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This study assesses and maps the vulnerability index of Bangladesh at the subdistrict level to a range of natural and climate-induced disasters. Four vulnerability index maps are created using principal component analysis and categorized into five risk levels: (1) no/very low risk, (2) low risk, (3) moderate risk, (4) high risk and (5) very high risk for each sub-district. The results reveal that the south east region is highly vulnerable to cyclones, Haor region stands out as the most vulnerable area for flash floods, with numerous subdistricts facing very high to high risk levels; northern and north-eastern regions are prone to cold waves, while the western part of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to heat waves. This comprehensive spatial analysis provides critical information for disaster risk reduction and adaptation strategies, assisting decision-makers in identifying the most vulnerable areas and prioritizing interventions. The findings of this study might be useful for policymakers as well as planners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disease that causes both motor and nonmotor symptoms. While our understanding of putative mechanisms has advanced significantly, it remains challenging to verify biomarkers with sufficient evidence for regular clinical use. Clinical symptoms are the primary basis for diagnosing the disease, which can be mild in the early stages and overlap with other neurological disorders. As a result, clinical testing and medical records are mostly relied upon for diagnosis, posing substantial challenges during both the initial diagnosis and the continuous disease monitoring. Recent biochemical, neuroimaging, and genetic biomarkers have helped us understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive study focuses on these biomarkers, which were chosen based on their relevance, methodological excellence, and contribution to the field. Biochemical biomarkers, including α-synuclein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), can predict disease severity and progression. The dopaminergic system is widely used as a neuroimaging biomarker to diagnose PD. Numerous genes and genome wide association study (GWAS) sites have been related to the development of PD. Recent research on the SNCA gene and leucine-rich repeat protein kinase 2 (LRRK2) has shown promising results. By evaluating current studies, this review intends to uncover gaps in biomarker validation and use, while also highlighting promising improvements. It emphasizes the need for dependable and reproducible indicators in improving PD diagnosis and prognosis. These biomarkers may open up new avenues for early diagnosis, disease progression tracking, and the development of personalized treatment programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta, a specialist herbivorous insect that exclusively feeds on plants of the Solanaceae family, causes considerable damage to crops, such as tobacco and hot pepper. The absence of a genome sequence for this species hinders further research on its pest management and ecological adaptation. RESULTS: Here, we present a high‐quality chromosome‐level genome of a Korean strain of H. assulta (Pyeongchang strain, K18). The total assembly spans 424.4 Mb with an N50 length of 14.54 Mb and 37% GC content. The assembled genome (ASM2961881v1) comprises 31 chromosomes, similar to other congeneric generalist species including H. armigera and H. zea. In terms of genomic assembly quality, the complete BUSCOs and repeat content accounted for 98.3% and 33.01% of the genome, respectively. Based on this assembly, 19 485 protein‐coding genes were predicted in the genome annotation. A comparative analysis was conducted using the identified number of protein‐coding genes in H. armigera (24154) and H. zea (23696). Out of the 19 485 predicted genes, 137 genes in 15 orthogroups were found to have expanded significantly in H. assulta, while 149 genes in 95 orthogroups contracted rapidly. CONCLUSION: This study revealed specific gene expansions and contractions in H. assulta compared to those in its close relatives, indicating potential adaptations related to its specialized feeding habits. Also, the comparative genome analysis provides valuable insights for the integrated pest management of H. assulta and other globally significant pests in the Heliothinae subfamily. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) presents a formidable challenge to livestock production worldwide, spreading rapidly among ruminant animals and causing significant economic losses. Despite vaccination efforts, the limitations of existing sheep and goat pox vaccine necessitate alternative therapeutic solutions. Using computational analysis, this study focuses on identifying inhibitors that target LSDV039, a critical protein associated with LSDV. Virtual screening identifies four potent inhibitors from a library of repurposed drugs and phytocompounds, while molecular dynamics simulations validate the stability and efficacy of those selected inhibitors. Past vaccine development attempts underscore the urgency of finding more successful treatments, while the potential of repurposing drugs and phytocompounds offers hope for combating LSD. Notably, this study highlights the versatility of computational methods in drug discovery and emphasizes the need for experimental validation in order to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies against LSD. This research offers insight into the broader potential of computational approaches in combating infectious diseases. Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by a virus within the Poxviridae family and Capripoxvirus genus, induces nodular skin lesions in cattle. This spreads through direct contact and insect vectors, significantly affecting global cattle farming. Despite the availability of vaccines, their efficacy is limited by poor prophylaxis and adverse effects. Our study aimed to identify the potential inhibitors targeting the LSDV-encoded DNA polymerase protein (gene LSDV039) for further investigation through comprehensive analysis and computational methods. Virtual screening revealed rhein and taxifolin as being potent binders among 380 phytocompounds, with respective affinities of −8.97 and −7.20 kcal/mol. Canagliflozin and tepotinib exhibited strong affinities (−9.86 and −8.86 kcal/mol) among 718 FDA-approved antiviral drugs. Simulating the molecular dynamics of canagliflozin, tepotinib, rhein, and taxifolin highlighted taxifolin's superior stability and binding energy. Rhein displayed compactness in RMSD and RMSF, but fluctuated in Rg and SASA, while canagliflozin demonstrated stability compared to tepotinib. This study highlights the promising potential of using repurposed drugs and phytocompounds as potential LSD therapeutics. However, extensive validation through in vitro and in vivo testing and clinical trials is crucial for their practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory molecules involved in various biological processes in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Although research on insect lncRNA is ongoing, research findings associated with lncRNAs are still in the preliminary stages. Therefore, we putatively identified pyrethroid insecticide resistance-related lncRNAs at the genome level. Further, we determined their expression levels in three—low, moderate, and high—pyrethroid insecticide-resistant and -susceptible strains. Notably, cytochrome P450-associated lncRNA expression levels were significantly higher, whereas cuticle protein-related lncRNA expression levels were significantly lower in all susceptible strains than in resistant strains. Further in-depth research should be conducted on the regulatory mechanisms of overexpressed P450 genes as well as their relationship with pyrethroid resistance mechanisms involving lncRNAs in H. armigera. Our study provides valuable information for understanding the resistance mechanisms and may help in managing the insecticide resistance of H. armigera. Genome-wide long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in low, moderate, and high pyrethroid insecticide-resistant and -susceptible strains of Helicoverpa armigera were identified in this study. Using 45 illumina-based RNA-sequencing datasets, 8394 lncRNAs were identified. In addition, a sublethal dose of deltamethrin was administered to a Korean-resistant strain (Kor-T). The average length of lncRNAs was approximately 531 bp, and the expression ratio of lncRNAs was 28% of the total RNA. The identified lncRNAs were divided into six categories—intronic, intergenic, sense, antisense, cis-RNA, and trans-RNA—based on their location and mechanism of action. Intergenic and intronic lncRNA transcripts were the most abundant (38% and 33%, respectively). Further, 828 detoxification-related lncRNAs were selected using the Gene Ontology analysis. The cytochrome P450-related lncRNA expression levels were significantly higher in susceptible strains than in resistant strains. In contrast, cuticle protein-related lncRNA expression levels were significantly higher in all resistant strains than in susceptible strains. Our findings suggest that certain lncRNAs contribute to the downregulation of insecticide resistance-related P450 genes in susceptible strains, whereas other lncRNAs may be involved in the overexpression of cuticle protein genes, potentially affecting the pyrethroid resistance mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is extensively cited as one of the countries most at risk of the adverse effects of climate change. The coastal zone of this country is extremely vulnerable as people of these areas live in a highly dynamic estuarine setting and often face various climatic hazards. Against this backdrop, effective 'governance' is often cited as the key to properly implementing climate actions to build resilience. This study attempts to identify the governance dimensions of coastal community resilience and analyze the deficiencies that hamper their capacity to enhance resilience in the face of climate change. The findings of the study revealed some governance constraints in building community resilience to climate change. The study specifically identified that the resilience dimension is absent in the existing climate policy. In addition, the impact of weak institutions, corruption, accountability, and transparency challenges create obstacles to enhancing community resilience. Most importantly, coastal people still tend to lack a voice and representation in decision-making. As a result, it is recommended to improve the current climate governance mechanism, including increasing the participation of the community people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The food preference of an insect host plant affects its life cycle. The dietary needs and unique qualities of plants that act as hosts have an impact on insect pest population. Although Spodoptera frugiperda prefers maize (Zea mays), alternative crops can serve as appropriate hosts if maize crops are not easily available. Considering the six Z. mays cultivars in three different categories, "B: Heukjeom 2-ho" was found to be significantly preferred [F (5174) = 19.817; p = 0.0001] during the larval rearing stage. A metagenomic analysis of biological triplicate samples (6 × 3 = 18, 5th instar larvae reared on six corn cultivars) revealed that Firmicutes was the most prevalent bacterial community, and Proteobacteria was the second leading bacterial phylum. In terms of the bacterial genera, Enterococcus was the most prevalent, followed by Ureibacillus. To prevent the spread of this invasive pest, it is vital to gain a comprehensive understanding of FAW's feeding preferences and gut microbial community composition. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) is an invasive migratory pest that has recently spread to Korea, damaging several corn cultivars with significant economic value. Comparisons of the growth stages of FAW were conducted based on the preferred feed. Therefore, we selected six maize cultivars, including three categories: (i) commercial waxy corn (mibaek 2-ho, heukjeom 2-ho, dreamoak); (ii) popcorn (oryun popcorn, oryun 2-ho); and (iii) processing corn (miheukchal). A significant effect was observed during the larvae period, pupal period, egg hatching ratio, and larvae weight, whereas the total survival period and adult period did not show significant variation among the tested corn cultivars. We identified variations in the FAW gut bacterial community that were dependent on the genotype of the corn maize feed. The identified phyla included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Among these genera, the most abundant bacterial genus was Enterococcus, followed by Ureibacillus. Enterococcus mundtii was the most abundant among the top 40 bacterial species. The intergenic PCR-based amplification and gene sequence of the colony isolates were also matched to the GenBank owing to the prevalence of E. mundtii. These results showed that the bacterial diversity and abundance of particular bacteria in the guts of FAWs were influenced by the six major maize corn cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an invasive species that spreads disease and has recently become prevalent in its habitat due to human interference. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of Ae. albopictus on the basis of two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, COI and NADH dehydrogenase 5, ND5) and sixteen polymorphic microsatellites sourced from localities in Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea), Japan, and Laos. Mitochondrial analysis showed that the genetic diversity of the Korean and Japanese populations was low, while the Laos population did not share haplotypes with the former two groups, indicating that the Korean Ae. albopictus were not derived from the Laos population. On the basis of microsatellite results, the Korean, Japanese, and Laos populations showed higher diversity, although there were mixed groups, which implies that the Korean cluster is distinct. Continuous international trade and overseas travel require constant monitoring of species that can transmit mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, genetic studies would provide a useful basis for understanding the genetic status of vectors and for managing vector-borne diseases. Aedes albopictus is native to Southeast Asia and has emerged as a major vector for vector-borne diseases that are spreading rapidly worldwide. Recent studies have shown that Ae. albopictus populations have different genetic groups dependent on their thermal adaptations; however, studies on Korean populations are limited. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of two mitochondrial genes (COI and ND5) and sixteen microsatellites in mosquitoes inhabiting Korea, Japan, and Laos. The results indicate that the Korean population has low genetic diversity, with an independent cluster distinct from the Laos population. Mixed clusters have also been observed in the Korean population. On the basis of these findings, two hypotheses are proposed. First, certain Korean populations are native. Second, some subpopulations that descended from the metapopulation (East Asian countries) were introduced to Japan before migrating to Korea. Furthermore, we previously demonstrated that Ae. albopictus appears to have been imported to Korea. In conclusion, the dengue-virus-carrying mosquitoes could migrate to Korea from Southeast Asian epidemic regions, where they can survive during the severe winter months. The key findings can be used to establish an integrated pest management strategy based on population genetics for the Korean Ae. albopictus population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) exhibit species-specific mutualistic relationships with endoparasitoid wasps. PDVs can be categorized into bracoviruses and ichnoviruses, which have independent evolutionary origins. In our previous study, we identified an ichnovirus of the endoparasitoid Diadegma fenestrale and named it DfIV. Here, DfIV virions from the ovarian calyx of gravid female wasps were characterized. DfIV virion particles were ellipsoidal (246.5 nm × 109.0 nm) with a double-layered envelope. Next-generation sequencing of the DfIV genome revealed 62 nonoverlapping circular DNA segments (A1-A5, B1-B9, C1-C15, D1-D23, E1-E7, and F1-F3); the aggregate genome size was approximately 240 kb, and the GC content (43%) was similar to that of other IVs (41%-43%). A total of 123 open reading frames were predicted and included typical IV gene families such as repeat element protein (41 members), cysteine motif (10 members), vankyrin (9 members), polar residue-rich protein (7 members), vinnexin (6 members), and N gene (3 members). Neuromodulin N (2 members) was found to be unique to DfIV, along with 45 hypothetical genes. Among the 62 segments, 54 showed high (76%-98%) sequence similarities to the genome of Diadegma semiclausum ichnovirus (DsIV). Three segments, namely, D22, E3, and F2, contained lepidopteran host genome integration motifs with homologous regions of about 36-46 bp between them (Diadegma fenestrale ichnovirus, DfIV and lepidopteran host, Plutella xylostella). Most of the DfIV genes were expressed in the hymenopteran host and some in the lepidopteran host (P. xylostella), parasitized by D. fenestrale. Five segments (A4, C3, C15, D5, and E4) were differentially expressed at different developmental stages of the parasitized P. xylostella, and two segments (C15 and D14) were highly expressed in the ovaries of D. fenestrale. Comparative analysis between DfIV and DsIV revealed that the genomes differed in the number of segments, composition of sequences, and internal sequence homologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The three planthoppers, brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens), white-backed planthoppers (Sogatella furcifera), and small brown planthoppers (Laodelphax striatellus), are major economically important pests of rice. However, conventional morphology-based methods are inefficient in differentiating these pests at a species level. In this study, we report the successful design of species-specific primers and their use in general and multiplex PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, the widely used tools for molecular species diagnosis. Each primer comprised a species-specific sequence of at least 2-mer or more in both forward and reverse primers. The primers displayed high diagnostic efficiency in conventional and multiplex PCR. Furthermore, the LAMP performed at 61 °C for 30 min using the inner, loop, and species-specific primers confirmed the reactions and successfully identified the species. Here, we used the DNA-releasing technique (reported elsewhere) to obtain the DNA from the tissue samples of the insects. The DNA yield was sufficient to perform the conventional and multiplex PCRs and LAMP assays. Additionally, we demonstrate the high sensitivity of LAMP to achieve positive amplification using from 100 pg to 10 pg genomic DNA. Overall, the techniques can effectively diagnose the planthoppers in a large number of field-collected or individual samples. Asian planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) that include brown planthoppers (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens, Stål), white-backed planthoppers (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera, Horváth), and small brown planthoppers (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus, Fallén) are the primary sucking-type pests of rice. These three insects share morphological and sequence similarities. As insecticide resistance patterns and control strategies vary according to species, the accurate discrimination of these species is important. Here, we developed six species-specific primers based on partial mitochondrial genome sequences. The primers were successfully used in multiplex PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, and conventional PCR. Here, we used genomic DNA obtained using the DNA-releasing technique (tissue samples were incubated at 95 °C for 5 min with 30 μL nuclease-free water, and the supernatant was used). We showed that multiplex PCR could analyze the density of each species following a mass collection in the field; the LAMP assay can diagnose the species within 40 min; conventional PCR can be widely applied to a large number of field samples, as well as individuals or mass collections. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the potential of the species-specific primers and DNA-releasing technique for accurate multiplex PCR and LAMP assays, which may assist the intensive field monitoring of integrated management of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-based method was developed to improve detection and reduce salmonellosis burden. In this study, whole-genome sequence (WGS) was used to investigate SNPs, the most common genetic marker for identifying bacteria. SNP-sites encompassing 15 sets of primers (666–863 bp) were selected and used to amplify the target Salmonella serovar strains, and the amplified products were sequenced. The prevalent Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars, including Typhimurium; Enteritidis, Agona, enterica, Typhi, and Abony, were amplified and sequenced. The amplified sequences of six Salmonella serovars with 15 sets of SNP-sites encompassing primers were aligned, explored SNPs, and SNPs-carrying primers (23 sets) were designed to develop a multiplex PCR marker (m-PCR). Each primer exists in at least two SNPs bases at the 3′ end of each primer, such as one was wild, and another was a mismatched base by transition or transversion mutation. Thus, twenty-three sets of SNP primers (242–670 bp), including 13 genes (SBG, dedA, yacG, mrcB, mesJ, metN, rihA/B, modA, hutG, yehX, ybiY, moeB, and sopA), were developed for PCR confirmation of target Salmonella serovar strains. Finally, the SNPs in four genes, including fliA gene (S. Enteritidis), modA (S. Agona and S. enterica), sopA (S. Abony), and mrcB (S. Typhimurium and S. Typhi), were used for detection markers of six target Salmonella serotypes. We developed an m-PCR primer set in which Salmonella serovars were detected in a single reaction. Nevertheless, m-PCR was validated with 21 Salmonella isolates (at least one isolate was taken from one positive animal fecal, and n = 6 reference Salmonella strains) and non-Salmonella bacteria isolates. The SNP-based m-PCR method would identify prevalent Salmonella serotypes, minimize the infection, and control outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piper betle L. is widely distributed and commonly used medicinally important herb. It can also be used as a medication for type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, compounds of P. betle were screened to investigate the inhibitory action of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase against type 2 diabetes through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analysis. The molecule apigenin-7-O-glucoside showed the highest binding affinity among 123 (one hundred twenty-three) tested compounds. This compound simultaneously bound with the two-target proteins alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with high molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) values (ΔG Bind = −45.02 kcal mol−1 for alpha-amylase and −38.288 for alpha-glucosidase) compared with control inhibitor acarbose, which had binding affinities of −36.796 kcal mol−1 for alpha-amylase and −29.622 kcal mol−1 for alpha-glucosidase. The apigenin-7-O-glucoside was revealed to be the most stable molecule with the highest binding free energy through molecular dynamics simulation, indicating that it could compete with the inhibitors' native ligand. Based on ADMET analysis, this phytochemical exhibited a wide range of physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug-like qualities and had no significant side effects, making them prospective drug candidates for type 2 diabetes. Additional in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations are needed to determine the precise efficacy of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of an SNP-Based Primer for Discrimination between Different Members of the B... We then designed SNP-based 16S rRNA primers to differentiate between the three I Bacillus i species ( I B. cereus i , I B. anthracis, i and I B. thuringiensis i ). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of I B. cereus i strain American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) ATCC 14579 (NR074540), I B. anthracis i strain ATCC 14578 (NR041248), and I B. thuringiensis i 16S rRNA (AM779002.1) were acquired from the NCBI database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ accessed on 30 March 2022). Development of Bacillus cereus-Specific SNP-Based 16S Primer Sets We designed SNP-based I B. cereus i -specific 16S rRNA primers for discrimination between the three members of I B. cereus i ( I B. cereus i , I B. anthracis, i and I B. thuringiensis i ). Sacchi et al. (2002) compared members of the I B. i cereus group and found eight SNPs in the 16S rRNA gene sequences from 107 I B. cereus i group species ( I B. cereus i , I B. anthracis, i and I B. thuringiensis i ) [[36]]. [Extracted from the article]

On November 15, 2007, Bangladesh was hit by the category 4 storm Severe Cyclonic Storm Sidr. At least 3,447 deaths were reported in coastal areas of Bangladesh, mainly owing to the storm surge, which was >5 m. A study team of several faculty members of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) was formed to visit areas affected by Sidr, two months after the storm. It was found that cyclone shelter capacities were inadequate for the population of the service area. Without shelters, many livestock animals died during the disaster. Many people neglected cyclone warnings, which resulted in many deaths. To improve cyclone shelter performance, this study makes many recommendations, including building more cyclone shelters, providing shelters for livestock, and improvement of warning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the most common forms of genetic variation and as such are powerful tools for the identification of bacterial strains, their genetic diversity, phylogenetic analysis, and outbreak surveillance. In this study, we used 15 sets of SNP-containing primers to amplify and sequence the target Escherichia coli. Based on the combination of the 15-sequence primer sets, each SNP site encompassing forward and reverse primer sequences (620–919 bp) were aligned and an SNP-based marker was designed. Each SNP marker exists in at least two SNP sites at the 3′ end of each primer; one natural and the other artificially created by transition or transversion mutation. Thus, 12 sets of SNP primers (225–488 bp) were developed for validation by amplifying the target E. coli. Finally, a temperature gradient triplex PCR kit was designed to detect target E. coli strains. The selected primers were amplified in three genes (ileS, thrB, and polB), with fragment sizes of 401, 337, and 232 bp for E. coli O157:H7, E. coli, and E. coli O145:H28, respectively. This allele-specific SNP-based triplex primer assay provides serotype-specific detection of E. coli strains in one reaction tube. The developed marker would be used to diagnose, investigate, and control food-borne E. coli outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the total viable bacteria (TVBC); total coliform (TCC); fecal coliform (TFC); pathogenic Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and total fungi (TF); and the effect of different low-cost disinfectants (sterile water, salt water, blanched, and vinegar) in decontamination of 12 types of fruit and 10 types of vegetables. In fruit samples, the lowest TVBC was enumerated at 3.18 ± 0.27 log CFU/g in Indian gooseberry and the highest at 6.47 ± 0.68 log CFU/g in guava. Staphylococci (2.04 ± 0.53–5.10 ± 0.02 log CFU/g), Pseudomonas (1.88 ± 0.03–5.38 ± 0.08 log CFU/g), and total fungi (2.60 ± 0.18–7.50 ± 0.15 log CFU/g) were found in all fruit samples; however, no Salmonella was detected in fruit samples. Similarly, the lowest TVBC recorded 5.67± 0.49 log CFU/g in cucumber and the highest 7.37 ± 0.06 log CFU/g in yard long bean. The Staphylococci (3.48 ± 0.13–4.81 ± 0.16 log CFU/g), Pseudomonas (3.57± 0.21– 4.75 ± 0.23 log CFU/g), TCC (1.85 ± 1.11–56.50 ± 37.14 MPN/g), TFC (1.76 ± 0.87– 3.78 ± 3.76 MPN/g), and TF (3.79 ± 0.18–4.40 ± 0.38 log CFU/g) were recorded in all vegetables samples, but no Salmonella was detected in yard long bean, pointed gourd, carrot, tomato, cucumber, or brinjal. However, vinegar showed the highest microbial load reduction of selected fruit and vegetables among the different treatments. With vinegar treatment, the highest reduction of TVBC (1.61-log) and TF (2.54-log) was observed for fruits, and TVBC (2.31-log) and TF (2.41-log) for vegetables. All the disinfectant treatments resulted in significant (p < 0.01) bacterial load reduction compared to control for the studied fruits and vegetable samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial activities that consume water generate wastewater as a by-product of processing which introduces various contaminants such as heavy metals into the neighbouring water bodies that creates adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Tannery industry releases more toxic effluent than most industries, which directly and indirectly exerts stress on various ecosystems. The heavy metal chromium (Cr), one of the pollutants found in tannery effluent, is very much detrimental to human health, animals, and plants. Conventional physico-chemical and biological processes can remove this heavy metal in considerable amounts. Recently, various applications of advanced technologies such as membrane technology, electrocoagulation, ion exchange, and electrodialysis for tannery wastewater have been growing due to their relative advantages over other technologies in terms of sustainability. This paper represents the review of various available techniques as well as represents a case study of chromium removal from tannery effluent by a low-cost absorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]