Assessment of hazardous radionuclide emission due to fly ash from fossil fuel combustion in industrial activities in India and its impact on public.

Traditionally coal has been extensively used as a dominating fossil fuel in a wide range of industries due to its abundance. In India, industries like thermal power plants, cement industries, iron, and steel industries along with many captive power plants consume a huge quantity of coal each year to meet energy demand. Coal combustion releases blackish-grey colored fly ash waste is one of the most imperative sources of radionuclides like Radium (226Ra), Thorium (232Th), Potassium (40K) and Uranium (238U). The estimated industrial fly ash is ∼308.416 Million Tonnes (MT) in 2019, considered as an emerging environmental problem. This study represents the first-ever radionuclide emission from Indian fly ash generated across various major industries. The results reveal that the estimated 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, and 40K radionuclides were estimated to be ∼27.473 TBq, ∼44.351 TBq, ∼41.089 TBq, and ∼111.091 TBq respectively. The potential radionuclide hotspot regions across the nation are identified, which could be used as an important tool to assess its impact on the chronic exposure of millions of residents living near these sources. Cleaner or green energy could be the best alternative to combat the unseen health disaster. More effective and safe utilization of fly ash can minimize the hazardous effect of radionuclides emission.

Microbial community in packed bed bioreactor involved in nitrate remediation from low level radioactive waste.

Nitrate is the second largest contaminant of agriculture soil after pesticides. It also is a major pollutant from nuclear and metallurgical operations. Conventional methods for nitrate removal suffers from high cost and complexity leaving bioremediation as a viable alternative strategy. A pilot plant of 2.5 m(3)/day capacity has been functioning since 2005 based on microbial consortia treating actual effluent from nuclear power plant having pH of 7-8.5 (optimum) with N:C ratio of 1:1.7. The maximum biodegradable nitrate concentration of 3000 ppm could be reduced to below permissible limit (44.2 ppm) within 24 h in presence of sodium acetate as carbon source. Culture independent analysis (16S rDNA based) revealed clones having closest identity with uncultured bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Azoarcus sp. The existence of dissimilatory pathway of nitrate reduction in the community DNA is indicated by presence of nirS and nirK gene. Though the microbial mass was developed using municipal sewage, absence of Mycobacterium sp was confirmed using PCR. The understanding of the molecular identification of the consortium would help in developing the preservation strategy of the microbial mass for replication and perpetuation of the system.

A hybridized red deer and rough set clinical information retrieval system for hepatitis B diagnosis.

Healthcare is a big concern in the current booming population. Many approaches for improving health are imposed, such as early disease identification, treatment, and prevention. Therefore, knowledge acquisition is highly essential at different stages of decision-making. Inferring knowledge from the information system, which necessitates multiple steps for extracting useful information, is one technique to address this problem. Handling uncertainty throughout data analysis is also another challenging task. Computer intelligence is a step forward to this end while selecting characteristics, classification, clustering, and developing clinical information retrieval systems. According to recent studies, swarm optimization is a useful technique for discovering key features while resolving real-world issues. However, it is ineffective in managing uncertainty. Conversely, a rough set helps a decision system generate decision rules. This produces decision rules without any additional information. In order to assess real-world information systems while managing uncertainties, a hybrid strategy that combines a rough set and red deer algorithm is presented in this research. In the red deer optimization algorithm, the suggested method selects the optimal characteristics in terms of the degree of dependence on the rough set. In order to determine the decision rules, further a rough set is used. The efficiency of the suggested model is also contrasted with that of the decision tree algorithm and the conventional rough set. An empirical study on hepatitis disease illustrates the viability of the proposed research as compared to the decision tree and crisp rough set. The proposed hybridization of rough set and red deer algorithm achieves an accuracy of 91.7% accuracy. The acquired accuracy for the decision tree, and rough set methods is 82.9%, and 88.9%, respectively. It suggests that the proposed research is viable.

Quantification and assessment of hazardous mercury emission from industrial process and other unattended sectors in India: A step towards mitigation.

Hazardous pollutants like Mercury (Hg) have emerged as a pressing challenge in recent times where the expanding industrial sector is regarded as the major source in developing country India. In this study, we are trying to identify all possible industrial sectors at district level to quantify Hg emission load across India for the year 2019 using IPCC methodology where the country-specific technological emission factors are used. We have included 5 major sectors out of which emission from coal combustion in thermal power plants accounts for 186.5 t/yr of Hg emission followed by non-ferrous metal production (88.3 t/yr), captive power plants (65.5 t/yr) and fly ash generation from various manufacturing industries (45.9 t/yr). A total of 459.4 t/yr of Hg is released into the ecosystem in 2019 with an uncertainty of ± 48%. This study also estimated that about 233 million people living in and around 10 km periphery of major industrial zones with as many as 17 million people residing near the 10 major hotspots are susceptible to hazardous Hg emissions directly or indirectly. This information would be quite useful in formulating future Hg emission control strategies in India. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Present study is the first-of-its-kind quantification of Hg emission load from the Industrial process and many unattended sectors over India, which will not only give an insight into potential hotspots regions across the country but also assess the population exposed to it. It will provide aid in tracking the mercury burden to match the international conventions. The findings suggest that about 233 million people are likely to be exposed to hazardous Hg emissions. It will also enlighten the government, policymakers, stakeholders and people about their mercury footprint and envision protecting the biomes and formulating future control strategies in India.

Molecular characterization of typing and subtyping of Staphylococcal cassette chromosome SCCmec types I to V in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from clinical isolates from COVID-19 patients.

Background and Objectives: Methicillin resistance is acquired by the bacterium due to mecA gene which codes for penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a) having low affinity for ß-lactam antibiotics. mecA gene is located on a mobile genetic element called staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). SCCmec genomic island comprises two site-specific recombinase genes namely ccrA and ccrB [cassette chromosome recombinase] accountable for mobility. Currently, SCCmec elements are classified into types I, II, III, IV and V based on the nature of the mec and ccr gene complexes and are further classified into subtypes according to variances in their J region DNA. SSCmec type IV has been found in community-acquired isolates with various genetic backgrounds. The present study was undertaken to categorize the types of SCCmec types and subtypes I, II, III, IVa, b, c, d, and V and PVL genes among clinical MRSA isolates from COVID-19 confirmed cases. Materials and Methods: Based on the Microbiological and Molecular (mecA gene PCR amplification) confirmation of MRSA isolated from 500 MRSA SCCmec clinical samples, 144 cultures were selected for multiplex analysis. The multiplex PCR method developed by Zhang et al. was adapted with some experimental alterations to determine the specific type of these isolates. Results: Of the total 500 MRSA, 144 MRSA (60 were CA-MRSA and 84 were HA-MRSA) were selected for characterization of novel multiplex PCR assay for SSCmec Types I to V in MRSA. Molecular characterization of multiplex PCR analysis revealed results compare to the phenotypic results. Of the 60 CA-MRSA; in 56 MRSA strains type IVa was found and significantly defined as CA-MRSA while 4 strains showed mixed gens subtypes. Type II, III, IA, and V were present in overall 84 HA-MRSA. Molecular subtyping was significantly correlated to define molecularly as CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA however 15 (10%) strains showed mixed genes which indicates the alarming finding of changing epidemiology of CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA as well. Conclusion: We have all witnessed of COVID-19 pandemic, and its mortality was mostly associated with co-morbid conditions and secondary infections of MDR pathogens. Rapid detections of causative agents of these superbugs with their changing epidemiology by investing in typing and subtyping clones are obligatory. We have described an assay designed for targeting SSCmec types and subtypes I, II, III, IVa,V according to the current updated SCCmec typing system. Changing patterns of molecular epidemiology has been observed by this newly described assay.

Design and evaluation of microporous membrane coated matrix tablets for a highly water soluble drug.

Microporous coated matrix tablet consists of a microporous membrane which is produced directly from a nonporous polymer coating during transit in the gastro-intestinal tract. In the present study, efforts have been made to develop and evaluate the in-vitro performance of a matrix embedded microporous controlled release system to deliver a drug with high aqueous solubility (> or =3 g/ml), high pK(a) (> or =9.0) and low molecular weight (<500 Da). The matrix embedded core tablets were prepared and coated using film former (2% w/w) and different pore formers (1-20% w/w of film former) such as plasticizer (PEG 4000), surfactant (Tween 80) and polysaccharide (Dextran) in a conventional coating pan. The tablets were evaluated for various physical parameters, coat tensile strength and in-vitro drug release characteristics. The ethyl cellulose films suppressed the initial burst effect in drug release more than cellulose acetate and polymethacrylates films. PEG 4000 was found to be most effective plasticizer and pore former in controlling drug release, followed by Tween 80 and dextran. The prepared formulations provided prolonged and zero-order drug release.

Differential interaction of cerium chloride with bovine liver catalase: A computational and biophysical study.

In this study, Cerium chloride-induced conformational changes of Bovine Liver Catalase (BLC) has been investigated by molecular docking and further supported by various biophysical techniques. The temporal change of catalytic activity of BLC has also been studied in presence of Ce(III) with different buffer solution in vitro at 25 °C. The differential binding of Ce(III) to BLC observed by simulation study was well supported by the differential regulation of BLC activity in different buffers. After 1 h of incubation with CeCl3, the reduction in activity of BLC was maximum in MOPS, HEPES and Tris buffer, whereas no change in activity was noticed in phosphate buffer. Isothermal Titration Calorimetric (ITC) study also supports the differential binding of Ce(III) to BLC in different buffers. Ce(III)-induced conformational transition in BLC was followed as a function of concentration. Nevertheless, with 24 h incubation of CeCl3 the activity of BLC was highest with higher molar concentration of CeCl3 suggesting the conformational stability of BLC in presence of Ce(III). The compromised activity of BLC in response to Ce(III) is due to the induced conformational change and the degree of change in secondary conformation of BLC was maximum in MOPS, HEPES and Tris and least in phosphate buffer. Therefore, the reduced activity of BLC is controlled by the direct interaction of Ce(III) in the active site of BLC in Tris buffer or indirect interaction of Ce(III) in the non-active site of BLC in MOPS and HEPES buffer.

Antibacterial Loaded Spray Dried Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Complexes as Dry Powder Aerosol for the Treatment of Lung Infections.

Inhalation delivery of aerosolized antibacterials is preferred over conventional methods of delivery for targeting lung infection. The present study is concerned with the development and characterization of a novel, spray dried, aerosolized, chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) based microparticles containing antibacterials for the treatment of lung infections. Chitosan polyelectrolyte complex microparticles were formulated by spray drying process. Prepared spray dried chitosan PEC microparticles were studied for surface morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, Carr's index, solid state interaction by XRD, aerosolization behaviour and in-vitro drug release. In-vitro cytotoxicity studies of microparticles were carried out on H1299 alveolar cell lines. Antibacterial efficacy of microparticles was assessed on the basis of determination of pharmacokinetic parameters in bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) of rats using PK/PD analysis. The PEC microparticles were mostly spherical and exhibited high drug encapsulation efficiency. Release profiles showed an initial burst phase followed by a secondary sustained release phase. Good aerosolization behaviour as dry powder inhaler was demonstrated by microparticles with high values of recovered dose, emitted dose, and fine particle fraction. No overt cytotoxicity of microparticles was detected against H1299 alveolar cell line. More than 8 to 9 folds higher Cmax values were obtained in BAL fluid with microparticles as compared to intravenously administered antibacterial solution. The findings of the study suggest that chitosan polyelectrolyte complex based microparticles as dry powder inhaler can be an efficient antibacterial delivery system for sustained and effective management of lung infection.

Formulation optimization and characterization of spray dried microparticles for inhalation delivery of doxycycline hyclate.

The local delivery of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases is an attractive alternative to deliver high concentration of antimicrobials directly to the lungs and minimize systemic side effects. In this study, inhalable microparticles containing doxycycline hyclate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, leucine and lactose were prepared by spray drying of aqueous ethanol formulations. Box-Behnken design was used to study the influence of various independent variables such as polymer concentration, leucine concentration, ethanol concentration and inlet temperature of the spray dryer on microparticle characteristics. The microparticles were characterized in terms of particle morphology, drug excipient interaction, yield, entrapment efficiency, Carr's index, moisture content, thermal properties, X-ray powder diffraction, aerosolization performance and in vitro drug release. The effect of independent variables on spray dryer outlet temperature was also studied. The overall shape of the particles was found to be spherical like doughnuts in the size range of 1.16-5.2 µm. The optimized formulation (sodium carboxymethylcellulose concentration 14% w/v, leucine concentration 33% w/v, ethanol concentration 36% v/v, inlet temperature of 140°C) exhibited the following properties: yield 56.69%, moisture content 3.86%, encapsulation efficiency 61.74%, theoretical aerodynamic diameter 3.11 µm and Carr's index 23.5% at an outlet temperature 77°C. The powders generated were of a suitable mass median aerodynamic diameter (4.89 µm) with 49.3% fine particle fraction and exhibited a sustained drug release profile in vitro.

Polymer based solutions of bupranolol hydrochloride for intranasal systemic delivery.

The present study was aimed at developing intranasal polymer based solutions as alternative route for systemic delivery of Bupranolol hydrochloride (BPH). It is a potent ß-blocker drug which upon oral administration undergoes extremely high hepatic first-pass metabolism (>90% in humans). The polymeric solutions were prepared using varying concentrations of polymers like sodium alginate, chitosan, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose (MC), polyvinyl alcohol, carbopol, hydroxypropyl MC, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. The prepared formulations were evaluated in terms of pH of the solution, angular viscosity, drug content, gel strength, gelation temperature, in vitro drug release, in vivo pharmacodynamic studies, histopathological, and stability studies. Except MC based solutions, a biphasic pattern of drug release was obtained in all other cases. Nasal administration of selected batches of polymeric solutions were found to be nontoxic and were able to improve drug bioavailability when compared to oral, nasal, and intravenous solution administrations of BPH.

Design and evaluation of bioadhesive in-situ nasal gel of ketorolac tromethamine.

The present study was aimed at developing safe and effective bioadhesive gelling systems of ketorolac tromethamine, a potent non-narcotic analgesic with moderate anti-inflammatory activity for nasal systemic delivery. Chitosan and pectin based gelling systems were prepared with variables like polymer concentration and type. These systems were characterized in terms of their physical properties, in vitro bioadhesion, in vitro drug release and long-term stability. The anti-inflammatory activity and mucosal irritancy of selected gels were also evaluated in rats and these results were compared with per oral, intraperitoneal and nasal solution administration of ketorolac tromethamine. All the prepared formulations gelled immediately at the nasal mucosal pH and showed longer contact time. Addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in both chitosan and pectin based gelling systems increased the viscosity and gel strength. All the formulated gels exhibited pseudoplastic rheology and diffusion-controlled drug release. The results from stability studies revealed that the prepared thermogels showed marginal decrease in viscosity but at the same time, no significant difference in drug content, and in vitro release characteristics were observed before and after accelerated studies. The developed gelling systems produced only mild to negligible irritant effect to nasal mucosae as compared to control group.