce callus, root, and shoot organogenesis, and somatic embryogenesis in vitro. This review is aimed at presenting information regarding the occurrence, taxonomic description, phytochemistry, micropropagation, in vitro secondary metabolite, and synthetic seed production. The data collected from the existing literature, along with an analysis of individual study details, outcomes, and variations in the reports, will contribute to the development of biotechnological strategies for conservation and mass propagation of G. superba. Key points: • Latest literature on micropropagation of Gloriosa superba. • Biotechnological production and optimization of colchicine. • Regeneration, somatic embryogenesis, and synthetic seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camptothecin (CPT) is a monoterpenoid-alkaloid, an anticancer compound from plant. Ever since its discovery in 1996 from the bark of Camptotheca acuminata, various researches have been conducted for enhancing its production. CPT has also been reported in several other species belonging to the plant families Icacinaceae, Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae, Nyssaceae, Betulaceae, Violaceae, Meliaceae, and Gelseminaceae. Out of these, Ophiorrhiza sp. (Rubiaceae) is the next possible candidate for sustainable CPT production after C. acuminata and Nothapodytes nimoonia. Various biotechnological-studies have been conducted on Ophiorrhiza sp. for searching the elite species and the most optimal strategies for CPT production. The genus Ophiorrhiza has been used as medicines for antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, and anticancer activities. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and CPT from the plant. Because of the presence of CPT and its herbaceous habit, Ophiorrhiza sp. has now become a hot topic in research area. Currently, for mass production of the elite spp., tissue culture techniques have been implemented. In the past decades, several researchers have contributed on the diversity assessment, phytochemical analysis, mass production, and in vitro production of CPT in Ophiorrhiza sp. In this paper, we review the on the biotechnological strategies, optimal culture medium, micropropagation of Ophiorrhiza sp., effect of PGR on shoot formation, rhizogenesis, callus formation, and enhanced production of CPT for commercial use. Key points: • Latest literature on in vitro propagation of Ophiorrhiza sp. • Biotechnological production of camptothecin and related compounds • Optimization, elicitation, and transgenic studies in Ophiorrhiza sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus infection presents primarily as a respiratory illness, however, extra-pulmonary manifestations are known to occur, including gastrointestinal manifestations. Hereby, we report three cases of the COVID-19 infection who presented with acute-onset abdominal pain during illness. All three patients had respiratory symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and abdominal symptoms consistent with acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and acute appendicitis. All three patients improved in terms of acute abdominal pain; however, the overall clinical course, the three illnesses were variable because of differences in underlying organ involment and pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic has led to the generation of massive plastic wastes, comprising of onetime useable gloves, masks, tissues, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommendations for the employ of single-use disposable masks made up of various polymeric materials like polyethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene, polystyrene, can have significant aftermath on environmental, human as well as animal health. Improper disposal and handling of healthcare wastes and lack of proper management practices are creating serious health hazards and an extra challenge for the local authorities designated for management of solid waste. Most of the COVID-19 medical wastes generated are now being treated by incineration which generates microplastic particles (MPs), dioxin, furans, and various toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead. Moreover, natural degradation and mechanical abrasion of these wastes can lead to the generation of MPs which cause a serious health risk to living beings. It is a major threat to aquatic lives and gets into foods subsequently jeopardizing global food safety. Moreover, the presence of plastic is also considered a threat owing to the increased carbon emission and poses a profound danger to the global food chain. Degradation of MPs by axenic and mixed culture microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae etc. can be considered an eco-sustainable technique for the mitigation of the microplastic menace. This review primarily deals with the increase in microplastic pollution due to increased use of PPE along with different disinfection methods using chemicals, steam, microwave, autoclave, and incineration which are presently being employed for the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic-related wastes. The biological treatment of the MPs by diverse groups of fungi and bacteria can be an alternative option for the mitigation of microplastic wastes generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste. [Display omitted] • COVID-19 Medical waste composition and its environmental fate are discussed. • COVID-19 health care waste can generate microplastic (MP) pollution. • MP pollution has a negative impact on both human and aquatic health. • Some measures can be adopted to reduce the MP originating from COVID-19 medical waste in the environment. • The use of bacteria, fungi, and enzymes is considered for MP degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium originates from geogenic and extensive anthropogenic activities and significantly impacts natural ecosystems and human health. Various methods have been applied to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aquatic environmental matrices, including adsorption via different adsorbents, which is considered to be the most common and low-cost approach. Biochar materials have been recognized as renewable carbon sorbents, pyrolyzed from various biomass at different temperatures under limited/no oxygen conditions for heavy metals remediation. This review summarizes the sources, chemical speciation & toxicity of Cr(VI) ions, and raw and modified biochar applications for Cr(VI) remediation from various contaminated matrices. Mechanistic understanding of Cr(VI) adsorption using different biochar-based materials through batch and saturated column adsorption experiments is documented. Electrostatic interaction and ion exchange dominate the Cr(VI) adsorption onto the biochar materials in acidic pH media. Cr(VI) ions tend to break down as HCrO 4 − , CrO 4 2 − , and Cr 2 O 7 2 − ions in aqueous solutions. At low pH (∼1–4), the availability of HCrO 4 − ions attributes the electrostatic forces of attraction due to the available functional groups such as − NH 4 + , − COOH , and − OH 2 + , which encourages higher adsorption of Cr(VI). Equilibrium isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic models help to understand Cr(VI)-biochar interactions and their adsorption mechanism. The adsorption studies of Cr(VI) are summarized through the fixed-bed saturated column experiments and Cr-contaminated real groundwater analysis using biochar-based sorbents for practical applicability. This review highlights the significant challenges in biochar-based material applications as green, renewable, and cost-effective adsorbents for the remediation of Cr(VI). Further recommendations and future scope for the implications of advanced novel biochar materials for Cr(VI) removal and other heavy metals are elegantly discussed. [Display omitted] • Cr(VI) has significant adsorption to modified biochars due to functional groups. • Summarizes Cr(VI) adsorption via batch and column experiments from wastewaters. • Optimal Cr(VI) removal was observed at low pH values. • Cr(VI) removal is based on electrostatic interaction and surface complexation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis or the progression of malignancy poses a major challenge in cancer therapy and is the principal reason for increased mortality. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the basement membrane (BM) allows cells of epithelial phenotype to transform into a mesenchymal-like (quasi-mesenchymal) phenotype and metastasize via the lymphovascular system through a metastatic cascade by intravasation and extravasation. This helps in the progression of carcinoma from the primary site to distant organs. Collagen, laminin, and integrin are the prime components of BM and help in tumor cell metastasis, which makes them ideal cancer drug targets. Further, recent studies have shown that collagen, laminin, and integrin can be used as a biomarker for metastatic cells. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge of such therapeutics, which are either currently in preclinical or clinical stages and could be promising cancer therapeutics. Not applicable • The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) vastly depends on the basement membrane. • Basement membrane can be utilized to design cancer therapeutics to target metastasis • The active role of basement membrane proteins in cancer and metastasis are reviewed • The extra cellular matrix (ECM's) role in diverse cancers has been reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. or water hyssop commonly known as “Brahmi” is a small, creeping, succulent herb from the Plantaginaceae family. It is popularly employed in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic to improve memory and cognition. Of late, this plant has been reported extensively for its pharmacologically active phyto-constituents. The main phytochemicals are brahmine, alkaloids, herpestine, and saponins. The saponins include bacoside A, bacoside B, and betulic acid. Investigation into the pharmacological effect of this plant has thrived lately, encouraging its neuroprotective and memory supporting capacity among others. Besides, it possesses many other therapeutic activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective properties, etc. Because of its multipurpose therapeutic potential, it is overexploited owing to the prioritization of natural remedies over conventional ones, which compels us to conserve them. B. monnieri is confronting the danger of extinction from its natural habitat as it is a major cultivated medico-botanical and seed propagation is restricted due to less seed availability and viability. The ever-increasing demand for the plant can be dealt with mass propagation through plant tissue culture strategy. Micropropagation utilizing axillary meristems as well as de novo organogenesis have been widely investigated in this plant which has also been explored for its conservation and production of different types of secondary metabolites. Diverse in vitro methods such as organogenesis, cell suspension, and callus cultures have been accounted for with the aim of production and/or enhancement of bacosides. Direct shoot-organogenesis was initiated in excised leaf and internodal explants without any exogenous plant growth regulator(s) (PGRs), and the induction rate was improved when exogenous cytokinins and other supplements were used. Moreover, biotechnological toolkits like Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and the use of mutagens have been reported. Besides, the molecular marker-based studies demonstrated the clonal fidelity among the natural and in vitro generated plantlets also elucidating the inherent diversity among the natural populations. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system was mostly employed to optimize bacoside biosynthesis and heterologous expression of other genes. The present review aims at depicting the recent research outcomes of in vitro studies performed on B. monnieri which include root and shoot organogenesis, callus induction, somatic embryogenesis, production of secondary metabolites by in vitro propagation, acclimatization of the in vitro raised plantlets, genetic transformation, and molecular marker-based studies of clonal fidelity.• Critical and up to date records on in vitro propagation of Bacopa monnieri• In vitro propagation and elicitation of secondary metabolites from B. monnieri• Molecular markers and transgenic studies in B. monnieriKey points: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. or water hyssop commonly known as “Brahmi” is a small, creeping, succulent herb from the Plantaginaceae family. It is popularly employed in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic to improve memory and cognition. Of late, this plant has been reported extensively for its pharmacologically active phyto-constituents. The main phytochemicals are brahmine, alkaloids, herpestine, and saponins. The saponins include bacoside A, bacoside B, and betulic acid. Investigation into the pharmacological effect of this plant has thrived lately, encouraging its neuroprotective and memory supporting capacity among others. Besides, it possesses many other therapeutic activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective properties, etc. Because of its multipurpose therapeutic potential, it is overexploited owing to the prioritization of natural remedies over conventional ones, which compels us to conserve them. B. monnieri is confronting the danger of extinction from its natural habitat as it is a major cultivated medico-botanical and seed propagation is restricted due to less seed availability and viability. The ever-increasing demand for the plant can be dealt with mass propagation through plant tissue culture strategy. Micropropagation utilizing axillary meristems as well as de novo organogenesis have been widely investigated in this plant which has also been explored for its conservation and production of different types of secondary metabolites. Diverse in vitro methods such as organogenesis, cell suspension, and callus cultures have been accounted for with the aim of production and/or enhancement of bacosides. Direct shoot-organogenesis was initiated in excised leaf and internodal explants without any exogenous plant growth regulator(s) (PGRs), and the induction rate was improved when exogenous cytokinins and other supplements were used. Moreover, biotechnological toolkits like Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and the use of mutagens have been reported. Besides, the molecular marker-based studies demonstrated the clonal fidelity among the natural and in vitro generated plantlets also elucidating the inherent diversity among the natural populations. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system was mostly employed to optimize bacoside biosynthesis and heterologous expression of other genes. The present review aims at depicting the recent research outcomes of in vitro studies performed on B. monnieri which include root and shoot organogenesis, callus induction, somatic embryogenesis, production of secondary metabolites by in vitro propagation, acclimatization of the in vitro raised plantlets, genetic transformation, and molecular marker-based studies of clonal fidelity.• Critical and up to date records on in vitro propagation of Bacopa monnieri• In vitro propagation and elicitation of secondary metabolites from B. monnieri• Molecular markers and transgenic studies in B. monnieri [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]