Effect of prostaglandin alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and luteal dynamics, estrus response and pregnancy in sub-estrus buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Sub-estrus is a condition when buffaloes do not display behavioural estrus signs, despite being in estrus and causes a delay in conception and increases the service period. The present study describes the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF2α) alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and corpus luteum (CL) dynamics, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentration correlating estrus response and pregnancy outcome in sub-estrus buffaloes during the breeding season. A total of 50 sub-estrus buffaloes, identified through ultrasonography (USG) examination, were randomly allocated into three groups, viz. T1 (Synthetic PGF2α, Inj. Cloprostenol 500 µg, i.m, n = 17), T2 (Synthetic PGF2α + Trace mineral supplementation, Inj. Stimvet 1 mL/100 kg body weight, i.m., n = 17) and control (untreated; n = 16). Following treatment, 100% of sub-estrus buffaloes were induced estrus in the T1 and T2 groups, while only 18.75% were induced in the control. The CL diameter and serum P4 concentration were significantly lower at post-treatment, whereas the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) size and serum E2 concentration were significantly higher in the T1 and T2 groups as compared to the control (p < .05). The buffaloes of the T2 group had a greater proportion of moderate intensities estrus than those of T1. Moreover, the proportion of buffaloes conceived in the T1 and T2 were 41.2% and 52.95%, respectively. The larger POF diameter and higher serum E2 concentration were associated with intense intensity estrus and higher conception rate (66.7%) in sub-estrus buffaloes. Similarly, CL regression rate, POF size and serum E2 concentration were relatively higher in the buffaloes conceived as compared to those not conceived. It is concluded that synthetic PGF2α in combination with trace minerals induces moderate to intense intensities estrus in a greater proportion of sub-estrus buffaloes and increases the conception rate during the breeding season. Moreover, behavioural estrus attributes correlating follicle and luteal morphometry, serum E2 and P4 concentration could be used to optimise the breeding time for augmenting the conception rate in sub-estrus buffaloes.

Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) induced thrombocytopenia: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a known adverse event of several drugs. Antitubercular therapy (ATT) is rarely reported but important cause of thrombocytopenia. The present review aimed to understand the profile of thrombocytopenia caused by first-line ATT i.e. isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We screened case reports, case series, and letter-to-editor from databases, like Pubmed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and EMBASE from 1970 to 2021. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the present systematic review. RESULTS: Categorical data were expressed as n (%) and quantitative data were expressed as median (IQR). After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 17 case reports and 7 letters to the editor were selected for the present review. Rifampicin was most frequently associated with thrombocytopenia (65%). A median (IQR) drop to 20,000 (49,500) platelets/mm3 was observed. Anti-rifampicin associated antibodies and anti-dsDNA positivity were found in six studies. Except for two, all patients responded to symptomatic treatment. DISCUSSION: ATT-induced thrombocytopenia can be life-threatening and require hospitalization. Clinicians should be aware of the association of ATT with thrombocytopenia and should take appropriate measures for patient management. CONCLUSION: This review provides clinicians a comprehensive picture of adverse effects and their management in ATT induced thrombocytopenia.

Thermo-kinetic behaviour of green synthesized nanomaterial enhanced organic phase change material: Model fitting approach.

Metal, carbon and conducting polymer nanoparticles are blended with organic phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance the thermal conductivity, heat storage ability, thermal stability and optical property. However, the existing nanoparticle are expensive and need to be handle with high caution during operation as well during disposal owing to its toxicity. Subsequently handling of solid waste and the disposal of organic PCM after longevity usage are of utmost concern and are less exposed. Henceforth, the current research presents a new dimension of exploration by green synthesized nanoparticles from a thorny shrub of an invasive weed named Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) which is a agro based solid waste. Subsequently, the research is indented to decide the concentration of green synthesized nanoparticle for effective heat transfer rate of organic PCM (Tm = 35-40 °C & Hm = 145 J/g). Furthermore, an in-depth understanding on the kinetic and thermodynamic profile of degradation mechanism involved in disposal of PCM after usage via Coats and Redfern technique is exhibited. Engaging a two-step method, we fuse the green synthesized nanomaterial with PCM to obtain nanocomposite PCM. On experimental evaluation, thermal conductivity of the developed nanocomposite (PCM + PJ) increases by 63.8% (0.282 W/m⋅K to 0.462 W/m⋅K) with 0.8 wt% green synthesized nanomaterial owing to the uniform distribution of nanoparticle within PCM matrix thereby contributing to bridging thermal networks. Subsequently, PCM and PCM + PJ nanocomposites are tested using thermogravimetric analyzer at different heating rates (05 °C/min; 10 °C/min; 15 °C/min & 20 °C/min) to analyze the decomposition kinetic reaction. The kinetic and thermodynamic profile of degradation mechanism involved in disposal of PCM and its nanocomposite of PCM + PJ provides insight on thermal parameters to be considered on large scale operation and to understand the complex nature of the chemical reactions. Adopting thirteen different chemical mechanism model under Coats and Redfern method we determine the reaction mechanism; kinetic parameter like activation energy (Ea) & pre-exponential factor (A) and thermodynamic parameter like change in enthalpy (ΔH), change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and change in entropy (ΔS). Dispersion of PJ nanomaterial with PCM reduces Ea from 370.82 kJ/mol-1 to 342.54 kJ/mol-1 (7.7% reduction), as the developed nanomaterial is enriched in carbon element and exhibits a catalytic effect for breakdown reaction. Corresponding, value of ΔG for PCM and PCM + PJ sample within heating rates of 05-20 °C/min varies between 168.95 and 41.611 kJ/mol-1. The current research will unbolt new works with focus on exploring the pyrolysis behaviour of phase change materials and its nanocomposite used for energy storage applications. This work also provides insights on the disposal of PCM which is an organic solid waste. The thermo-kinetic profile will help to investigate and predict the optimum heating rate and temperature range for conversion of micro-scale pyrolysis to commercial scale process.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes among sick and healthy children in northern India: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae is leading bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and according to World Health Organization, responsible for 14 % death in children. There is effective vaccine available against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hence the primary objective was to isolate Streptococcus pneumoniae from nasopharyngeal swabs in children aged 2-59 months with and without community acquired pneumonia and to assess their serotypes. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in tertiary teaching institutes in northern India. Hospitalized children, aged 2-59 months, with World Health Organization-defined community acquired pneumonia were included as cases. Age matched healthy controls were recruited from immunization clinic. All enrolments were done after written informed parental consent. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from both cases and controls, and were cultured on 5 % sheep blood agar with gentamycin plate for growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and incubated in a jar at 370 for 18-24 hrs. Quellung reaction test was used for serotyping. RESULTS: From March 2017 to December 2022, 2693 children (1910 cases and 783 controls), were recruited. The median age of cases was 7 months and controls 10 months. Almost all the cases had received antibiotics prior to hospitalization. Streptococcus pneumoniae positivity in nasopharyngeal swab was 8.1 % in cases, of which 56.8 % were vaccine serotypes and 23.6 % in controls, of which 37.8 % were vaccine serotypes. Adjusted odds ratio of isolating vaccine serotypes among cases as compared to controls was 1.77 (95 % CI, 1.09-2.88). CONCLUSION: Streptococcus pneumoniae isolation from nasopharyngeal was found to be in lower proportion in cases as compared to control, though colonization with vaccine serotypes was higher in cases as compared to control. Therefore, pneumococcal vaccine coverage must be increased to prevent community acquired pneumonia.

A Review on CNTs-Based Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors: Unique Properties and Potential Applications.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are safe, biocompatible, bioactive, and biodegradable materials, and have sparked a lot of attention due to their unique characteristics in a variety of applications, including medical and dye industries, paper manufacturing and water purification. CNTs also have a strong film-forming potential, permitting them to be widely employed in constructing sensors and biosensors. This review concentrates on the application of CNT-based nanocomposites in the production of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. It emphasizes the synthesis and optimization of CNT-based sensors for a range of applications and outlines the benefits of using CNTs for biomolecule immobilization. In addition, the use of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-CNTs in the production of electrochemical sensors is also discussed. The challenges faced by the current CNTs-based sensors, along with some the future perspectives and their future opportunities, are also briefly explained in this paper.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSReview article on advanced Carbon-Nanotube (CNT)-based sensors and biosensors.The advantages of using CNTs for biomolecule immobilization and in electrochemical sensors and biosensors are discussed.The use of molecularly imprinted polymer-CNT nanocomposites in the production of electrochemical sensors is also discussed.Several characteristics, including sensor manufacturing, linear ranges, detection limits, and repeatability, are described in depth.Challenges and prospects using CNTs modified sensors have been proposed.

Nasopharyngeal Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotypes Among Healthy Children in Northern India.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) infections cause morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Hence India introduced 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) in 2017 in a phased manner. The primary objective of this study was to assess the proportion of healthy children having nasopharyngeal colonization (NP) with SP. Secondary objective was to determine prevalent serotype of SP among the PCV13 vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 hospitals of Lucknow District, Northern India. Three hundred healthy children (2-59 months) were recruited between July and August 2019 from vaccination-clinics of hospitals. NP specimen was cultured using 5% sheep blood agar plate containing gentamicin. Pneumococcal isolates were identified by optochin sensitivity and bile-solubility tests. Serotyping was done using Quellung Method. Of the 300 healthy children, 56.7% (170/300) were males and 59.3% (181/300) had received at least one dose of PCV13 vaccine. The NP carriage rate of SP among healthy children was 37.7% (113/300). Vaccine serotypes were found in 33.3% (22/66) in PCV vaccinated children and 48.9% (23/47) in non-vaccinated children (p 0.09). Common vaccine serotypes that isolated were: 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F, 3, 4, 6A, 6B, 9 V. Thus more than one-third of healthy children had NP colonization with SP. Adjusting for age, there was a trend for significant reduction in vaccine serotypes in the NP with one doses versus two or more doses (ptrend = 0.04).

Effect of vacuum and atmospheric frying and heating on physico-chemical properties of rice bran oil.

The study highlights the impact of vacuum (13.33 kPa) and atmospheric (101.325 kPa) pressure on the Physico-chemical stability of rice bran oil (RBO) during continuous frying and heating at equivalent thermal driving force (∆T = 45 °C). Reduced operating pressure played a major role in retaining the Physico-chemical quality of RBO. Results show that the PV, FFA, p-An value, IV, TOTOX value, total polar compound (TPC), saturated fatty acids, CIE color values, and viscosity of RBO increased significantly (p < 0.05) at a higher rate during frying and heating (22.24 h) under atmospheric pressure as compared to vacuum pressure. TPC and total saturated fatty acids were formed 34.37% and 32.76%, and 7.33% and 2.23% more, respectively, whereas, total unsaturated fatty acids were found to be 3.34% and 1.04% less during frying and heating at atmospheric pressure as compared to vacuum pressure condition. In general, vacuum frying technology is suitable for making papaya chips with extended reuse of RBO.

Calculating forest species diversity with information-theory based indices using sentinel-2A sensor's of Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tropical forest serves as an important pivotal role in terrestrial biological diversity. The present study makes an attempt to identify the concentration of species among tree diversity in Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Bundelkhand, India. Four important ecological indicator indices namely Shannon-Weiner index (H'), Simpson's diversity (D), Margalef index (SR) and Pielou's (J) indices were make the most for species diversity measurement. The research outcomes revealed that Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H/) was found to be the best index for assessing species richness while Simpson's diversity (D) index was more suited for determining species diversity. The Shannon-Weiner index value calculated for different transects not only represent the species richness but also the species evenness in each transect. The potential application of forest diversity can be used a mechanism for forest management. The methodology will retrofit better policy implementation for maintaining the health of forest species in Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary and can be applied on other reserve forest of socio-ecological significance.

Determination of elastic constants of functionalized graphene-based epoxy nanocomposites: a molecular modeling and MD simulation study.

Functionalization of graphene is the best way to create a high degree of dispersion and bonding to polymer matrix in order to obtain high performance composites. The effects of carboxyl (-COOH) functionalized graphene (FG) on the mechanical properties of its epoxy-based nanocomposites have been examined by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Simulations cells of nanocomposites with varying wt% of FG (1, 2, and 3 wt%) were constructed using Material Studio 6.0. The MD simulation findings of nanocomposites reveal that they have better mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and the Poisson's ratio than pure epoxy. Furthermore, the computational results of nanocomposites have been effectively confirmed with available experimental data. Therefore, the current MD simulation shows a decent computational sign for the existing experimental and simulation outcomes on mechanical properties of FG/epoxy nanocomposites.

Sudden loss of smell and taste: clinical predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed: to evaluate the association between coronavirus disease 2019 infection and olfactory and taste dysfunction in patients presenting to the out-patient department with influenza-like illness, who underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing for coronavirus; and to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of olfactory and taste dysfunction and other symptoms in these patients. METHODS: Patients presenting with influenza-like illness to the study centre in September 2020 were included in the study. The symptoms of patients who tested positive for coronavirus on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing were compared to those with negative test results. RESULTS: During the study period, 909 patients, aged 12-70 years, presented with influenza-like illness; of these, 316 (34.8 per cent) tested positive for coronavirus. Only the symptoms of olfactory and taste dysfunction were statistically more significant in patients testing positive for coronavirus than those testing negative. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, patients presenting to the out-patient department with sudden loss of sense of smell or taste may be considered as positive for coronavirus disease 2019, until proven otherwise.

A Study of Catecholamine Levels in Acute ICH Patients and its Clinical Significance.

ICH is one of the most serious neurological emergency which can result in high mortality which may be related to catecholamine release. We aim to evaluate serum catecholamine levels in acute ICH and correlate their levels with clinical parameters of stress and outcome. MATERIAL: Consecutive patients with CT proven ICH within 7 days of ictus were included and their clinical finding, SIRS Parameters, GCS, NIH score, laboratory parameters (ESR, CRP) were evaluated. Serum Catecholamine (DA, NE, E) levels were measured by LCMS. The patients were followed up at discharge and one month, the outcome was defined by mortality and 1 month modified Rankin scale (good 0-2, poor >2). OBSERVATION: There were 31 patients of acute ICH. Patients were admitted 1 to 2 days after ictus. Among the patients 19 were male and 12 were female.Their age ranged from 31 to 86 with mean 53.3+- 16.7. History of hypertension was present in 27.3% of patients. Their average GCS was median 12 (6.0, 15.0) and NIHSS was 12.5 (8.5, 22) Their average ESR was 30 (13,56) and average CRP was 1.8 (1.1, 5.9). Almost all pateints had raised SIRS parameters. There was an increase in levels of Dopamine (63.2 pg/ml), Epinephrine (73.5 pg/ml) and Norepinephrine (390pg/ml) on admission as compared to their levels 1 week after ictus or on discharge (Dopamine 35.6, Epinephrine 52.1, and Norepinephrine 241 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: CA surge is common in ICH pateints and it correlates with severity and outcome of patient. 6 pateints died in the hospital 72 % of patients had poor outcome. Catecholamine levels were higher in poor outcome patients.

Genome Wide Scan to Identify Potential Genomic Regions Associated With Milk Protein and Minerals in Vrindavani Cattle.

In this study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted for identifying significantly associated genomic regions/SNPs with milk protein and minerals in the 96 taurine-indicine crossbred (Vrindavani) cows using 50K SNP Chip. After quality control, a total of 41,427 SNPs were retained and were further analyzed using a single-SNP additive linear model. Lactation stage, parity, test day milk yield and proportion of exotic inheritance were included as fixed effects in GWAS model. Across all traits, 13 genome-wide significant (p < 1.20 x 10-06) and 49 suggestive significant (p < 2.41 x 10-05) SNPs were identified which were located on 18 different autosomes. The strongest association for protein percentage, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were found on BTA 18, 7, 2, 3, 14, and 2, respectively. No significant SNP was detected for manganese (Mn). Several significant SNPs identified were within or close proximity to CDH13, BHLHE40, EDIL3, HAPLN1, INHBB, USP24, ZFAT, and IKZF2 gene, respectively. Enrichment analysis of the identified candidate genes elucidated biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions involved in metal ion binding, ion transportation, transmembrane protein, and signaling pathways. This study provided a groundwork to characterize the molecular mechanism for the phenotypic variation in milk protein percentage and minerals in crossbred cattle. Further work is required on a larger sample size with fine mapping of identified QTL to validate potential candidate regions.

Management of Psoriatic Erythroderma with Ayurvedic herbomineral preparations: A case report.

Psoriatic Erythroderma (PsE) is a presentation of Erythroderma due to a history of psoriasis showing inflammation and exfoliation of epidermal skin characterized by erythema and scaling. There is no definite treatment in contemporary medical science but the principle-based Ayurvedic approach has been proved to be effective. We present a case of PsE treated for 3 months with Ayurvedic herbomineral preparations and dietary restrictions for non-vegetarian and dairy items. As per the Ayurvedic diagnostic view, the presented case is correlated with Audumbara Kushtha and Ekakushtha due to their intricate features. Thus, Ayurvedic approaches were directed to eliminate vitiated doshas responsible for acute exacerbation of Kushtha (∼dermatitis) and to maintain equilibrium among them. The patient was initially considered as a case of Saam stage of Kushtha with Pitta-Rakta-Vata predominance. Thus, management was planned into different domains-treatment of Saam stage of Kushtha, Vyadhipratyanika chikitsa (∼disease antagonistic treatment), Rasayana intervention (∼Immunomodulation therapy) and Ayurvedic drugs were given accordingly. The assessment was done based on subjective parameters and PASI score. The patient was followed for about one and half year without any complication and relapse. This case study shows PsE can be managed with an Ayurvedic approach and proper diet planning.

Utilization of solar energy for wastewater treatment: Challenges and progressive research trends.

This article offers a trend of inventions and implementations of photocatalysis process, desalination technologies and solar disinfection techniques adapted particularly for treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater. Photocatalysis treatment of wastewater using solar energy is a promising renewable solution to reduce stresses on global water crisis. Rendering to the United Nation Environment Programme, 1/3 of world population live in water-stressed countries, while by 2025 about 2/3 of world population will face water scarcity. Major pollutants exhibited from numerous sources are critically discussed with focus on potential environmental impacts & hazards. Treatment of wastewater by photocatalysis technique, solar thermal electrochemical process, solar desalination of brackish water and solar advanced oxidation process have been presented and systematically analysed with challenges. Both heterogenous and homogenous photocatalysis techniques employed for wastewater treatment are critically reviewed. For treating domestic wastewater, solar desalination technologies adopted for purifying brackish water into potable water is presented along with key challenges and remedies. Advanced oxidation process using solar energy for degradation of organic pollutant is an important technique to be reviewed due to their effectiveness in wastewater treatment process. Present article focused on three key issues i.e. major pollutants, wastewater treatment techniques and environmental benefits of using solar power for removal of pollutants. The review also provides close ideas on further research needs and major concerns. Drawbacks associated with conventional wastewater treatment options and direct solar energy-based wastewater treatment with energy storage systems to make it convenient during day and night both listed. Although, energy storage systems increase the overall cost of the wastewater treatment plant it also increases the overall efficiency of the system on environmental cost. Cost-efficient wastewater treatment methods using solar power would significantly ensure effective water source utilization, thereby contributing towards sustainable development goals.

Identification of genes affecting milk fat and fatty acid composition in Vrindavani crossbred cattle using 50 K SNP-Chip.

The aim of this study was to identify candidate genes associated with milk fat per cent and fatty acid (FA) composition in Vrindavani cattle using the Illumina 50 K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. After quality control, a total of 41,427 informative and high-quality SNPs were used for a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for milk fat percentage and 16 different types of fatty acids. Lactation stage, parity, test day milk yield, and proportion of exotic inheritance were included as fixed effects in the GWAS model. A total of 67 genome-wide significant (P < 1.20 × 10-06) SNPs and 176 suggestive significant (P < 2.41 × 10-05) SNPs were identified. Out of these, 15 SNPs were associated with more than one trait. The strongest associations were found on BTA14 for milk fat percentage and on BTA2 and BTA16 for polyunsaturated fatty acids. Several significant SNPs were identified close to or within the genes ELOVL6, FABP4, PMP2, PLIN1, MFGE8, GHRL2, and LDLRAD3 which are known to be associated with fat percentage and FA composition in dairy cattle breeds. This study is a step forward to better characterize the molecular mechanisms of phenotypic variation in milk fatty acids in a taurine-indicine composite cattle breed reared in tropical environments.

Highlighting the compound risk of COVID-19 and environmental pollutants using geospatial technology.

The new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.

Secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through wastewater: Concerns and tactics for treatment to effectively control the pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread globally and has severely impacted public health and the economy. Hand hygiene, social distancing, and the usage of personal protective equipment are considered the most vital tools in controlling the primary transmission of the virus. Converging evidence indicated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and its persistence over several days, which may create secondary transmission of the virus via waterborne and wastewater pathways. Although, researchers have started focusing on this mode of virus transmission, limited knowledge and societal unawareness of the transmission through wastewater may lead to significant increases in the number of positive cases. To emphasize the severe issue of virus transmission through wastewater and create societal awareness, we present a state of the art critical review on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the potential remedial strategies to effectively control the viral spread and safeguard society. For low-income countries with high population densities, it is suggested to identify the virus in large scale municipal wastewater plants before following up with one-to-one testing for effective control of the secondary transmission. Ultrafiltration is an effective method for wastewater treatment and usually more than 4 logs of virus removal are achieved while safeguarding good protein permeability. Decentralized wastewater treatment facilities using solar-assisted disinfestation methods are most economical and can be effectively used in hospitals, isolation wards, and medical centers for reducing the risk of transmission from high local concentration sites, especially in tropical countries with abundant solar energy. Disinfection with chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, benzalkonium chloride, and peracetic acid have shown potential in terms of virucidal properties. Biological wastewater treatment using micro-algae will be highly effective in removal of virus and can be incorporated into membrane bio-reaction to achieve excellent virus removal rate. Though promising results have been shown by initial research for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater using physical, chemical and biological based treatment methods, there is a pressing need for extensive investigation of COVID-19 specific disinfectants with appropriate concentrations, their environmental implications, and regular monitoring of transmission. Effective wastewater treatment methods with high virus removal capacity and low treatment costs should be selected to control the virus spread and safeguard society from this deadly virus.

Is there a correlation between viral load and olfactory & taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between cycle threshold (Ct) value and occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This comparative study included COVID-19 patients diagnosed by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based test at our hospital with mild to moderate disease. The demographic details and detailed clinical history of the patient, including history of loss of smell and taste was taken at the time of presentation. The patients were divided into 2 groups, group A: COVID-19 patients with OTD; group B: COVID-19 patients without OTD. 100 contiguous patients were recruited in each group. The COVID-19 test by RT-PCR was done and Ct value of the 3 genes: E (Envelope encoding) gene, N (Nucleocapsid encoding) gene, and RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) gene, was used for data analysis. The Ct values of each of the three genes were compared between groups A and B. RESULTS: Group A and B did not differ significantly in terms of basic demographics. The differences in the Ct values of the 3 genes E gene, N gene and RdRp gene, of group A and B were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.005, p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The patients with OTD had a lower Ct value at diagnosis, and hence, a higher viral load than those without OTD. The evaluation of Ct value and viral load in COVID-19 patients may help in further reducing the transmission of the virus in the community.

Loss of smell and taste in COVID-19 infection in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence, clinical course and outcomes of olfactory and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 positive adolescents. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out from May to August 2020. The adolescents, aged 10-19 years, who were detected COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR with mild to moderate disease were included in the study. The following epidemiological and clinical outcomes were studied: age, sex, general symptoms, olfactory and taste dysfunction. RESULTS: Out of 141 patients included in the study, there were 83 males (58.9%) and 58 females (41.1%). The age varied from 10 to 19 years with an average of 15.2 years. Forty patients (28.4%) had olfactory or taste dysfunction. Out of these 40 patients, 28 patients (19.8%) had both olfactory and taste dysfunction. Of the 34 patients (24.1%) who complained of olfactory dysfunction, 16 patients complained of hyposmia and 18 patients complained of anosmia. Dysgeusia was reported by 34 patients (24.1%). The duration of OTD varied from 2 to 15 days with an average of 5.7 days. CONCLUSION: Loss of smell and taste are common symptoms in COVID-19 positive adolescents. It recovers spontaneously within a few weeks, along with the resolution of other symptoms.