Fluorescence Quenching and the Chamber of Nitroaromatics: A Dinaphthoylated Oxacalix[4]arene's (DNOC) Adventure Captured through Computational and Experimental Study.

This research presents the application of Dinaphthoylated Oxacalix[4]arene (DNOC) as a novel fluorescent receptor for the purpose of selectively detecting nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). The characterization of DNOC was conducted through the utilization of spectroscopic methods, including 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS. The receptor demonstrated significant selectivity in acetonitrile towards several nitroaromatic analytes, such as MNA, 2,4-DNT, 2,3-DNT, 1,3-DNB, 2,6-DNT, and 4-NT. This selectivity was validated by the measurement of emission spectra. The present study focuses on the examination of binding constants, employing Stern-Volmer analysis, as well as the determination of the lowest detection limit (3σ/Slope) and fluorescence quenching. These investigations aim to provide insights into the inclusion behavior of DNOC with each of the six analytes under fluorescence spectra investigation. Furthermore, the selectivity trend of the ligand DNOC for NAC detection is elucidated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations conducted using the Gaussian 09 software. The examination of energy gaps existing between molecular orbitals, namely the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), provides a valuable understanding of electron-transfer processes and electronic interactions. Smaller energy gaps are indicative of heightened selectivity resulting from favorable electron-transfer processes, whereas bigger gaps suggest less selectivity attributable to weaker electronic contacts. This work integrates experimental and computational methodologies to provide a full understanding of the selective binding behavior of DNOC. As a result, DNOC emerges as a viable chemical sensor for detecting nitroaromatic explosives.

Impact of Primary Tumor Variables on Predicting Nodal Metastasis in Lower Extremity Marjolin's Ulcer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Marjolin's ulcer or scar carcinoma is a rare disease arising from the conversion of chronic scar into malignancy. Studies show Marjolin's ulcer squamous cell carcinoma has more chances of lymph nodal metastasis and is more aggressive with a worse survival rate. To date, no established guidelines exist for managing regional lymph nodes in cases of Marjolin's ulcer with clinically N0 nodes. Observation vs elective node dissection remains an option. In developing countries, long-term follow-up is not consistently leading to the risk of patients being kept on observation for regional nodes; presenting late with inoperable regional nodes is possible. This study aims to identify clinicopathological factors of lower extremity Marjolin's ulcer, which are associated with a high risk of inguinal lymph node metastasis. Identifying such risk factors may help provide a rationale for performing elective nodal dissection instead of observation in high-risk cases. Material and methods All clinically N0 lower extremity Marjolin's ulcer cases, more than 3 cm in size, treated at King George's Medical University, India, during the last five years, have been included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data of eligible patients were retrieved from institutional records. Various clinical and pathological factors were studied and correlated with lymph node positivity, and the strength of the correlation was tested using statistical methods. Factors correlated strongly with inguinal lymph node positivity were identified as high-risk factors. Results A total of 66 patients with lower extremity Marjolin's ulcer had no preoperative pathologically confirmed inguinal lymph nodes documented by ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology. All patients underwent surgery for primary, followed by elective, inguinal lymph nodal dissection. The majority were males (n=51/66; 71%), and the most common age group was 30-50 years (n=40/66; 60%). The leg was the most common site (n=31/66; 47%). The least common site was below the ankle (n=14/66; 22%). Maximum dimension ranged from 3 cm to >15 cm, with the majority between 6 and 10 cm (n=40/66; 56%). Extension beyond the scar site was present in 24% (n=15/66) of patients. Most of the lesions in this study were well differentiated, 85% (n=56/66), and moderately differentiated, 15% (n=10/66), and none of the lesions was poorly differentiated. Perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, tumor necrosis, and extension below subcutaneous tissue were present in 82%, 14%, 28%, and 26%, respectively. Of 66 patients, 21.2% (n=14/66) had pathological nodal disease after elective nodal dissection. Perineural invasion (p<0.0001), depth of lesion (p<0.0001), and tumor necrosis (p=0.0002) had a statistically significant correlation with node metastasis. On ROC curve analysis, 7.5 cm was the cut-off size, above which chances of nodal metastasis increased significantly. Conclusions Marjolin's ulcer patients with no preoperative positive nodes may be segregated into high-risk and low-risk groups as per their risk of harboring cancer cells in regional lymph nodes. Those having one or more of the following risk factors should be classified as high risk: dimension more than 7.5 cm, presence of perineural invasion, tumor necrosis, and deep tumors extending below subcutaneous tissue. We recommend that such patients undergo prophylactic regional lymph node dissection instead of observation during primary surgery.

Design and Synthesis of an Efficient Fluorescent Probe Based on Oxacalix[4]arene for the Selective Detection of Trinitrophenol (TNP) Explosives in Aqueous System.

We present the synthesis of a new oxacalix[4]arene system, DMANSOC, wherein two 5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalene sulfonamide subunits are attached to the lower rims of the basic oxacalix[4]arene platform. Extensive spectrophotometric studies were conducted to investigate the selectivity and sensitivity of DMANSOC towards nitroaromatic explosives. Detailed analysis of spectrophotometric data, utilizing techniques such as Stern-Volmer, Benesi-Hildebrand, Job's plot, and interference study, unequivocally demonstrated the effectiveness of DMANSOC as a highly efficient fluorescent sensor for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol explosive (TNP) detection in an aqueous medium. The sensor exhibited a linear concentration range of 7.5 µM to 50 µM, with a low detection limit of 4.64 µM and a high binding affinity of 2.45 × 104 M towards TNP. Furthermore, the efficiency of the sensor in environmental samples contaminated with TNP was evaluated, yielding excellent recovery rates. Complementary DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to elucidate the mechanism behind the selective fluorescence quenching of DMANSOC in the presence of TNP.

Functionalized oxacalix[4]arene based fluorescent probes for the detection of organophosphorus nerve agent simulants.

Despite the largely tranquil environment in which humans live, a chemical terrorism attack is still a public safety problem, for which the capacity to quickly and accurately detect chemical warfare agents (CWAs) constitute a significant barrier. In this study, a straightforward fluorescent probe based on dinitrophenylhydrazine has been synthesised. It exhibits great selectivity and sensitivity for the nerve agent mimicking dimethyl chlorophosphate (DMCP) in the MeOH solution. Dinitrophenylhydrazine-oxacalix[4]arene (DPHOC), a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) derivative, was synthesised and characterized with NMR and ESI-MS. Photophysical behavior, specially spectrofluorometric analysis was introduced to investigate the sensing phenomena of DPHOC toward dimethyl chlorophosphate (DMCP). The LOD of DPHOC toward DMCP was determined to be 2.1 µM, with a linear range from 5 to 50 µM (R2 = 0.99933). Moreover, DPHOC has been proven to be a promising probe toward the real time detection of DMCP.

Multiplex PCR for rapid differential diagnosis of co-prevalent species of Theileria (Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis) in cattle.

Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease that causes enormous losses in the dairy industry. There are several species of Theileria that can infect bovines. Generally, more than one species are prevalent in any geographical area; thus, chances of co-infections are high. Differentiation of these species may not be possible by microscopic examination or serological tests. Therefore, in this study, a multiplex PCR assay was standardized and evaluated for rapid and simultaneous differential detection of two species of Theileria viz., Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis. Species-specific primers were designed to target the merozoite piroplasm surface antigen gene (TAMS1) of T. annulata and the major piroplasm surface protein gene of T. orientalis, yielding specific amplicon of 229 bp and 466 bp, respectively. The sensitivity of multiplex PCR was 102 and 103 copies for T. annulata and T. orientalis, respectively. The simplex and multiplex PCRs were specific and showed no cross-reactivity with other hemoprotozoa for either primer. For comparative evaluation, blood samples from 216 cattle were tested by simplex and multiplex PCR for both species. Using multiplex PCR, 131 animals were found infected for theileriosis, of which 112 were infected with T. annulata, five were infected with T. orientalis, and 14 had mixed infections. This is the first report of T. orientalis from Haryana, India. Representative sequences of T. annulata (ON248941) and T. orientalis (ON248942) were submitted in GenBank. The standardized multiplex PCR assay used in this study was specific, sensitive, for the screening of field samples.

Ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of fluoride and arsenate in water and mammalian cells using recyclable metal oxacalixarene probe: a lateral flow assay.

Globally 3 billion people are consuming water with moderately high concentrations of fluoride and arsenic. The development of a simple point of care (PoC) device or home device for the detection of fluoride/arsenic ensures safety before consuming water. Till date, lateral flow assay (LFA) based PoC devices can detect nucleic acids, viruses and diseases. An aluminium complex of rhodamine B functionalized oxacalix[4]arene (L) was designed to execute the LFA-based PoC device. Initially, Al3+ and Fe3+ ions were involved in complexation with the rhodamine B functionalized oxacalix[4]arene (L), resulting C1 (L-Al3+) and C2 (L-Fe3+) complexes respectively. The receptor L, as well as the probes (C1, C2), were characterized thoroughly using mass spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, and EA. C1 and C2 were further utilized as recyclable probes for the detection of aqueous fluoride (21 ppb) and arsenate (1.92 ppb) respectively. The computational calculation indicates that upon complexation, the spirolactam ring opening at the rhodamine B site leads to optoelectronic changes. The consistency of LFA-based portable sensing device has been tested with water samples, synthetic fluoride standards and dental care products like toothpaste and mouthwash with concentrations ≥ 3 ppm. Moreover, fixed cell imaging experiments were performed to ascertain the in-vitro sensing phenomena.

An overview of advancement in aptasensors for influenza detection.

INTRODUCTION: The platforms for early identification of infectious diseases such as influenza has seen a surge in recent years as delayed diagnosis of such infections can lead to dreadful effects causing large numbers of deaths. The time taken in detection of an infectious disease may vary from a few days to a few weeks depending upon the choice of the techniques. So, there is an urgent need for advanced methodologies for early diagnosis of the influenza. AREAS COVERED: The emergence of "Aptasensor" synergistically with biosensors for diagnosis has opened a new era for sensitive, selective and early detection approaches. This review described various conventional as well as advanced methods based on artificial immunogenic nucleotide sequences complementing a part of the virus, i.e., aptamers based aptasensors for influenza diagnosis and the challenges faced in their commercialization. EXPERT OPINION: Although numerous traditional methods are available for influenza detection but mostly associated with low sensitivity, specificity, high cost, trained personnel, and animals required for virus culture/ antibody raising as the major drawbacks. Aptamers can be manufactured invitro as 'chemical antibodies' at commercial level, no animal required. Following these advantages, aptamers can pave the way for an efficient diagnostic technique as compared to other existing conventional methods..

Pyrene functionalized oxacalix[4]arene architecture as dual readout sensor for expeditious recognition of cyanide anion.

A pyrene functionalized oxacalix[4]arene architecture (DPOC) was utilized as a fluorescence probe for selective recognition of cyanide ions. The receptor DPOC shows excellent selectivity towards cyanide ion with a red shift of 108 nm in absorption band along with a significant change in colour from light yellow to pink. The fluorescence titration experiments further confirm the lower limit of detection as 1.7µM with no significant influences of competing anions. 1 H-NMR titration experiments support the deprotonation phenomena, as the -NH proton disappears upon successive addition of cyanide ions. The DFT calculation also indicates a certain increment of -NH bond length upon interaction with cyanide ions. The spectral properties as well as colour of DPOC-CN- system may be reversed upon the addition of Ag+/ Cu2+ ions up to 5 consecutive cycles. Moreover, DPOC coated "test strips" were prepared for visual detection of cyanide ions.

Recent Advancements for the Recognization of Nitroaromatic Explosives Using Calixarene Based Fluorescent Probes.

In this era, explosives are easily available compared to the early days. Thus, more effective detection of explosives has become the main concern of homeland security. In the past decades, a large number of sensing materials have been developed for the detection of explosives in solid, vapor, and solution states through fluorescence methods. In recent years, great efforts have been devoted to developing new fluorescent materials with various sensing mechanisms for detecting explosives in order to achieve super-sensitivity, ultra-selectivity, as well as fast response time. Modified calixarenes have high potentials to detect nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) due to their favorable structural properties. It summarizes the detection of NACs by the modified calixarene system formed by the complex. Various methodologies responsible for complex formation and binding mechanisms (PET, FRET, EE, etc.) are the centerpiece of this review. Finally, conclusions and future outlook are presented and discussed.

A novel approach to detect barium in gunshot residue using a handheld device: a forensic application.

The present manuscript describes an innovative handheld device for the rapid detection of barium (Ba2+) in Gunshot Residue (GSR) based on the use of gold nanomaterials capped with sodium malonate. The method depends on a shift in the Light Scattering Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) peak of malonate capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from 526 nm to 610.5 nm, due to the carboxylate ion aggregation between the metal and the nanoparticles leading to a change in the color. Qualitative detection was realized by the change in the color, while for quantitative analysis a handheld device has been fabricated in-house. The results were then correlated with those of standard known methods such as UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results showed better correlation between the fabricated device and standard methods with R2 = 0.98. It shows a linearity range from 0.01 mg mL-1 to 5 mg mL-1 with a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.2 mg mL-1. Furthermore, GSR samples were collected from cloth piece set at different range of shooting (i.e. 1 ft to 16.40 ft) using different ammunition to detect the presence of Ba2+ with the help of the developed device and results were found similar to those of the known methods. The hand-held device was found to be unaffected by other interfering agents (i.e. Pb2+, Sb3+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Mg2+, As3+, Cr3+, etc.). The results demonstrated here shows high selectivity, sensitivity and rapid method for Ba2+ detection in GSR, showing its greater potentiality in future.

Does ATLS Training Work? 10-Year Follow-Up of ATLS India Program.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the efficacy of ATLS in low- and middle-income countries are limited. We followed up ATLS providers certified by the ATLS India program over a decade (2009 to 2019), aiming to measure the benefits in knowledge, skills, attitude and their attrition over time. METHODS: The survey instrument was developed taking a cue from published literature on ATLS and improvised using the Delphi method. Randomly selected ATLS providers were sent the survey instrument via email as a Google form, along with a statement of purpose. Results are presented descriptively. RESULTS: ATLS India trained 7,847 providers over the study period. 2500 providers were selected for the survery using computer-generated random number table. One thousand and thirty doctors (41.2%) responded. Improvement in knowledge (n = 1,013 [98.3%]), psychomotor skills (n = 986 [95.7%]), organizational skills (n = 998 [96.9%]), overall trauma management (n = 1,013 [98.7%]) and self-confidence (n = 939 [91%]) were reported. Majority (904 [87.8%]) started ATLS promulgation at workplace in personal capacity. These benefits lasted beyond 2 years in majority (>60%) of respondents. More than 40% reported cognitive (n = 492 [47.8%]), psychomotor (n = 433 [42%]), and organizational benefits (n = 499 [48.4%]) lasting beyond 3 years. Improvement in self-confidence, ATLS promulgation at the workplace, and retention of organizational skills were more pronounced in ATLS faculties than providers. All other benefits were found to be comparable in both sub-groups. Lack of trained staff (n = 660 [64.1%]) and attitude issues (n = 495 [48.1%]) were the major impediments in implementing ATLS at the workplace. More than a third of respondents (n = 373 [36.2%]) could enumerate one or more incidents where ATLS principles were life- or limb- saving. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive, psychomotor, organizational, and affective impact of ATLS is overwhelmingly positive in the Indian scenario. Until formal trauma systems are established, ATLS remains the best hope for critically injured patients in resource-contrained settings.

A clinicopathological pattern of cutaneous tuberculosis and HIV concurrence in western Rajasthan.

Background: Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) forms a small subset of extrapulmonary TB and continues to be a significant diagnostic dilemma in routine practice. The present study is an attempt to find the incidence, clinical spectrum, and histopathological features of cutaneous TB in western Rajasthan. The relation of cutaneous TB with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was also assessed. Method: A total of 40 cases of newly diagnosed patients of cutaneous TB attending the dermatology outpatient department over a period of 1 year were included in the study. A detailed clinical examination and investigations including histopathological examination were carried out. Results: The overall incidence of cutaneous TB was 0.025% (40 of 160,000 outpatients). HIV concurrence was 5% (2 cases) of all cutaneous TB cases. The most common variants were scrofuloderma (40%), lupus vulgaris (30%), TB verrucosa cutis (8%), orificial TB (2%), and lichen scrofulosorum (2%). Males suffered more than females (2.07:1) and all patients belonged to lower socioeconomic class. The Mantoux test was positive in 65% of cases. Extracutaneous involvement occurred in 17 (42.50%) cases. Characteristic well-defined tuberculoid granulomas were seen in 60% of cases, whereas 40% of cases showed nonspecific changes. Conclusion: : This study provides the epidemiological data of cutaneous TB in western Rajasthan, identifies the clinicohistopathological pattern, and calls the attention of the health-care professionals that they should improve the propaedeutics of neglected and underdiagnosed cases of cutaneous TB that is prevalent in the lower socioeconomic group. Due to the varied clinical presentations, physician awareness and a high index of suspicion are necessary to diagnose cutaneous forms of TB.

An oxacalix[4]arene derived dual sensing fluorescent probe for the detection of As(v) and Cr(vi) oxyanions in aqueous media.

An oxacalix[4]arene-Ce(iii) complex viz. L-Ce(III) has been introduced for the selective detection of As(v) and Cr(vi) oxyanions in aqueous medium. The binding mode of L-Ce(III) + AsO43-/CrO42- was completely investigated with fluorometric titration, time resolve fluorescent decay and FTIR analyses. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) play an important role in the sensing of these oxyanions. The characteristic fluorescence of the L-Ce(III) complex has been quenched by AsO43- and CrO42- through cascading the ligating sites. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments with various scan rates suggest that the electrochemical processes on the electrodes were controlled by diffusion. Both the analytes exhibit a lower limit of detection (LOD) below their standard EPA permissible limits. Moreover, the probe successfully detects the oxyanions in environmental real samples with excellent recovery ranging from 97 to 101%.

Understanding and Practices of Gynaecologists Related to Breast Cancer Screening, Detection, Treatment and Common Breast Diseases: A Study from India.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and screening practices in a community is largely influenced by the practising gynaecologist in that area. We assessed the understanding and knowledge of gynaecologists about breast cancer: screening, risk factors, clinical signs, management and common benign breast diseases. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Uttar Pradesh, India, from April to September 2017. One hundred and fifty-two gynaecologists were assessed using a self-designed and validated questionnaire to assess the knowledge of risk factors, clinical signs, screening practices and management of breast cancer as well as common benign breast diseases. Further, the results were compared based on their education: undergraduates (UGs; no residency experience in obstetrics and gynaecology) versus postgraduates (PGs; residency experience in obstetrics and gynaecology). RESULTS: 67 and 82.2% of gynaecologists possess excellent to very good knowledge of risk factors and clinical signs of breast cancer, respectively. The knowledge of PGs seems to be better than UGs (p < 0.01). 84.9% participants were aware that breast cancer screening decreases breast cancer-related mortality, and 61.2% considered CBE as most relevant screening investigation (66.1% PGs and 41.9% UGs; p = 0.04). 30.2% regularly offer breast cancer screening at their centre. 58.5% did not consider screening mammography as cost-effective for their patients (57.9% PGs and 61.3% UGs; p = 0.72), and 41.4% considered it to be a time-consuming process (39.7% PGs and 48.4% UGs; p = 0.38). 99.3% like to follow up a patient with familial breast cancer by themselves, and 0.7% like to refer them to specialist. 51.9% gynaecologists were convinced of breast conservation surgery (BCS) as a surgical option, however 51.3% feared leaving diseased breast behind. CONCLUSION: Despite the knowledge regarding risk factors, clinical signs and treatment of breast cancer and benign breast diseases was found adequate amongst the gynaecologists, this did not apply to their clinical practice. Structured and continuous training of gynaecologists is needed to improve the outcome of patients with breast diseases in terms of better management and reference.

A Survey on Breast Cancer Awareness Among Medical, Paramedical, and General Population in North India Using Self-Designed Questionnaire: a Prospective Study.

Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common cancer in urban women. Unfortunately, most women are not aware of BC symptoms/signs, prevention, and management. In resource-limited countries like India where we do not have structured screening/awareness programs, a majority of women present with locally advanced BC. The aim of our study is to identify the present status of awareness about BC prevention, early detection, symptoms, and management in urban and rural Indian women (medical, paramedical, and nonmedical) and to assess whether education and socioeconomic strata have any role in better awareness about BC or not. We did a prospective cross-sectional observation study among the medical, paramedical, and nonmedical women in the northern part of India. We designed a questionnaire keeping in mind the three domains about BC-knowledge (questions 1-25 include risk factors, genetics, lifestyle changes, hormones, associated cancers, and modes of presentation like lump, nipple/skin changes), breast self-examination (questions 25-37), and attitude to prevention and early detection (questions 38-44). We also asked how many do breast self-examination (BSE) and what they think are the three main factors responsible for late presentation and the three main ways to increase BC awareness. The Likert scale was used for objective assessment. We analyzed the whole data using SPSS software version 15. A total of 220 women out of 270 completed the questionnaire. Out of 220 women, 26.4% were medical, 20.9% paramedical, and 52.7% nonmedical. Most women were educated (82.7%) and married (65%). 59.5% women resided in urban areas and the rest (40.5%) were from rural areas. We found that there was relatively more knowledge in the medical group; however, the skills of BSE and attitude to prevention and early detection in all the three subgroups and among rural and urban women were suboptimal and not different significantly. The three main factors responsible for delayed presentation were shyness and not knowing BSE, ignorance about BC symptoms, and social stigma of cancer along with financial constraints. The three main ways to improve BC awareness suggested were to have more advertisements on television and social media, roadside campaigns and in colleges along with group discussions and debates, and at grassroots level to involve Anganwadi workers and nurses to create more awareness in villages. There was less breast cancer knowledge and awareness among the nonmedical women compared to those among the medical and paramedical, the skills of BSE and attitude to prevention and early detection were suboptimal in all the three groups. Rural or urban dwellings did not make much difference in BC knowledge, skills of BSE, and attitude to prevention. More awareness regarding breast cancer symptoms with early detection and BSE need to be addressed with more information dissemination via social media, campaigns, and involvement of paramedics and social workers.

Distribution of VOCs in urban and rural atmospheres of subtropical India: Temporal variation, source attribution, ratios, OFP and risk assessment.

This paper reports the first study which comprises the seasonal, diurnal variability, source characterization, ozone forming potential and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at three sites (two urban and one rural) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. The study was performed during three seasons of the year 2013-14 and two different categories of VOCs (aromatics and halogenated) have been selected. The study used the sampling and analytical procedures of NIOSH methods. Results showed that the mean concentration of sum of VOCs (∑VOC) is significantly higher at urban sites (110.0 and 137.4µg/m3 for JN and CP, respectively) as compared to the rural site, DP (56.5µg/m3). The contribution of individual to total VOC concentrations is noticed to be very similar at all the three sites. Most of the VOCs are observed to be significantly higher in winter followed by summer and autumn. Diurnal cycles of aromatic VOCs are highly influenced by the vehicular traffic and photochemical oxidations which showed higher and lower levels during morning/evening and daytime, respectively. Diagnostic ratios of the toluene/benzene (ranged from 0.65 to 13.9) infers the vehicular traffic might be the main contributing source in the urban sites while xylene/benzene ratio (ranged from 0.7 to 2.8) confirms the VOCs are transported to rural site from the nearby urban areas. Correlation and factor analysis suggested the sources are group of different species (traffic emissions, solvent usage and industrial) rather than single gas. The analysis of reactivity in terms of Prop-Equiv concentrations and ozone forming potential indicated that m/p-xylene and toluene are the main VOC contributing to the total ozone formation in urban and rural sites, respectively. Hazard ratios and lifetime cancer risk values exceeded the permissible standards established by USEPA and WHO suggests that the people are at significant risk.

Kindler's Syndrome: A Tale of Two Siblings.

Kindler's syndrome (KS) is a rare inherited skin disease characterized by acral blistering, photosensitivity, progressive poikiloderma, and cutaneous atrophy along with different types of mucosal involvement. We hereby report KS in two siblings. The case is being reported for its rarity and for emphasizing the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of disorders that may cause blistering, cutaneous atrophy, and/or poikilodermatous skin changes. Besides, the presentation of the disease in two of the members of the same family makes the case even more interesting.

Statistical modeling of O3, NOx, CO, PM2.5, VOCs and noise levels in commercial complex and associated health risk assessment in an academic institution.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is considered to be of great concern due to its adverse impact on the human health nowadays. The presence of different air pollutants along with noise may aggravate the IAQ. The present study attempts to examine IAQ in terms of major criteria air pollutants (O3, NOx=NO+NO2, CO and PM2.5) along with total volatile organic compound (TVOC), individual VOC and noise pollution in indoor and outdoor environment of a Commercial Shopping Complex (CSC) in Delhi. Real time measurements have been carried out for O3, NOx, CO, PM2.5, TVOC and noise while thirteen individual VOCs have been estimated using NIOSH method was performed using Gas Chromatograph. The study also aimed to find out the relationship among VOCs, source estimation using Principal Component Analysis. The observed results for the targeted pollutants were also compared with international and national recommended permissible values. The mean values of O3, NOx, CO, PM2.5 and TVOC are found to be 17.6/(15.0) ppb, 15.8/(14.1) ppb, 8.4/(1.9) ppm, 125.4/(74.6) µg/m3 and 412.5/(226.5) µg/m3 for indoor/(outdoor), respectively. Among the individual VOC, toluene was the most abundant followed by xylene-isomers and benzene. The noise pollution level in Indoor/outdoor were found to be 51.5/46.4dB which is below the guideline value (65dB) provided by the WHO. Most of the pollutants were found to have indoor sources. The different kinds of pollutants and noise may have synergistic effect and aggravate the health of the people working and visiting the CSC.