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In this study, the quality of groundwater was assessed in a semi-arid region of India by using an entropy weighted water quality index (EWQI) and a pollution index of groundwater (PIG). The EWQI and PIG methods were used to evaluate data on physicochemical parameters in relation to drinking water quality standards. Groundwater samples were collected from the Dubbak region, Telangana state, India, and were analyzed for pH, total hardness, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, bicarbonate (HCO 3 - ), chloride (Cl - ), sulfate (SO 4 2- ), nitrate (NO 3 - ), fluoride (F - ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), sodium (Na + ), and potassium (K + ). The groundwater of the study region is alkaline in nature. The abundance of cations and anions based on their mean values is in the following order: Na +  > Ca 2+  > Mg 2+  > K + and Cl -  > HCO 3 -  > NO 3 -  > SO 4 2-  > F - , respectively. The calculated EWQI values ranged from 49.0 to 174.6, with an average of 93.3. Overall, EWQI data showed that only 60% of groundwater samples were of suitable quality for drinking, although only marginally, whereas the remaining 40% of samples were unsuitable for drinking purposes and would therefore require treatment. The values of PIG varied from 0.5 to 1.8, with an average of 1.0, which showed that only 63% of groundwater samples from the study area were suitable for drinking purposes.

Evaluation of seasonal and spatial variations in vulnerable zones for poor groundwater quality is essential for the protection of human health and to maintain the crop yields. With this objective, groundwater samples were collected seasonally (i.e., pre- and post-monsoon) from the Yellareddygudem watershed of Telangana, India. These samples were analysed for major chemical parameters (pH, TDS, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , K + , [Formula: see text], Cl - , [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and F - ). Geographical information system (GIS) tools were used to delineate the seasonal and spatial variations for vulnerable zones related to the drinking groundwater quality index (DGQI) and irrigation groundwater quality index (IGQI). Geochemical facies and relations, Piper diagrams, and principal component analysis indicated that the weathering, dissolution, leaching, ion exchange, and evaporation were the primary processes controlling the groundwater quality seasonally. Human influences were the secondary factors. The TDS, Na + , K + , Cl - , [Formula: see text], and F - parameters were observed to be within the drinking water quality standard limits in most post-monsoon groundwater samples. However, the DGQI showed an increase in the number of samples with unsuitable quality for drinking in the post-monsoon period compared with the pre-monsoon period. The IGQI demonstrated that the number of samples with unsuitable quality for irrigation increased in the post-monsoon period compared to the pre-monsoon period. The differences in the vulnerable zones between the pre- and post-monsoon periods were due to variations in groundwater recharge, following the topography. Thus, the present study will help decision makers to plan groundwater treatment measures within vulnerable zones.

Malachite green dye belongs to the triphenylmethane group and is a common environmental pollutant that threatens non-target organisms. We report the potential of the early colonizing marine bacterium Pseudomonas sp. ESPS40 isolated from the Arabian Sea, India, to decolorize malachite green (MG). The bacterium ESPS40 exhibited a higher ability for MG degradation (86-88%) at varying NaCl concentrations (1-3%). The highest MG degradation (~ 88%) was observed at 1% NaCl. The bacterial strain ESPS40 showed degradation up to 800 mg L -1 MG. Further, enzyme activities such as tyrosinase (63.48-526.52 U L -1 ) and laccase (3.62-28.20 U L -1 ) were also analyzed with varying concentrations (100 mg L -1 -1000 mg L -1 ) of MG during the degradation process. The dye degradation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The outcome of the present study demonstrated Pseudomonas sp. ESPS40 as a potential strain for the efficient degradation of MG at higher concentrations. Thus, Pseudomonas sp. ESPS40 can be utilized as a potential candidate for the biodegradation of MG in wastewater treatment., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Owing to differences in clinical approaches toward videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS), professional and governing bodies in some countries have implemented guidelines for performing VFSS. However, in India, the establishment of such practice guidelines is in initial stages of acceptance and there are no uniform guidelines. The aim of the current study was to investigate and describe the clinical practice patterns related to VFSS assessments among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in India. An electronic survey consisting of 34 questions categorized into four main sections (demographic details and education; current practice; instrumental and technical considerations; protocol and assessment methods) was sent to SLPs registered with the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) through email and social media from August 2020 to January 2021. A total of 129 eligible responses were received. More than 50% of the participants used a standard assessment and analysis protocol. Barium and water-soluble contrasts were mostly used, and 97% of participants did not know what percent weight to volume (w/v) or volume to volume (v/v) contrast to fluid were used. Considerable amount of variability was observed in the responses of our participants, which was consistent with international surveys of VFSS practice patterns. Lack of adequate radiation safety measures was also observed. Our findings suggest a need to increase awareness and training among Indian SLPs in technical and procedural aspects of VFSS, and more sensitization toward radiation safety. ISHA should consider forming a committee to develop and adopt uniform nationwide practices in VFSS. Future studies exclusively investigating barriers and facilitators to VFSS practice in the Indian scenario are necessary., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To compare the intraoperative utility of bur and saw and to examine the pattern of lingual split during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of mandible., Material and Methods: This study prospectively compares the intraoperative utility of bur and saw in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy as split-mouth model. Study includes 16 patients (representing 32 sagittal split osteotomies) divided into two groups. The procedure to be performed was explained to the patient, followed by written informed consent. The institutional ethical committee approved the clinical study and all subjects gave informed consent., Results: We found that the ease of handling of the bur was good compared to saw. The duration required for completion of osteotomy using bur was less compared to saw., Conclusions: The use of surgical drills and burs is still the gold standard in most developing nations and countries in transition like India. Depending upon the expertise of the surgeon, availability of precise dissecting instruments, one can go with either of the instrument for BSSO., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Khetri Copper Belt, Rajasthan, is anthropogenically active and geologically belongs to the Delhi super-group. A study was designed to understand the geochemical processes controlling the elemental mobility in the groundwater. Sampling sites were divided into three zones, i.e. copper, quartzite and granite mine zones depending on the type of mineral excavated. A total of 32 representative groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metals and radionuclide (U) using ICP-MS. A maximum U concentration (average 87 µgL -1 ) is observed in the quartzite mine zone, and minimum (average 13 µgL -1 ) is found in the copper mine zone samples. A high concentration of U (maximum of 430 µgL -1 ) in groundwater is attributed to mineral dissolution due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Despite the presence of Jaspura and Gothra granitoid in the copper mine zone, the abundance of U is low suggesting the scavenging of U by sulphides or iron oxides. Additionally, at the confluence of two geological groups, Fe concentration is found high with a low concentration of U which further confirms scavenging of U. It is evident from the results that in the absence of iron-bearing sulphides, U concentration in groundwater would be very high compared to the current concentration. It also indicates low concentration of U in the copper mine zone is due to dissolution of Fe sulphide-rich waste. The present study recommends further research to understand the feasibility of mining waste for the removal of U contamination from groundwater., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The present study investigated the biofilm organisms growing on selected monuments of the Champaner Pavagadh complex (Gujarat, India), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cyanobacteria and microalgae were isolated from biofilms collected through non-destructive methods. The identification of these biological organisms was done using micro-morphological characters and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The exopolysaccharide of each of the isolated strains was extracted, hydrolysed and analysed by the HPTLC. Six isolated strains representing five cyanobacteria and one microalga belong to the genera Desmonostoc, Nostoc, Leptolyngbya, Chroococcidiopsis and Asterarcys. The relationships between substrates' specificity of these isolated biofilm organisms and those identified globally were evaluated using maximum parsimony analysis to generate a consensus phylogenetic tree. The five strains of cyanobacteria isolated were closely clustered with cyanobacteria belonging to a tropical region. At the generic level, no relationship between the species and substratum specificity was recorded. The exopolysaccharide analysis of the isolated strains revealed the presence of seven monosaccharides. While glucose was present in all the analysed species, the concentration of either fucose or arabinose was high. The current study presents a novel HPTLC-based method for determination of monosaccharides composition from the extracellular polymeric substances., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The presence of radioactive elements in groundwater results in high health risks on surrounding populations. Hence, a study was conducted in central Tamil Nadu, South India, to measure the radon levels in groundwater and determine the associated health risk. The study was conducted along the lithological contact of hard rock and sedimentary formation. The concentrations of uranium (U) varied from 0.28 to 84.65 µg/L, and the radioactivity of radon (Rn) varied from 258 to 7072 Bq/m 3 in the collected groundwater samples. The spatial distribution of Rn in the study area showed that higher values were identified along the central and northern regions of the study area. The data also indicate that granitic and gneissic rocks are the major contributors to Rn in groundwater through U-enriched lithological zones. The radon levels in all samples were below the maximum concentration level, prescribed by Environmental Protection Agency. The effective dose levels for ingestion and inhalation were calculated according to parameters introduced by UNSCEAR and were found to be lesser (0.235-6.453 μSvy -1 ) than the recommended limit. Hence, the regional groundwater in the study area does not pose any health risks to consumers. The spatial distribution of Rn's effective dose level indicates the higher values were mainly in the central and northern portion of the study area consist of gneissic, quarzitic, and granitic rocks. The present study showed that Rn concentrations in groundwater depend on the lithology, structural attributes, the existence of uranium minerals in rocks, and the redox conditions. The results of this study provide information on the spatial distribution of Rn in the groundwater and its potential health risk in central Tamil Nadu, India. It is anticipated that these data will help policymakers to develop plans for management of drinking water resources in the region.

Exposure to fluoride concentrations above a threshold of 1.5 mg/L can cause joint pains, restricted mobility, skeletal and dental fluorosis. This study aims to determine the hydrochemical evolution of the fluoride-rich groundwater and estimate the risk of fluoride exposure to the residents of semi-arid northeastern part of Rajasthan, India. The methodology involves measurement of fluoride and other ionic concentrations in groundwater using ion chromatography, followed by an estimation of the cumulative density function and fluorosis risk. The fluoride concentration in water samples varied from 0.04 to 8.2 mg/L with 85% samples falling above the permissible limit. The empirical cumulative density function was used to estimate the percentage and degree of health risks associated with the consumption of F - contaminated water. It is found that 55% of the samples indicate risk of dental fluorosis, 42% indicate risk of deformities to knee and hip bones, and 18% indicate risk of crippling fluorosis. In addition, instances of high nitrate concentrations above the permissible limit of 45 mg/L are also found in 13% of samples. The fluoride rich groundwater is mainly associated with the Na-HCO 3 -Cl type water facies while low fluoride groundwater shows varied chemical facies. The saturation index values indicate a high probability of a further increase in F - concentration in groundwater of this region. The calculated fluoride exposure risk for the general public in the study area is 3-6 times higher than the allowed limit of 0.05 mg/kg/day. Based on the results of this study, a fluorosis index map was prepared for the study area. The northern and northeastern parts are less prone to fluorosis, whereas the south-central and southwestern parts are highly vulnerable to fluorosis. The inferences from this study help to prioritize the regions that need immediate attention for remediation.

Evaluation of the hydrogeochemical processes governing the heavy metal distribution and the associated health risk is important in managing and protecting the health of freshwater resources. This study mainly focused on the health impacts due to the heavy metals pollution in a known Cretaceous-Tertiary (K/T) contact region (Tiruchinopoly, Tamilnadu) of peninsular India, using various pollution indices, statistical, and geochemical analyses. A total of 63 samples were collected from the hard rock aquifers and sedimentary formations during southwest monsoon and analysed for heavy metals, such as Li, Be, Al, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, pb, Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ga, Cu, As, Ni, and Co. Ba was the dominant element that ranged from 441 to 42,638 μg/l in hard rock aquifers, whereas Zn was the major element in sedimentary formations, with concentrations that ranged from 44 to 118,281 μg/l. The concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cr, Al, Cr, and Ni fell above the permissible limit in both of the formations. However, the calculated heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and the degree of contamination (C d ) parameters were higher in the sedimentary formation along the contact zone of the K/T boundary. Excessive health risks from consumption of contaminated groundwater were mostly confined to populations in the northern and southwestern regions of the study area. Carcinogenic risk assessment suggests that there are elevated risks of cancer due to prolonged consumption of untreated groundwater. Ba, Sr, and Zn were found to be geochemically highly mobile due to the partitioning between the rock matrix and groundwater, aided by the formation of soluble carbonato-complexes. Factor analysis indicates that the metals are mainly derived from the host rocks and anthropogenic inputs are relatively insignificant. Overall, this study indicated that groundwater in K/T contact zones is vulnerable to contamination because of the favorable geochemical factors. Long-term monitoring of such contact zones is required to avert the potential health hazards associated with consumption of the contaminated groundwater.

Submarine groundwater discharge and associated trace element fluxes from the Coleroon River estuary to south bay, India, has been attempted, because increasing trace elements could result in harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. Trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, Ba, Pb, Th, and U) in surface water, pore, and groundwater samples were monitored for 10 days in three locations (A, B, and C) by considering tidal fluctuations. The trace elements Al, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Sr, Mo, Pb, Th, and U were greater and found to be influenced by processes, such as fresh groundwater discharge and seawater intrusion. Lower Mn, Cu, and Ba signifies impact due to sediment adsorption, mixing, and elemental exchange during fresh groundwater and seawater mixing. Salinity versus trace element plot infers greater trace element mobility with cumulative salinity influenced by the conformist behavior of freshwater, seawater, and mixing. The calculated submarine groundwater discharge supported dissolved trace elements fluxes were 107,047.8 n mol d -1  m -1 for location A, 183,520.2 n mol d -1  m -1 for location B, and 181,474.4 n mol d -1  m -1 for location C, respectively. Variations in dissolved trace elements fluxes are attributed to variations in pH, free redox environment in the aquifer, adsorption or desorption by sediments, and the environmental cycle of marine organisms.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common, yet under-reported non-motor symptom of PD. Common sexual symptoms among male PD patients include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and decreased sexual desire. Few research papers have examined sexual dysfunction in PD, especially in YOPD male patients, and there is no Indian research study on sexual dysfunction in YOPD. In this study, we determined the frequency of sexual dysfunction in men with YOPD, and its correlation with other motor and NMS. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on YOPD males who presented to the Department of Neurology, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India, from May 2021 to April 2023. The diagnosis of YOPD was made based on MDS criteria for IPD 2015. Sexual functions were evaluated by ASEX, PEDT, QUIP-RS, and sex hormone assay. The patients also underwent other motor and non-motor assessments. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. The study was funded by the PDMD fund. This study included 62 male YOPD patients. The mean age of cases was 44.74 ± 8.54 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 8.45 ± 6.23 years. 43.5% of the cases of PD were Akinetic rigid type. By ASEX Score grading, 46.8% of the cases had erectile dysfunction and 71% of the cases of YOPD had premature ejaculation by PEDT Score grading. 9.7% of the cases had hypersexuality by QUIP-RS. Duration of YOPD was a better predictor of Erectile Dysfunction and premature ejaculation when compared with other variables. SD was related to anxiety and depression and it had a negative impact on the patient's health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). SD should be investigated and treated as an integral part of the neurological assessment in YOPD., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

This paper presents a comparative study of endophytic bacteria from cultivated (Oryza sativa) and wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) plants and their functional traits related to plant growth promotion. A total of 70 bacterial isolates were characterized by both biochemical and molecular identification methods. Taxonomic classification showed dominance of three major phyla, viz, Firmicutes (57.1%), Actinobacteria (20.0%) and Proteobacteria (22.8%). Screening for in vitro plant growth-promoting activities revealed a hitherto unreported endophytic bacterium from wild rice germplasm, Microbacterium laevaniformans RS0111 with highest indole acetic acid (28.39 ± 1.39 µg/ml) and gibberellic acid (67.23 ± 1.83 µg/ml) producing efficiency. Few other endophytic isolates from cultivated rice germplasm such as Bacillus tequilensis RHS01 showed highest phosphate solubilizing activity (81.70 ± 1.98 µg/ml), while Microbacterium testaceum MKLS01 and Microbacterium enclense MI03 L05 showed highest potassium (53.42 ± 0.75 µg/ml) and zinc solubilizing activity (157.50%). Fictibacillus aquaticus LP20 05 produced highest siderophore (64.8%). In vivo evaluation of plant growth-promoting efficiencies of the isolates showed that Microbacterium laevaniformans RS0111, Microbacterium testaceum MKLS01 and Bacillus tequilensis RHS 01 could increase rice grain yield by 3.4-fold when compared to the control group. This study indicates the potentiality of rice endophytes isolates as an effective bioinoculants.

This paper will discuss, from a subjective perspective, aspects of paediatric radiology in different parts of the world. A small survey was conducted to improve our understanding of radiologic care and to explore the current status of paediatric radiology worldwide. As part of this survey, the number of paediatric radiologists and radiologists was compared to the population and to the number of children in 34 countries. The number of paediatric radiologists varied between 0 and 50 per million children. In general, the proportion of paediatric radiologists compared to radiologists is poor, even in countries with an aging population. Unfortunately, developing countries are severely underserved in terms of radiology, while paediatric radiology is almost nonexistent. The author, based on her experiences as a volunteer paediatric radiologist in Malawi, India, Cambodia and Tanzania, highlights some of the difficulties in radiologic care in developing countries. The author's personal experiences and the survey both suggest that the need for paediatric radiology is high across the world, but the supply is not sufficient, especially in developing countries, when compared to developed countries.

Personal care product (PCP) chemicals have a greater chance of accumulation in the aquatic environments because of their volume of use. PCPs are biologically active substances that can exert an adverse effect on the ecology and food safety. Information on the status of these substances in Indian open water ecosystems is scarce. In this paper, we report the incidence of two synthetic antimicrobials, triclosan (TCS), including its metabolite methyl-triclosan (Me-TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in Torsa, a transboundary river flowing through India. In water TCS and TCC were detected at levels exceeding their respective PNEC (Predictive No Effect Concentration). Both the compounds were found to be bioaccumulative in fish. TCS concentration (91.1-589 µg/kg) in fish was higher than that of TCC (29.1-285.5 µg/kg). The accumulation of residues of the biocides varied widely among fishes of different species, ecological niche, and feeding habits. Me-TCS could be detected in fishes and not in water. The environmental hazard quotient of both TCS and TCC in water indicated a moderate risk. However, the health risk analysis revealed that fishes of the river would not pose any direct hazard to human when consumed. This is the first report of the occurrence of these PCP chemicals in a torrential river system of the eastern Himalayan region.

Considering the potential use of lignocellulosic biomass residues in microbial cultures to produce cellulases, the objective of this research was to investigate trends and discussions regarding scientific research conducted in this field through a bibliometric and scientometric analysis. Using the Elsevier Scopus database and VOSviewer software, scientific papers published between 2007 and 2018 were investigated. The results showed that the production of cellulases is related to obtaining xylanases and glucose. Obtaining of bioethanol and determining cellulolytic and xylanase activities were the relevant indicators for the use of these enzymes. China, India and Brazil are countries with a high number of publications in this field, most likely due to investments made between 2015 and 2017. This analysis showed that research on the use of lignocellulosic residues is focused on obtaining biofuels through enzymatic hydrolysis.

Objectives: The term oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) was recommended at the WHO workshop held in 2005 and published in 2007, and increasingly large number of papers related to OPMD are published. The objective of the bibliometric analysis was to investigate the citation characteristics and analyze research trends of OPMD., Methods: A comprehensive search was performed and identified in the Scopus database since 2007 for the bibliometric list of OPMD in the syntax., Results: A total of 795 papers on OPMD were retrieved and the total number of citations was 8870. The mean number of citations is 11.2, with a range of 0 to 580. A substantial increasing tread in the number of citation is observed since 2007. Leukoplakia (42%) and lichen planus (23%) were the two most individual disorders among the general OPMD. A controlled/comparative study (43%) and a retrospective study (16%) were the two most study designs. India (n = 267) and the UK (n = 99) were the two most contributing countries. Tobacco and alcohol use and betel quid chewing (n = 351) are the most common keywords. Notably, early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer (n = 255) and biomarkers of oral carcinogenesis (n = 178) top the list, which may indicate a trend of key topics., Conclusions: The current study for the first time reported the bibliometric characteristics and research trends of the papers on OPMD in the syntax., Clinical Relevance: The bibliometric analysis highlights the key topics and studies which have shaped the understanding and management of OPMD.

Traffic emission is a major source of air pollution in urban cities of developing world. This paper shows dependence of traffic-related air pollutants in urban cities on morning/evening peak hours and winter/summer seasons. This research also shows the meteorological impact, such as temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS), on traffic-related air pollutants in urban cites. Based on the research output, the elevated level of PM concentration was observed between 1.8 and 6.7 times at all nearby roadway locations compared with background (IIT [ISM] campus). We have found 2.3, 2.4, 2.6 (morning) and 2.0, 2.1, and 2.1 (evening) times higher average PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and PM 1 concentrations, respectively, in the winter than summer monitoring periods across all locations, due to the stable boundary layer, lower mixing height, and lower friction velocity. It is indicated that urban meteorology plays a crucial role in increasing or decreasing exposed pollutant concentrations in various microenvironments. The analysis of PM 2.5 /PM 10 ratios was lower during whole campaign due to higher contribution of coarser particles generated by vehicles. During winter and summer seasons, 0.57 and 0.33 was observed, respectively. It is indicated that 57% and 33% of PM 10 makes up PM 2.5 particle, respectively. PM concentrations have showed a negative linear relationship with T and WS and positive relationship with RH in winter/summer seasons. Therefore, traffic and meteorology play a big role to increase or decrease in traffic-related air pollutants in urban air quality.

Uranium mine workers are exposed to ore dust containing uranium and its daughter products during different mining operations. These radionuclides may pose inhalation hazards to workers during the course of their occupation. The most significant among these radionuclides is (226)Ra. The measurement of radium body burden of uranium mine workers is important to assess their internal exposure. For this purpose, the radon-in-breath measurement technique has been used in the present paper. Workers at the Jaduguda mine, India, associated with different categories of mining operations were monitored between 2001 and 2007. The measurement results indicate that workers--depending on mining operation category--show (226)Ra body burdens ranging from 0.15 to 2.85 kBq. The maximum body burden was found for workers associated with timbering operations, with an average (226)Ra body burden of 0.85 ± 0.54 kBq. Overall, the average value observed for 800 workers was 0.76 ± 0.51 kBq, which gives rise to an average effective dose of 1.67 mSv per year for inhalation and 0.21 mSv per year for ingestion.