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The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples from Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, have been estimated using NaI (TI) detector-based gamma spectrometry. The mean activity concentration of 232Th in soil samples is greater and poorer for 226Ra and 40K, respectively, when compared with world average values. Radiation hazard estimation was done by the assessment of radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rate (DR), annual effective dose rate (HR), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). These parameters were compared with international criteria. The findings in the soil showed that there is no major radiological risk to the general public by using these soil samples from the Tiruvannamalai district.

ABSTRACTThe present experiments were designed to scientifically prove the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties of traditionally used P. thyrsiformisflowers. The flower extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative screening. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry technique was employed and eight molecules were identified from the ethyl acetate extract using the NIST library. The extracts were also evaluated for in vitroantioxidant, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities. Potent antioxidant activity was observed for the ethyl acetate extract in both antioxidant assay methods with an IC50value of 63.36 μg/mL and 64.60 μg/mL, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract also exhibited significant activity in both anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities. Correlation studies revealed that the presence of phenol, flavonoid, terpenoid and ß-sitosterol in the ethyl acetate extract played a crucial role in its impressive activity. This study provided experimental evidence towards the traditional use of P. thyrsiformisflowers against arthritis and inflammation.

In the present investigation, hyperparasitic interaction between B. bassiana,TM (MH590235) and P. xylostellawas studied through scanning electron microscopy and chromatographic techniques. Dose–mortality responses showed an increase in mortality of larva with an increase in spore concentration. The LC50value for B. bassianaisolate TM (MH590235) was 2.4 × 107spores mL−1. The ditrophic interaction between B. bassianaand P. xylostellaafter 24 h revealed the adherence of conidia on stemmata, sensory setae, maxillary palpi and legs. After 48 h post-infection (hpi), germination of the conidia and appressorium formation was observed. Formation of hyphae and initiation of fungal networking was observed at 72 hpi. Complete ramification by mycelia and conidiogenesis of B. bassianawas observed over the mycosed cadaver after 168 hpi. Subsequently, typical sympodial conidiophores of B. bassianabearing secondary spores were also observed. The metabolome profile of healthy larvae of P. xylostellarevealed the presence of non-volatile organic compounds (NVOCs) like docosene, nonadecene, palmitic acid and heneicosane. However, the NVOC profile was different in the P. xylostellalarvae hyperparasitized by B. bassiana.The metabolites present in the infected cadaver were phthalate esters, hydroxyquebrachamine and lactones.