Association between sea-land breeze and particulate matter in five coastal urban locations in India.

Particulate matter less than 2.5 µm particle diameter (PM2.5) is the most significant environmental issue globally. PM2.5 is an integral component of air quality monitoring and management, human health, weather, climate, and epidemiological research. In this work, we investigate the seasonal variation in PM2.5 mass concentrations and the association between the sea-land breeze system and particulate matter in five coastal urban locations in India (Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mumbai). The relative occurrence of high PM2.5 mass concentrations was the greatest during the winter season (December through February) while the relative occurrence of low PM2.5 mass concentrations was the greatest during the monsoon season (June through September). Amongst locations, Kolkata experiences the highest PM2.5 loading in winter while Thiruvananthapuram experiences the lowest PM2.5 loading in monsoon. Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) outflow onto the Bay of Bengal significantly impacts locations along the eastern coast of India with reduced impact from north (Kolkata) to south (Chennai). The sea-breeze component analysis revealed daily cycles of the sea-land breeze with varying magnitudes of the breeze between the different seasons. Overall, we found a negative association between the sea-land breeze magnitude and PM2.5 mass concentrations, implying that the weakened sea-land breeze may deteriorate air quality in coastal locations due to poor ventilation. The vertical profiles of aerosol extinction showed elevated aerosol layers within 1 km from the surface in almost all locations. The decreasing trend in the land-sea temperature contrast in coastal locations is expected to deteriorate air quality in coastal locations in the warming future. Nevertheless, critical analyses using ground-based remote sensing techniques are required for a better understanding the impact of sea-land breeze dynamics on air quality in coastal locations.

Turbidity dynamics in Indian peninsular river mouths derived from Kd490 reveals key anthropogenic drivers.

Large rivers, which act as natural integrators of surface processes, contribute massive volume of terrestrial materials to the coastal oceans. However, the accelerated climate warming and increasing anthropogenic activities recorded in recent years have been severely affecting the hydrologic and physical regimes of river systems. These changes have a direct impact on river discharge and runoff, some of which are occurred rapidly in the past two decades. Here, we present a quantitative analysis on the effects of changes in surface turbidity at coastal river mouths using diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm (Kd490) as a proxy of turbidity for six major Indian peninsular rivers. The time series (2000-2022) trends of Kd490 obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) images shows a significant decreasing trend in Kd values (p < 0.001) at the mouths of the Narmada, Tapti, Cauvery, Krishna, Godavari, and Mahanadi rivers. This is despite an increased rainfall trend observed for the six studied river basins which can likely intensifies the surface runoff and deliver more sediments, suggesting that other factors such as land use changes and increased number of dam constructions are primarily responsible for the decreased sediment load from rivers to coastal mouths.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Rare-Earth Metal-Ion-Doped Nanocrystalline Li4Ti5O12 Electrodes in High-Power Li-Ion Batteries.

A comprehensive and comparative exploration research performed, aiming to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of rare-earth (RE) metal-ion doping into Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), reveals the enhanced electrochemical performance of the nanocrystalline RE-LTO electrodes in high-power Li-ion batteries. Pristi ne Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) and rare-earth metal-doped Li4-x/3Ti5-2x/3LnxO12 (RE-LTO with RE = Dy, Ce, Nd, Sm, and Eu; x ≈ 0.1) nanocrystalline anode materials were synthesized using a simple mechanochemical method and subsequent calcination at 850 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of pristine and RE-LTO samples exhibit predominant (111) orientation along with other characteristic peaks corresponding to cubic spinel lattice. No evidence of RE-doping-induced changes was seen in the crystal structure and phase. The average crystallite size for pristine and RE-LTO samples varies in the range of 50-40 nm, confirming the formation of nanoscale crystalline materials and revealing the good efficiency of the ball-milling-assisted process adopted to synthesize nanoscale particles. Raman spectroscopic analyses of the chemical bonding indicate and further validate the phase structural quality in addition to corroborating with XRD data for the cubic spinel structure formation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that both pristine and RE-LTO particles have a similar cubic shape, but RE-LTO particles are better interconnected, which provide a high specific surface area for enhanced Li+-ion storage. The detailed electrochemical characterization confirms that the RE-LTO electrodes constitute promising anode materials for high-power Li-ion batteries. The RE-LTO electrodes deliver better discharge capacities (in the range of 172-198 mAh g-1 at 1C rate) than virgin LTO (168 mAh g-1). Among them, Eu-LTO provides the best discharge capacity of 198 mAh g-1 at a 1C rate. When cycled at a high current rate of 50C, all RE-LTO electrodes show nearly 70% of their initial discharge capacities, resulting in higher rate capability than virgin LTO (63%). The results discussed in this work unfold the fundamental mechanisms of RE doping into LTO and demonstrate the enhanced electrochemical performance derived via chemical composition tailoring in RE-LTO compounds for application in high-power Li-ion batteries.

Southern hemisphere forced millennial scale Indian summer monsoon variability during the late Pleistocene.

Peninsular India hosts the initial rain-down of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) after which winds travel further east inwards into Asia. Stalagmite oxygen isotope composition from this region, such as those from Belum Cave, preserve the vital signals of the past ISM variability. These archives experience a single wet season with a single dominant moisture source annually. Here we present high-resolution δ18O, δ13C and trace element (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, Mn/Ca) time series from a Belum Cave stalagmite spanning glacial MIS-6 (from ~ 183 to ~ 175 kyr) and interglacial substages MIS-5c-5a (~ 104 kyr to ~ 82 kyr). With most paleomonsoon reconstructions reporting coherent evolution of northern hemisphere summer insolation and ISM variability on orbital timescale, we focus on understanding the mechanisms behind millennial scale variability. Finding that the two are decoupled over millennial timescales, we address the role of the Southern Hemisphere processes in modulating monsoon strength as a part of the Hadley circulation. We identify several strong and weak episodes of ISM intensity during 104-82 kyr. Some of the weak episodes correspond to warming in the southern hemisphere associated with weak cross-equatorial winds. We show that during the MIS-5 substages, ISM strength gradually declined with millennial scale variability linked to Southern Hemisphere temperature changes which in turn modulate the strength of the Mascarene High.

An environmental magnetic record of heavy metal pollution in Vembanad lagoon, southwest coast of India.

Magnetic signature of the iron-bearing minerals archived in sediments is sensitive to change in environment and therefore, studied to reconstruct the signals linked with environmental processes. In the present work, we have analyzed 11 sediment cores from Vembanad lagoon, southwest coast of India, to estimate the magnetic fluctuations associated with environmental processes. Down-core variation in magnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic, isothermal and saturation isothermal remnant magnetization and S and H-ratios have been interpreted to map the degree and spatial distribution of anthropogenic pollution in and around the lagoon. Downcore variation of magnetic susceptibility of Vembanad lagoon sediments varies from 10 to 100 × 10-8 m3/ kg. The top layers of sediment samples from river mouth regions (Periyar and Muvattupuzha rivers) show higher susceptibility values and incidentally these samples are of coarse sized. The subtle variations in SIRM/χlf ratios suggest that there are magnetic grain size differences in the samples. The SIRM and χlf relation suggests that dominant magnetic grain size in sediments. The low ARM/χlf ratios suggest a relatively higher ferrimagnetic contribution and coarser magnetite grain size. Rock magnetism data reveal that the coarse magnetic grain size is affecting the pollution of Vembanad lagoon. We also analyzed downcore variability of metal concentrations such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr, and all these metals exhibit higher concentrations in the top layers of the cores. Our study suggests that higher values of magnetic parameters and metal concentrations are due to various anthropogenic sources.

Screening of phytochemical compounds of Tinospora cordifolia for their inhibitory activity on SARS-CoV-2: an in silico study.

In the present study, we explored phytochemical constituents of Tinospora cordifolia in terms of its binding affinity targeting the active site pocket of the main protease (3CL pro) of SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking study and assessed the stability of top docking complex of tinosponone and 3CL pro using molecular dynamics simulations with GROMACS 2020.2 version. Out of 11 curated screened compounds, we found the significant docking score for tinosponone, xanosporic acid, cardiofolioside B, tembetarine and berberine in Tinospora cordifolia. Based on the findings of the docking study, it was confirmed that tinosponone is the potent inhibitor of main protease of SARS-CoV-2 with the best binding affinity of -7.7 kcal/mol. Further, ADME along with toxicity analysis was studied to predict the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of five top hits compounds. The molecular dynamics simulation analysis confirmed the stability of tinosponone and 3CL pro complex with a random mean square deviation (RMSD) value of 0.1 nm. The computer-aided drug design approach proved that the compound tinosponone from T. cordifolia is a potent inhibitor of 3CL main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Further, the in vitro and in vivo-based testing will be required to confirm its inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spatio-temporal variability of near-surface air pollutants at four distinct geographical locations in Andhra Pradesh State of India.

India is highly vulnerable to air pollution in the recent decade, especially urban areas with rapidly growing urbanisation and industrialisation. Here, we present spatio-temporal variability of air pollutants at four distinct locations in Andhra Pradesh State of India. The mean concentrations of air pollutants were generally higher at Visakhapatnam site than Amaravati, Rajahmundry, and Tirumala sites. The mean concentration of particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) was higher at Visakhapatnam site (48.5 ± 27.3 µg/m3) by a factor of about 1.6 as compared to Tirumala site (29.5 ± 17 µg/m3). On the contrary, the mean concentrations of oxides of nitrogen (NOx, 70.3 ± 28.1 µg/m3) and ammonia (NH3, 20.5 ± 9.2 µg/m3) were higher at Tirumala by a factor of about 1.4 and 1.9, respectively, as compared to Visakhapatnam (49 ± 5 µg/m3 and 10.7 ± 5 µg/m3). This was mainly attributed to higher vehicular emissions at Tirumala site. PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), NOx, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) showed distinct seasonal variation, with higher concentrations in winter followed by post-monsoon, pre-monsoon and monsoon. The Concentration Weighted Trajectory analysis of PM2.5 based on 5-days backward air mass trajectories showed that all sites experienced northeast air mass flow indicative of the outflow from Indo-Gangetic Plain, particularly in the post-monsoon and winter seasons. The Continuous Wavelet Transform analysis further showed that higher variations in PM2.5 concentrations occurring at a regular interval from a week to 16 days at both Tirumala and Visakhapatnam sites, while weekly periods are dominant over Amaravati and Rajahmundry sites with 95% significance during post-monsoon and winter seasons. Overall, our results underline heterogeneity in air pollution emission sources and influx of pollutants from distant sources, which would be useful when formulating the policies and mitigation procedures for this region.

Li2TiO3/Ni foam composite as high-performance electrode for energy storage and conversion.

Li2TiO3/Ni foam composites were prepared by a solid-state reaction process. They crystallized in the monoclinic Li2TiO3 structure with C2/c space group. SEM images show that the Li2TiO3 particles are monodispersed crystallites of average size 49 nm, infused into porous scaffold Ni foam. As an anode in lithium battery, the composite delivered a discharge capacity of 153 mAh g-1 in an aqueous electrolyte and retained 95% of its initial capacity after 30 cycles. Moreover, the Li2TiO3/Ni foam composite as a negative electrode of pseudo-supercapacitor delivered a specific capacitance of 593 F g-1 and retained 95% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles. The enhanced capacity of Li2TiO3/Ni composite is due to porous scaffold Ni foam, which provides high conductivity to the Li2TiO3 particles and high effective surface area for redox reactions. The performance of the Li2TiO3/Ni foam as an electrode material for both lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs) shows that this composite is promising for energy storage devices.

SU-E-T-548: Case Study of HDR Vs IMRT in Pediatric Sarcomas.

PURPOSE: To compare the dose to critical structures using HDR brachytherapy versus IMRT in pediatric tumors. METHOD: Two sarcoma cases, for which both HDR and IMRT could be options, were selected for this case study. Case 1 targeted a volume on the posterior neck/upper back with an HDR prescription of 600cGy × 5 fractions, 3000cGy total. The IMRT prescription used was 180cGy × 25 fractions, 4500cGy total with a boost of 180cGy × 6 fractions, 1080cGy. The IMRT PTV used was a 0.5cmexpansion of the HDR PTV; the boost PTV was identical to the HDR treatment plan. Case 2 targeted a volume on the palette of the mouth with an HDR prescription of 300cGy × 12 fractions, 3600cGy total. The IMRT prescription used was 180cGy × 28 fractions, 5040cGy total. A 0.5cm expansion of the HDR PTV was used for the IMRT PTV. In both cases, for both HDR and IMRT, at least 95% of the PTV received 100% prescription dose, following Children's Oncology Group protocols. RESULTS: Case 1 : the mean doses to the body, brachial plexus, esophagus, spinal cord and thyroid were higher using IMRT than HDR. Integral dose was 6.6 times higher using IMRT than HDR. Case 2: the mean doses to the body, mandible, and parotids were higher using IMRT than HDR. Integral dose was 2.9 times higher using IMRT than HDR. CONCLUSION: This study shows the potential benefit of treating with HDR compared to IMRT in select pediatric cases. These results suggest that HDR can be superior to IMRT in the sparing of critical structures and in delivering less integral dose to the patient while still achieving adequate target coverage. However, lower mean doses to critical structures must also be weighed against the possibility of complications from HDR's very high hotspots.

Long-term dosing, safety, and tolerability of fentanyl buccal tablet in the management of noncancer-related breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term dosing, safety, and tolerability of fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) in a large cohort of opioid-tolerant patients with chronic noncancer pain and breakthrough pain (BTP). DESIGN: Combined analysis of three double-blind, placebo-controlled, and two open-label studies. RESULTS: Of 1160 patients who received ≥1 dose of FBT, 83% achieved a successful dose, ranging from 100 to 800 µg, mostly at 600 or 800 µg. Not all of the patients included in this analysis were enrolled in long-term studies and 156 (13%) patients were still receiving ongoing treatment when their study site closed. Median treatment duration was 106.0 days. The mean FBT dose in the post-titration population (n = 946) increased from 2108 to 3132 µg/day, with ≥1 FBT dose increase in 27% of patients; most dose increases occurred during the first 6 months. The FBT daily dose as a proportion of the daily opioid dose remained fairly stable (59-65%) throughout the treatment period. Overall, 925 (80%) enrolled patients had ≥1 adverse event (AE). The most frequent AEs were nausea (21% of patients), vomiting (11%), dizziness (10%), and headache (10%). Common AEs generally occurred within 7 days of starting treatment and lasted for ≤2 days. Serious AEs occurred in 136 (12%) patients and included six deaths (none related to FBT) and 11 instances of opioid overdose (all with satisfactory resolution). AE-related discontinuations occurred in 163 (14%) patients and were similar to the common AEs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations, including the controlled clinical setting, this pooled analysis of several clinical studies provides valuable information for the long-term management of BTP with FBT. Patients require regular evaluation and, when necessary, adjustment of opioid medications to maintain adequate pain control. FBT was generally safe and well tolerated in this setting.

Randomised controlled trial of the treatment of pastern dermatitis with a formulation containing kunzea oil.

The efficacy of an ointment containing kunzea oil for the treatment of horses with localised acute or chronic pastern dermatitis was assessed. Thirty-seven horses were randomly allocated to treatment with an ointment containing either 20 per cent kunzea oil (test) or 2 per cent ketoconazole (control). Only 21 of the horses completed the study. The severity of the lesions was assessed before and after seven days of treatment. The kunzea oil formulation resulted in a significant decrease in the median total area of the lesions from 40 cm(2) (range 3 to 252 cm(2)) to 0 cm(2) (range 0 to 34 cm(2)), with complete resolution of the signs of pastern dermatitis in seven of 11 cases. The control formulation resulted in no significant change in the total area of the lesions, and the signs of pastern dermatitis resolved completely in only two of the 10 cases.

Use of MR spectroscopy and functional imaging in the treatment planning of gliomas.

Routine anatomical imaging with CT and MRI does not reliably indicate the true extent or the most malignant areas of gliomas and cannot identify the functionally critical parts of the brain. The aim of the study was to see if the use of MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) along with functional MRI (fMRI) can better define both the target and the critical structures to be avoided to improve radiation delivery in gliomas. 12 patients with gliomas underwent multivoxel MRS and functional imaging using GE processing software. The choline to creatine ratio (Cho:Cr), which represents the degree of abnormality for each individual voxel on MRSI, was derived, converted into a grayscale grading system, fused to the MRI images and then transferred to the planning CT images. An intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan was developed using the dose constraints based on both the anatomical and the functionally critical regions. Cho:Cr consistently identified the gross tumour volume (GTV) within the microscopic disease (clinical target volume, CTV) and allowed dose painting using IMRT. No correlation between MRSI based Cho:Cr > or =2 and MR defined CTV nor their location was noted. However, MRSI defined Cho:Cr > or =3 was smaller by 40% compared with post-contrast T1 weighted MRI defined GTV volumes. fMRI helped in optimizing the orientation of the beams. In conclusion, both MRSI and fMRI provide additional information to conventional imaging that may guide dose painting in treatment planning of gliomas. A Phase I IMRT dose intensification trial in gliomas using this information is planned.

A review of Brahmavaivartapurana (BVP) with reference to Ayurveda.

Brahmavaivartapurana is one of the important Mahapurana, which is considered as a Vaisnavapurana. The text is divided into four parts called khanda i.e., Brahma, Prakrti, Ganapati, and Srikrsnajanmakhanda. The total number of chapters are 276 and comprising about 20,500 verses. Brahmavaivartapurana comprises both ancient and medieval materials. It considers Ayurveda as Pancama Veda and devoted 16th chapter of Brahmakhanda which describes the origin of Ayurveda its propagaters headed by Bhaskara (sun god) and his 16 students and their corresponding books in detail. An account of the Jvara (Fever) and other diseases, Dinacarya (daily routine), Rtucarya (seasonal regimen), Tridosa (three humours), their Prakopa (Vitiation) and Prasamana (palliation) etc are described in this book. BVP deals with the do's and dont's of food intake, sleep and sexual indulgance in detail which are deemed to be Trayopastambha (three sub pillers of health). The book provides an account of Plant Tulsi's origin and its spiritual importance. Prakrti (nature's) origins, Pañcamahabhuta nature of the body are described in Prakrtikhanda. At the flag end of the book there is a legend describing the origin of Lord Dhanvantari and describes his scholarship in the field of Veda and sastra. On the whole purana provides glimpse of the life style of a Vaisnava devoutee and the people of the time when it was compiled. It serves the purpose of a practical manual to lead a healthy life and ensure spiritual growth in the life of any individual who believes in the precepts of this book.

Biography of Narahari -- the author of Raja-Nighantu.

Narahari Pandita, who was the son of Isvarasuri and resident of Kashmir was an erudite scholar of all branches of Sanskrit learning and was also well versed in regional languages of Karnataka, Maharastra and Andhra. His work Raja-Nighantu is also known as Nghantu Raja or Abhidhana Cudamani. His date may be placed in 17th century A.D. i.e. after Bhavamisra. Some of the new and more interesting plants added are, Brahmadandi, Dhumrapatra, Ekavira, Hastisundi, Jambu, Jhandu, Samudraphala, Svetamli, Sveta, Vrscika etc. Thus information about Narahari and his work is presented in this article.

Evolution of drug: a historical perspective.

To trace out the first person who discovered the first medicine is extremely difficult. Perhaps the origin of medicine and drug and its early history has been lost in myths. The use of medicinal plants dates back not only to human civilization but to ancient people also. Plants have been crucial in sustaining human health and well being of mankind. The word Drug, taken from French word Drogue which means Dry Herb, strongly suggests that earliest drugs were taken out from plant sources. Earliest people used to treat diseases by some unconventional methods, using plants, animal products and minerals, of them plants were given priority. World's ancient systems of medicine e.g. Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Greek Medicine, despite, having wider differences in their principles of treatment agree upon the point, that disease is due to imbalance within the constituents of the body and that the aim of treatment is to restore the balance with the help of herbs. So, herbs played vital role in the development of Pharmacology and Pharmacy. The splendid architect of today's advanced Pharmacology was not built in a day, but its foundation stone has been laid on old base. Pharmacology from its very beginning to the age of Chemotherapy and on words, has traversed long voyage. In this article travelogue of the Pharmacology has been discussed briefly.

Contribution of astrology in medicine -- a review.

Astrology is the art of predicting or determining the influence of the planets and stars on human affairs. The origin of this word is from Greek word astron, star + logos (discourse). Both Ayurveda and Astrology have established a way of life in India since time immemorial. Highly advanced knowledge related to Astrology on medicine is preserved in Indian Holy scriptures and transmitted from generation to generation. Although both Astrology and medicine were developed as a part of religion in ancient India, astrological principles related to prevention, health care and relief from illness were applied as rituals (religious ceremonies). An astrologer gives guidance for taking medicines at suitable time for the best remedy of ailments. Even the medicinal herbs were collected and used at appropriate times for their efficacy. Astrology and Ayurveda are inseparable in human life. Role of the Astrology in healthy life and pathogenesis of the disease is well known to Indians. When a physician knows etiology of the disease, he attempts to treat the disease with specific medication, diet and life style and also avoiding causative factors. In a case where a physician is unable to understand the pathogenesis of the disease and to treat, the patient depends upon Astrology. Account of good and bad deeds during this life and previous lives, their consequences of health or ill health during this life which orderly, when, what and how will be clearly known through Astrology. It gives guidelines about welfare not only to human being but also to whole creation and also indicates about calamities and their solutions as possible extent. Hence a concise astrological evaluation related to prevention, health care, diagnosis and treatment of diseases is being presented in this article.

Medical information in Agnipurana.

Agnipurana is one amongst the 18 Purana of the Hindu literature. Its title is so because it was narrated by Agni to Vasistha. It consists of 16000 stanzas distributed in 383 chapters. It has not only the compilation of special topics from different Ayurvedic texts but also carries information regarding some missing links, serets and some issues which are not disussed in Ayurveda. There is deference of opinion regarding the date of this Purana. Medical information given in Agnipurana was taken from Susruta Samhita, Astanga Sangraha, Vrnda Madhava and Cakradatta etc. At some places slokas were reproduced and at some places zist has been taken. Basic principles, anatomy, physiology, medicine etc. medical information is available in Agnipurana which is being presented in this article.

Udumbara (Ficus glomerata Roxb.): a medico-historical review.

Udumbara is well known drug for its use since ancient times. Atharvaveda considers this as a divine plant and much used in religious sacrifice. It is also called as Yajñodumbara. It grows abundantly in all parts of India. In Ayurveda bark, leaves and unripe fruits etc. are used externally and internally to cure many diseases like Pravahika (Dysentery), Pradara (Menorrhagia), Raktapitta (Haemoptysis) etc. Thus its medico-historical importance and other details have been presented in this article.