A comprehensive review on BPA degradation by heterogeneous Fenton-like processes.

Synthetic organic pollutants emanating continuously in the ecosystem have become a global concern because of their toxicity and persistent nature. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one such pollutant which threatens public health and safety. It is a monomer used in manufacturing plastics, polycarbonate resins, epoxy resins and is a well-recognised endocrine disruptor mimicking estrogen. BPA leaches into food and beverages stored in containers causing contamination issues. Its widespread exposure and potential toxicity is an environmental health concern. In this review, a systematic investigation has been carried out on the heterogeneous catalysts used for Fenton-like processes for BPA degradation. The Fenton-like reaction is one such reaction that is used for wastewater remediation purposes. The reaction advances through the generation of powerful oxidizing radicals like •OH and SO4•- in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The application of various Fenton catalysts, with their distinguished morphological characteristics, oxidizing properties, toxicity analysis, and the present state of the art of BPA degradation by these catalysts, have been documented in the current work. This review also highlights a few challenges and prospects for analysing degradation products of landfill leachate.

Rapid and high-performance adsorptive removal of hazardous acridine orange from aqueous environment using Abelmoschus esculentus seed powder: Single- and multi-parameter optimization studies.

In this research, the performance of naturally abundant lignocellulosic by-product, Abelmoschus esculentus, and its processed seed powder referred as AESP, as a potential biosorbent for the removal of acridine orange (AO) from the aqueous environment was examined. The AESP biosorbent was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and pHZPC analyses. The average size of the biosorbent according to particle size distribution analysis was found to be ∼132 µm. The batch adsorption experiments were conducted by altering the parameters such as contact time, solution pH, biosorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, stirring speed and temperature. Sorption of cationic AO dye onto AESP was found to be rapid, and the equilibrium condition reached within 30 min. The isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Sips), kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, intra-particle diffusion, Bangham and modified-Freundlich models) and thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated. High values of determination coefficients (R2) and minimal values of non-linear error functions (i.e. HYBRD, RMSE, MPSD, ARE, APE and χ2) indicated that experimental data were best fitted with Sips isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. Accordingly, the maximum loading capacity of AESP was found to be 259.4, 284.3 and 346.5 mg/g for the temperatures of 15, 30 and 45 °C, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of AO onto the AESP surface was an endothermic and spontaneous process. Besides these, the central composite experimental design (CCD) superimposed with response surface methodology (RSM) modeling was also employed to investigate the effect of four significant parameters (solution pH, contact time, initial AO concentration and AESP dosage) and their interaction-term effects on the adsorption capacity of AESP and to formulate the mathematical model for the experimental data using multi-variate statistical analysis. Maximum dye uptake capacity under the optimum conditions of variables (pH 8.96, contact time 32.06 min, initial dye concentration 867.71 mg/L and AESP dosage 1.89 g/L) was 312.1 mg/g at temperature 30 °C, and it was found to be very close to the experimentally determined values (313.4 ±â€¯0.057 mg/g). The promising reusability potential of AESP using 0.1 M HCl, implied that, the lignocellulosic biosorbent AESP might be helpful for the appropriate designing of the environmental-friendly purification systems.

Green and efficient biosorptive removal of methylene blue by Abelmoschus esculentus seed: Process optimization and multi-variate modeling.

The present work explores, for the first time, the adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution using different parts of abundantly available agricultural product, Abelmoschus esculentus (lady's finger), and the processed seed powder (designated as LFSP) was found as the best. The aforesaid biosorbent was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pHZPC analyses. The biosorption performance was evaluated using batch studies at 303 K, at varying operating conditions such as solution pH, biosorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and contact time. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was followed during the adsorption, and it was also found that intra-particle diffusion played a prominent role in the rate-controlling step. Langmuir and Temkin isotherms were followed the best, as was evident from the lower % non-linear error values and higher degree of determination coefficients. Thermodynamic investigations revealed that the biosorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), a central composite design was developed, and subsequently applied as an input for the artificial neural network (ANN) approach in order to further analyze the interactive term effects between the significant process parameters, on the maximum biosorption capacity for MB dye removal by LFSP. The non-linear error functions and linear regression coefficients on the RSM model showed its dominance behaviour over ANN model for both data fitting and estimation capabilities. Using the statistical optimization, the maximum uptake capacity was found to be 205.656 mg/g. Experiments were conducted to regenerate the adsorbent and to recover the adsorbed dye using the eluent 0.5 M HCl. Cost analysis showed that, LFSP was 7 times cheaper than commercially available activated carbons.

Adsorptive removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) from single-metal, binary-metal, and industrial wastewater systems by surfactant-modified alumina.

Batch adsorption was carried out to investigate the possibility of utilizing surfactant-modified alumina (SMA) as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) from single-metal and binary-metal solutions. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of SMA before and after metal removal from single-metal matrix, showed no significant changes, whereas energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) studies confirmed the incorporation of Cu(II) (∼ 0.74 atomic%) and Ni(II) (∼ 0.64 atomic%) on the adsorbent surface. The removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II), using SMA depends on contact time, adsorbent dose and medium pH. The sorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order model for Cu(II). However, for Ni(II), either pseudo-first-order or pseudo-second-order model is applicable. The batch experimental data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm, and based on the correlation coefficient value (R(2)), the adsorption could be described more precisely by the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity from Langmuir isotherm of Cu(II) was 9.34 mg g(-1) and for Ni(II) 6.87 mg g(-1). In a synthetic binary mixture of Cu(II) and Ni(II), having a concentration of 10 mg L(-1) each, removal of Cu(II) was better. The treatment method was further applied to real wastewater from an electroplating industry. The batch experiment results showed that SMA was effective in the simultaneous removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) to a significant extent, with additional improvement of water quality of the industrial effluent considered.

Intriguing manipulation of metal-enhanced fluorescence for the detection of Cu(II) and cysteine.

Commercially available salicylaldehyde, in alkaline medium, exhibits strong fluorescence after one hour of UV exposure in the presence of Ag(I) . The phenolic group of salicylaldehyde is converted into the quinone form under alkaline conditions in the presence of AgNO3 , resulting in aggregated Ag(0), which causes approximately 250 times fluorescence enhancement of the in situ produced quinone. Such high silver-enhanced-fluorescence (SEF) is selectively quenched by cysteine, arginine, histidine, methionine, and tryptophan. In contrast to the other amino acids, ageing brings selectivity of the cysteine-induced quenching effect. Interestingly, Cu(II) is found to be the only metal ion that exclusively regenerates the lost fluorescence. Thus, quenching and recovery of fluorescence (Turn Off/On) can be used for the selective and sensitive detection of cysteine as well as Cu(II) ions in one pot. Alteration of the electric field density around the fluorophore (lightening rod effect) and scattering/absorption cross-section have been proposed to account for the Off/On fluorescence.

Selective dopamine chemosensing using silver-enhanced fluorescence.

Condensation product of salicylaldehyde and 1,3 propylenediamine becomes a diiminic Schiff base, which is oxidized by AgNO3 in alkaline solution, and in turn, stable Ag(0) is produced at room temperature. Under this condition, the solution exhibits intense silver nanoparticle enhanced fluorescence (SEF) with the λ(em) at 412 nm. Dopamine is selectively detected down to the nanomolar level via exclusive fluorescence quenching of the SEF. Dopamine-infested solution regains the fluorescence [i.e., SEF in the presence of Hg(II) ions]. Thus dopamine and Hg(II) in succession demonstrate "turn off/on" fluorescence due to the change in the scattering cross section of Ag(0) and gives a quantitative measure of dopamine in real samples. The proposed method is free from interferences of common biocompetitors.

Photoproduced fluorescent Au(I)@(Ag2/Ag3)-thiolate giant cluster: an intriguing sensing platform for DMSO and Pb(II).

Synergistic evolution of fluorescent Au(I)@(Ag2/Ag3)-thiolate core-shell particles has been made possible under the Sun in presence of the respective precursor coinage metal compounds and glutathione (GSH). The green chemically synthesized fluorescent clusters are giant (∼600 nm) in size and robust. Among all the common water miscible solvents, exclusively DMSO exhibits selective fluorescence quenching (Turn Off) because of the removal of GSH from the giant cluster. Again, only Pb(II) ion brings back the lost fluorescence (Turn On) leaving aside all other metal ions. This happens owing to the strong affinity of the sulfur donor of DMSO for Pb(II). Thus, employing the aqueous solution containing the giant cluster, we can detect DMSO contamination in water bodies at trace level. Besides, a selective sensing platform has emerged out for Pb(II) ion with a detection limit of 14 × 10(-8) M. Pb(II) induced fluorescence recovery is again vanished by I(-) implying a promising route to sense I(-) ion.

Green synthesis of highly fluorescent Au(I)@Ag2/Ag3-thiolate core-shell particles for selective detection of cysteine and Pb(II).

Giant Au(I)@Ag2/Ag3-thiolate clusters with strong fluorescence (λex 400 nm, λem 564 nm, and quantum yield 8.3%) have been prepared in aqueous medium from glutathione and corresponding precursor salts at neutral pH under sunlight. An intriguing synergism between Au(I)core and Ag(0)shell imparts long-term stability to the fluorescent giant clusters (synthesized with a chemically green method) due to drifting of electron density towards core from shell. The strong fluorescence is selectively damped by cysteine (Cys) leaving aside all other essential amino acids ("Turn Off"). This quenched fluorescence is restored again on introducing Pb(II) ions in the system ("Turn On"). No other metal ion can cause such a recovery of the lost fluorescence. Such "Turn Off" and "Turn On" fluorescence helps in the design of a selective Cys as well as Pb(II) sensor in one pot. Detection of Cys and Pb(II) down to 5 × 10(-8) M and 15 × 10(-8) M, respectively, is possible following the present strategy.

Aggregation of nitroaniline in tetrahydrofuran through intriguing H-bond formation by sodium borohydride.

The participation of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in hydrogen bonding interactions and transient anion radical formation has been proved. Thus, the properties of NaBH4 are extended beyond the purview of its normal reducing capability and nucleophilic property. It is reported that ortho- and para-nitroanilines (NAs) form stable aggregates only in tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the presence of NaBH4 and unprecedented orange/red colorations are observed. The same recipe with nitrobenzene instead of nitroanilines (NAs) in the presence of NaBH4 evolves a transient rose red solution due to the formation of a highly fluorescent anion radical. Spectroscopic studies (UV-vis, fluorescence, RLS, Raman, NMR etc.) as well as theoretical calculations supplement the J-aggregate formation of NAs due to extensive hydrogen bonding. This is the first report where BH4(-) in THF has been shown to support such an aggregation process through H-bonding. It is further confirmed that stable intermolecular hydrogen bond-induced aggregation requires a geometrical match in both the nitro- and amino-functionalities attached to the phenyl ring with proper geometry. On the contrary, meta-nitroaniline remains as the odd man out and does not take part in such aggregation. Surprisingly, Au nanoparticles dismantle the J-aggregates of NA in THF. Explicit hydrogen bond formation in NA has been confirmed experimentally considering its promising applications in different fields including non-linear optics.

Geospatial Analysis of Parental Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in the Vicinity of Multispecialty Hospital in India.

Background and Objective: The healthcare-seeking behavior of vulnerable groups, such as children under five, depends on a multitude of factors, including the caregiver's decision making. Approximately 60% of Indians seek care from private hospitals. Recent health policy in India has favored the establishment of multispecialty hospitals. However, it remains unclear to what extent this policy has changed the number of Indians seeking healthcare from these government-established multispecialty hospitals. The study aims to assess the health-seeking behavior of parents of children under five in the vicinity of a public multispecialty tertiary care hospital. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional survey with geospatial mapping conducted among the parents of children under five using a semi-structured questionnaire in Epi-collect mobile app. The study site was an urban slum in a catchment area [within five kilometers (km)] of a multispecialty tertiary care public hospital in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The study was conducted for one year duration from February 2019 to January 2020. A questionnaire was administered to the parents of the children under five (N = 353) after their household confirmation from the nearby Anganwadi center, the community level service providing center under the Integrated Child Development Scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD). The questionnaire included sections for demographic characteristics, the illness pattern among their children, health-seeking decision-making, and more. Descriptive analysis was presented with numbers and percentages. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and health-seeking characteristics. Statistical significance was considered at p value less than 0.05. We used geospatial mapping using coordinates collected and compiled using the Microsoft Excel version 2021 and analyzed using QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) software. Results: Among the parents interviewed patients (N = 353), maternal literacy rates were over 85%. Approximately 54% of the families were below poverty line. Among 95.2% of the families, mothers were part of decision-making regarding their children's health-seeking. Over 92% of the families opted for consultation in a nearby private hospital or dispensary. Geospatial mapping of private hospitals was a favored place for healthcare-seeking by mothers, irrespective of their socioeconomic status or education rather than multispecialty hospital. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The majority of the parents in the vicinity of public multispecialty hospitals seek care from private clinics for ailments for children under five. The establishment of public multispecialty tertiary care hospitals, which are mandated for tertiary level of care and research, cannot replace primary-level healthcare institutions, showed that private hospitals were the favored places healthcare seeking by mothers. These primary-level institutions are critical for the management of common ailments for children under five near home and reducing the financial burden on the family, even in the vicinity of a multispecialty hospital.

Identification of chemoresistance targets in doxorubicin-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells using LC-MS/MS-based proteomics.

Acquired chemoresistance remains a significant challenge in the clinics as most of the treated cancers eventually emerge as hard-to-treat phenotypes. Therefore, identifying chemoresistance targets is highly warranted to manage the disease better. In this study, we employed a label-free LC-MS/MS-based quantitative proteomics analysis to identify potential targets and signaling pathways underlying acquired chemoresistance in a sub-cell line (A549DR) derived from the parental lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) treated with gradually increasing doses of doxorubicin (DOX). Our proteomics analysis identified 146 upregulated and 129 downregulated targets in A549DR cells. The KEGG pathway and Gene ontology (GO) analysis of differentially expressed upregulated and downregulated proteins showed that most abundant upregulated pathways were related to metabolic pathways, cellular senescence, cell cycle, and p53 signaling. Meanwhile, the downregulated pathways were related to spliceosome, nucleotide metabolism, DNA replication, nucleotide excision repair, and nuclear-cytoplasmic transport. Further, STRING analysis of upregulated biological processes showed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) between CDK1, AKT2, SRC, STAT1, HDAC1, FDXR, FDX1, NPC1, ALDH2, GPx1, CDK4, and B2M, proteins. The identified proteins in this study might be the potential therapeutic targets for mitigating DOX resistance.

Synthesis of highly fluorescent silver clusters on gold(I) surface.

Evolution of fluorescence from a giant core-shell particle is new and synergistic, which requires both gold and silver ions in an appropriate ratio in glutathione (GSH) solution. The formation of highly fluorescent Ag(2)/Ag(3) clusters on the surface of Au(I) assembly results in giant Au(I)(core)-Ag(0)(shell) water-soluble microparticles (~500 nm). Here, Au(I) acts as the template for the generation of fluorescent Ag clusters. The presence of gold under the synthetic strategy is selective, and no other metal supports such synergistic evolution. The core-shell particle exhibits stable and static emission (emission maximum, 565 nm; quantum yield, 4.6%; and stroke shift, 179 nm) with an average lifetime of ~25 ns. The drift of electron density by the Au(I) core presumably enhances the fluorescence. The positively charged core offers unprecedented long-term stability to the microparticles in aqueous GSH solution.

Green synthesis and reversible dispersion of a giant fluorescent cluster in solid and liquid phase.

A water-soluble highly fluorescent silver cluster on Au(I) surface has been synthesized with green chemistry under sunlight. The evolution of the silver cluster is synergistic, demanding gold and glutathione. The fluorescent Au(I)core-Ag(0)shell particles are huge in size and at the same time they are robust. That is why they become a deliverable fluorescing solid upon drying. Again, the giant particles run into common water miscible solvents. As a result, the fluorescence intensity increases to a great extent without any alteration of emission maxima. In this respect, acetone has been found to be the best-suited solvent. To have a universal applicability of the fluorescent clusters, the particles in the water pool of a reverse micelle have been prepared to transfer the particles into different water immiscible solvents. The comparatively lower fluorescence intensity of the particles has been ascribed to a space confinement effect. Finally, giant-cluster-impregnated yellow-orange fluorescent polymer film and fluorescent cotton wool, as well as paper substrate, have been prepared. The antibacterial activity of the fluorescent particle has also been tested involving modified cotton wool and paper substrate for Gram-negative and -positive Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively.

A Review of the Latest Advances in Nanoparticle-Mediated Processes for Hexavalent Chromium Remediation from Water Bodies.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a well-known carcinogen, and hence its removal from aqueous media is an important area of research in the field of environmental engineering. Adsorptive removal and catalytic reduction are the two most common techniques applied for this purpose. In this regard, nanoparticle-mediated technology has contributed significantly. In the current review article, a systematic investigation has been carried out to find the latest developments that took place in the domain of Cr(VI) removal by nanotechnology. The major portion deals with the advancement and application of the new-age materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), g-C3N4, MXenes, zero-valent iron (ZVI), and their composites, for the Cr(VI) remediation purpose. Various interesting mechanisms, as proposed by different research groups, have been covered. Applications of the nanocomposites in the real wastewater scenario have also been highlighted. Different characterization techniques often conducted in order to get insight into Cr(VI) removal process have been mentioned. Some patents related to this field have been discussed. Lastly, the future scope of the nanomaterials, current challenges, feasibility of using these nanomaterials in large-scale treatment plants, etc., have been addressed before concluding the article.

Awareness About Folic Acid Supplementation in First-Trimester Pregnant Women of Rural Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, and Its Determinants: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Women are supplemented with folic acid (FA) during pregnancy as well as preconceptionally to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns. To understand the importance of FA supplementation, women need to have awareness about the same, which in turn may be influenced by different factors. It is also known that both FA and vitamin B12 deficiency tend to cause NTDs in newborns and anemia. Very few studies have studied the relationship between hemoglobin, FA, and vitamin B12 levels. In this study, we aim to estimate the level of awareness of FA supplementation among pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy and the factors determining the presence of awareness regarding the same. Also, we aim to estimate any correlation between hemoglobin, FA, and vitamin B12 levels among a subset of pregnant women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Abhanpur Block of Raipur district in Chhattisgarh among 399 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy, in which their knowledge was assessed using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Each participant's knowledge score regarding FA supplementation was calculated and scored based on six indicators and classified as low, intermediate, and high scores. Logistic regression was applied to find out any significant association between knowledge about FA supplementation with any other sociodemographic variables. Scatter plots were used to assess the correlation of FA with hemoglobin, vitamin B12, and knowledge scores among 104 participants. RESULTS: The majority (77.9%) of women had low knowledge scores with a mean score of 1.4 (0.15). It was found that only 45.6% of the participants knew the importance of FA supplementation, and the majority (23.1%) were informed by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) followed by doctors. The majority (41.6%) of the study participants also did not know when to start FA, and only 1.3% knew that FA should be taken preconceptionally. On multivariable logistic regression, women who lived in joint families had significantly higher odds of having intermediate knowledge compared to those who lived in nuclear families. Although not statistically significant, there was a positive correlation between serum vitamin B12 and FA levels and also between hemoglobin and serum FA levels. However, a significant positive correlation was found between serum FA levels and the knowledge scores of the study participants. CONCLUSION: The majority of study participants had poor knowledge and awareness regarding FA supplementation. So, health education, as well as information, education, and communication (IEC) activities, is required to improve the knowledge about FA supplementation among women of reproductive age in the community. A better understanding of FA supplementation can lead to adherence to FA consumption and prevent NTDs among newborns.

Undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among adults in the urban field practice area of AIIMS Raipur: A community-based screening survey.

Introduction: Undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) increases the risk of severe consequences such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertensive retinopathy, heart failure, and stroke. Population-based screening can be used to expose the hidden diseased mass with active disease. Thus, a screening survey was conducted to estimate the proportion of people with HTN among apparently healthy adults of age ≥30 years residing at the urban field practice area (UHTC) of AIIMS, Raipur, and also determine the predictors of undiagnosed HTN among the study participants. Methodology: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted over 2 months duration in the Ramnagar area, which comes under the urban field practice area of AIIMS Raipur using the STEPS tool is an acronym of study tool provided by WHO i.e. STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance consisting of three steps viz. questionnaire for behavioural risk factors, physical measurements and biochemical measurements. Results: In this study, 24.2% (95%, confidence interval [CI]: 20.1-28.2) of participants screened positive for HTN. The proportion of males who screened positive for HTN was 28.8% (95% CI: 22.6-35), whereas the proportion of females who screened positive for HTN was 19.6% (95% CI: 14.3-25). In this study, elderly (>60 years), male gender, daily tobacco use, greater waist circumference (male >90 cm and female >80 cm), and daily salt intake of more than 5 g were found to have higher odds of having HTN. Conclusion: The prevalence of undiagnosed HTN in the UHTC of AIIMS Raipur was quite high.

Diiminic Schiff bases: an intriguing class of compounds for a copper-nanoparticle-induced fluorescence study.

The condensation products of salicylaldehyde and different diamines constitute an important class of diiminic Schiff bases (DSBs). This class of compounds has been rediscovered as reducing as well as capping agents under UV irradiation. UV irradiation of alkaline DSB solutions in the presence of water-soluble copper salts has been employed to produce copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). Intriguing CuNP-stimulated fluorescence behavior of the solution has been observed. Depending upon the nature of the spacer in between two iminic bonds, fluorescence enhancement or quenching is observed. Such surprising fluorescence contrast has been ascribed to far-field radiation and lossy surface waves.

Comparative assessment of factors affecting anxiety levels among adults attending online meditation sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic induced the governments around the world to impose harsher preventive measures like stay at home order, lock down etc., to contain the spread of infection. This measure increased the stress of the general population through isolation of masses, loss of employment, and loss of recreation. There is a dearth of quality data showing anxiety levels among the population and association of novel nonpharmaceutical measures such as online meditation with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional comparative study based on an online survey. The study population included 74 adult participants, out of which 30, included in the study group were attending structured online meditation sessions and 44 of the participants as a comparison group after matching age, gender, location of residence, and socioeconomic status. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was applied to ascertain factors contributing to the anxiety levels of the participants. RESULTS: Both the groups of participants were comparable in terms of their demographic characteristics. The mean generalized anxiety disorder (GAD 7) score among the participants of online meditation program was significantly lower as compared to those not attending any online meditation. 6.7% of the participants of online meditation had GAD 7 score more than 10 as compared to 13.6% among the comparison group (P value 0.7). CONCLUSION: "At home" mental health promotion measures such as structured online meditation can serve an important role in mitigating the mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the community. Further researches are needed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of such measures.

Vast gap in iodization from production to plate - Hurdles in achieving Universal Salt iodization in India.

Iodine deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in India and is one of the most important causes of preventable brain damage. Iodine deficiency disorders affect an individual's ability to work efficiently, which directly impacts the overall development and economic productivity of any nation. Global experiences have shown that salt fortification is the most effective way to control and reduce the burden of IDD in the community. Thirty-six years have passed since the declaration of universal salt iodization (USI) implementation in India by the Central Council of Health in 1983. However, iodine deficiency still remains a public health problem in the whole country.

Electrochemical aspects of coinage metal nanoparticles for catalysis and spectroscopy.

Down scaling bulk materials can cause colloidal systems to evolve into microscopically dispersed insoluble particles. Herein, we describe the interesting applications of coinage metal nanoparticles (MNPs) as colloid dispersions especially gold and silver. The rich plasmon bands of gold and silver in the visible range are elaborated using the plasmon resonance and redox potential values of grown metal microelectrode (GME). The gradation of their standard reduction potential values (E 0), as evaluated from the Gibbs free energy change for bulk metal, is ascribed to the variation in their size. Also, the effect of nucleophiles in the electrolytic cell with metal nanoparticles (MNPs) is described. The nucleophile-guided reduction potential value is considered, which is applicable even for bulk noble metals. Typically, a low value (as low as E 0 = +0.40 V) causes the oxidation of metals at the O2 (air)/H2O interface. Under this condition, the oxidation of noble metal particles and dissolution of the noble metal in water are demonstrated. Thus, metal dissolution as a function of the size of metal nanoparticles becomes eventful and demonstrable with the addition of a surfactant to the solution. Interestingly, the reversal of the nobility of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) microelectrodes at the water/electrode interface is confirmed from the evolution of normal and inverted 'core-shell' structures, exploiting visible spectrophotometry and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis. Subsequently, the effect of the size, shape, and facet- and support-selective catalysis of gold nanoparticles (NPs) and the effect of incident photons on current conversion without an applied potential are briefly discussed. Finally, the synergistic effect of the emissive behaviour of gold and silver clusters is productively exploited.