Non-communicable diseases as a major contributor to deaths in 12 tribal districts in India.

Background & objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in India. Although studies have reported a high prevalence of NCD in tribal populations, there are limited data pertaining mortality due to NCDs. Therefore, in this study we estimated the proportion of deaths due to NCDs among 15 yr and older age group in tribal districts in India. Methods: We conducted a community-based survey in 12 districts (one per State) with more than 50 per cent tribal population. Data were collected using a verbal autopsy tool from the family member of the deceased. The estimated sample size was 452 deaths per district. We obtained the list of deaths for the reference period of one year and updated it during the survey. The cause of death was assigned using the International Classification of Diseases-10 classification and analyzed the proportions of causes of death. The age-standardized death rate (ASRD) was also estimated. Results: We surveyed 5292 deaths among those above 15 years of age. Overall, NCDs accounted for 66 per cent of the deaths, followed by infectious diseases (15%) and injuries (11%). Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death in 10 of the 12 sites. In East Garo Hills (18%) and Lunglei (26%), neoplasms were the leading cause of death. ASRD due to NCD ranged from 426 in Kinnaur to 756 per 100,000 in East Garo Hills. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this community-based survey suggested that NCDs were the leading cause of death among the tribal populations in India. It is hence suggested that control of NCDs should be one of the public health priorities for tribal districts in India.

Preparedness of primary & secondary care health facilities for the management of non-communicable diseases in tribal population across 12 districts in India.

Background and objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent in the tribal populations; however, there are limited data regarding health system preparedness to tackle NCDs among these populations. We estimated the availability of human resources, equipment, drugs, services and knowledge of doctors for NCD management in the selected tribal districts in India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12 districts (one from each State) with at least 50 per cent tribal population in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and eight northeastern States. Primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs) and district/sub-district hospitals (DHs) were surveyed and data on screening and treatment services, human resources, equipment, drugs and information systems indicators were collected and analysed. The data were presented as proportions. Results: In the present study 177 facilities were surveyed, including 156 PHCs/CHCs and 21 DHs. DHs and the majority (82-96%) of the PHCs/CHCs provided outpatient treatment for diabetes and hypertension. Overall, 97 per cent of PHCs/CHCs had doctors, and 78 per cent had staff nurses. The availability of digital blood pressure monitors ranged from 35 to 43 per cent, and drugs were either not available or inadequate. Among 213 doctors, three-fourths knew the correct criteria for hypertension diagnosis, and a few correctly reported diabetes diagnosis criteria. Interpretation & conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the health system of the studied tribal districts was not adequately prepared to manage NCDs. The key challenges included inadequately trained workforce and a lack of equipment and drugs. It is suggested that capacity building and, procurement and distribution of equipment, drugs and information systems to track NCD patients should be the key focus areas of national programmes.

Complexation thermodynamics of diglycolamide with f-elements: solvent extraction and density functional theory analysis.

Comparative extraction of trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions (La(3+), Eu(3+), Lu(3+), Am(3+) and Cm(3+)) with tetra-n-octyl diglycolamide (TODGA) was studied and showed the trend: Lu(3+) > Eu(3+) > Cm(3+) > Am(3+) > La(3+). The structure, bonding, energetic and thermodynamic parameters of the trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions (La(3+), Eu(3+), Lu(3+), Am(3+) and Cm(3+)) with a tridentate ligand, tetra-methyl diglycolamide (TMDGA), are reported in the gas and solvent phases in order to understand their complexation and extraction behaviour. The calculations were performed using the generalized gradient approximated BP86 density functional and the hybrid B3LYP functional using SVP and TZVPP basis sets. The calculated structure obtained at the BP86/SVP level of optimization was found to be in close agreement with the X-ray data and also with the structure obtained at the B3LYP/TZVP level of theory. The free energy of extraction was found to be exergonic for the explicit monomer water model. From the solvent extraction experiment the order of extraction was observed as Lu(3+) > Eu(3+) > Cm(3+) > Am(3+) > La(3+), which was in line with the trends predicted based on the free energy changes in the gas phase calculations (ΔGgp). The Born-Haber thermodynamic cycle and the COSMO (conductor like screening model) solvation model were applied to calculate the free energy of extraction, ΔGext, of lanthanide and actinide ions in the aqueous-dodecane biphasic system and ΔGext, however, predicted different extraction trends. After dispersion correction (B3LYP-D3), the free energy of extraction for the metal ions was found to follow the order: Lu(3+) > Eu(3+) > La(3+), which was also observed in the solvent extraction experiments. Both COSMO and DCOSMO-RS models predict the same metal ion selectivity trend. Different bonding analyses indicate the electrostatic and less covalent nature of interactions between the ligands and the metal ions.

Investigations on preferential Pu(IV) extraction over U(VI) by N,N-dihexyloctanamide versus tri-n-butyl phosphate: evidence through small angle neutron scattering and DFT studies.

Straight chain amide N,N-dihexyloctanamide (DHOA) has been found to be a promising alternative extractant to tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) for the reprocessing of irradiated uranium- and thorium-based fuels. Unlike TBP, DHOA displays preferential extraction of Pu(IV) over U(VI) at higher acidities (≥3 M HNO3) and poor extraction at lower acidities. Density functional theory (DFT) based calculations have been carried out on the structures and relative binding energies of U(VI) and Pu(IV) with the extractant molecules. These calculations suggest that the differential hardness of the two extractants is responsible for the preferential binding/complexation of TBP to uranyl, whereas the softer DHOA and the bulky nature of the extractant lead to stronger binding/complexation of DHOA to Pu(IV). In conjunction with quantum chemical calculations, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements have also been performed for understanding the stoichiometry of the complex formed that leads to relatively lower extraction of Th(IV) (a model for Pu(IV)) as compared to U(VI) using DHOA and TBP as the extractants. The combined experimental and theoretical studies helped us to understand the superior complexation/extraction behavior of Pu(IV) over U(VI) with DHOA.

Probiotics in fish and shellfish culture: immunomodulatory and ecophysiological responses.

Aquaculture is emerging as one of the most viable and promising enterprises for keeping pace with the surging need for animal protein, providing nutritional and food security to humans, particularly those residing in regions where livestock is relatively scarce. With every step toward intensification of aquaculture practices, there is an increase in the stress level in the animal as well as the environment. Hence, disease outbreak is being increasingly recognized as one of the most important constraints to aquaculture production in many countries, including India. Conventionally, the disease control in aquaculture has relied on the use of chemical compounds and antibiotics. The development of non-antibiotic and environmentally friendly agents is one of the key factors for health management in aquaculture. Consequently, with the emerging need for environmentally friendly aquaculture, the use of alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in fish nutrition is now widely accepted. In recent years, probiotics have taken center stage and are being used as an unconventional approach that has numerous beneficial effects in fish and shellfish culture: improved activity of gastrointestinal microbiota and enhanced immune status, disease resistance, survival, feed utilization and growth performance. As natural products, probiotics have much potential to increase the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture production. Therefore, comprehensive research to fully characterize the intestinal microbiota of prominent fish species, mechanisms of action of probiotics and their effects on the intestinal ecosystem, immunity, fish health and performance is reasonable. This review highlights the classifications and applications of probiotics in aquaculture. The review also summarizes the advancement and research highlights of the probiotic status and mode of action, which are of great significance from an ecofriendly, sustainable, intensive aquaculture point of view.

Ligand structure and diluent nature in defining improved Am3+ and Cm3+ separation using diglycolamides: a combined solvent extraction and DFT study.

Separation of Am3+ and Cm3+ is one of the most challenging yet unavoidable steps in the back end of the nuclear cycle. Various ligands evaluated for Am/Cm separation have their own merits and demerits, and not a single ligand has been uniquely proposed for this purpose. In the present work, we evaluated N,N,N',N'-tetra-n-octyldiglycolamide (TODGA) vis-à-vis N,N,N',N'-tetra-2-ethylhexyldiglycolamide (T2EHDGA) in combination with a hydrophilic 2,6-bis(1,2,4-triazinyl)pyridine (SO3PhBTP) derivative in the aqueous phase for the separation of Am3+ and Cm3+ from nitric acid medium. The results showed that marginal selectivity for Am3+ over Cm3+ was observed with T2EHDGA in the presence of SO3PhBTP, which was attributed to the difference in the entropy change for their extraction from both the temperature-dependent liquid-liquid extraction and computational studies.

Remarkable enhancement in radio-cesium uptake from acidic feeds into an extraction chromatography resin containing a calix[4]arene-mono-crown-6 ligand.

An extraction chromatography resin, prepared by the impregnation of bis-octyloxy-calix[4]arene-mono-crown-6 (BOCMC)onto an acrylic ester based polymeric support material, gave excellent uptake data for the removal of radio-cesium (Cs-137) from nitric acid feed solutions. The weight distribution coefficient (Kd) value of >300 obtained during the present study at 3 M HNO3 was the highest reported so far while using a calix-crown-6 based extraction chromatographic resin material. Analogous resin reported previously has yielded a Kd value <100 at comparable feed conditions. The sorbed metal ions could be efficiently desorbed with de-ionized water. Kinetic modeling of the uptake data indicated that both the film and the intra-particle diffusion mechanism are simultaneously operating in the sorption of Cs+ion onto the BOCMC resin. The metal ion sorption data were fitted to the sorption isotherm models and did not conform to the chemisorptions of physisorption models and indicated a pi-pi interaction between the benzene rings of the calix-crown-6 ligand and the Cs+ ion. The reusability of the resins was quite satisfactory after 5 cycles and the radiation stability of the resin material was very good upto an absorbed dose of 500 kGy. The results of column studies were quite encouraging with 15 mL (9 bed volumes) as the breakthrough volume while the elution was complete in about 12 bed volumes of de-ionized water.

Unusual redox stability of pentavalent uranium with hetero-bifunctional phosphonocarboxylate: insight into aqueous speciation.

The +5 state is an unusual oxidation state of uranium due to its instability in the aqueous phase. As a result, gaining information about its aqueous speciation is extremely difficult. The present work is an attempt in that direction and it provides insight into the existence of a new pentavalent species in the presence of hetero-bifunctional phosphonocarboxylate (PC) chelators, other than the carbonate ion, in the aqueous medium. The aqueous chemistry of pentavalent uranium species with three environmentally relevant PCs was probed using electrochemical and DFT methods to understand the redox energy and kinetics of conversion of the U(VI)/U(V) couple, stability, structure, stoichiometry, binding modes, etc. Interestingly, pentavalent uranium complexes with PCs are quite persistent over a wide range of pH starting from acidic to alkaline conditions. The PC chelators block the cation-cation interaction (CCI) of U(V) through strong hetero-bidentate chelation and intermolecular hydrogen bonding (IMHB) interactions which stabilize the pentavalent metal ion against disproportionation. For uranyl species in the presence of PCs, acting as chelators, CV plots were obtained at varying pH values from 2 to 8. The obtained results indicate an irreversible single redox peak involving U(VI) to U(V) conversion and association of a coupled chemical reaction with the electron transfer step. ESI-MS studies were performed to understand the speciation effect on the U(VI)/U(V) redox couple with varying pH. Speciation modelling of U(V) with the PC ligands was carried out, which indicated that the U(V) is redox stable in nearly 47% of the pH region in the presence of the PCs as compared to the carboxylate-based chelators. The free energy and reduction potential of the U(V) complexes and the reduction free energy and disproportionation free energy for the U(VI)/U(V) couple were determined by DFT computations in the presence of the PCs. In situ spectroelectrochemical spectra were recorded to provide evidence for the existence of U(V) species with PCs in the aqueous medium and to acquire its absorption spectra. The present study is highly significant for understanding the coordination chemistry of pentavalent uranium species, accurate modelling of uranium, and isolation of U(V).

Characterization of the species formed during the extraction of thorium employing tri-n-butyl phosphate and N,N-dihexyl octanamide as extractants by laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-ToF-MS) has been applied to identify and characterize the organic phase species formed during the extraction of thorium nitrate by 1.1 M tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and N,N-dihexyl octanamide (DHOA) solutions in n-dodecane. The aqueous phase thorium concentrations (at 4M HNO3) have been suitably chosen to get Loaded organic phases with/without third-phase. The extracted species have been characterized for the first time using LDI-ToF-MS. The results show feasibility of the use of this technique for understanding the extraction mechanisms and third-phase formation behavior of different extractants. The different chemical species observed using this technique are consistent with those observed by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the root extracts of Brucea mollis Wall. ex Kurz.

Malaria control is compromised worldwide by continuously evolving drug-resistant strains of the parasite demanding exploration of natural resources for developing newer antimalarials. The northeastern region of India is endemic for malaria characterized by high prevalence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. Many plants are used by the indigenous communities living in the northeast India in their traditional system of medicine for the treatment of malarial fever. Folklore claim of antimalarial property of one such plant Brucea mollis was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for antiplasmodial activity. Crude extracts from dried B. mollis root powder were prepared through soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether, methanol, and water sequentially. Methanol extract was further partitioned between chloroform and water. These extracts were tested in vitro against laboratory-adapted chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of P. falciparum. In in vitro evaluation, extracts were found more active on the chloroquine-sensitive strain. Methanolic-chloroform (IC(50) 5.1 µg ml(-1)) and methanolic-aqueous (IC(50) 13.9 µg ml(-1)) extracts recorded significant in vitro antiplasmodial activity which was also supported by their promising in vivo activity (ED(50) 72 and 30 mg kg(-1) bw day(-1), respectively) against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium yoelli N-67 strain in Swiss albino mice. Methanolic-aqueous extract-treated mice survived on average for 14 days that was comparable to the reference drug chloroquine. This is the first report of antiplasmodial activity of B. mollis validating the traditional use of this plant as antimalarial in the northeast India and calls for further detailed investigations.

Variation in effects of four OP insecticides on photosynthetic pigment fluorescence of Chlorella vulgaris Beij.

Effects of the insecticides quinalphos, chlorfenvinphos, dimethoate and phorate on photosystem activity of Chlorella vulgaris were investigated by different chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Exposure to each of the insecticides increased the proportion of inactivated PS II reaction center. Quinalphos and chlorfenvinphos caused OJIP fluorescence reduction at all levels by decreasing the proportion of Q(A)-reducing PS II reaction centers (RCs). The other two insecticides affected OJIP fluorescence rise by hindering the electron transport beyond Q(A). Insecticide treatment resulted in decrease of the density of active RC and performance indices (PI) by enhanced dissipated energy flux per active RC. Antenna size was severely minimized by quinalphos and chlorfenvinphos treatment whereas other two insecticides had no such effect. Each insecticide treatment caused increase of photosystem antenna/core and PS II/PS I fluorescence ratios. Quinalphos and chlorfenvinphos affected the donor sides of photosystems whereas dimethoate and phorate inhibited electron transfer beyond Q(A) (acceptor side).

Determination of processes affecting groundwater quality in the coastal aquifer beneath Puri city, India: a multivariate statistical approach.

Variability of groundwater quality parameters is linked to various processes such as weathering, organic matter degradation, aerobic respiration, iron reduction, mineral dissolution and precipitation, cation exchange and mixing of salt water with fresh water. Multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to the standardized data set of eleven groundwater quality parameters (i.e. pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe3+, alkalinity, NO3-, Cl-, SO4(2-), TDS) collected during the post-monsoon and the summer seasons in order to elicit hydrologic and biogeochemical processes affecting water quality in the unconfined aquifer beneath Puri city in eastern India. The application of PCA resulted in four factors explaining 73% variance in post-monsoon and 81% variance in summer. The HCA using Ward's method and squared Euclidean distance measure classified the parameters into four clusters based on their similarities. PCA and HCA allowed interpretation of processes. During both post-monsoon and summer seasons, anthropogenic pollution and organic matter degradation/Fe(III) reduction were found dominant due to contribution from on-site sanitation in septic tanks and soak pits in the city. Cation exchange and mineral precipitation were possible causes for increase in Na+ and decrease in Ca2+ concentration in summer. Fresh water recharge during monsoon and Sea water intrusion in summer are attributed as significant hydrologic processes to variations of the groundwater quality at the study site.

Assessment of groundwater quality in Puri City, India: an impact of anthropogenic activities.

Puri City is situated on the east coast of India and receives water supply only from the groundwater sources demarcated as water fields. The objective of this paper is to assess and evaluate the groundwater quality due to impact of anthropogenic activities in the city. Groundwater samples were collected from the water fields, hand pumps, open wells, and open water bodies during post-monsoon 2006 and summer 2007. Groundwater quality was evaluated with drinking water standards as prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards and Environmental Protection Agency to assess the suitability. The study indicated seasonal variation of water-quality parameters within the water fields and city area. Groundwater in the water fields was found to be suitable for drinking after disinfection. While in city area, groundwater quality was impacted by onsite sanitary conditions. The study revealed that groundwater quality was deteriorated due to the discharge of effluent from septic tanks, soak pits, pit latrines, discharges of domestic wastewater in leaky drains, and leachate from solid waste dumpsite. Based on observed groundwater quality, various mitigation measures were suggested to protect the water fields and further groundwater contamination in the city.

Purification and characterization of an endoxylanase from the culture broth of Bacillus cereus BSA1.

An extracellular xylanase from the fermented broth of Bacillus cereus BSA1 was purified and characterized. The enzyme was purified to 3.43 fold through ammonium sulphate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography and followed by gel filtration through Sephadex G-100 column. The molecular mass of the purified xylanse was about 33 kDa. The enzyme was an endoxylanase as it initially degraded xylan to xylooligomers. The purified enzyme showed optimum activity at 55 degrees C and at pH 7.0 and remained reasonably stable in a wide range ofpH (5.0-8.0) and temperature (40-65 degrees C). The Km and Vmax values were found to be 8.2 mg/ml and 181.8 micromol/(min mg), respectively. The enzyme had no apparent requirement ofcofactors, and its activity was strongly inhibited by Cu++, Hg++. It was also a salt tolerant enzyme and stable upto 2.5 M of NaCl and retained its 85% activity at 3.0 M. For stability and substrate binding, the enzyme needed hydrophobic interaction that revealed when most surfactants inhihited xylanase activity. Since the enzyme was active over wide range ofpH, temperature and remained active in higher salt concentration, it could find potential uses in biobleaching process in paper industries.

Selective permeation of 90Y from a mixture of 90Y/90Sr through diglycolamide impregnated supported liquid membranes.

An attempt was made in this work to evaluate a simple flat sheet supported liquid membrane technique for the separation of carrier free 90Y from 90Sr using two diglycolamide carrier ligands, (i) N,N,N',N'-tetra-n-octyl-diglycolamide (TODGA), and (ii) N,N,N',N'-tetra-(2-ethylhexyl)-diglycolamide (TEHDGA). Various experimental parameters were optimized to get selective transport of 90Y over 90Sr. At 6 M HNO3 feed acidity, >95% 90Y could be recovered selectively in just 4 h with both the ligands. Under identical experimental conditions, about 0.1% transport of Sr was also recorded which could be completely removed by passing through a Sr selective column to get medical grade 90Y pure product. A mathematical model equation was also derived and experimentally validated for predicting the transport of 90Y through membrane.

Bis-(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl) ligand structure driven selectivity reversal between Am3+ and Cm3+: solvent extraction and DFT studies.

Selectivity between Am3+ and Cm3+ was investigated after their aqueous complexation with three structurally tailored hydrophilic bis-(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl) ligands followed by their extraction with N,N,N'N'-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) dissolved in an ionic liquid (C4mim·Tf2N). The three hydrophilic ligands used were SO3PhBTP, SO3PhBTBP, and SO3PhBTPhen. It was evident from the solvent extraction studies that SO3PhBTP formed a stronger complex with Cm3+ than with Am3+, but SO3PhBTPhen showed better complexation ability for Am3+ than for Cm3+, and SO3PhBTBP showed no selectivity for the two actinide ions. DFT calculations indicated that the coordinating 'N' atoms in BTP were more co-planar in the complex and this co-planarity was higher in the Cm3+ complex as compared to that in Am3+. In the case of BTBP and BTPhen ligands, on the other hand, the co-planarity was more pronounced in the Am3+ complexes. Mayer's bond order calculations of M-N bonds in the complexes also indicated a reversal of the complexation ability of the BTP and BTPhen ligands for Am3+ and Cm3+. Calculations of the complexation energies further supported the higher selectivity of the BTP ligand for Am3+ by -52.0 kJ mol-1, and better selectivity of the BTPhen ligand for Cm3+ by -24.7 kJ mol-1.

Molecular evidence for the involvement of Anopheles nivipes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum in north-eastern India.

The Anopheles philippinensis and An. nivipes mosquitoes that form part of the An. annularis species group are morphologically very similar and difficult to differentiate as adults. In consequence, researchers generally refer to all field-collected individuals of these species simply as the An. philippinensis-nivipes species complex. Although this species complex is understood to play a role in the transmission of parasites causing human malaria in north-eastern India, the identity of the exact species involved, and the relative importance of the local An. philippinensis and An. nivipes, are far from clear. To settle this issue, house-frequenting female adults of the An. philippinensis-nivipes species complex were collected from 23 localities in the six north-eastern states, identified to species (using an allele-specific PCR to explore the insects' ribosomal-DNA internal-transcribed-spacer-2 sequences) and checked for Plasmodium DNA (using a nested PCR based on the 18S subunit of the parasite's ribosomal DNA). Of the 337 females of the An. philippinensis-nivipes species complex that were investigated, 275 were identified as An. nivipes and 62 as An. philippinensis. Malarial infection was detected in the heads/thoraces of just two specimens, with P. falciparum DNA detected in one An. nivipes from Nagaland state and one An. nivipes from Assam state. These results provide unambiguous evidence of the presence of both An. philippinensis and An. nivipes in the north-eastern region of India and the involvement of An. nivipes in transmitting P. falciparum in this area.

Photosynthetic and fluorescence responses of Solanum melangena L. to field application of dimethoate.

The organophosphorus insecticide dimethoate, at field concentration (1.419+/-0.086mga.i.g(-1)fr.wt. of leaf tissue) did not cause any significant degradation of chlorophylls and carotenoids in Solanum melangena L. On the other hand, there was significant reduction of photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance during 6h after spray application of the insecticide. Distinct change of OJIP fluorescence transient with increase of J and I rise and corresponding decrease in P rise was observed during 6h after insecticide application. The fluorescence parameters, viz., relative variable fluorescence at J level (V(j)), net rate of PS II closure (M(0)), energy dissipation (DI(0)/RC) and maximum trapping rate of active PS II (TR(0)/RC), during the same treatment period, showed significant increase but variable fluorescence (F(v)), fluorescence yield (TR(0)/Abs), electron transport probability (ET(0)/TR(0)), and activity of RC (ET(0)/RC) showed significant decrease. All physiological and fluorescence parameters, and the OJIP fluorescence transient recovered steadily to the control level during 48h after insecticide application. There was continuous reduction in the insecticide content of the leaf tissue during the observation period.

Development of tolerance of egg plant (Solanum melangena L.) to field application of dimethoate.

Dimethoate, at field concentration (1.419 mg g(-1) fr wt), caused inhibition of photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance of Solanum melangena L. on first treatment but subsequent treatments caused adaptation and recovery of these parameters. The variable fluorescence (F(v)), dissipation (DI(0)/RC), 2 ms relative variable fluorescence (V(j)), net rate of PS II closure (M(0)), and maximum trapping rate of active PS II (TR(0)/RC) increased initially but reduced to the control value with repetition of treatment. However, fluorescence yield (TR(0)/Abs), electron transport probability (ET(0)/TR(0)) and activity of RC (ET(0)/RC) increased with each treatment. With each subsequent treatment there was enhancement of activities of esterases and decrease of insecticide content of leaves.

A novel malonamide grafted polystyrene-divinyl benzene resin for extraction, pre-concentration and separation of actinides.

A new chelating polymeric extraction chromatographic resin was prepared by chemical anchoring of N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dibutyl malonamide (DMDBMA) with chloromethylated Merrifield resin((R)). The grafted resin exhibited stronger binding for hexavalent and tetravalent actinides such as U(VI), Th(IV) and Pu(IV) over trivalent actinides, viz. Am(III) and Pu(III). Batch studies on solid phase extraction performed over a wide range of acid solution (0.01-6M HNO(3)) revealed that ternary mixer of uranium, americium and plutonium or thorium, americium and plutonium could be separated from each other at 1M HNO(3). Desorption of U(VI), Pu(IV) and Am(III) from the loaded resin was efficiently carried out using 0.1M alpha-HIBA, 0.25M oxalic acid and 0.01M EDTA, respectively. Quantitative pre-concentration of actinide ions such as Th(IV) and U(VI) was possible from 3M HNO(3) solution. The practical utility of the grafted resin was evaluated by uranium sorption measurements in several successive cycles. The sorption efficiency of the resin with respect to uranyl ion remained unchanged even after 30 days of continuous use. The surface morphology of the resin was monitored with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.