Screen Use Time and Its Association With Mental Health Issues in Young Adults in India: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Screen use time has increased in the past decade owing to the increased availability and accessibility of digital devices and the internet. Several studies have shown an association between increased screen use time and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. However, studies in the young adult population-a demographic with high screen use-and in low- and middle-income country settings are limited. OBJECTIVE: This protocol describes a study that aims to measure self-reported screen use times and patterns in young adults (18-24 y) in India and assess if increased screen use time is associated with poorer mental well-being. METHODS: This protocol describes a cross-sectional study of a pan-India, web-based convenience sample of young adults (18-24 y) with access to digital devices with a screen and a minimum of secondary school education. Participants will be recruited through people in the professional networks of the investigators, which includes pediatricians. The survey will also be distributed via the social media pages of our organization (X [X Corp], Instagram [Meta], Facebook [Meta], etc). Sociodemographic details will be collected through a questionnaire designed by the authors; screen use time and patterns will be assessed using an adaptation of the Screen Time Questionnaire to include data on different apps and websites used on digital devices; and mental health parameters will be gauged using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. For statistical analysis, we will consider the following variables: (1) the primary independent variable is screen use time; (2) other independent variables include age, gender, residence: rural or urban, educational qualifications, employment status, stress associated with familial financial status, average sleep time, number of people living in a house or rooms in that house, BMI, substance use, and past psychiatric history; and (3) dependent variables include mental well-being, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. To quantify the association between screen use time and mental health, we will perform a Bayesian multivariate multiple regression analysis that models the possibility of multiple alternative hypotheses while accounting for relevant sociodemographic covariables. RESULTS: The survey instrument has been designed, and feedback has been obtained from the domain experts and members of our organization whose profile is similar to the potential study participants. The final data received after this study has been conducted will be analyzed and shared. As of January 2023, we have not yet initiated the data collection. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, we will be able to establish a correlation between device- and use-specific screen use time and various mental health parameters. This will provide a direction to develop screen use time and mental health guidelines among young adults. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/39707.

In vitro and in silico assessment of anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing properties of 2,4-Di-tert butylphenol against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Introduction. Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen with a high potential to cause food-borne infections. It is designated as a critical pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its multi-drug resistance and mortalities reported. Biofilm governs major virulence factors, which promotes drug resistance in A. baumannii. Thus, a compound with minimum selection pressure on the pathogen can be helpful to breach biofilm-related virulence.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. To identify anti-biofilm and anti-virulent metabolites from extracts of wild Mangifera indica (mango) brine pickle bacteria that diminishes pathogenesis and resistance of A. baumannii.Aim. This study reports anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing (QS) efficacy of secondary metabolites from bacterial isolates of fermented food origin.Method. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) of 13 bacterial isolates from fermented mango brine pickles were screened for their efficiency in inhibiting biofilm formation and GC-MS was used to identify its metabolites. Anti-biofilm metabolite was tested on early and mature biofilms, pellicle formation, extra polymeric substances (EPS), cellular adherence, motility and resistance of A. baumannii. Gene expression and in silico studies were also carried out to validate the compounds efficacy.Results. CFS of TMP6b identified as Bacillus vallismortis, inhibited biofilm production (83.02 %). Of these, major compound was identified as 2,4-Di-tert-butyl phenol (2,4-DBP). At sub-lethal concentrations, 2,4-DBP disrupted both early and mature biofilm formation. Treatment with 2,4-DBP destructed in situ biofilm formed on glass and plastic. In addition, key virulence traits like pellicle (77.5 %), surfactant (95.3 %), EPS production (3-fold) and cell adherence (65.55 %) reduced significantly. A. baumannii cells treated with 2,4-DBP showed enhanced sensitivity towards antibiotics, oxide radicals and blood cells. Expression of biofilm-concomitant virulence genes like csuA/B, pgaC, pgaA, bap, bfmR, katE and ompA along with QS genes abaI, abaR significantly decreased. The in silico studies further validated the higher binding affinity of 2,4-DBP to the AbaR protein than the cognate ligand molecule.Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate 2,4- DBP has anti-pathogenic potential alone and with antibiotics by in vitro, and in silico studies against A. baumannii. It also indicates its potential use in therapeutics and bio-preservatives.

Immobilized doxorubicin and ribociclib carbamate linkers encaged in surface modified cubosomes spatially target tumor reductive environment to enhance antitumor efficacy.

In the present investigation, we have strategically synthesized Glutathione (GSH) stimuli-sensitive analogues using carbamate linkers (CL) of DOX (DOX-CL) and RB (RB-CL) which were then anchored to gold nanoparticles (Au-DOX-CL, Au-RB-CL) using mPEG as a spacer. It was observed that carbamate linkage (CL) with four carbon spacer is critical, to position the terminal thiol group, to access the carbamate group efficiently to achieve GSH-assisted release of DOX and RB in tumor-specific environment. When assessed for GSH reductase activity in MDA-MB 231 cell lines, Au-DOX-CL and Au-RB-CL showed nearly 4.18 and 3.13 fold higher GSH reductive activity as compared to the control group respectively. To achieve spatial tumor targeting with a high payload of DOX and RB, Au-DOX-CL and Au-RB-CL were encapsulated in the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) modified liquid crystalline cubosomes i.e. CPP-Cu(Au@CL-DR). After internalization, the prototype nanocarriers release respective drugs at a precise GSH concentration inside the tumor tissues, amplifying drug concentration to a tune of five-fold. The drug concentrations remain within the therapeutic window for 72 h with a significant reduction of RB (7.8-fold) and DOX (6-fold) concentrations in vital organs, rendering reduced toxicity and improved survival. Overall, this constitutes a promising chemotherapeutic strategy against cancer and its potential application in the offing.

A Green Approach to Natural Dyes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Solar cells are pivotal in harnessing renewable energy for a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. Nonetheless, eco-friendly materials for solar cells have not been as extensive as conventional counterparts, highlighting a significant area for further investigation in advancing sustainable energy technologies. This study investigated natural dyes from cost-effective and environmentally friendly blueberries and mulberries. These dyes were utilized as alternative sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Alongside the natural dyes, a green approach was adopted for the DSSC design, encompassing TiO2 photoanodes, eco-friendly electrolytes, and green counter-electrodes created from graphite pencils and candle soot. Consequently, the best-optimized dye sensitizer was mulberry, with an output power of 13.79 µW and 0.122 µW for outdoor and indoor environments, respectively. This study underscored the feasibility of integrating DSSCs with sensitizers derived from readily available food ingredients, potentially expanding their applications in educational kits and technology development initiatives.

e-Pharmacophore modeling and in silico study of CD147 receptor against SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

Coronavirus has left severe health impacts on the human population, globally. Still a significant number of cases are reported daily as no specific medications are available for its effective treatment. The presence of the CD147 receptor (human basigin) on the host cell facilitates the severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, the drugs that efficiently alter the formation of CD147 and spike protein complex could be the right drug candidate to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Hence, an e-Pharmacophore model was developed based on the receptor-ligand cavity of CD147 protein which was further mapped against pre-existing drugs of coronavirus disease treatment. A total of seven drugs were found to be suited as pharmacophores out of 11 drugs screened which was further docked with CD147 protein using CDOCKER of Biovia discovery studio. The active site sphere of the prepared protein was 101.44, 87.84, and 97.17 along with the radius being 15.33 and the root-mean-square deviation value obtained was 0.73 Å. The protein minimization energy was calculated to be -30,328.81547 kcal/mol. The docking results showed ritonavir as the best fit as it demonstrated a higher CDOCKER energy (-57.30) with correspond to CDOCKER interaction energy (-53.38). However, authors further suggest in vitro studies to understand the potential activity of the ritonavir.

e-Pharmacophore modeling and in silico study of CD147 receptor against SARS-CoV-2 drugs

Coronavirus has left severe health impacts on the human population, globally. Still a significant number of cases are reported daily as no specific medications are available for its effective treatment. The presence of the CD147 receptor (human basigin) on the host cell facilitates the severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, the drugs that efficiently alter the formation of CD147 and spike protein complex could be the right drug candidate to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Hence, an e-Pharmacophore model was developed based on the receptor-ligand cavity of CD147 protein which was further mapped against pre-existing drugs of coronavirus disease treatment. A total of seven drugs were found to be suited as pharmacophores out of 11 drugs screened which was further docked with CD147 protein using CDOCKER of Biovia discovery studio. The active site sphere of the prepared protein was 101.44, 87.84, and 97.17 along with the radius being 15.33 and the root-mean-square deviation value obtained was 0.73 Å. The protein minimization energy was calculated to be –30,328.81547 kcal/mol. The docking results showed ritonavir as the best fit as it demonstrated a higher CDOCKER energy (–57.30) with correspond to CDOCKER interaction energy (–53.38). However, authors further suggest in vitro studies to understand the potential activity of the ritonavir.

Recent Advances in Halide Perovskite Resistive Switching Memory Devices: A Transformation from Lead-Based to Lead-Free Perovskites.

Due to their remarkable electrical and light absorption characteristics, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites have recently gained popularity in several applications such as optoelectronics, lasers, and light-emitting diodes. Through this, there has recently been an increase in the use of halide perovskites (HPs) in resistive switching (RS) devices. However, lead-based (Pb-based) perovskites are notorious for being unstable and harmful to the environment. As a result, lead-free (Pb-free) perovskite alternatives are being investigated in achieving the long-term and sustainable use of RS devices. This work describes the characteristics of Pb-based and Pb-free perovskite RS devices. It also presents the recent advancements of HP RS devices, including the selection strategies of perovskite structures. In terms of resistive qualities, the directions of both HPs appear to be identical. Following that, the possible impact of switching from Pb-based to Pb-free HPs is examined to determine the requirement in RS devices. Finally, this work discusses the opportunities and challenges of HP RS devices in creating a stable, efficient, and sustainable memory storage technology.

Nano-Enabled Pesticides in Agriculture: Budding Opportunities and Challenges.

Nano enabled plant protectant is an advancement approach to deal with the difficulties of dosedependent toxicity, solubility, degradation, leaching and health issues of conventional pesticides. The main idea behind incorporation of nanoformulation is their controlled delivery and release to prevent premature degradation of active ingredient under the influence of changing environment conditions. Nanocarriers (nanocapsules, nanospheres, micelles, nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanodispersion and inorganic material) alters the properties of active ingredients and provide controlled release kinetics with, better dissolvability, low dose, enhanced stability and long lasting pest-control efficiency. This review critically assesses the incredible potential of various nanocarriers, their methods of preparation and biological effectiveness. It additionally features the potential and issues with nanoformulations of botanical insecticides and essential oils. The study also accounts performances of nano-enabled products, their challenges with respect to field application and assessment of new environmental risks.

Molecular evaluation of quorum quenching potential of vanillic acid against Yersinia enterocolitica through transcriptomic and in silico analysis.

Introduction. Yersinia enterocolitica is one of the leading food-borne entero-pathogens causing various illnesses ranging from gastroenteritis to systemic infections. Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the prime mechanisms that control the virulence in Y. enterocolitica.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Vanillic acid inhibits the quorum sensing and other virulence factors related to Y. enterocolitica. It has been evaluated by transcriptomic and Insilico analysis. Therefore, it can be a prospective agent to develop a therapeutic combination against Y. enterocolitica.Aim. The present study is focused on screening natural anti-quorum-sensing agents against Y. enterocolitica. The effect of selected active principle on various virulence factors was evaluated.Methodology. In total, 12 phytochemicals were screened by swarming assay. MATH assay, EPS and surfactant production assay, SEM analysis, antibiotic and blood sensitivity assay were performed to demonstrate the anti-virulence activity. Further, RNA sequencing and molecular docking studies were carried out to substantiate the anti-QS activity.Results. Vanillic acid (VA) has exhibited significant motility inhibition, thus indicating the anti-QS activity with MQIC of 400 µg ml-1 without altering the cell viability. It has also inhibited the violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, which further confirms the anti-QS activity. VA has inhibited 16 % of cell-surface hydrophobicity (CSH), 52 % of EPS production and 60 % of surfactant production. Moreover, it has increased the sensitivity of Y. enterocolitica towards antibiotics. It has also made the cells upto 91 % more vulnerable towards human immune cells. The transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing revealed the down regulation of genes related to motility, virulence, chemotaxis, siderophores and drug resistance. VA treatment has also positively regulated the expression of several stress response genes. In furtherance, the anti-QS potential of VA has been validated with QS regulatory protein YenR by in silico molecular simulation and docking study.Conclusion. The present study is possibly the first attempt to demonstrate the anti-QS and anti-pathogenic potential of VA against Y. enterocolitica by transcriptomic and in silico analysis. It also deciphers that VA can be a promising lead to develop biopreservative and therapeutic regimens to treat Y. enterocolitica infections.

Green synthesized MgO nanoparticles infer biocompatibility by reducing in vivo molecular nanotoxicity in embryonic zebrafish through arginine interaction elicited apoptosis.

Increasing demand for magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NP) due to their extensive use in different physical and biological applications has raised concern on their biocompatibility and toxicity to human health and ecological safety. This has instigated quest for detailed information on their toxicity mechanism, along with ecofriendly synthesis as a potential solution. This study explores the toxicity of MgO NP at the molecular level using embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) and depicts the green synthesis of MgO (G-MgO) NP using the extract from a medicinal plant Calotropis gigantea. Synthesized G-MgO NP were characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Stable 55 ± 10 nm sized MgO NP were generated with a zeta potential of 45 ± 15 mV and hydrodynamic size 110 ± 20 nm. UV-Vis spectrum showed a standard peak at 357 nm. Comparative cellular toxicity analysis showed higher biocompatibility of G-MgO NP compared to MgO NP with reference to the morphological changes, notochord development, and heartbeat rate in embryonic zebrafish LC50 of G-MgO NP was 520 µg/mL compared to 410 µg/mL of MgO NP. Molecular toxicity investigation revealed that the toxic effects of MgO NP was mainly due to the influential dysregulation in oxidative stress leading to apoptosis because of the accumulation and internalization of nanoparticles and their interaction with cellular proteins like Sod1 and p53, thereby affecting structural integrity and functionality. The study delineated the nanotoxicity of MgO NP and suggests the adoption and use of new green methodology for future production.

Anti quorum sensing and anti virulence activity of tannic acid and it's potential to breach resistance in Salmonella enterica Typhi / Paratyphi A clinical isolates.

Salmonella enterica Typhi and Paratyphi A are food borne pathogens causing typhoid, which is one of the most important food borne disease in the developing world. S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A are of much concern as multi drug resistance has been on the rise. The current study is aimed to screen phytochemicals for anti quorum sensing (QS) activity against S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A. Upon screening with swarming assay, tannic acid (TA) showed highest anti-QS activity with minimal concentration of 400µg/ml. The anti-QS activity of TA was confirmed with C. violaceum ATCC 12,472. TA showed 38-43% and 35-50% of inhibition in cell surface hydrophobicity and EPS production respectively. Through FTIR analysis, it has been observed that EPS of treated cells has a considerable change in protein and peptide. TA has also exhibited drastic reduction in the surfactant production as high as 85-90%. Blood sensitivity and antibiotic sensitivity assay revealed that TA significantly sensitizes the S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A cells to immune components in human blood and antibiotics. It has reduced the resistance of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A cells against amikacin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol and gentamycin, thus revitalized the usage of these antibiotics against drug resistant S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A infections. The consistency of anti-QS potential of TA was further evaluated and established with another eight clinical isolates of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A. Thus TA has been proved as a promising anti QS agent that can be developed as a therapeutic combination against S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A.

Comparative analysis of virulence factors & biotypes of Gardnerella vaginalis isolated from the genital tract of women with & without bacterial vaginosis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: : Bacterial vaginosis (BV) involves the presence of a thick vaginal multispecies biofilm, where Gardnerella vaginalis is the predominant species. The reason for an increase in the number of G. vaginalis which are usually present as normal flora of the female genital tract in cases of BV, is not known. Hence, the objective of the present study was to compare the biotypes and virulence factors of G. vaginalis isolated from the genital tract of women with and without BV. METHODS: : High vaginal swabs collected from 811 women of reproductive age were cultured. G. vaginalis isolates were biotyped and tested for adherence to vaginal epithelial cells, biofilm formation, agglutination of human red blood cells (RBCs), protease production, phospholipase production and surface hydrophobicity. RESULTS: : Of the isolates from women with BV, 83.3 per cent (60/72) showed good adherence, 78.4 per cent (58/74) produced biofilm, 82.9 per cent (63/76) produced phospholipase, 67.1 per cent (51/76) produced protease, 77.3 per cent (58/75) were positive for surface hydrophobicity and 61.6 per cent (45/73) were positive for haemagglutination of human RBC. In case of G. vaginalis from non-BV women, 25 per cent (15/60) isolates showed good adherence, 18.4 per cent (9/49) biofilm production, 35 per cent (21/60) phospholipase, 36.6 per cent (22/60) protease, 41.7 per cent (25/60) surface hydrophobicity and 10.1 per cent (6/59) agglutination of human RBCs. Maximum number of isolates belonged to biotypes 6, 2 and 3. Biotype 3 was more associated with non-BV rather than BV; biotype 6, 2 and 1 were more associated with cases of BV. Maximum virulence factors were expressed by biotypes 6, 2 and 1. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: : Virulence factors were more expressed by G. vaginalis isolates obtained from women with BV rather than from non-BV. Biotypes 6, 2 and 1 were more associated with cases of BV and expressed maximum virulence factors.

Molecular insight to in vitro biocompatibility of phytofabricated copper oxide nanoparticles with human embryonic kidney cells.

AIM: To investigate the biocompatibility of green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO Np) using floral extract of Calotropis gigantea in room condition. MATERIALS & METHODS: Green synthesized and characterized CuO Np was evaluated for their cellular and molecular biocompatibility by experimentally and computational molecular docking. RESULTS: Synthesized CuO NP was found to have a size 32 ± 09 nm with Î¶ potential -35 ± 12 mV. LC50 value was found to be 190 µg/ml. In vitro and in silico cytotoxicity analysis with HEK293 cells revealed the cytotoxic effect of CuO Np as consequences of interaction with histidine and arginine amino acid residues of Sod3 and p53 proteins via hydrogen bond of length 3.09 and 3.32 Å leading to oxidative stress ensuing toward apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSION: The outcomes proved the synthesized material as an alternative to the conventional method of synthesizing copper nanoparticles for biomedical and clinical applications.

Mechanistic insight to ROS and Apoptosis regulated cytotoxicity inferred by Green synthesized CuO nanoparticles from Calotropis gigantea to Embryonic Zebrafish.

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, much has been anticipated with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) due to their extensive industrial and commercial application. However, it has raised concern over the environmental safety and human health effects. In this study, CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using the green method with floral extract of Calotropis gigantea and characterized by standard physiochemical techniques like DLS, Zeta potential determination, UV- Visible Spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and TEM. Mechanistic cytotoxicity studies were performed using experimental and computational assays including morphological analysis, hatching, and viability rate analysis along with ROS and apoptosis analysis. Physiochemical characterization of CuO NP determined the size and zeta potential of synthesized nanoparticles to be 30 ± 09 nm to 40 ± 2 nm and -38 mV ± 12 mV respectively. Cytotoxicity evaluation with Zebrafish revealed malfunctioned organ development with differential viability and hatching rate at 48 hpf and 72 hpf with LC50 of 175 ± 10 mg/l. Computational analysis depicted the influential role of CuO nanoparticles on zebrafish embryo's he1a, sod1 and p53 functional expression through hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interaction with amino acid residues. Study demonstrated valuable information of cytotoxic impact which can be influential in further studies of their eco-toxicological effects.

Clinical study to evaluate the Brinhaniya effect of Vidarikandadi Yog to enhance the sport performance in children.

BACKGROUND: Sport science studies applications of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sports performance. OBJECTIVE: Present research work was carried out with the aim to enhance the sport performance of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized double blind placebo controlled study was conducted in children involved in sports to assess the efficacy of trial drug "Vidarikandadi Yog". Total of 72 healthy students were selected for the study after screening 412 students. Out of them, 60 students completed the study. The students were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (Vidarikandadi Yog) comprising of 38 and Group B (placebo) of 34 students. The trial drug "Vidarikandadi Yog" was given in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 2 months with milk and follow up was conducted fortnightly. RESULTS: The study revealed the statistically significant results for weight and chest circumference, whereas highly significant results were obtained for muscular strength and endurance assessment parameters (Push-up Test, Sit-up Test, and Hand Grip Strength Test). Change in Ruler Drop Test was not significant. Results were significant for cardio-respiratory parameters (Resting Heart Rate, Resting Respiratory Rate, and Harvard Step Test). CONCLUSION: Vidarikandadi Yog is a potential drug for enhancing the sport performance due to its Brinhaneeya effect.

The bacterial biofilms in dialysis water systems and the effect of the sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine on them.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of bacteria in the form of biofilms poses a problem in the fluid pathways of haemodialysis plants and procedures which are aimed to detach and neutralize biofilms are necessary to improve the patient safety and the quality of the healthcare. The present study was therefore aimed at isolating the organisms which colonized dialysis water systems as biofilms, as well as to study the effect of the sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine on the biofilms which were produced by these isolates. METHODS: Swabs were used to collect the biofilms which were produced on the internal surface of the dialysis tubing from the dialysis units. This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore, India. The cultures were performed on MacConkey's agar and blood agar. The organisms which were isolated were identified and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. The biofilm production was done by the microtitre plate method of O'Toole and Kolter. The biofilm production was also studied in the presence of sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine. RESULTS: Acinetobacter spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the two predominant organisms which colonized the dialysis water systems as biofilms. The sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine did not bring about any decrease in the biofilm production by the isolates. On the contrary, there was an increase in the biofilm production. CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted the importance of using appropriate methods to improve the quality of the water in dialysis units. This in turn, may help in reducing the biofilm formation in the water systems of dialysis units and thus, contribute to the prevention of hospital acquired infections in the patients who need haemodialysis.

Monitoring of pesticide residues in market vegetables at Ranchi, Jharkhand (India).

Thirty nine market samples of seasonal vegetables, namely cauliflower (14), brinjal (12) and okra (13), were monitored for residues of endosulfan applied during their growth period from four different locations (Kanke, Gandhi Nagar, Doranda and Ratu road) near by Ranchi. Out of thirty nine samples, 10 each from Kanke, Gandhi Nagar, Doranda and 9 from Ratu road, all samples were found to be contaminated with endosulfan (0.002-2.47 ppm). Among these three samples from Kanke and one each from Gandhi Nagar, Doranda and Ratu road showed endosulfan residues above the MRL values (2.0 ppm).