Negligible radiological impact of Indian nuclear power plants on the environment and the public: Findings from a 20-year study.

Nuclear power plants, recognized for their extended operational life, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and high-power density, are deemed as reliable energy sources. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the radioactive discharges from these plants and their potential impact on health and the environment. To comprehend the radiological implications of such releases, this study presents, for the first time, an analysis of radiological data from 7 Indian nuclear power plants (NPPs), collected by Indian environmental survey laboratories (ESL) over the past two decades (2000-2020). This dataset encompasses radioactivity concentrations in the atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments within a 30 km radius of each NPP, as well as the annual cumulative external gamma doses recorded by environmental thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs). The analysis yielded several key findings: (i) Radioactivity concentrations around the NPPs were low and comparable to values measured at other nuclear power plant sites worldwide; (ii) Tritium concentrations in receiving water bodies were <1 % of the internationally recommended limit of 10,000 Bq/l; (iii) The estimated total radiation doses to the public were at most 10 % of the stipulated regulatory dose limit of 1000 µSv and consistently decreased over the study period and (iv) Variations in doses among the NPP sites were primarily attributed to legacy technology used in specific reactors. These results indicate efficient and secure reactor operations and the minimal contribution of Indian nuclear power plants to anthropogenic doses in the country. The findings hold potential significance for reinforcing India's commitment to advancing its nuclear power program.

Field evaluation of biosurfactants, surfactin and di-rhamnolipid produced by Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis (VCRC B471) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (VCRC B426) against immature stages of the urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis (VCRC B471) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (B426) produce mosquitocidal biosurfactant, surfactin and di-rhamnolipid. The objective of the study was to carry out a small-scale field evaluation of the two biosurfactants to determine the efficacy, application dosage, residual activity and frequency of application against Anopheles stephensi immatures in selected sites in Goa, India. METHODS: Surfactin (VCRC B471) and di-rhamnolipid (VCRC B426) were formulated as aqueous suspensions (5% AS), and were applied at the dosages of 34, 51 and 68 mL/m2 and 27, 41 and 54 mL/m2 respectively. Two experiments were carried out with the two formulations. RESULTS: Surfactin (VCRC B471) formulation was effective at all the dosages and there was sustained reduction (>80%) in immature density in the treated sites up to 18 days in experiment 1 and up to 15 days in experiment 2. No pupae were found in the treated sites throughout the study. Di-rhamnolipid (VCRC B426) formulation was also found to reduce the immature density in the treated sites up to 14 days in experiment 1 and up to 15 days in experiment 2. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: For VCRC B471, the optimum application dosage determined was 51 mL/m2 and for VCRC B426, 27mL/m2. The formulations are to be applied fortnightly for effective control of Anopheles. The application dosage determined in the present study can be used for large scale field evaluation to assess their suitability for use in public health programmes for the control of Anopheles mosquitoes vectoring malaria.

Mosquito Diversity in an Experimental Township in Tamil Nadu, India.

To glean more information on mosquito diversity and distribution in Auroville, a cross-sectional study was carried out by mapping the distribution of water bodies and habitats supporting immature stages on the one hand and the distribution of water bodies/habitats supporting mosquito immature stages on the other. A satellite image covering an area of 8.08 km2 was overlaid with a grid of 500 × 500 m. Fifteen modules were selected and the area of each module served as the sampling site for the entomological survey. Adult and larval stages were sampled. Diversity indices were analyzed to compare mosquito diversity. Rarefaction estimations were used to compare abundance and richness of the mosquito species between different zones. In total, 750 mosquito larvae and 84 resting adults were sampled. Eighteen species of mosquitoes belonging to 11 subgenera and 7 genera were documented. Genera included Aedes (Johann Wilhelm Meigen 1818, Diptera, Culicidae), Anopheles (Johann Wilhelm Meigen 1818, Diptera, Culicidae), Armigeres (Theobald 1901, Diptera, Culicidae), Culex (Carl Linnaeus 1758, Diptera, Culicidae), Lutzia (Theobald 1903, Diptera, Culicidae), and Mimomyia (Theobald 1903, Diptera, Culicidae). Of the 18 mosquito species identified, 8 species are new records for Auroville. The Alpha (α) biodiversity indices show that the mosquito fauna is diverse (S = 18; DMg = 2.732 [95% CI: 2.732-2.732]). The Shannon-Weiner (H' = 2.199 [95% CI: 2.133-2.276]) and Simpson indices (λ = 0.8619 [95% CI: 0.8496-0.8723]) measured species richness, evenness, and dominance. The values of these indices suggest high species richness, evenness, and dominance. Prevailing conditions can provide suitable environment for establishment of different mosquito species in this ecosystem. Given the sociodemographic characteristics of this area, research on mosquito diversity and risk of vector-borne diseases will be of great use.

Proficient mycogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles by soil derived fungus Aspergillus melleus SSS-10 with cytotoxic and antibacterial potency.

The present study aimed at evaluating the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles by soil fungus Aspergillus melleus SSS-10 for antibacterial and cytotoxic activity. In this study, the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was estimated by the colour change in cell free extract from pale yellow to golden yellow after 24 h of the reaction. UV-Vis study showed the absorbance maxima at 410 nm. Tauc plot analysis revealed the band gap energy as 2.34 eV. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) data revealed polydisperse anisotropic silver nanoparticles with average hydrodynamic diameter of 92.006 nm. Zeta potential of - 19.6 mV provided evidence of stable silver nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed four prominent Bragg peaks corresponding to (111), (200), (220) and (311) planes characteristic of silver (Ag) in FCC structural configuration. Average crystallite size was found to be 87.3 nm from Scherrer equation. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed irregular morphology of silver nanoparticles. EDS analysis displayed characteristic energy peaks of silver from 2.72 keV to 3.52 keV confirming the presence of silver nanoparticles. Biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited strong cytotoxic potential on MG-63 cells. AgNPs also showed antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, this study provides a platform to explore the utility of fungal mediated silver nanoparticles synthesized for various pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications.

A challenging case of hypercapnic respiratory failure during pregnancy.

We describe a 40-year-old female who presented with progressive breathlessness and hypercapnic respiratory failure during pregnancy secondary to undiagnosed muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis. Her presentation was progressive and protracted, having over five contacts with healthcare professionals over nine months, many of these predating her pregnancy. Her atypical presentation for myasthenia with minimal limb weakness led to consideration of other causes of hypercapnic respiratory failure. Once diagnosed, she was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and non-invasive ventilation. She gave birth to a pre-term infant by planned caesarean section. Her insidious presentation and the progressive nature of her breathlessness were unusual and our report highlights the predominant involvement of respiratory muscles in muscle-specific kinase myasthenia. Her pregnancy may have further delayed her diagnosis due the attribution of some symptoms to normal pregnancy. Early recognition and treatment of myasthenia gravis are important to prevent life-threatening complications.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Metabolites of a Soil-Derived Fungus Aspergillus arcoverdensis SSSIHL-01.

Soil houses a vast array of microbial diversity. Cultured soil microbes have been a good source of many commercial drugs. In the present study, a fungal culture (SSSIHL-01) isolated from soil has been identified as Aspergillus arcoverdensis through morphology and ITS gene sequence. Extracellular culture extract and mycelial extract of the strain SSSIHL-01 were obtained using specific conditions and were evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Culture extract at 700 µg/mL concentration, showed strong DPPH free radical scavenging capacity with 95.06% comparable with the standard ascorbic acid. At 1 mg/mL concentration, mycelial extract inhibited heat induced Bovine Serum Albumin denaturation of about 31.54% compared to that of 51% produced by the standard diclofenac sodium. Chemical profiling of both the culture and mycelial extracts were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Some of the major compounds identified from the culture extract were 2,4-ditert-butylphenol, 1-heptacosanol, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene that are known to be antioxidative. Mycelial extract presented some major compounds such as ethyl linoleate, oleic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and ethyl palmitate that are reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, our study highlights the significance of Aspergillus arcoverdensis as an effective producer of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds for future utility in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications.

Modelling and process optimization for biodiesel production from Nannochloropsis salina using artificial neural network.

In the present investigation, calcium oxide solid nanocatalyst derived from the egg shell and Nannochloropsis salina were used for the production of biodiesel. The morphological characteristics and functional groups of synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized by SEM and FTIR analysis. Process variables optimization for biodiesel production was studied using RSM and ANN. The R2 values for RSM and ANN was found to be 0.8751 and 0.957 which showed that the model was significantly fit with the experimental data. The maximum FAME conversion for the synthesized nanocatalyst CaO was found to be 86.1% under optimum process conditions (nanocatalyst amount: 3% (w/v); oil to methanol ratio 1:6 (v/v); reaction temperature: 60 °C; reaction time 55 min). Concentration of FAME present in biodiesel was identified by GC-MS analysis.

Dye reduction-based electron-transfer activity monitoring assay for assessing microbial electron transfer activity of microbial fuel cell inocula.

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) utilize microbes as catalysts to convert chemical energy to electricity. Inocula used for MFC operation must therefore contain active microbial population. The dye reduction-based electron-transfer activity monitoring (DREAM) assay was employed to evaluate different inocula used in MFCs for their microbial bioelectrical activity. The assay utilizes the redox property of Methylene Blue to undergo color change from blue to colorless state upon microbial reduction. The extent of Methylene Blue reduction was denoted as the DREAM assay coefficient. DREAM assay was initially performed on a microbial culture along with the growth curve and estimation of colony forming units (CFUs). DREAM coefficient correlated to the CFU/mL obtained over time as growth progressed. The assay was then extended to water samples (domestic sewage, lake and a man-made pond) serving as inocula in MFCs. Domestic wastewater gave the highest DREAM coefficient (0.300 ± 0.05), followed by pond (0.224 ± 0.07) and lake (0.157 ± 0.04) water samples. Power density obtained conformed to the DREAM coefficient values, with the three samples generating power densities of 46.45 ± 5.1, 36.12 ± 3.2 and 25.08 ± 4.3 mW/m2 respectively. We have also studied the role of addition of various carbon sources and their concentrations towards improving the sensitivity of the assay. The DREAM assay is a rapid, easy-to-perform and cost-effective method to assess inocula for their suitability as anolytes in terms of electron transfer potential in MFCs.

Screening sediment samples used as anolytes in microbial fuel cells for microbial electron transfer activity using DREAM assay.

OBJECTIVE: The dye reduction-based electron-transfer activity monitoring (DREAM) assay was employed to screen sediment and wastewater samples functioning as anolytes in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) for their microbial electron transfer activity. RESULTS: Electron transfer to redox dyes from microbial activity reduced the dyes and the resulting extent of reduction was measured as DREAM assay coefficient. Methylene blue was decolourised, while resazurin underwent florigenic change from blue to pink to colourless upon formation of resorufin and dihydroxyresorufin. DREAM assay coefficient conformed to power density obtained in the MFC. A correlation was observed between chemical oxygen demand of the sample and the DREAM coefficient (+ 0.934) and also between DREAM coefficient and power density generated (+ 0.976). Highest DREAM coefficient and power density was observed for activated sludge. CONCLUSIONS: The DREAM assay is a rapid, sensitive and low-cost method to assess microbial electron transfer activity for inocula used as anolytes in a MFC.

An improvised microtiter dish biofilm assay for non-invasive biofilm detection on microbial fuel cell anodes and studying biofilm growth conditions.

Microbial life is predominantly observed as biofilms, which are a sessile aggregation of microbial cells formed in response to stress conditions. The microtiter dish biofilm formation assay is one of the most important methods of studying biofilm formation. In this study, the assay has been improvised to allow easy detection of biofilm formation on different substrata. The method has then been used to study growth conditions that affect biofilm formation, viz., the effect of pH, temperature, shaking conditions, and the carbon source provided. Glass, cellulose acetate, and carbon cloth materials were used as substrata to study biofilm development under the above conditions. The method was then extended to determine biofilm formation on the anodes of a microbial fuel cell in order to study the effect of biofilm formation on power production. A high correlation was observed between biofilm formation and power density (r = 0.951). When the electrode containing a biofilm was replaced with another electrode without biofilm, the average power density dropped from 59.55 to 5.76 mW/m2. This method offers an easy way to study the suitability of different materials to support biofilm formation. Growth conditions determining biofilm formation can be studied using this method. This method also offers a non-invasive way to determine biofilm formation on anodes of microbial fuel cells and preserves the anode for further studies.

Biodiesel production from microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata using heterogeneous Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) encapsulated ZnOMn2+ nanocatalyst.

In this present work nanocomposite composed of Mn-ZnO capped with Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) was utilized as heterogeneous catalyst for the transesterification of oil extracted from Nannochloropsis oculata into biodiesel using methanol as an acyl acceptor. The synthesized Mn-ZnO novel nanocomposite capped with Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) was characterized by using SEM and XRD. Lipid contents from the microalgae were extracted by sonication and biphasic solvent method. The process parameters involved for heterogeneous catalysis of N. oculata to biodiesel were optimized and found to be oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:15 (mol:mol), catalyst loading 3.5% (w/w) and reaction temperature of 60 °C for 4 h of reaction time by Response Surface Method. The reusability studies showed that the nano-catalyst can be reused efficiently for 4 cycles. The yield of biodiesel obtained from N. oculata species using Mn-ZnO nanocomposite capped with PEG was 87.5%.

Assessing Activity of Antimicrobial Agents and Screening Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Through DREAM Assay.

Antibiotics have assumed importance in the scene of medicine due to their activity against bacterial infections. During the course of evolution, bacteria have been developing routes to overcome damaging effects of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is an intriguing development that has taken the world of anti-microbial therapy by storm. Among the methods described in literature for assessing anti-microbial activity, those using metabolic activity as a measure of bacterial viability provide estimates closer to the actual. The dye reduction-based electron-transfer activity monitoring assay (DREAM assay) utilizes the redox dye methylene blue as an indicator of microbial activity. The DREAM assay coefficient is presented herein as a measure of the extent of microbial reduction of methylene blue to a colorless form under experimental conditions. This novel metric was successfully employed to evaluate activity of three common antibiotics-ampicillin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin-and leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum. Results corroborated significantly with the conventional disk diffusion method commonly used for anti-microbial testing. The principle of microbial electron transfer was then successfully extended to assess antibiotic susceptibility of known resistant and sensitive strains of Escherichia coli. This method possesses the advantage of detecting anti-microbial activity in a simple, cost-effective, and rapid manner.

Retinopathy of prematurity and neurodevelopmental disabilities in premature infants.

Prematurity is a major global health issue leading to high mortality and morbidity among the survivors. Neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are the most common complications of prematurity. In fact, ROP is the second leading cause of childhood blindness in the world. Although there is much information regarding the occurrence of ROP and of NDD in premature infants, there have been few studies on ROP and its association with NDD. The objectives of this article are to review the current literature on the subject and to publish our own findings concerning the association between ROP and NDD in premature infants. The review suggests that although NDDs are related to degree of prematurity, NDD could also be the result of visual impairments resulting from ROP. Our own study shows a close association between NDD and zonal involvement of ROP: higher NDD if zone 1 is involved and less if zone 3 is involved.

Post-operative delirium in elderly patients.

Delirium is a common, but an often underdiagnosed complication in the elderly following major surgery. Recognising delirium in early stages and diagnosing the condition based on established criteria can improve the outcome and management. Managing delirium with environmental, supportive and pharmacological interventions will possibly reduce the incidence and side-effects associated with post-operative delirium. The purpose of this article is to provide an over view of the current knowledge about the disease, diagnosis, pathogenesis, preventive strategies, and treatment of post-operative delirium.

Screening First Degree Relatives of Persons with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in India.

PURPOSE: To report the results of screening first degree relatives of persons identified with primary open angle glaucoma in a tertiary eye hospital glaucoma services. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of first degree relatives of persons with primary open angle glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First degree relatives of patients identified with primary open angle glaucoma were invited to participate in a screening evaluation in the base hospital to detect glaucoma. All participating individuals had comprehensive eye examination including vision screening, refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, frequency doubling peri-metry and dilated fundus examination. Persons with definite and suspected glaucoma were subject to full threshold automated perimetry. RESULTS: A 514 first degree relatives of 346 persons with primary open angle glaucoma, of 4972 individuals who were invited to participate attended the screening examination (Response Rate 7%). Fifty-five percent of those who attended were males and mean age of participants was 56.8 years. Sixty-eight relatives (13.3% of those screened) were detected to have definite glaucoma. Sixty percent of those detected with definite glaucoma were siblings. Fifteen percent of siblings, 4% of off-springs and 20% of parents who attended the screening examination had definite open angle glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of open angle glaucoma amongst first degree relatives of persons with glaucoma is higher than in the general population as reported in previous studies. Significant barriers, however, exist in the uptake of eye care services among relatives of persons known to have primary open angle glaucoma. How to cite this article: Rajendrababu S, Gupta N, Vijayakumar B, Kumaragurupari R, Krishnadas SR. Screening First Degree Relatives of Persons with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in India. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2014;8(3):107-112.

3-(Ferrocen-1-ylcarbon-yl)-1-methyl-4-(4-methyl-phen-yl)spiro-[pyrrolidine-2,11'-indeno-[1,2-b]quinoxaline].

In the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(32)H(26)N(3)O)], the pyrrolidine ring adopts a twist conformation. The indeno-quinoxaline ring system [86.44 (5)°], the methyl-phenyl ring [86.06 (7)°] and the ferrocene rings [82.00 (7) and 83.95 (9)°] are almost perpendicular to the pyrrolidine ring. The two cyclopentadienyl rings adopt an eclipsed conformation. The crystal structure features C-H⋯N inter-actions.

Tuberculous brain abscess and subdural empyema in an immunocompetent child: Significance of AFB staining in aspirated pus.

Tuberculous brain abscess and subdural empyema are extremely rare manifestations of central nervous system tuberculosis. Here, we report a case of an 11-year-old immunocompetent child who developed temporal lobe abscess and subdural empyema following chronic otitis media. A right temporal craniotomy was performed and the abscess was excised. The Ziehl Nielsen staining of the aspirated pus from the temporal lobe abscess yielded acid fast bacilli. Prompt administration of antituberculous treatment resulted in complete recovery of the child. Even though the subdural abscess was not drained, we presume that to be of tubercular aetiology. Ours is probably the first case of brain abscess and subdural empyema due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis reported in the same child. This case is being reported because of its rarity and to stress the importance of routine staining for tubercle bacilli in all cases of brain abscess, especially in endemic areas, as it is difficult to differentiate tuberculous from pyogenic abscess clinically as well as histopathologically.

4-Ferrocenyl-1-methyl-3-benzoyl-spiro-[pyrrolidine-2,11'-indeno-[1,2-b]quinoxaline].

In the title compound, [Fe(C5H5)(C31H24N3O)], the pyrrolidine ring adopts a twist conformation. The pyrrolidine ring is almost perpendicular to the indeno-quinoxaline ring system, making a dihedral angle of 84.44 (5)°. The cyclo-penta-dienyl rings of the ferrocene moiety adopt an eclipsed conformation. The crystal packing features weak C-H⋯N and C-H⋯π inter-actions.

3'-Ferrocenylcarbon-yl-1'-methyl-4'-phenyl-spiro-[indeno-[2,3-b]quinoxaline-11,2'-pyrrolidine].

In the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(31)H(24)N(3)O)], the pyrrolidine ring makes a dihedral angle of 86.3 (3)° with the mean plane [r.m.s deviation = 0.074 (2) Å] of the indeno-quinoxaline ring system. The central pyrrolidine ring adopts a twist conformation and the two cyclopentadienyl rings adopt an eclipsed conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯N and C-H⋯π inter-actions, propagating along the c and a axes, respectively.

A case of severe subcutaneous emphysema in the post-operative period following cleft lip surgery.

Subcutaneous emphysema is not an unknown complication following cleft lip surgery. We describe a case of severe subcutaneous emphysema that developed six hours after surgery. The laryngoscopic intubation was smooth. Following subcutaneous emphysema the patient was treated conservatively with mask oxygen and spontaneous resolution occurred within 48 hours.