Search

The article presents a study which characterizes the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)-bred seed restorer lines of pearl millet plant in India. At the ICRISAT pearl millet improvement program, pollinator lines (R-lines) are developed with morphological and genetic diversity based on agronomic performance. It notes that the 114 designated restorer lines show the utilization of a wide range of germplasm and improved lines in developing R lines.

For persons living with HIV, hepatitis C is a major public health problem that must be controlled and could be eliminated. The challenge arises because the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is prevalent among HIV-infected persons in most parts of the world, because HIV worsens all HCV outcomes, and because HCV may add additional individual economic and psychosocial complications to HIV disease. Despite the major benefits of antiretroviral therapy on HIV outcomes, antiretroviral therapy is not sufficient to halt the complications of HCV. Nonetheless, HCV can be controlled at all stages, including prevention of infection and cure. Thus, HCV is an eradicable disease. There are significant inequalities worldwide in HCV control that could markedly constrain the impact of these measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: We characterized HCV antibody prevalence, viral persistence, genotype and liver disease prevalence among IDUs in Chennai, India as the study of the association of HIV with each of these states is important and there are no data available. Methods: Between 2005-2006, 1158 IDUs were recruited and followed semi-annually. All were tested for HCV antibodies at baseline; a random sample of 400 antibody positives (200 HIV-positive and 200 HIV-negative) were tested for HCV RNA; 13 of these were sequenced. Assessment of asparate amino transferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) was done on 557 IDUs. Prevalence ratios of each outcome were examined. Results: Median age was 35 yr; 99 per cent were male. HCV antibody prevalence was 55 per cent and associated with older age, being unmarried, longer injection history, tattoo and injecting at a deale place. Of the 400 HCV antibody positive IDUs, 281 (70.3%) had persistent infection which was le common among hepatitis B-infected persons but not associated with HIV. Of the 13 samples sequenc 11 (85%) were HCV genotype 3a, Fibrosis prevalence according to APRI was: HIV/HCV-uninfecte per cent; HIV mono-infected, 3 per cent; HCV mono-infected, 11 per cent; HIV/HCV co-infected, 12 cent (P<0.001). In addition to being associated with HCV and HIV/HCV, fibrosis prevalence was hi among those drinking alcohol frequently; daily marijuana use was protective. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings show that IDUs in Chennai have high HCV prevalen and associated disease burden. The burden will increase as access to antiretroviral therapy improv particularly given the high prevalence of HIV, HCV and alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfilling is the most prominently adopted disposal technique for managing municipal solid waste across the globe. However, the main drawback associated with this method is the generation of leachate from the landfill site. Leachate, a highly concentrated liquid consisting of both organic and inorganic components arises environmental issues as it contaminates the nearby aquifers. Landfill leachate treatment by conventional methods is not preferred as the treatment methods are not much effective to remove these pollutants. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on both hydroxyl and sulfate radicals could be a promising method to remove the micropollutants completely or convert them to non-toxic compounds. The current review focuses on the occurrence of micropollutants in landfill leachate, their detection methods and removal from landfill leachate using AOPs. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products occur in the range of 10−1 to more than 100 μg L−1 whereas phthalates were found below the detectable limit to 384 μg L−1, pesticides in the order of 10−1 μg L−1 and polyaromatic hydrocarbons occur in concentration from 10−2 to 114.7 μg L−1. Solid-phase extraction is the most preferred method for extracting micropollutants from leachate and liquid chromatography (LC) - mass spectrophotometer (MS) for detecting the micropollutants. Limited studies have been focused on AOPs as a potential method for the degradation of micropollutants in landfill leachate. The potential of Fenton based techniques, electrochemical AOPs and ozonation are investigated for the removal of micropollutants from leachate whereas the applicability of photocatalysis for the removal of a wide variety of micropollutants from leachate needs in-depth studies. [Display omitted] • Occurrence of micropollutants in landfill leachate across the globe is exemplified. • Detection and quantification of micropollutants in leachate are summarized. • Elimination of various types of micropollutants from leachate by AOPs are addressed. • Pharmaceuticals are the least studied micropollutant using AOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: HIV-infected injection drugs users (IDUs) are known to have high rates of co-infections. A few reports exist on comorbidities among HIV-infected IDUs in India. We carried out a retrospective study to analyse data on comorbidities in India and treatment challenges faced when treating HIV-infected IDUs in India. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 118 HIV-infected IDUs who accessed care at the YRG Centre for Substance Abuse-Related Research, Chennai, between August 2005 and February 2006 was done. Demographic, laboratory and clinical information was extracted from medical records. Descriptive demographic and clinical characteristics and distributions of comorbidities across CD4 cell count strata were analysed. Results: All IDUs were male with a median age of 35.5 yr. The majority were married with average monthly income less than INR 3000 per month. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections were 11.9 and 94. I per cent, respectively. Other common co-morbidities included oral candidiasis (43.2 %), tuberculosis 133.9% ), anaemia (22.9%), lower respiratory tract infections (16.1%), cellulitis (6.8%), herpes zoster (9.3%) and herpes simplex (9.3%). Among participants with CD4+ < 200 cells/µl, the prevalence of TB was 60 per cent. Interpretation & conclusions: IDUs in Chennai were commonly co-infected with HBV, HCV and tuberculosis, complicating use of antiretroviral and anti-tuberculous therapy. The current regimens available for the management of HIV and TB in India may need to be re-assessed for IDUs given the potential for increased rates of hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of biochar from sewage sludge (SS) is consistent with the goal of sustainable resource recovery and promotes a wastewater-based circular economy. Thermochemical conversion of SS to biochar resolves two major issues simultaneously as it minimizes the cost of disposal and acts as a resource to eliminate the toxic contaminants from water and wastewater. The reusability and ready availability of the biochar, irrespective of the season, makes it an economically viable material for wastewater treatment. In this review, explicit insights into the production, modification and usage of SS derived biochar are provided including (i) the production yield, (ii) characteristic features such as physical, chemical, electrochemical and morphological aspects, and (iii) impact on contaminant removal through adsorption, catalytic and electrochemical processes. Particular attention is given to the use of SS derived biochar as an adsorbent for contaminants present in wastewaters, the potential use of biochar as a catalyst and support material in advanced oxidation processes and the use of biochars as an electrode material. The effect of pyrolysis conditions and co-pyrolysis with other materials on biochar properties is explored and insight is provided into the toxicity of biochar components present at different process conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocoagulation (EC) process is found as effective water and wastewater treatment method, as it can able to remove a variety of pollutants, treat various industrial wastewater, and able to handle fluctuations in pollutant quality and quantity. The performance of EC process can be improved significantly in combination with degradation processes. Different combinations of EC process with Fenton, electro-Fenton, photo-Fenton, photocatalysis, sonochemical treatment, ozonation, indirect electrochemical oxidation, anodic oxidation and sulfate radical based advanced oxidation process are found very effective for the treatment of water and wastewater. Enhanced performance of EC process in combination with degradation process was reported in most of the articles. • Combination of EC and degradation process is an effective way to treat water and wastewater. • The combinations can also be beneficial to overcome the limitations of EC process. • The cost-efficient combinations are simultaneous EC-electrochemical AOPs and sequential EC-non-electrochemical AOPs. • The combination of aerated EC with a degradation process is more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays there is a continuously increasing attention for the treatment of recalcitrant compounds present in water and wastewater due to their toxicity on both human health and the environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are found to be effective for the degradation of recalcitrant compounds by increasing biodegradability and reducing toxicity. The present review focuses on the detoxification aspects of AOPs with special emphasis on arsenic toxicity. Different bioassays employing bacteria, invertebrates, algae, plants, and fish have been critically reviewed in this article as a valuable tool for assessing the toxicity as well as biodegradability of the industrial wastewater post AOP treatment. Various toxicity tests employed during AOP treatment of wastewater with high toxicity revealed that AOPs are effective for reducing their toxicity significantly. These processes are also effective to reduce arsenic toxicity by oxidizing arsenite to arsenate. By-products formed during AOP treatment of wastewater are also found more toxic than its parent compound. Thus, toxicity tests are essential for AOP treated wastewater before its disposal. Unlabelled Image • Detoxification of wastewater by AOPs are detailed. • AOPs are effective to reduce the toxicity of wastewater. • AOPs are also effective to reduce arsenic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge ash, a byproduct resulting from the combustion of the dewatered sludge generated in the sewage treatment plants, is recognized as a hazardous solid waste throughout the world. This solid waste, which is produced in behemoth volume, has very limited applications and is directly disposed to landfills. The present study aims to explore a novel strategy for utilizing this solid waste for the development of Rhizobium biofertilizer and thus reducing the burden on landfills. The Rhizobium inoculum was prepared and mixed with sludge ash to formulate Rhizobium biofertilizer, and shelf life of this formulation was evaluated by counting colony forming unit. The prepared formulation was applied on lentil seeds, and its effect was analyzed by assessing the plant growth along with other yield characteristics. Enhanced colony forming unit count (6487.78) was observed in sludge ash carrier combination with a better shelf life of five months in comparison to lignite carrier formulation from the beginning of the experiment (9.1%) till 150th day (69.8%). Lentil seeds treated with sludge ash based biofertilizer showed luxuriant growth with 19% enhanced root length, 42% in number of nodules, 10% in plant growth and 53.40% in seed yield as compared to conventional lignite formulations. Hence, biofertilizer produced from waste material sludge ash is not supposed to cause a hazard for the soil and plants when incorporated in defined amount and can prove to be a substitute for conventional lignite carrier in biofertilizer production. Image 1 • A novel approach for utilization of sludge ash was adopted. • Sludge ash was recognized as a suitable carrier for Rhizobium inoculum to produce biofertilizer. • Rhizobium bio formulation with sludge ash showed better shelf life. • Sludge ash treatment resulted in enhanced nodulation and higher germination. • Luxuriant growth of lentil plants was observed with sludge ash biofertilizer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global trends indicate a rise in mental health disorders among youth, prompting need for effective interventions. Mental health literacy interventions have demonstrated benefits such as improved knowledge, treatment understanding, help-seeking behaviors, and stigma reduction. This study aimed to assess the impact of a comprehensive mental health literacy program on knowledge, attitudes, and stigma related to mental health among secondary school students in Chennai., Methods: Cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted among students from four secondary schools. Randomization was at cluster level to minimize contamination. Participating schools provided consent, and all ninth-grade students were invited to participate. Written informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians, and assent was obtained from students. There were no specific exclusion criteria, except for students who declined to participate. Analyses were performed using intention-to-treat principles, with multiple imputation for missing outcome data., Results: After adjusting for cluster effects, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in attitude scores compared to the control group (mean difference 0.85, 95 % CI: 0.32-1.39, p = 0.002). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of knowledge and stigma., Conclusion: The findings suggest that delivering a mental health literacy curriculum alongside contact-based education involving individuals with lived experiences of mental disorders positively influences students' attitudes toward mental health. Although no significant changes were observed in knowledge and stigma levels, the integration of mental health literacy programs with personal narratives from those with lived experiences holds promise for addressing mental health stigma and promoting positive attitudes among school students., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management practices that lack scientific rigor and use impromptu methods have produced massive leachate in urban complexes. Nowadays, the management of leachate has become an utmost concern worldwide. The MSW landfill site was a low-lying, open dump that operated in a non-engineered way. In this context, the physicochemical characterization of leachate has been carried out. Leachate sampling was done at the Bhandewadi dumpsite, Nagpur, for three seasons (summer, rainy, and winter). During analysis, parameters such as COD, BOD 5 , pH, TKN, TSS, sulfates, and chlorides were analyzed, and the obtained data was compared with the standard EPA 2003 and CPHEEO 2016 methods. Values of COD, BOD 5 , TKN, sulfates, and chlorides were in the range of 2500-16,000 mg/L, 495-2500 mg/L, 167-1900 mg/L, 240-900 mg/L, and 1400-5900 mg/L with respect to all three seasons, respectively. In conjunction with physicochemical analysis, the landfill leachate's leachate pollutant index (LPI) was assessed. The highest LPI values were observed for summer (14.323) as compared to rainy (12.301) and winter (11.348) data. This index reflects the hazardous character of MSW leachate and the total potential for leachate contamination. The results of this study showed seasonal variations in the observed data. Age and seasonal fluctuations therefore substantially influence the composition of the leachate., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

The microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) method is an eco-friendly and economical alternative technology. The technology involves a variety of uncertainties, and its success depends on controlling microbial growth and metabolism. This study is one of a kind that showed successful tertiary recovery of crude oil through indigenous microbial consortia. In this study, a medium was optimized to allow ideal microbial growth under reservoir conditions through RSM. Once the nutrient recipe was optimized, the microbial metabolites were estimated through gas chromatography. The maximum amount of methane gas (0.468 mM) was produced in the TERIW174 sample. The sequencing data set showed the presence of Methanothermobacter sp. and Petrotoga sp. In addition, these established consortia were analyzed for their toxicity, and they appeared to be safe for the environment. Furthermore, a core flood study showed efficient recovery that was ~25 and 34% in TERIW70 and TERIW174 samples, respectively. Thus, both the isolated consortia appeared to be suitable for the field trials., Competing Interests: NK, AP, RR, MK, and BL were employed by the Vedanta Limited. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Sharma, Lavania, Koul, Prasad, Koduru, Pandey, Raj, Kumar and Lal.)

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and resistance to the conventional chemotherapy is the major cause for its poor prognosis. Metabolic perturbations leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species activate NRF2-dependent anti-oxidative responses to survive oxidative stress. This protective function of NRF2 is the primary cause for therapy resistance in cancer as anti-cancer agents such as BRAF inhibitors also induce NRF2-dependent antioxidative response. We had reported that type I interferons produced upon activation of STING, abrogates NRF2 function. Therefore, we investigated if STING agonists such as the newly developed dimeric aminobenzimidazole (diABZI) could sensitize melanoma cells to the clinically used BRAF inhibitors. Our results reveal that pharmacological activation of STING by diABZI, down regulates NRF2-dependent anti-oxidative responses and potentiates cell-death in melanoma cells when used in combination with BRAF inhibitors., (Copyright © 2020 Chipurupalli, Ganesan, Dhanabal, Kumar and Robinson.)

Bimetallic nanoparticles are the complex combination of two different metal constituents in nanoscale. Water and wastewater treatment utilizing bimetallic particles is an emerging research area. When two metals are combined, it can show not only the properties of its constituents but also new and enhanced properties derived by the synergy of the combination. These properties of bimetallic nanoparticles inevitably depend on the size, structure, and morphology of the particles. Thus the adopting synthesis strategy is very crucial to achieve desired results. Here in this review, the various bimetallic synthesis strategies are compared. The bimetallic nanoparticles decontaminate water through adsorption and/or catalysis mechanism. The various degradation pathways, specifically, adsorption, reduction, oxidation, and advanced oxidation processes are discussed in detail in this review., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The overburden dumps which are created during the process of mining are devoid of supportive and nutritive capacity for biomass development. Restoration of these overburden dumps requires the establishment of a self-sustaining soil-plant system, for which a restoration strategy is needed to accelerate the natural processes of ecosystem development. For eco-restoration of a coal mine spoil dump, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute developed an ecofriendly multidisciplinary approach to restore the fertility of the mine spoil overburden dump. In this regard, an experiment was conducted to restore the fertility of the overburden dump in an area of 20 ha at Durgapur in India. To reclaim the dump, the IBA (integrated biotechnological approach) was used. The integrated biotechnological approach involves the utilization of industrial waste ETP sludge (effluent treatment plant sludge) to support the nutritive capacity for vegetation establishment, inoculation, and isolation of Azotobacter, Bradyrhizobium, and VAM (vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza) spores of Gigaspora and Glomus species along with suitable indigenous trees of ecological and economic importance. The findings of the experimental study revealed that amendment of the mine spoil with organic amendment at 50 t/ha improved the nutrient, microbiological, and physicochemical properties of the coal mine spoil and reduced the toxicity of heavy metals due to increased organic carbon content of the organic amendment effluent treatment plant sludge. Thus, amendment of the effluent treatment plant sludge and biofertilizer application provided better supportive material for the growth of different plant species which resulted into momentous biomass (aboveground biomass and belowground biomass) production thereby improving the productivity and fertility of the mine spoil dump in a short span. Thus, using IBA, the ecology and biodiversity of the area was conserved. It also helped to maintain the aesthetic environment surrounding the mine site.

Newcastle disease virus is the most devastating virus in poultry industry. It can eradicate the entire poultry flocks once infected. This study is aimed to investigate the antiviral efficacy of novel phosphorylated analogues of the drug abacavir (ABC) against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). About 16 analogues of ABC were designed and docking was performed against fusion protein of NDV. Three compounds were identified and selected for synthesis and biological evaluation based on binding affinity and docking scores. The compounds were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H, (13)C, (31)P and CHN analysis and mass spectra. These compounds were tested for antiviral efficacy against NDV-infected DF-1 cells. Compound ABC-1 had shown potent antiviral activity as evidenced by significant reduction in plaque units and cytopathic effect. Therefore, ABC-1 was selected to test for NDV-infected chicken survival rate. Effective dose50 concentrations were determined for ABC-1. Antioxidant enzyme levels in brain, liver and lung tissues were estimated. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly raised and lipid peroxidation and HA titer levels were decreased upon treatment with 2 mg/kg body weight ABC-1. Histopathological modifications were also restored in the ABC-1-treated group. These findings demonstrated ABC-1 as a potential antiviral agent against NDV in chicken.

Disposal of sewage secondary excess sludge is a great problem globally, and stabilization of this excess sludge by anaerobic digestion is hampered due to its constituents resistant to biodegradation. Sludge pre-treatment enhances the performance of anaerobic digestion. In this study, sewage sludge was collected from a full-scale sewage treatment plant and characterized. Ultrasonic method was used for the excess sludge disintegration of microbial flocks and cells, so as to breakdown the intracellular or extracellular polymeric materials to enhance the anaerobic digestion. The studies related to the effect of sonication on release of nutrients, increase in soluble COD and reduction in pathogenic coliforms as well as heterotrophic microorganisms and the optimization of sonication time were carried out. The results showed that the twenty minutes sonication (25 kHz) increased the soluble COD content, nutrient release and complete disappearance of fecal as well as total coliforms in the treated sludge. The results are presented and discussed in this paper.

Nematodes represent the second largest phylum in the animal kingdom. It is the most abundant species (500,000) in the planet. It causes chronic, debilitating infections worldwide such as ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm, enterobiasis, strongyloidiasis, filariasis and trichinosis, among others. Molecular modeling tools can play an important role in the identification and structural investigation of molecular targets that can act as a vital candidate against filariasis. In this study, sequence analysis of NAS-36 from H. contortus (Heamonchus contortus), B. malayi (Brugia malayi) and C. elegans (Ceanorhabditis elegans) has been performed, in order to identify the conserved residues. Tertiary structure was developed for an insight into the molecular structure of the enzyme. Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MDS) studies have been carried out to analyze the stability and the physical properties of the proposed enzyme models in the H. contortus, B. malayi and C. elegans. Moreover, the drug binding sites have been mapped for inhibiting the function of NAS-36 enzyme. The molecular identity of this protease could eventually demonstrate how ex-sheathment is regulated, as well as provide a potential target of anthelmintics for the prevention of nematode infections.

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was achieved by a simple biological procedure using the reducing power of fenugreek seed extract. This method is capable of producing SeNPs in a size range of about 50-150 nm, under ambient conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles can be separated easily from the aqueous sols by a high-speed centrifuge. These selenium nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Nanocrystalline SeNPs were obtained without post-annealing treatment. FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of various functional groups in the plant extract, which may possibly influence the reduction process and stabilization of nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of SeNPs was assayed against human breast-cancer cells (MCF-7). It was found that SeNPs are able to inhibit the cell growth by dose-dependent manner. In addition, combination of SeNPs and doxorubicin shows better anticancer effect than individual treatments.

A systematic seasonal study has been carried out to assess the physico-chemical characteristics of ground water and soils in Rewa district of India. The drinking water in the study area is supplied mainly through Public Health Engineering (PHE) department from river (Bichhia, Bihar) and ground water. Water and soil samples were collected from different locations in the Rewa district, i.e. 10 hand pumps and 10 bore wells around all over the district. Regular monitoring was carried out during summer, rainy and winter seasons, to study the seasonal variation in physico-chemical parameters and metals concentration. The parameters like pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, nitrite, chloride, sulphate, phosphate and heavy metals were estimated for water and soil samples collected from the Rewa district. The results obtained are discussed, correlated with probable sources of contamination and suggested the measures to minimize the pollution.

Coal coking, precious metals mining and nitrile polymer industries generate over several billion liters of cyanide-containing waste annually. Economic and environmental considerations make biological technologies attractive for treatment of wastes containing high organic content, in which the microbial cultures can remove concentrations of organics and cyanide simultaneously. For cyanide and phenol bearing waste treatment, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor has been developed, which successfully removed free cyanide 98% (with feed concentration of 20 mg 1(-1)) in presence of phenol. The effect of cyanide on phenol degradation was studied with varying concentrations of phenol as well as cyanide under anaerobic conditions. This study revealed that the methanogenic degradation of phenol can occur in the presence of cyanide concentration 30-38 mg 1(-1). Higher cyanide concentration inhibited the phenol degradation rate. The inhibition constant Ki was found to be 38 mg 1(-1) with phenol removal rate of 9.09 mg 1(-1.) x h.

The mortality rate due to snakebite is reduced markedly by the use of anti-venoms, which are the only medically approved remedial agents available. The anti-venoms effectively neutralize the systemic toxicity but offer no protection towards local tissue degradation. In viperid snake envenomations, SVMPs and SVHYs are the major agents responsible for brutal local tissue damage as they degrade ECM and basement membrane surrounding the blood vessels. Thus, the usage of inhibitor(s) against ECM degrading enzymes in the treatment of viper bites is an affirmative therapeutic choice. The present study assessed the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to inhibit gelatinase, hyaluronidase, hemorrhagic and defibrinogenating activities of Vipera russelli and Echis carinatus venoms. NAC inhibited these activities dosedependently, but it did not inhibit the PLA2, 5' nucleotidase, procoagulant and edema inducing activities of both the venoms. NAC showed complete inhibition of hemorrhagic activity when incubated with venom prior to testing. Whereas little inhibition was observed when venom and NAC were injected independently. Inhibition of the basement membrane degradation and accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes at the site of venom injection in histological sections further corroborate the inhibitory property of NAC. The observed inhibition of hemorrhage was likely due to zinc chelation as supported by spectral studies. Further, docking predictions suggested the role of -SH and -NH-CO-CH3 groups of NAC in the inhibition of SVMPs and SVHYs. Future studies related to the protective role of NAC against the venom induced systemic hemorrhage and secondary complications are highly exciting.

Objective: Measuring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual practices in injection drug users (IDUs) and their regular sex partners., Goal: Informing HIV intervention programs., Design: Cross-sectional., Results: One percent IDUs and 2% of their regular female sex partners were syphilis infected; 40% (84/211) and 38% respectively (81/211) were infected with HSV-2. 30% IDUs and 5% of their female regular sex partners were HIV positive. Serodiscordant results for syphilis and HSV-2 were noticed. Women having first sex at ageor=38 years had seven times the odds of having any non-HIV-STI., Conclusion: Reaching out to IDUs and their female regular sex partners with modified STI management guideline and promoting women-controlled safer sex measures are needed harm-reduction measures.

Objectives: Determining HIV prevalence in injection drug users (IDUs) and their regular sex partners in Chennai, India., Methods: A total of 226 IDUs and their regular sex partners were enrolled during April-July 2003. After informed consent was obtained, a semistructured questionnaire was administered and serum was tested for HIV antibody., Results: The HIV seroprevalence was 30% (68/226) in IDUs and 5% in their regular sex partners (11/226). While in 25% of couples only the male partner was HIV positive, 5% of the couples were concordant for HIV infection and 70% were HIV negative. Fifty-seven percent of the HIV-positive IDUs and 45% of the HIV-infected women thought that they had "no chance" or "very little chance" of getting HIV, reflecting low HIV risk perception. More than 20% IDUs reported borrowing or lending of injection equipment. In univariate analyses "sex" and "condom use" with sex workers had no bearing but "more than twice a day injecting frequency," "history of incarceration," "tattoos," "recruitment from northern part of the city," and ever-injecting drugs in drug-selling places had significant association with HIV infection in IDUs. In an adjusted model, the odds of HIV infection were 2 times higher among IDUs who had ever injected drugs in drug-selling places and 6 times higher in those who were recruited from the northern part of central Chennai., Conclusion: Reducing sharing of injection equipment and unsafe tattooing through targeted and environmental interventions, increasing HIV risk perception, and promoting safer sex practices among IDUs and their sex partners are urgent program needs.

Effluent treatment plants need land for construction, capital cost, power and specialized manpower for their operation and maintenance. Because of these constraints, small scale tanneries can not afford to have their own effluent treatment facilities and therefore, combined effluent from all tanneries are to be brought to a centralized place for treatment. This facility is called a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). For operation and maintenance of CETP, small scale tanners formed a co-operative society. The expenses for operation and maintenance of CETP are being shared by participating tanneries. Wastewater management for the cluster of small scale tanneries was studied in details and various measures were incorporated to improve performance of the CETP and also to improve treated effluent quality to confirm standard prescribed by regulatory agencies. Performance of existing CETP was evaluated. Based on the results, bench scale laboratory treatability studies were conducted for improvement in treated effluent quality and also to suggest appropriate modifications to the CETP. These studies are detailed in this paper.

Methane utilizing bacterial strain was isolated and found to produce a surface active compound while growing on methane. The maximum production of the surface active compound depended on pressure of methane and air in the reactor. The crude surface active compound was extracted from the cell free broth and its surface active and emulsification properties were studied. The purified surface active compound had a critical micelle concentration of 150 mg/l at pH 7.0. On the basis of surface tension reduction, emulsification property and IR-spectrophotometric results this surface active compound was characterized as a glycolipid.

Wastewater generated during coke-oven gas cleaning operations in the integrated steel plant contains phenol, cyanide, thiocyanate, and also oil and grease. Although the activated sludge process is widely practiced for biological treatment of coke-oven wastewater, it was observed during the evaluation of performance of full scale coke-oven wastewater treatment plant that oil contamination and poor sludge settleability had resulted in poor maintenance of the activated sludge process. Keeping these aspects in view, treatability studies were conducted and an alternative treatment process is proposed. With these corrective measures the coke-oven wastewater treatment plant will give desired performance. In this paper we present results of the performance evaluation, data on treatability studies and alternative treatment process scheme.