Overexpression of EaALDH7, an aldehyde dehydrogenase gene from Erianthus arundinaceus enhances salinity tolerance in transgenic sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid).

Aldehyde Dehydrogenases (ALDH), a group of enzymes, are associated with the detoxification of aldehydes, produced in plants during abiotic stress conditions. Salinity remains a pivotal abiotic challenge that poses a significant threat to cultivation and yield of sugarcane. In this study, an Aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (EaALDH7) from Erianthus arundinaceus was overexpressed in the commercial sugarcane hybrid cultivar Co 86032. The transgenic lines were evaluated at different NaCl concentrations ranging from 0 mM to 200 mM for various morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters. The control plants, subjected to salinity stress condition, exhibited morphological changes in protoxylem, metaxylem, pericycle and pith whereas the transgenic events were on par with plants under regular irrigation. The overexpressing (OE) lines showed less cell membrane injury and improved photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance than the untransformed control plants under stress conditions. Elevated proline content, higher activity of enzymatic antioxidants such as sodium dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and low level of malondialdehyde MDA and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the transgenic lines. The analysis of EaALDH7 expression revealed a significant upregulation in the transgenic lines compared to that of the untransformed control during salt stress conditions. The current study highlights the potentials of EaALDH7 gene in producing salinity-tolerant sugarcane cultivars.

Validation of a novel NGS based BCR::ABL1 kinase domain mutation detection assay in Indian cohort.

The efficacy and treatment outcome of a CML patient are heavily dependent on BCR::ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutation status. Next-generation sequencing technology is a bright alternative to the previously used sanger sequencing method due to its global presence in diagnostic setups, massive parallel sequencing ability, and far better sensitivity. In the present study, we have demonstrated a new protocol for kinase domain mutation analysis using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method using the ion torrent sequencing platform. This protocol uses RNA as the starting material, followed by nested PCR to amplify the fusion transcript, which is subsequently used as a template for NGS. Initial validation and comparison of this assay with the sanger sequencing (SS) method yielded 95.23% agreement. CML samples (n = 121) with a failure to TKI response were subjected to this newly developed NGS-based assay to detect KD mutations, from which samples were found to have mutations with a sensitivity ranging from 2.32 to 93.41%. A total of 34.71% of samples (n = 42) were found to be positive for one or more KD mutations, whereas 65.29% of samples (n = 81) were found to be negative. Nine samples out of 42 positive samples, i.e., 21.42%, were found to have compound mutations. This is one of the first studies from India, which includes more than 160 samples and is analyzed by the NGS approach for KD mutation analysis.

Road traffic noise pollution and prevalence of ischemic heart disease: modelling potential association and abatement strategies in noise-exposed areas.

In many developing countries with surging vehicular traffic and inadequate traffic management, excessive road traffic noise exposure poses substantial health concerns, linked to increased stress, insomnia and other metabolic disorders. This study aims to assess the linkage between sociodemographic factors, traffic noise levels in residential areas and health effects using a cross-sectional study analyzing respondents' perceptions and reports. Noise levels were measured at 57 locations in Srinagar, India, using noise level meter. Sound PLAN software was employed to generate noise contour maps, enabling the visualization of noise monitoring locations and facilitating the assessment of noise levels along routes in proximity to residential areas. Correlation analysis showed a strong linear relationship between field-measured and modelled noise (r2 = 0.88). Further, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out near the sampling points to evaluate the association of ischemic heart disease with traffic noise. Residents exposed to noise levels (Lden > 60 dB(A)) were found to have a 2.24 times higher odds ratio. Compared to females, males reported a 16% higher prevalence of the disease. Multi-faceted policy strategies involving noise mapping initiatives, source noise standards, traffic flow urban mobility optimization, smart city initiatives and stringent litigatory measures could significantly reduce its detrimental impact on public health. Finally, this study envisions a region-specific strong regulatory framework for integrating noise pollution mitigation strategies into the public health action plans of developing nations.

Leaching of organic matter from cigarette butt filters as a potential disinfection by-products precursor.

The study aimed to evaluate cigarette butt filters (CBFs) as a potential source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in water leading to the formation of disinfection by-products. Two different forms of CBFs - intact (I) and disintegrated (D), as they occur in the environment, were selected for leaching in chlorinated (CI, CD), non-chlorinated (NI, ND), and highly chlorinated (HCD) water samples. The UV absorbance profiles of the leachate samples showed that intact CBFs exhibited higher DOC leaching compared to the disintegrated ones, which was further accentuated in chlorinated samples (CI > CD > NI > ND). The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra of the leachates revealed the presence of characteristic functional groups of cellulose acetate and its chlorinated derivatives, indicating the potential degradation of the polymer. Moreover, trihalomethane (THM) formation in chlorinated samples was relatively higher in CI samples (2 - 11.5 times) compared to CD, consistent with the DOC leaching trends. Further, the speciation characteristics of different THMs in both CI and CD samples were similar. Although spectral and morphological analyzes of CI and CD samples revealed negligible variation, HCD samples depicted significant surface roughness characterized by the formation of pits and holes, along with the evolution of crystallinity. This suggested accelerated degradation of CBFs and disruption of acetyl groups as a factor of elevated chlorine concentrations.

Bioplastic packaging in circular economy: A systems-based policy approach for multi-sectoral challenges.

Bioplastics have long been publicized as a sustainable plastic packaging alternative; however, their widespread industrialization is still embryonic due to complex challenges spanning multiple sectors. This review critically analyses the bioplastic lifecycle and provides a holistic evaluation of both the opportunities and potential trade-offs along their value chain. Their lifecycle is divided into three sectors: 1) resources, extraction, and manufacturing, 2) product consumption which discusses availability, consumer perception, and marketing strategies, and 3) end-of-life (EoL) management which includes segregation, recycling, and disposal. In the production phase, the primary challenges include selection of suitable raw feedstocks and addressing the techno-economic constraints of manufacturing processes. To tackle these challenges, it is recommended to source sustainable feedstocks from innovative, renewable, and waste materials, adopt green synthesis mechanisms, and optimize processes for improved efficiency. The consumption phase encompasses challenges related to market availability, cost competitiveness, and consumer perception of bioplastics. Localizing feedstock sourcing and production, leveraging the economics of scale, and promoting market demand for recycled bioplastics can positively influence the market dynamics. Additionally, dispelling misconceptions about degradability through proper labeling, and employing innovative marketing strategies to enhance consumer perception of the mechanical performance and quality of bioplastics is crucial. During the EoL management phase, major challenges include inadequate awareness, inefficient segregation protocols, and bioplastics with diverse properties that are incompatible with existing waste management infrastructure. Implementing a standardized labeling system with clear representation of suitable EoL techniques and integrating sensors and machine learning-based sorting technologies will improve segregation efficiency. Further, establishing interconnected recycling streams that clearly define the EoL pathways for different bioplastics is essential to ensure circular waste management systems. Finally, designing a comprehensive systems-based policy framework that incorporates technical, economic, environmental, and social drivers is recommended to promote bioplastics as a viable circular packaging solution.

Co-pyrolysis of plastic waste and eucalyptus waste wood for fuel pellets production: A study of fuel, mechanical, and combustion characteristics under varying binder proportion.

The study explores the effect of varying molasses proportions as a binder on the characteristics of densified char obtained through the slow co-pyrolysis of plastic waste and Eucalyptus wood waste (Waste low-density polyethylene - Eucalyptus wood (WLDPE-EW) and Waste Polystyrene - Eucalyptus wood (WPS-EW)). Pyrolysis was conducted at 500 °C with a residence time of 120 min, employing plastic to wood waste ratios of 1:2 and 1:3 (w/w). The focus was on how varying the proportion of molasses (10-30 %), influences the physical and combustion properties of the resulting biofuel pellets. Our findings reveal that the calorific value of the pellets decreased from 28.94 to 27.44 MJ/Kg as the molasses content increased. However, this decrease in calorific value was compensated by an increase in pellet mass density, which led to a higher energy density overall. This phenomenon was attributed to the formation of solid bridges between particles, facilitated by molasses, effectively decreasing particle spacing. The structural integrity of the pellets, as measured by the impact resistance index, improved significantly (43-47 %) with the addition of molasses. However, a significant change in the combustion characteristics depicted by lower ignition and burnout temperatures were observed due to decrease in fixed carbon value and increase in volatile matter content, as the proportion of molasses increased. Despite these changes, the pellets demonstrated a stable combustion profile, suggesting that molasses are an effective binder for producing biofuel pellets through the densification of char derived from the co-pyrolysis of plastic and Eucalyptus wood waste. The optimized molasses concentration analyzed through multifactor regression analysis was 16.96 % with 28 % WLDPE proportion to produce WLDPE-EW char pellets. This study highlights the potential of using molasses as a sustainable binder to enhance the mechanical and combustion properties of biofuel pellets, offering a viable pathway for the valorization of waste materials.

Biohydrogen from waste feedstocks: An energy opportunity for decarbonization in developing countries.

In developing economies, the decarbonization of energy sector has become a global priority for sustainable and cleaner energy system. Biohydrogen production from renewable sources of waste biomass is a good source of energy incentive that reduces the pollution. Biohydrogen has a high calorific value and emits no emissions, producing both energy security and environmental sustainability. Biohydrogen production technologies have become one of the main renewable sources of energy. The present paper entails the role of biohydrogen recovered from waste biomasses like agricultural waste (AW), organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), food processing industrial waste (FPIW), and sewage sludge (SS) as a promising solution. The main sources of increasing yield percentage of biohydrogen generation from waste feedstock using different technologies, and process parameters are also emphasized in this review. The production paths for biohydrogen are presented in this review article, and because of advancements in R and D, biohydrogen has gained viability as a biofuel for the future and discusses potential applications in power generation, transportation, and industrial processes, emphasizing the versatility and potential for integration into existing energy infrastructure. The investigation of different biochemical technologies and methods for producing biohydrogen, including anaerobic digestion (AD), dark fermentation (DF), photo fermentation (PF), and integrated dark-photo fermentation (IDPF), has been overviewed. This analysis also discusses future research, investment, and sustainable energy options transitioning towards a low-carbon future, as well as potential problems, economic impediments, and policy-related issues with the deployment of biohydrogen in emerging nations.

Deciphering Winter Sprouting Potential of Erianthus procerus Derived Sugarcane Hybrids under Subtropical Climates.

Winter sprouting potential and red rot resistance are two key parameters for successful sugarcane breeding in the subtropics. However, the cultivated sugarcane hybrids had a narrow genetic base; hence, the present study was planned to evaluate the Erianthus procerus genome introgressed Saccharum hybrids for their ratooning potential under subtropical climates and red rot tolerance under tropical and subtropical climates. A set of 15 Erianthus procerus derived hybrids confirmed through the 5S rDNA marker, along with five check varieties, were evaluated for agro-morphological, quality, and physiological traits for two years (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) and winter sprouting potential for three years (2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021). The experimental material was also tested against the most prevalent isolates of the red rot pathogen in tropical (Cf671 and Cf671 + Cf9401) and subtropical regions (Cf08 and Cf09). The E. procerus hybrid GU 12-19 had the highest winter sprouting potential, with a winter sprouting index (WSI) of 10.6, followed by GU 12-22 with a WSI of 8.5. The other top-performing hybrids were as follows: GU 12-21 and GU 12-29 with a WSI of 7.2 and 6.9, respectively. A set of nine E. procerus-derived hybrids, i.e., GU04 (28) EO-2, GU12-19, GU12-21, GU12-22, GU12-23, GU12-26, GU12-27, GU12-30, and GU12-31, were resistant to the most prevalent isolates of red rot in both tropical and subtropical conditions. The association analysis revealed significant correlations between the various traits, particularly the fibre content, with a maximum number of associations, which indicates its multifaceted impact on sugarcane characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) summarised the data, explaining 57.6% of the total variation for the measured traits and genotypes, providing valuable insights into the performance and characteristics of the Erianthus procerus derived hybrids under subtropical climates. The anthocyanin content of Erianthus procerus hybrids was better than the check varieties, ranging from 0.123 to 0.179 (2018-2019) and 0.111 to 0.172 (2019-2020); anthocyanin plays a vital role in mitigating cold injury, acting as an antioxidant in cool weather conditions, particularly in sugarcane. Seven hybrids recorded a more than 22% fibre threshold, indicating their industrial potential. These hybrids could serve as potential donors for cold tolerance and a high ratooning ability, along with red rot resistance, under subtropical climates.

Biomass and energy potential of Erianthus arundinaceus and Saccharum spontaneum-derived novel sugarcane hybrids in rainfed environments.

BACKGROUND: Energy canes are viable feedstocks for biomass industries due to their high biomass production potential, lower susceptibility to insects and diseases, better ability to adapt to extreme conditions and clean bioenergy. Interspecific hybrids (ISH) and intergeneric hybrids (IGH) have great potential to meet the growing demand of biomass, biomass-derived energy and feedstock. RESULTS: In this study, two types of energy canes, Type I and Type II, derived from S. spontaneum and E. arundinaceous background were evaluated for high biomass, fiber and bioenergy potential under subtropical climate along with the check varieties Co 0238 and CoS 767. Out of 18 energy canes studied, six energy canes, viz., SBIEC11008 (204.15 t/ha), SBIEC11005 (192.93 t/ha), SBIEC13008 (201.26 t/ha), SBIEC13009 (196.58 t/ha), SBIEC13002 (170.15 t/ha), and SBIEC13007 (173.76 t/ha), consistently outperformed the check varieties under Type-I, whereas in type-II, SBIEC11004 (225.78 t/ha), SBIEC11006 (184.89 t/ha), and SBIEC14006 (184.73 t/ha) energy canes produced significantly higher biomass than commercial checks, indicating their superior potential for cogeneration. Estimated energy output from the energy canes (700-1300 GJ/ha/year) exceeded the range of co-varieties (400-500 GJ/ha/year) and energy utilization efficiency in plants and ratoon crops for energy canes viz., SBIEC11008 (3%, 1.97%), SBIEC14006 (1.93%, 2.4%), SBIEC11005 (1.7%, 1.9%), and SBIEC11001 (1.01%, 1.03%), was higher than best checks Co 0238 (0.77, 0.9%). Additionally, energy canes SBIEC 13001 (22.35%), SBIEC 11008 (22.50%), SBIEC 14006 (28.54%), SBIEC 11004 (30.17%) and SBIEC 11001 (27.03%) had higher fiber contents than the co-varieties (12.45%). CONCLUSION: The study gives insight about the potential energy canes for higher biomass and energy value. These energy cane presents a vital option to meet the future demand of bioenergy, fiber and fodder for biomass due to their versatile capacity to grow easily under marginal lands without competing with cultivated land worldwide.

Assessment of Apical Pressures in Single and Joining Canals - An Ex Vivo Study Based on Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Computational fluid dynamic analysis (CFD) is claimed to be a reliable tool for analysing the fluid flow and the generated apical pressures in the simulated root canal. The current study aimed to analyse the apical pressures in extracted teeth with single and joining canals. METHODS: Forty-six freshly extracted teeth were collected for the present study. The power was set at 95%, with an effect size of 0.55 (1-ß=95%, α=0.05). Once the root canal anatomy was confirmed with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), they were divided into two groups: group I: mandibular second premolars with Vertucci type-I (n=23), and group II: maxillary second premolars with Vertucci type-II (n=23). The instrumentation of the specimens was carried out to a 0.04-taper using rotary instruments. A post-instrumentation CBCT was obtained, and computer-aided design models were obtained. The CFD simulations were then con- ducted with simulated 30-gauge side vented needles at 25, 50, and 75% short of the working length (WL). RESULTS: Group I recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher apical pressures at needle positions 25% short of the WL. However, no significant differences were elicited in the groups at other needle positions. CONCLUSION: Single canal specimens recorded higher apical pressures at needle positions 25% short of the WL. However, no differences were elicited between single and joining canals at higher needle positions.

Phytotoxicity of trihalomethanes and trichloroacetic acid on Vigna radiata and Allium cepa plant models.

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are a concern due to their presence in chlorinated wastewater, sewage treatment plant discharge, and surface water, and their potential for environmental toxicity. Despite some attention to their ecotoxicity, little is known about the phytotoxicity of DBPs. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined phytotoxicity of four trihalomethanes (THMs: trichloromethane (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and tribromomethane (TBM) and their mixture (THM4)), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) using genotoxic and cytotoxic assays. The analysis included seed germination tests using Vigna radiata and root growth tests, mitosis studies, oxidative stress response, chromosomal aberrations (CA), and DNA laddering using Allium cepa. The results showed a progressive increase in root growth inhibition for both plant species as the concentration of DBPs increased. High concentrations of mixtures of four THMs resulted in significant (p < 0.05) antagonistic interactions. The effective concentration (EC50) value for V. radiata was 5655, 3145, 2690, 1465, 3570, and 725 mg/L for TCM, BDCM, DBCM, TBM, THM4, and TCAA, respectively. For A. cepa, the EC50 for the same contaminants was 700, 400, 350, 250, 450, and 105 mg/L, respectively. DBP cytotoxicity was observed through CAs, including C-metaphase, unseparated anaphase, lagging chromosome, sticky metaphase, and bridging. Mitotic depression (MD) increased with dose, reaching up to 54.4% for TCAA (50-500 mg/L). The electrophoresis assay showed DNA fragmentation and shearing, suggesting genotoxicity for some DBPs. The order of phytotoxicity for the tested DBPs was TCAA > TBM > DBCM > BDCM > THM4 > TCM. These findings underscore the need for further research on the phytotoxicity of DBPs, especially given their common use in agricultural practices such as irrigation and the use of sludge as manure.

Preparation and Assessment of Antimicrobial Effect of Strontium and Copper Co-substituted Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle-Incorporated Orthodontic Composite: A Preliminary In Vitro Study.

Background and aims Enamel demineralization and white spot lesions (WSLs) during orthodontic treatment have always been a challenge to orthodontists. The advancement of nanotechnology has paved the way for the incorporation of bioactive compounds in orthodontic materials especially orthodontic composites for prevention and management of WSLs. The present study aims to prepare, characterize, and then incorporate copper and strontium doped nanohydroxyapatite into orthodontic composite material and test its antibacterial efficacy. Materials and methods The present in vitro study involved the preparation of the strontium and copper co-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrCuHA) nanoparticles (Nps) using the sol-gel method. The prepared Nps were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Nps were incorporated into a commercially available orthodontic composite. The antimicrobial properties of the SrCuHA Nps-incorporated composite were tested using the Agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Results The SrCuHA Nps were successfully prepared. EDAX, FTIR, and SEM analyses revealed the successful formation of the Nps. The SrCuHA-incorporated orthodontic composite at a higher concentration of 40 µl showed the maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) against S. mutans. The control group showed the maximum ZOI against E. coli and the SrCuHA Nps-incorporated composite at 20 µl showed the maximum inhibition against S. aureus. Conclusion In the present study, successful preparation of SrCuHA Nps followed by incorporation in the orthodontic adhesive was done. The prepared nanoparticle was characterized and the SrCuHA Nps-incorporated orthodontic composite demonstrated comparable ZOI against S. mutans to the control.

Life cycle assessment of fermentative production of lactic acid from bread waste based on process modelling using pinch technology.

Bread waste (BW), a rich source of fermentable carbohydrates, has the potential to be a sustainable feedstock for the production of lactic acid (LA). In our previous work, the LA concentration of 155.4 g/L was achieved from BW via enzymatic hydrolysis, which was followed by a techno-economic analysis of the bioprocess. This work evaluates the relative environmental performance of two scenarios - neutral and low pH fermentation processes for polymer-grade LA production from BW using a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA was based on an industrial-scale biorefinery process handling 100 metric tons BW per day modelled using Aspen Plus. The LCA results depicted that wastewater from anaerobic digestion (AD) (42.3-51 %) and cooling water utility (34.6-39.5 %), majorly from esterification, were the critical environmental hotspots for LA production. Low pH fermentation yielded the best results compared to neutral pH fermentation, with 11.4-11.5 % reduction in the overall environmental footprint. Moreover, process integration by pinch technology, which enhanced thermal efficiency and heat recovery within the process, led to a further reduction in the impacts by 7.2-7.34 %. Scenario and sensitivity analyses depicted that substituting ultrapure water with completely softened water and sustainable management of AD wastewater could further improve the environmental performance of the processes.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis of Plant Nuclear Factor (NF-Y) Gene Family Transcription Factors in Saccharum spp.

Plant nuclear factor (NF-Y) is a transcriptional activating factor composed of three subfamilies: NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC. These transcriptional factors are reported to function as activators, suppressors, and regulators under different developmental and stress conditions in plants. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the NF-Y gene subfamily in sugarcane. In this study, 51 NF-Y genes (ShNF-Y), composed of 9 NF-YA, 18 NF-YB, and 24 NF-YC genes, were identified in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Chromosomal distribution analysis of ShNF-Ys in a Saccharum hybrid located the NF-Y genes on all 10 chromosomes. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of ShNF-Y proteins revealed conservation of core functional domains. Sixteen orthologous gene pairs were identified between sugarcane and sorghum. Phylogenetic analysis of NF-Y subunits of sugarcane, sorghum, and Arabidopsis showed that ShNF-YA subunits were equidistant while ShNF-YB and ShNF-YC subunits clustered distinctly, forming closely related and divergent groups. Expression profiling under drought treatment showed that NF-Y gene members were involved in drought tolerance in a Saccharum hybrid and its drought-tolerant wild relative, Erianthus arundinaceus. ShNF-YA5 and ShNF-YB2 genes had significantly higher expression in the root and leaf tissues of both plant species. Similarly, ShNF-YC9 had elevated expression in the leaf and root of E. arundinaceus and in the leaf of a Saccharum hybrid. These results provide valuable genetic resources for further sugarcane crop improvement programs.

Cigarettes butt littering: The story of the world's most littered item from the perspective of pollution, remedial actions, and policy measures.

Cigarettes butt (CB) is one of the most littered items on the planet. This paper critically analyzes the factors responsible for CB littering, and associated environmental ramifications, and reviews all the possible technical, behavioural, and policy-based solutions. Even while smoking has declined globally, middle-income nations have seen an increase in consumption, which may be related to increased affordability and a lack of public awareness. The smokers' individual beliefs and habits, environmental ignorance, covert littering as a result of social taboos associated with smoking, and behavioural gaps between intention and action might all be contributing factors to CBs' littering behaviour. The low biodegradability of cellulose acetate filters and toxic chemical leaching from CBs are the most important aspects of CB environmental toxicity. The small size and low economic value of CB contribute to the inefficiencies of current waste collection and management systems. The current research on CB valorisation includes fired-clay bricks, asphalt concrete, biofilms, sound absorber, cellulose pulp, pesticides, and insecticides as downstream mitigation strategies. This study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to enforce regulations enabling innovative cigarette designs, the creation of deposit-refund schemes, extended producer responsibility and stringent waste collection mechanisms. Adopting gentler marketing strategies and non-confrontational behavioural nudges could result in an overall reduction in CB pollution.

Development of Rice Straw-derived Biochar-Bentonite Composite and its Application for in situ Sequestration of Ammonium and Phosphate Ions in the Degraded Mine Soil.

Nutrient pollution has a diverse impact on the environment and human health. The presence of nutrients, such as ammonium and phosphate, is ubiquitous in the environment due to their extensive use in agricultural land and leaching through non-point sources. In this context, biochar-based composites could play an essential role in improving the soil's nutrient retention capacity. The present study aims to develop bentonite-biochar composites (BNT@BC 400 and 600) and utilize them as an ameliorating material in the coal mine degraded soil to reduce the leaching of ammonium and phosphate ions. The bentonite-biochar composite (BNT@BC 400 and 600) was synthesized using the pristine rice straw-derived biochar using the solvothermal method. The biochar was produced at two different pyrolytic temperatures, 400 °C and 600 °C, and denoted as BC 400 and 600, respectively. Hence, the bentonite-biochar composite was denoted as BNT@BC 400 and 600. The BNT@BC 400 and 600 were characterized using the elemental, proximate, SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. Subsequently, the BNT@BC composites were evaluated for the adsorptive removal of NH4+ and PO43- ions using batch adsorption and column leaching studies. In the soil columns, the BNT@BC 400 and 600 were mixed with the soil at two different application rates, viz. 1 and 2.5% (w/w). The leaching characteristics data were fitted using three different fixed-bed models to predict the maximum adsorption capacity of the amended soil columns and the dominant mechanism of adsorption. Results indicated that the BNT@BC 600 showed the maximum adsorption capacity of 33.77 and 64.23 mg g-1 for the adsorption of NH4+ and PO43- ions, respectively. The dominant adsorption mechanisms in the aqueous solution were the electrostatic attraction, complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation processes. In the soil columns, the sorption of NH4+ and PO43- ions was governed by diffusive mass transfer and electrostatic interaction. Findings of the study indicated that incorporating the BNT@BC composite in the soil can significantly reduce the leaching of the NH4+ and PO43- ions and increase the overall soil fertility.

"Trans-zygomatic approach" for reduction & internal fixation of a malunited, medially dislocated condyle fracture in a geriatric patient with cervical spine injury.

The open reduction and internal fixation of medially displaced/dislocated condyle fracture is challenging due to inadequate visibility and access to the dislocated condyle. The common approach to reduction of such condyles is by inferior distraction of the mandible which facilitates visualization as well as instrumentation. However, this maneuver may be difficult, or contraindicated in patients with concomitant cervical spine injury where excessive manipulation of the mandible may predispose the spine to further trauma. Ramus osteotomies which are used when conventional reduction methods fail, facilitate reduction but are associated with additional incision, complications and surgical time. This case report presents an alternative method, the "trans-zygomatic approach" which was used effectively to reduce a dislocated and malunited condyle fracture in a geriatric patient with co-existent cervical spine injury. The approach facilitated precise reduction of condyle fracture with minimal impact on the cervical spine.

Prospective cohort study on short-term evaluation of septoplasty as early management of naso-septal fractures - A correlation of clinical outcomes with computational fluid dynamic parameters.

PURPOSE: Post-traumatic deviated nasal septum (PTDNS) leads to impaired breathing and poor esthetics. The aim of this study was to assess treatment outcomes of early septoplasty for correction of PTDNS and correlate it with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) parameters. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent early septoplasty for PTDNS. Outcome variables were clinical (pain, nasal symmetry, and nasal obstruction) and computational (velocity, pressure, wall shear stress and Reynold's number). The cohort consisted of two groups: patients with history of closed reduction for nasal fractures (CR) and patients without (NCR). The primary outcome measure was response to treatment. Correlation between clinical and computational parameters, and influence of closed reduction on septoplasty outcomes were the secondary and tertiary outcomes, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to analyze data. Level of significance was fixed at 5% (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The sample included 12 patients, of which 5 underwent CFD analysis. Pain score reduced from a pre-operative mean of 7.3 to 0.5 post-operatively (p<0.001). All patients demonstrated reduction of nasal obstruction (p<0.001) and deviation (p<0.001) post-operatively. CFD analysis revealed post-operative reduction of velocity (p = 0.005) and Reynold's number (p = 0.007), with positive correlation between nasal obstruction and CFD parameters. Though patients in the CR group demonstrated reduced nasal deviation and obstruction before septoplasty, as compared to the NCR group, their outcomes were comparable following septoplasty. CONCLUSION: Early septoplasty improves functional and esthetic outcomes in patients with PTDNS. CFD simulation is a predictable method to objectively evaluate nasal function.