Chromium contamination in groundwater and Sobol sensitivity model based human health risk evaluation from leather tanning industrial region of South India.

The present investigation was conducted to find the possible chromium contamination in groundwater and the related health risks in a leather industrial region of south India using Sobol sensitivity modeling. Thirty-five groundwater samples were sampled from the field sites and were analyzed for pH, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), EC (Electrical Conductivity), F- (Fluoride), NO3- (Nitrate) and Cr (Chromium). The concentration of nitrate varied from 3 to 81 mg/L with a mean of 48.6 mg/L. About 57% (n = 20) of the wells surpassed the drinkable limit (45 mg/L) for NO3- as per World Health Organization (WHO). The fluoride ion ranged from 0.1 to 2.7 mg/L with a mean of 1.5 mg/L. Around 51% (n = 18) of the samples crossed the recommended limit of WHO for F- (1.5 mg/L). The chromium varied from 0.01 to 0.19 mg/L in groundwater with a mean of 0.1 mg/L. About 66% (n = 23) of the samples overshoot the permissible limit of WHO standards (0.05 mg/L) for Cr. The spatial distribution map of chromium in the groundwater showed that 271.76 km2 area is under risk. Based on total hazard index (THI), 66%, 46%, and 43% of the groundwater samples surpassed the allowable limit (THI > 1) for children, women and men, correspondingly. Children pose severe health risks than women and men in this region. Using Sobol sensitivity indices, three different categories of risk effects were assessed: first order effect (FOE), total effect (TE) and second order effect (SOE). In the oral sensitivity model, concentration of Cr (Cw) in water and ingestion rate (IR) had the dominant role, whereas in the dermal model, skin surface area (SA) and contact fraction by skin (F) had vital role in addition to the concentration (Cw). Further, the outcome of this study insists the responsibilities of industrial, municipal and agricultural sectors to keep the environment pollution free and to ensure the supply of potable water to the people.

Impact of precipitation disparity on groundwater fluctuation in a semi-arid region (Vellore district) of southern India using geospatial techniques.

In the present study, impact of precipitation disparity on groundwater level fluctuation was carried out in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India, using geospatial techniques. There are five rain gauge stations in the study area in which three rain gauge stations, namely Alangayam, Jolarpettai and Pernampet, receive more precipitation when compared with the average annual precipitation of Tamil Nadu state (920 mm). The other two stations, namely Madanur and Natrampalli, receive less than 920 mm of precipitation annually. The overall average annual precipitation of the study area is 913.6 mm. More than 100 mm precipitation is received in all the five rain gauge stations during southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) monsoon seasons. The maximum monthly precipitation is usually recorded during the month of November and the minimum precipitation is recorded during June. The post-monsoon precipitation is around 10.8 mm, which is almost negligible in the study area. The contribution of precipitation by various seasons is in the following sequence: Southwest monsoon > Northeast monsoon > Pre-monsoon > Post-monsoon. The spatial disparity study indicates that the intensity of average annual, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon precipitations increase towards west in the study area. The intensity of precipitation is more in the northern part during SW monsoon season, whereas the intensity is more in the southern part during NE monsoon season. The spatial disparity analysis of groundwater fluctuation shows that the depth of groundwater (below ground level) increases towards west during all the monsoon seasons. The minimum, mean and maximum depths of occurrence of groundwater in this region are, respectively, 1.6, 9.6 and 21.15 m. Declining trend in the regional groundwater level is observed from December to June because of less precipitation during non-monsoon season. However, the monsoon (both SW and NE monsoon) precipitation recharges the groundwater from June to December to reach the maximum in the month of December.

Evaluation of chromium in vegetables and groundwater aptness for crops from an industrial (leather tanning) sector of South India.

The main objective of the present study is evaluation of groundwater aptness for crops and chromium concentration in vegetables from an industrial (leather tanning) sector of South India using geospatial techniques. Seventy groundwater samples were collected from the open and tube wells during November 2017, February 2018, May 2018 and September 2018 to represent northeast (NE) monsoon (October-December), post-monsoon (winter) (January-February), pre-monsoon (summer) (March-May) and southwest (SW) monsoon (June-September) seasons, respectively. In addition, vegetables were also collected during the above-mentioned seasons from the market to assess the level of chromium content in them. All the groundwater samples were tested in the chemical laboratory using the American Public Health Association norms for various physicochemical parameters, viz. TDS, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, fluoride and chromium. Northeast and southwest monsoon season samples mostly represented 'high to very high saline' and 'low alkaline' categories of irrigation water. However, post- and pre-monsoon samples represented 'high to very high saline' and 'low to medium alkaline' categories. 'High saline and low alkaline' water could be used for irrigation in all types of soil with less problem of exchangeable sodium. However, 'very high saline' water should not be applied for the crops having poor salt tolerance and soils having poor internal drainage. The concentration of chromium in groundwater and vegetables was within the permissible limits for human intake prescribed by the World Health Organization standards.

Influence of Ag+ and Mn2+ ions on structural, optical and photoluminescence features of ZnS quantum dots.

The current study deals with the structural, morphological, elemental, optical and photoluminescence behaviors of Ag+, Mn2+ dual doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) studies confirmed the cubic structure and size of the crystallites (~2 nm). The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photographs portrayed the surface and morphological structure of prepared samples. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) ensured the presence of Zn, Ag, Mn and, S in the samples as per the anticipated stoichiometry ratio. The UV-visible spectra showed a red shift in optical absorption and band gap gets narrowed due to the incorporation of Ag+ ions. The size effect has overcome the quantum confinement effect in this case. Through photoluminescence (PL) studies, a weak UV emission and strong red wavelength emissions were received and discussed on the basis of sulfur vacancies. This red emission was dealt in terms of d-electrons transition between host and dopant ions.

Strategies for smoking cessation (pharmacologic intervention versus enhanced motivation vs. standard motivation) in TB patients under treatment in the RNTCP, India - A cluster - Randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis burden is still high and smoking prevalence among males has increased in India. It is found that increased morbidity, mortality and relapse among TB smokers. METHOD: Setting: Patients from two Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program Centres of Tamilnadu form the study population. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of Bupropion therapy along with standard counselling versus enhanced counseling versus standard counseling for smoking cessation among TB patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cluster randomized effectiveness trial. PROCEDURE: Patients from each of the thirty-six Designated Microscopic Centres were randomly allocated to receive one of the three interventions using cluster randomization. Smoking cessation was assessed by self-reporting and confirmed by Carbon monoxide(CO) monitors, done at three-time points and TB treatment outcome at the end of ATT. RESULTS: Out of 517 male patients enrolled to the study, the smoking status is available only to 381 subjects. The proportion of patients who have quit smoking in drug, enhanced and standard arms at the end of treatment was 67%, 83% and 52% (P= < 0.001). There was no statistical significance in response to TB treatment between those who quit and those who did not (Favourable response 99.2% vs 97.6%). CONCLUSION: Both enhanced counselling arm and drug arm are effective strategies for smoking cessation among TB patients and their implementation in the TB programs are recommended.

Targeted Mutations in Xylella fastidiosa Affect Acquisition and Retention by the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

Xylella fastidiosa (Wells) is a xylem-limited bacterium that causes Pierce's disease of grapevines. The bacterium is transmitted by insect vectors such as the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar). Experiments were conducted to compare the role of selected X. fastidiosa genes on 1) bacterial acquisition and retention in GWSS foreguts, and 2) transmission to grapevines by GWSS. Bacterial genotypes used were: mutants Xf-ΔpilG, Xf-ΔpilH, Xf-ΔgacA, and Xf-ΔpopP; plus wild type (WT) as control. Results showed that Xf-ΔpilG had enhanced colonization rate and larger numbers in GWSS compared with WT. Yet, Xf-ΔpilG exhibited the same transmission efficiency as WT. The Xf-ΔpilH exhibited poor acquisition and retention. Although initial adhesion, multiplication, and retention of Xf-ΔpilH in GWSS were almost eliminated compared with WT, the mutation did not reduce transmission success in grapevines. Overall, Xf-ΔgacA showed colonization rates and numbers in foreguts similar to WT. The Xf-ΔgacA mutation did not affect initial adhesion, multiplication, and long-term retention compared with WT, and was not significantly diminished in transmission efficiency. In contrast, numbers of Xf-ΔpopP were variable over time, displaying greatest fluctuation from highest to lowest levels. Thus, Xf-ΔpopP had a strong, negative effect on initial adhesion, but adhered and slowly multiplied in the foregut. Again, transmission was not diminished compared to WT. Despite reductions in acquisition and retention by GWSS, transmission efficiency of genotypes to grapevines was not affected. Therefore, in order to stop the spread of X. fastidiosa by GWSS using gene-level targets, complete disruption of bacterial colonization mechanisms is required.

Optimization of lead removal in exhausting Manilkara zapota based activated carbon: application of response surface methodology.

The present study demonstrates the removal of lead ion from aqueous solution by the adsorption process using Manilkara zapota tree wood-based activated carbon (MZTWAC) as an adsorbent. The MZTWAC was characterized using a scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. XRD analysis was carried on MZTWAC. Batch adsorption studies were designed and performed to evaluate the adsorption property of MZTWAC for the removal of lead from an aqueous solution based on the central composite design with response surface methodology. The experiments were focused on the individual and combined effects of process parameters, namely, lead concentration, pH and adsorbent dose on the uptake of lead from aqueous solution. A quadratic polynomial equation was established between the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon and the parameters influencing the adsorption with a coefficient of determination R 2 = 0.9792. The analysis of variance gauged the significance of process parameters and the optimization of process variables was attained by desirability function. There was a noticeable indication of the strong connotation of lead adsorption with Langmuir (R 2 = 0.9911) and Freundlich (R 2 = 0.8368) isotherm models. The D-R isotherm model indicated that physisorption occurred in the adsorption of lead by MZTWAC. The pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic model (R 2 = 0.9973) perfectly fitted into the present study.

Poxviral E3L ortholog (Viral Interferon resistance gene) of orf viruses of sheep and goats indicates species-specific clustering with heterogeneity among parapoxviruses.

Orf is a contagious disease posing a serious threat to animal and human health. E3L is one of the evolutionarily acquired immunomodulatory proteins present in orf virus (ORFV) and is responsible for conferring resistance to interferons among poxviruses. Genetic analysis of ORFV isolates of different geographical regions including Indian subcontinent targeting viral interferon resistance (VIR) gene (a homolog of vaccinia virus E3L gene) revealed a high percentage of identity among themselves and other ORFV isolates at both nt and aa levels as compared to low identity among parapoxviruses (PPVs). Phylogenetic analysis showed species-specific clustering among PPVs along with sub-clusters based on host species of origin among ORFVs infecting sheep and goats. Conserved amino acids in N-terminal Z-DNA binding domain and C-terminal ds RNA binding domain of VIR proteins of PPVs corresponding to ORFV VIR positions namely N37, Y41, P57, and W59 (necessary for Z-DNA binding) and E116, F127, F141, and K160 (necessary for dsRNA binding) were found. Further, the predicted protein characteristics and homology model of VIR protein of ORFV showed high structural conservation among poxviruses. This study on E3L genetic analysis of ORFV isolates may provide a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of circulating strains in India and neighboring countries. Also, E3L deleted or mutated ORFV may be an as vaccine candidate and/or compounds blocking E3L may prove as an effective method for treating broad spectrum poxviral infections, suggesting a wider application in control of poxvirus infections.

Prokaryotic expression, purification and evaluation of goatpox virus ORF117 protein as a diagnostic antigen in indirect ELISA to detect goatpox.

Goatpox is an economically significant transboundary viral disease of goats that is caused by goatpox virus (GTPV). This study describes the prokaryotic expression of the GTPV ORF117 protein, a homologue of vaccinia virus A27L, and evaluation of its diagnostic potential in ELISA. The GTPV ORF117 gene was cloned into the pET32a vector to express recombinant ORF117 protein (rA27L) in E. coli BL21-CodonPlus (DE3)-RIPL. The bacterial expression of the protein was confirmed by western blot analysis using anti-GTPV polyclonal antibodies that detected rA27L, which is ~ 35 kDa in size. rA27L was affinity purified under native conditions and used to assess the antibody response in an optimized indirect ELISA. The purified antigen specifically reacted with anti-GTPV and anti-SPPV serum in ELISA. A preliminary screening of random and purposive serum samples (n = 520) from sheep and goats using this optimized ELISA gave a positivity rate of 19.4 % with a diagnostic specificity of 88.7% and diagnostic sensitivity of 98.5% when compared to the gold standard serum neutralization test. Our results suggest that the indirect ELISA based on the rA27L protein has potential for serosurveillance and seromonitoring of GTPV in goats.

Characterization of physiological and molecular processes associated with potato response to Zebra chip disease.

Transcriptional analyses identified molecular mechanisms associated with the response of leaf and root potato tissues to 'Candidatus. Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso) infection, presumptive causal agent of zebra chip disease (ZC). Putative Lso infection affected several host processes including defense response-, regulation-, starch metabolism- and energy production-related processes. Interestingly, while proteinase inhibitors were strongly upregulated in leaf tissues, a concomitant downregulation was observed in root tissues. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis suggests that alternative splicing might play a role. Furthermore, the transcriptional expression of redox homeostasis-related genes, including superoxide dismutase, showed the most inconsistent response to Lso in leaf and root tissues, highlighting potential targets of Lso susceptibility. Additionally, a net increase in gene expression in ZC-affected tissues despite the concomitant downregulation of photosynthesis-related processes, suggests a putative Lso-mediated low resource-use-efficiency. Subsequent nutritional analyses revealed a hypothesized Lso-mediated increase in nutrient accumulation, particularly a 210 and 108% increases in the potassium concentration of ZC-affected leaf and root tissues, respectively, suggesting an important role for potassium in ZC pathophysiology. This study highlights insights of above and below ground tissues in molecular and physiological aspects associated with potato response to ZC.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Ureterouretrostomy for Retrocaval Ureter-a Case Report.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare developmental anomaly with an incidence of 1 in 1500 births. The inferior vena cava compresses the ureter posteriorly, causing upstream dilatation of the proximal ureter and the kidney. We report a 16-year-old girl who presented with right flank pain, diagnosed as retrocaval ureter with ultrasound, intravenous urogram and CECT, and was treated with laparoscopic transperitoneal ureteroureterostomy. Embryological aspects and laparoscopic technical considerations are highlighted in this case report.

A Case of Organo-Axial Gastric Volvulus Following Laparoscopic Fundoplication: a Case Report.

Organo-axial gastric volvulus is a rare postoperative complication of stomach surgeries. A case is presented in which a 43-year-old patient developed acute gastric volvulus 14 months after a laparoscopic fundoplication, diagnosed by preoperative CT scan, and treated by reduction of the volvulus, closing the gap in the pars flaccida, and a sham gastro-jejunostomy, all done laparoscopically. This is being published to highlight one of the rare complications of gastric surgery, which can be treated successfully with the laparoscope.

Comparative efficacy of chemical stabilizers on the thermostabilization of a novel live attenuated buffalopox vaccine.

In the present investigation, the thermostability of a live attenuated buffalopox vaccine prepared with an indigenous baffalopox virus isolate (BPXV Vij/96) and freeze-dried under conventional lyophilizing conditions is described. Three different stabilizer combinations like LS (lactalbumin hydralysate + sucrose), LHT (lactalbumin hydralysate + Trehalose dihydrate) and TAA (Trehalose dihydrate + l- Alanine + l-Histidine) were used to prepare the vaccine. The study indicated that the LS stabilizer was found to be the stabilizer of choice followed by LHT and TAA for buffalopox vaccine at all temperatures studied. The presence of stabilizers has beneficial influence in preserving the keeping quality of the vaccine. Further, among the diluents used to reconstitute the freeze-dried buffalopox vaccine, double distilled water, 0.85% normal saline solution and phosphate buffer saline were the choice of diluents in that order. However, 1M MgSO4 did not perform well at higher temperatures. Investigation suggests for using LS as a stabilizer for freeze-drying and any of the three diluents except 1MgSO4 for reconstitution of buffalopox vaccine.

Assessing the Likelihood of Transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum to Carrot by Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae).

'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso) is a phloem-limited bacterium that severely affects important Solanaceae and Apiaceae crops, including potato, tomato, pepper, tobacco, carrot and celery. This bacterium is transmitted to solanaceous species by potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, and to Apiaceae by carrot psyllids, including Trioza apicalis and Bactericera trigonica. Five haplotypes of Lso have so far been described, two are associated with solanaceous species and potato psyllids, whereas the other three are associated with carrot and celery crops and carrot psyllids. Little is known about cross-transmission of Lso to carrot by potato psyllids or to potato by carrot psyllids. Thus, the present study assessed whether potato psyllid can transmit Lso to carrot and whether Lso haplotypes infecting solanaceous species can also infect carrot and lead to disease symptom development. In addition, the stylet probing behavior of potato psyllid on carrot was assessed using electropenetrography (EPG) technology to further elucidate potential Lso transmission to Apiaceae by this potato insect pest. Results showed that, while potato psyllids survived on carrot for several weeks when confined on the plants under controlled laboratory and field conditions, the insects generally failed to infect carrot plants with Lso. Only three of the 200 carrot plants assayed became infected with Lso and developed characteristic disease symptoms. Lso infection in the symptomatic carrot plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction assay and Lso in the carrots was determined to be of the haplotype B, which is associated with solanaceous species. EPG results further revealed that potato psyllids readily feed on carrot xylem but rarely probe into the phloem tissue, explaining why little to no Lso infection occurred during the controlled laboratory and field cage transmission trials. Results of our laboratory and field transmission studies, combined with our EPG results, suggest that the risk of Lso infection and spread between psyllid-infested solanaceous and Apiaceae crops is likely to be negligible under normal field conditions.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of sheep pox and goat pox viruses in clinical samples.

A Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the highly conserved DNA polymerase gene of capripox virus genome was developed and evaluated for rapid detection of sheep pox and goat pox viruses. The optimized LAMP assay is found specific and sensitive for amplification of target DNA with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 96.6% and 100% respectively compared to quantitative PCR. The detection rate of LAMP, PCR and Q-PCR assays is found to be 81.5%, 67% and 83% respectively. This LAMP assay has the potential for rapid clinical diagnosis and surveillance of sheep pox and goat pox in field diagnostic laboratories.

Development and comparative evaluation of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for simple visual detection of orf virus in sheep and goats.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting DNA Pol gene was optimized and evaluated for the rapid detection of orf virus in clinical samples. The LAMP assay was found to be specific and sensitive. The detection rate of LAMP (89.3%) was better than PCR (67.9%) and comparable to real-time PCR (91.1%) in clinical samples by gel electrophoresis and visual detection methods. This LAMP assay is simple and does not rely upon any special equipment and could be employed in clinical diagnosis and epidemiological survey of orf infection.

A facile and novel synthesis of N(2)-, C(6)-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4 carboxylate derivatives as adenosine receptor antagonists.

An efficient synthetic procedure was adopted to synthesize a series of new molecules containing the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP) scaffold, which have been evaluated as promising human adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists. The effect of substitutions at the N(2), C(4) and C(6) positions of PPs on the affinity and selectivity towards the adenosine receptors were explored. Most of the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4-carboxylates displayed from moderate to good affinity at the human A3AR (hA3AR), as indicated by the low micromolar range of Ki values (Ki hA3AR = 0.7-34 µM). In particular, compounds 60 and 62 displayed good affinity at the hA3AR (60, Ki hA3AR = 2.2 µM and 62, Ki hA3AR = 2.9 µM) and selectivity towards the other AR subtypes (60, >46-fold selective and 62, >34-fold selective, respectively). In view of these results, these novel PP analogues were docked both in the crystallographic structure of the hA2AAR and in a homology model of the hA3AR in order to support the structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis. These preliminary results demonstrated that pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine can be considered a promising scaffold to obtain new molecules with potent hA3AR antagonist activity.

Synthesis and regulation of chlorogenic acid in potato: Rerouting phenylpropanoid flux in HQT-silenced lines.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the major phenolic sink in potato tubers and can constitute over 90% of total phenylpropanoids. The regulation of CGA biosynthesis in potato and the role of the CGA biosynthetic gene hydroxycinnamoyl CoA:quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) was characterized. A sucrose induced accumulation of CGA correlated with the increased expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) rather than HQT. Transient expression of the potato MYB transcription factor StAN1 (anthocyanin 1) in tobacco increased CGA. RNAi suppression of HQT resulted in over a 90% reduction in CGA and resulted in early flowering. The reduction in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity was less than the reduction in CGA, suggesting flux was rerouted into other phenylpropanoids. Network analysis showed distinct patterns in different organs, with anthocyanins and phenolic acids showing negative correlations in leaves and flowers and positive in tubers. Some flavonols increased in flowers, but not in leaves or tubers. Anthocyanins increased in flowers and showed a trend to increase in leaves, but not tubers. HQT suppression increased biosynthesis of caffeoyl polyamines, some of which are not previously reported in potato. Decreased PAL expression and enzyme activity was observed in HQT suppressed lines, suggesting the existence of a regulatory loop between CGA and PAL. Electrophysiology detected no effect of CGA suppression on potato psyllid feeding. Collectively, this research showed that CGA in potatoes is synthesized through HQT and HQT suppression altered phenotype and redirected phenylpropanoid flux.

Latent period and transmission of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" by the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae).

"Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso) is an economically important pathogen of solanaceous crops and the putative causal agent of zebra chip disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). This pathogen is transmitted to solanaceous species by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), but many aspects of the acquisition and transmission processes have yet to be elucidated. The present study was conducted to assess the interacting effects of acquisition access period, incubation period, and host plant on Lso titer in psyllids, the movement of Lso from the alimentary canal to the salivary glands of the insect, and the ability of psyllids to transmit Lso to non-infected host plants. Following initial pathogen acquisition, the probability of Lso presence in the alimentary canal remained constant from 0 to 3 weeks, but the probability of Lso being present in the salivary glands increased with increasing incubation period. Lso copy numbers in psyllids peaked two weeks after the initial pathogen acquisition and psyllids were capable of transmitting Lso to non-infected host plants only after a two-week incubation period. Psyllid infectivity was associated with colonization of insect salivary glands by Lso and with Lso copy numbers >10,000 per psyllid. Results of our study indicate that Lso requires a two-week latent period in potato psyllids and suggest that acquisition and transmission of Lso by psyllids follows a pattern consistent with a propagative, circulative, and persistent mode of transmission.