A Study to Assess the Impact of Education on the Knowledge and Attitude Toward Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Among Female Healthcare Students.

Background Cervical cancer ranks among the top five cancers in India, with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 causing up to 70% of related lesions. HPV infection, acquired through various routes, poses risks for both men and women, especially in the age group of 16 to 25 years. Effective prevention is possible through HPV vaccination, with Cervarix and Gardasil approved for use in India. Despite its proven efficacy, HPV vaccine use remains minimal. This study aims to evaluate awareness, willingness, and barriers among female healthcare students while assessing the impact of a health education program on their knowledge and attitude. Methods The present study is an educational interventional study conducted on 489 female students in the healthcare sector in the age group of 19-25 years. Two questionnaires (pre-lecture and post-lecture) were used. After the pre-lecture questionnaire, a session on cervical cancer and vaccine education was delivered by the subject expert. Afterward, the post-lecture questionnaire was given and the impact of session was analyzed using various statistical tools. Result A total of 489 students across MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery), BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery), paramedical, and nursing courses participated in the study. Prior to the lecture, knowledge regarding cervical cancer and vaccines was generally low across subgroups, witnessing improvements ranging from 60% to 100% in various questionnaire sections post-education. Understanding of the importance of a Pap smear (Papanicolaou test) increased significantly from 21% to 79% after the educational session. The most preferred measure to boost coverage was the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Schedule, with lack of awareness identified as the most significant barrier. Conclusion An educational session not only enhances knowledge but also boosts willingness for cervical cancer vaccination. Inclusion of the vaccine in the National Immunization Schedule not only increases acceptability but also indirectly raises awareness.

Biodecolorization and biodegradation of Reactive Green 12 textile industry dye and their post-degradation phytotoxicity-genotoxicity assessments.

The employment of versatile bacterial strains for the efficient degradation of carcinogenic textile dyes is a sustainable technology of bioremediation for a neat, clean, and evergreen globe. The present study has explored the eco-friendly degradation of complex Reactive Green 12 azo dye to its non-toxic metabolites for safe disposal in an open environment. The bacterial degradation was performed with the variable concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, and 500 mg/L) of Reactive Green 12 dye. The degradation and toxicity of the dye were validated by high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis, and phytotoxicity and genotoxicity assay, respectively. The highest 97.8% decolorization was achieved within 12 h. Alternations in the peaks and retentions, thus, along with modifications in the functional groups and chemical bonds, confirmed the degradation of Reactive Green 12. The disappearance of a major peak at 1450 cm-1 corresponding to the -N=N- azo link validated the breaking of azo bonds and degradation of the parent dye. The 100% germination of Triticum aestivum seed and healthy growth of plants verified the lost toxicity of degraded dye. Moreover, the chromosomal aberration of Allium cepa root cell treatment also validated the removal of toxicity through bacterial degradation. Thereafter, for efficient degradation of textile dye, the bacterium is recommended for adaptation to the sustainable degradation of dye and wastewater for further application of degraded metabolites in crop irrigation for sustainable agriculture.

Air pollution and its effects on lung health in never-smoker youth of Delhi NCR versus Pauri Garhwal: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Background: Ambient air pollution is a major factor that can affect lung growth and reduce lung capacity. This study aims at drawing parallel between respiratory discomfort and lung function between youth of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) where air pollution level is poor and hazardous as compared to that of Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand) where air pollution level is low via a comparative cross-sectional study. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 354 never-smoker subjects (177 from NCR and 177 from Pauri) between the ages of 15 and 29 years. Pulmonary Function Test coupled with COPD Assessment Test (CAT)-based questionnaire for respiratory problems helped elicit information regarding lung health of subjects. Results: Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow 25-75%, FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate were lower by 12.9%, 17%, 5%, 7.8%, and 7.3%, respectively, in NCR participants as compared to that of Pauri. Upon spirometry, restrictive pattern was present in 40 (22.6%), and obstructive pattern was present in 9 (5.1%) of NCR participants. Out of these, nine (5.1%) having obstructive pattern, five (55.6%) had 50% ≤ FEV1<80%, and four (44.4%) had 30% ≤ FEV1<50% of predicted value. Neither restrictive nor obstructive pattern was found evident in subjects from Pauri. The mean CAT score in subjects from NCR was 5.2 ± 4.9 and .46 ± 1.1 in subjects from Pauri. Conclusion: Subjects belonging to NCR performed poorly in spirometry and reported higher respiratory complaints in comparison to participants from Pauri Garhwal.

Adult Children's Migration and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Nepali Adults.

Traditionally, adult children have served as primary caretakers and providers for older Nepali adults. However, out-migration of adult children for employment and other opportunities is increasing. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older Nepali adults in general and in the context of adult children's migration is poorly understood. This study aims to assess HRQOL of older Nepali adults and its relationship with adult children's migration. We used existing cross-sectional survey data on 260 older adults from Krishnapur municipality, which has witnessed a high rate of adult migration. HRQOL, quantified using the SF-12 scale, is expressed in terms of a physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component. A higher PCS and MCS score, each ranging from 0 to 100, indicates better physical and mental health, respectively. The correlates of HRQOL were assessed in simple and multiple linear regression. Participants had suboptimal HRQOL [mean (± SD): PCS = 40.4 ± 9.2 and MCS = 45.2 ± 7.7]. After adjusting for covariates, adult children's migration was associated with lower MCS scores (ß: -2.33, 95%CI: -4.21, -0.44). Individuals with more than one child had higher MCS scores (ß: 2.14, 95%CI: 0.19, 4.09). Females (ß: -3.64, 95%CI: -7.21, -0.06) and those with a history of unemployment (ß: -6.36, 95%CI: -10.57, -2.15) had lower PCS scores than their respective counterparts. The presence of chronic conditions was associated with significantly lower PCS and MCS scores. Our findings suggest that adult children's migration may negatively affect HRQOL among older Nepali adults, specifically their psychological well-being. Further research investigating potential moderating factors that may serve as important buffers is needed.

Effect of nutrition education intervention on nutrition knowledge, attitude, and diet quality among school-going adolescents: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition education is being used to encourage school adolescents to adopt healthy eating habits. To the best of our knowledge, very little study has been undertaken in Nepal to examine the effectiveness of nutrition education programs. This study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge, attitude, and diet quality among school-going adolescents in selected private schools in Nepal. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 226 students aged 12 - 19 years of two selected private schools in Banepa municipality of Nepal. Students (n = 113) from the first school were assigned to intervention and the same number of students from the second school were enrolled in the study as the control. Over 12 weeks, students in the intervention group received one hour of nutrition education in the form of mini-lectures and interactive discussions, whilst students in the control group received no education. The student's two-sample t-test was used to compare two groups and to assess the effectiveness of the nutrition education program. RESULTS: Between the intervention and control group, the magnitude of difference in knowledge score was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.11 - 2.49), emotional eating was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.42 - 1.54), uncontrolled eating was 3.60 (95% CI: 2.10 - 5.09), and cognitive restraint of eating was 2.26 (95% CI: 1.51 - 3.01). CONCLUSIONS: A tailored health education intervention was found to be effective in increase nutritional knowledge and attitude among school-going adolescents. Adopting nutrition education interventions as part of public health school intervention builds positive knowledge, attitudes, and healthy eating habits in school-going adolescents.

A systematic review on multipotent carcinogenic agent, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), its major risk assessment, and precautions.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) as a possible carcinogen and mutagenic substances, placing it in category 2A of compounds that are probably harmful to humans. It is found in nature and tobacco smoke, along with its precursors, and is also synthesized endogenously in the human body. The oral or parenteral administration of a minimal quantity of NDEA results in severe liver and kidney organ damage. The NDEA required bioactivation by CYP450 enzyme to form DNA adduct in the alkylation mechanism. Thus, this bioactivation directs oxidative stress and injury to cells due to the higher formation of reactive oxygen species and alters antioxidant system in tissues, whereas free radical scavengers guard the membranes from NDEA-directed injury in many enzymes. This might be one of the reasons in the etiology of cancer that is not limited to a certain target organ but can affect various organs and organ systems. Although there are various possible approaches for the treatment of NDEA-induced cancer, their therapeutic outcomes are still very dismal. However, several precautions were considered to be taken during handling or working with NDEA, as it considered being the best way to lower down the occurrence of NDEA-directed cancers. The present review was designed to enlighten the general guidelines for working with NDEA, possible mechanism, to alter the antioxidant line to cause malignancy in different parts of animal body along with its protective agents. Thus, revelation to constant, unpredictable stress situations even in common life may remarkably augment the toxic potential through the rise in the oxidative stress and damage of DNA.

Prospecting the Potential of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms for Mitigating Drought Stress in Crop Plants.

Drought is a global phenomenon affecting plant growth and productivity, the severity of which has impacts around the whole world. A number of approaches, such as agronomic, conventional breeding, and genetic engineering, are followed to increase drought resilience; however, they are often time consuming and non-sustainable. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms are used worldwide to mitigate drought stress in crop plants. These microorganisms exhibit multifarious traits, which not only help in improving plant and soil health, but also demonstrate capabilities in ameliorating drought stress. The present review highlights various adaptive strategies shown by these microbes in improving drought resilience, such as modulation of various growth hormones and osmoprotectant levels, modification of root morphology, exopolysaccharide production, and prevention of oxidative damage. Gene expression patterns providing an adaptive edge for further amelioration of drought stress have also been studied in detail. Furthermore, the practical applications of these microorganisms in soil are highlighted, emphasizing their potential to increase crop productivity without compromising long-term soil health. This review provides a comprehensive coverage of plant growth-promoting microorganisms-mediated drought mitigation strategies, insights into gene expression patterns, and practical applications, while also guiding future research directions.

Intracellular Iron Accumulation Induces Inflammatory and Oxidative Status of the Host After Japanese Encephalitis Viral Infection.

The factors mitigating the microglia/macrophage activation and inflammatory damage in Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus infected CNS are still being ascertained. We aim to characterize the changes in iron transporter and iron storage proteins along with inflammatory and oxidative stress-mediated signaling during the JE viral infection. Cortical tissue samples from mice with JE viral infection were processed for biochemical, histological, and molecular analysis. Iron storage protein, i.e., ferritin, was found significantly increased post-JE viral infection, and iron accumulation was noted in cortical tissue. Key proinflammatory associated markers, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and its regulator TLR4, were found to be increased, while SOCS1 (anti-inflammatory regulator) transcription decreased with increased levels of oxidative stress markers NOX2-mediated NF-ΚB/p65 and protein carbonyl. Furthermore, it is noted that hepcidin level increased and ferroportin level decreased, and iron transporter gene expression got imbalanced after JE viral infection. This observation was further confirmed by deferoxamine (DFO) treatment to JE viral infection mice model, where the decline in hepcidin transcription level and iron load in cortical tissue of JE viral infected animals was noted. However, no change was found in the ferroportin level compared to JE viral infected animals. Together, these findings suggest that iron overload and hepcidin-ferroportin regulation are involved in JE viral infection disease pathologies and associated with the inflammatory and oxidative status of the host during infection.

Assessing the efficacy of phyllospheric growth-promoting and antagonistic bacteria for management of black rot disease of cauliflower incited by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris.

The study aimed to assess the potential of phyllospheric bacterial strains isolated from cauliflower plants as biocontrol agents against black rot disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, through both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. A total of 46 bacterial strains were isolated from healthy and infected cauliflower leaves of both resistant and susceptible plants, and evaluated them for various traits, including plant growth-promoting activities and in vitro antagonistic activity against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Further, a pot experiment was conducted with the susceptible cauliflower genotype (Pusa Sharad) and 10 selected phyllospheric bacterial isolates to assess their biocontrol efficacy against the disease. The results showed that 82.60% of phyllospheric bacterial isolates were positive for phosphate solubilization, 63.04% for ammonia production, 58.69% for HCN production, 36.95% for siderophore production, and 78.26% had the capacity to produce IAA. Out of the 46 isolates, 23 exhibited in vitro antagonistic activity against X. campestris pv. campestris and 10 isolates were selected for a pot experiment under glasshouse conditions based on their good plant growth-promoting activities and antagonistic assay. The results revealed that bacterial isolate CFLB-27 exhibited the highest biocontrol efficiency (65.41%), followed by CFLB-24 (58.30%), CFLB-31 (47.11%), and CFLB-26 (46.03%). These four isolates were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens CFLB-27, Bacillus velezensis CFLB-24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CFLB-31, and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila CFLB-26. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of phyllospheric bacteria as an effective tool for disease management in sustainable agriculture.

Effectiveness of a dietician-led intervention in reducing glycated haemoglobin among people with type 2 diabetes in Nepal: a single centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Nutrition education and counselling are considered a cornerstone for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is limited research related to the management of T2D through dietary approach, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. This study assessed the effectiveness of a dietician-led dietary intervention in reducing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among people with T2D. Methods: An open-label, two-armed, hospital-based, randomised controlled trial was conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Participants were randomly assigned to either dietician-led dietary intervention group (n = 78) or usual care control group (n = 78). People with type 2 diabetes with HbA1c >6.5% and aged 24-64 years were included in the study. The primary outcome was a change in HbA1c level over six months, and secondary outcomes included changes in biochemical and clinical parameters, Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) score, diabetic knowledge, dietary adherence, and macronutrient intake level. Data were analysed using an intention-to-treat approach. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04267367. Findings: Between August 15, 2021 and February 25, 2022, 156 people with type 2 diabetes were recruited for the study, of which 136 participants completed the trial. At six months of follow-up, compared to baseline values, the mean HbA1c (%) level decreased in the intervention group by 0.48 (95% CI: -0.80 to -0.16), while it increased in the control group by 0.22 (95% CI: -0.21 to 0.66). In an adjusted model, the reduction in HbA1c (%) levels for the intervention was 0.61 (95% CI: -1.04 to -0.17; p = 0.006). In addition, fasting blood glucose was decreased by 18.96 mg/dL (95% CI: -36.12 to -1.81; p = 0.031) after the intervention. The intervention resulted in the reduction of BMI, waist and hip circumference, PAID score, dietary adherence, and macronutrient intake in the intervention group compared to the control group. Interpretation: The dietician-led intervention improved glycaemic control, improved macronutrient intake, and clinical outcomes among people with type 2 diabetes. The dietician-led intervention may be considered for diabetes management in LMICs. Funding: The research was funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Nepal.

Unveiling novel insights into haloarchaea (Halolamina pelagica CDK2) for alleviation of drought stress in wheat.

Plant growth promoting microorganisms have various implications for plant growth and drought stress alleviation; however, the roles of archaea have not been explored in detail. Herein, present study was aimed for elucidating potential of haloarchaea (Halolamina pelagica CDK2) on plant growth under drought stress. Results showed that haloarchaea inoculated wheat plants exhibited significant improvement in total chlorophyll (100%) and relative water content (30.66%) compared to the uninoculated water-stressed control (30% FC). The total root length (2.20-fold), projected area (1.60-fold), surface area (1.52-fold), number of root tips (3.03-fold), number of forks (2.76-fold) and number of links (1.45-fold) were significantly higher in the inoculated plants than in the uninoculated water stressed control. Additionally, the haloarchaea inoculation resulted in increased sugar (1.50-fold), protein (2.40-fold) and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (1.93- fold), ascorbate peroxidase (1.58-fold), catalase (2.30-fold), peroxidase (1.77-fold) and glutathione reductase (4.70-fold), while reducing the accumulation of proline (46.45%), glycine betaine (35.36%), lipid peroxidation (50%), peroxide and superoxide radicals in wheat leaves under water stress. Furthermore, the inoculation of haloarchaea significantly enhanced the expression of stress-responsive genes (DHN, DREB, L15, and TaABA-8OH) and wheat vegetative growth under drought stress over the uninoculated water stressed control. These results provide novel insights into the plant-archaea interaction for plant growth and stress tolerance in wheat and pave the way for future research in this area.

Structural characterisation of bioactive compounds of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. using advanced analytical technique like FT-IR, GC-MS and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

The present investigation was carried out to characterise bioactive components from G. senegalensis by using Fourier-transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of > CH2, -CH3, C = C-C, C-H, C-F, C = C, -C = N-, C-C = N-, and -OH functional groups. The 1H-NMR spectrum revealed the presence of structures of four bioactive compounds i.e. tetratetracontana derivative, ß-carotene, amyrin, and terpineol. GC-MS revealed the presence of different types of high and low molecular weight chemical entities with varying quantities including volatile and essential oil, monoterpenoid, tetraterpenoid, carotenoid, terpenoid, triterpenes, and nortriterpenes. From the results, it could be concluded that G. senegalensis contains various bioactive compounds of biological and pharmacological importance. Overall, this study will provide insight into the characterisation and development of drugs from medicinal plants.

Awareness of Cervical Cancer, Risk Perception, and Practice of Pap Smear Test among Young Adult Women of Dhulikhel Municipality, Nepal.

Background: Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer remains an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. However, there is limited evidence regarding awareness and practice of screening for cervical cancer among women in resource-poor settings like Nepal. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness of cervical cancer, risk perception, and practice of Pap smear tests among adult women of Dhulikhel municipality of Kavreplanchowk district in Nepal. Methodology. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 women (aged 18-45 years) residing across the Dhulikhel municipality of Nepal. Systematic random sampling method with face-to-face interviews was conducted to collect data. A descriptive analysis was performed to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The chi-square test was used to determine the factors associated with risk perception and participants' demographic characteristics. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 30.7 ± 7.9 years. This study found that around 55% and 38% of women had heard about cervical cancer and Pap smear test, respectively. Of those who had heard of the Pap test, only 37.6% had ever practiced the test. Similarly, 33.2% and 12.1% knew about the correct age group and time interval to perform the Pap test, respectively. Among those who had heard about cervical cancer, nearly 57% had positive perceptions toward cervical cancer. In addition, risk perception of cervical cancer was found to be associated with participant age, family type, and marital status. Conclusion: The women had inadequate knowledge and practice of cervical cancer and Pap smear test. This study concluded the need for a context-specific and effective health awareness program to promote preventive measures for cervical cancer and enhance the practice of Pap smear test in the community.

VOCs emission from a final landfill cover system induced by ground surface air temperature and barometric pressure fluctuation.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission flux and their concentration profiles were measured at a final municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill cover in Hangzhou, China. The influencing parameters, especially ground surface air temperature and pressure were monitored concomitantly. Furthermore, a numerical model incorporating coupled thermo-hydro-chemical interaction to assess VOCs emission from this final landfill cover (LFC) system was developed and validated with the field test results. The tested total VOC emission flux from the final cover is 0.0124 µg/m2/s, which indicates that the total amount of VOCs emitted into the atmosphere is 391 mg/m2 annually. Among these, dichloromethane (DCM) dominated VOCs emission flux during May, comprising 51.8% of the total emission flux. The numerical simulation results indicated that the diffusive emission flux of VOCs varied consistently with the fluctuation of atmospheric temperature. Whereas, the advective flux varied inversely with the fluctuation of barometric pressure. The highest difference in diffusive emission flux induced by temperature variation is 183 µg/m2/day and occurred in spring. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the impact of atmospheric temperature and pressure fluctuation on the emission of VOC from final covers is non-negligible when reasonably assessing the risks of landfill and landfill gas emission budget.

Electronic, optical and spectroscopic properties of N-dialkyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (CNMIM.PF6) ionic liquid crystal molecules investigated by computational methods.

In this present work, we calculate the electronic, spectroscopic and nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of N-dialkyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (CNMIM.PF6, where N = 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) ionic liquid crystal molecules under the effect of alkyl chain length variation in cation moiety [CNMIM]+ with fixed anion [PF6]-. CONTEXT: The majority of research on ionic liquid crystal to date has been focused on experiments, while theoretical studies on the optical properties of ionic liquid crystal have been extremely rare. Nonlinear phenomena in optical devices have attracted many researchers. Therefore, results of NLO properties may favor facile synthesis and fabrication of novel-type of materials as well as optoelectronic devices. Spectroscopic studies elucidate further insight into ionic liquid crystal behavior. The results demonstrate that variations in alkyl chain length have an impact on the conformers' electrical, spectroscopic, and NLO properties as well as their stability. The stability of ionic liquid crystal molecules increases with increase in the alkyl chain length and the energy band gap range is 6.64-6.29 eV. Understanding ionic liquid crystal's physical behavior requires an understanding of their dipole moments and NLO features, which are covered in this article. The results of NLO characteristics for all ionic liquid crystal molecules show that their first-order hyperpolarizabilities are higher than the reference molecule (urea). METHODS: The electronic (molecular energy band gap, electrostatic potential map, as well as HOMO-LUMO orbitals) and spectroscopic (IR-RAMAN, UV) properties were evaluated with the help of theoretical model at B3LYP/6-31G(d) while the NLO study has been performed using B3LYP and M06-2X with different basis sets 6-31G(d) and 6-311++G(d,p), as implemented in Gaussian09 software.

Management of proximal tibial stress fracture associated with advanced knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Tibial stress fracture associated with knee osteoarthritis is an unusual and difficult clinical scenario. There is no clear existing treatment guideline for this uncommon clinical disease. The aim of this study is to review the impact of various treatment options for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis associated with proximal tibial stress fracture. METHODS: The study was performed using the databases of PubMed and Scopus. Methodological index for non-randomized studies score was used to evaluate the included studies' bias. The concluded data included the treatment approach, reported outcome measure, and time to fracture union. The literature search was started in December 2021 and accomplished at January 2022. A narrative description of the different methods and comparison of their results were done. RESULTS: Out of total assessed 69 studies, 9 studies were included in our review. The commonest treatment approach used was total knee arthroplasty by long tibial stem extension. The mean preoperative knee society score and knee functional score were 30.62 and 23.17, respectively. The mean postoperative knee society knee score was 86.87, while the functional score was 83.52. The average reported time to achieve fracture union was 4 months (ranging 2.07-5.50 months). CONCLUSION: The optimal clinical outcome for treating either acute or mobile tibial stress fracture in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis can be achieved with long stem total knee arthroplasty. However, due to heterogeneity of data, comparison of different treatment options for chronic proximal tibial stress fracture mal-union/non-union coexisting with knee osteoarthritic and such inferences need to be judged cautiously.

Effect of ultrasonication conditions on polyethylene microplastics sourced from landfills: A precursor study to establish guidelines for their extraction from environmental matrices.

Establishing concentration of microplastics (MPs), designated as CMP, in aqueous, semi-solid and solid samples originating from unscientifically created landfills/dumpsites (UCLDs) and engineered landfills (ELFs) is of utmost importance to assess their impact on the geoenvironment. However, the accuracy of CMP will be guided by the extraction efficiency of MPs from these samples. The extraction of MPs from semi-solid and solid samples of UCLDs/ELFs would be cumbersome, mainly due to their trapping in solid aggregates (including organic matter). Such aggregates need to be dispersed to release the MPs, which can be achieved through the assistance of ultrasonication (US) in the presence of an appropriate dispersing agent. However, mere dispersion of solid aggregates during the US might not result in the complete release of MPs adhered (AMPs) to MPs native (NMPs) to these samples. This is because MPs would adhere to the surface of the adjacent ones due to various physical-mechanical-thermal-chemical processes that prevail in landfills. Hence, guidelines for US-assisted extraction of MPs should be developed by considering an approach that would ensure (i) cleaning of NMPs' surface and (ii) release of AMPs without damaging the former. This necessitates understanding the influence of US parameters such as energy applied (Eus), time (tus) and direct/indirect exposure of NMPs from landfills that would control CMP. In this context, the influence of above mentioned US parameters on the (i) surface cleaning of polyethylene NMPs and (ii) release of AMPs and their concentrations (CAMP) was investigated. It was observed that Eus equal to 500 kJ/L during the indirect method of US would result in surface cleaning of NMPs and complete release of AMPs without damaging the farmer's structure. The present work acts as a precursor study to establish the guidelines for the US-assisted extraction of MPs in environmental samples. Also, a generalized relationship between Eus and CAMP, which can be employed to study the impact of landfill type on the release of MPs during the US was developed.

Sequestration of histidine kinases by non-cognate response regulators establishes a threshold level of stimulation for bacterial two-component signaling.

Bacterial two-component systems (TCSs) consist of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) that perceives a specific signal, and a cognate response regulator (RR) that modulates the expression of target genes. Positive autoregulation improves TCS sensitivity to stimuli, but may trigger disproportionately large responses to weak signals, compromising bacterial fitness. Here, we combine experiments and mathematical modelling to reveal a general design that prevents such disproportionate responses: phosphorylated HKs (HK~Ps) can be sequestered by non-cognate RRs. We study five TCSs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and find, for all of them, non-cognate RRs that show higher affinity than cognate RRs for HK~Ps. Indeed, in vitro assays show that HK~Ps preferentially bind higher affinity non-cognate RRs and get sequestered. Mathematical modelling indicates that this sequestration would introduce a 'threshold' stimulus strength for eliciting responses, thereby preventing responses to weak signals. Finally, we construct tunable expression systems in Mycobacterium bovis BCG to show that higher affinity non-cognate RRs suppress responses in vivo.

Isolated pulmonary hemorrhage after electric shock: a rare phenomenon.

Any type of contact with electricity of low or high voltage can cause injury to the human body, with a variable effect on the body. Low-voltage injury is quite common worldwide, but there is very little information present in the available literature. The degree of organ damage depends on many factors, which include the duration of electric current exposure, current type, and nature of the affected tissue. The most common presentations are muscle injury, hyperkalemia, pulmonary edema, and rarely isolated diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. We present a case of bilateral pulmonary hemorrhage due to electric shock with no visible signs of damage to the chest wall when exposed to a 220 V shock. The diagnosis was confirmed by fresh hemoptysis, chest imaging that showed bilateral perihilar ground glass opacities, and bronchoscopy findings. Given a life-threatening condition, a timely diagnosis is required, as massive hemoptysis can occlude the airways, leading to hypoxia and mortality.