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Abstract A potential nanograde antibiotic with hyperbranched architecture was synthesized from melt esterification of poly(ethylene glycol) or PEG and Citric acid or CA with 1:1 mol composition. PEG of different molecular weights, c.a. 4000, 6000 and 20,000 were used during the polyesterification. The polyester molecules of nanometric size were highly water soluble and showed a melting point between 55 and 60 °C. The branching status was established from spectroscopy, flow behaviour (viscosity) and rheological evidences. The extent of branching and flowability, both were reduced as the molecular weight of PEG was increased. During in-vitro pathological study, all the grades showed reasonably strong antibacterial affect (both with gram positive and negative bacteria), high selectivity, biocompatibility and controlled generation of reactive oxygen species or ROS, however, the grade with maximum level of branching and functional chain ends displayed highest therapeutic efficiency, may that be considered further as a potential agent for next level investigation. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A polyester with hyperbranched architecture was synthesized from polyethylene glycol and Citric acid. • All polyesters were nanometric in size however, the size increases with molecular weight of PEG. • The highest branched grade was effective against both gram positive and negative bacteria without harming normal cells. • This particular grade could be a promising nanograde antibiotic for wide range of bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Unorthodox synthesis of reusable collagen- g -terpolymer- g -guar gum superadsorbent. • In situ protrusion of acrylamido propanoic acid monomer in terpolymer network. • Advanced adsorbed/unadsorbed microstructural analyses for superadsorption mechanism. • 1H-/13C-NMR, XPS, FTIR, UV–vis, TGA-DSC, XRD, and isotherms-kinetics-thermodynamics. • Removals of p -nitrophenol, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, Hg(II)/Pb(II), and MB/MV. Abstract Herein, guar gum (GG)- g -(acrylic acid (AA)- co -3-acrylamido propanoic acid (AMPA)- co -acrylamide (AM))- g -cow buffing dust (CBD)/(GGTPCBD), a smart carbohydrate and protein-based doubly-grafted interpenetrating terpolymer hydrogel showing excellent physicochemical properties and recyclability was synthesized by in situ strategic allocation of AMPA during solution polymerization of AA and AM through systematic optimization of the amounts of components and reaction temperature for superadsorption of Hg(II), Pb(II), methyl violet (MV), methylene blue (MB), p -nitrophenol (PNP), and vitamin-C (vit.C). The in situ strategic protrusion of AMPA, grafting of both GG and CBD into AA- co -AMPA- co -AM, and ligand-selective superadsorption was inferred by advanced microstructural analyses of unadsorbed- and/or adsorbed-GGTPCBD using FTIR, 1H/13C NMR, O1s-/N1s-/C1s-/Pb4f 7/2,5/2 -/Hg4f 7/2,5/2 -XPS, UV–vis, TGA, DSC, XRD, DLS, SEM, EDX, % gel content, % −COOH, and pH PZC. The prevalence of covalent, ionic, and variegated interactions was rationalized by FTIR, fitting of kinetics data to the pseudosecond order model, and activation energies of adsorption. The BET and Langmuir isotherms fitted the best to MB and Hg(II)/Pb(II)/MV, respectively. Thermodynamically spontaneous chemisorption processes showed the maximum adsorption capacities (ACs) of 976.64, 859.23, 116.80, and 58.52 mg g−1 for Pb(II), Hg(II), MV, and MB, respectively, at 303 K, adsorbent dose = 0.01 g, and initial concentration of metal ions/dyes = 800/30 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is associated with ventricular fibrosis leading to heart failure. The use of thiazolidinediones as Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma (PPARγ)-modulating anti-hypertrophic therapeutics has been restricted due to major side-effects. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-fibrotic potential of a novel PPARγ agonist, deoxyelephantopin (DEP) in cardiac hypertrophy. AngiotensinII treatment in vitro and renal artery ligation in vivo were performed to mimic pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. Our results showed that DEP treatment significantly improves the echocardiographic parameters by ameliorating ventricular fibrosis without any bystander damage to other major organs. Following molecular docking, all-atomistic molecular dynamics simulation, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses, we established DEP as a PPARγ agonist stably interacting with the ligand-binding domain of PPARγ. DEP specifically downregulated the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)-3-mediated collagen gene expression in a PPARγ-dependent manner, as confirmed by PPARγ silencing and site-directed mutagenesis of DEP-interacting PPARγ residues. Although DEP impaired STAT-3 activation, it did not have any effect on the upstream Interleukin (IL)-6 level implying possible crosstalk of the IL-6/STAT-3 axis with other signaling mediators. Mechanistically, DEP increased the binding of PPARγ with Protein Kinase C-delta (PKCδ) which impeded the membrane translocation and activation of PKCδ, downregulating STAT-3 phosphorylation and resultant fibrosis. This study, therefore, for the first time demonstrates DEP as a novel cardioprotective PPARγ agonist. The therapeutic potential of DEP as an anti-fibrotic remedy can be exploited against hypertrophic heart failure in the future. [Display omitted] • Available drugs address cardiac fibrosis with low efficacy and side-effects. • DEP acts as a PPARγ agonist to reduce cardiac fibrosis in PPARγ-dependent manner. • Upon DEP binding, PPARγ reduces collagen expression independent of IL-6. • DEP-bound PPARγ interacts with PKCδ to reduce STAT-3 phosphorylation. • DEP acts as an anti-fibrotic therapy in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of different solvents on emission behaviour of oligothiophene (OT) has been explored in this article. OT was synthesized using a modified cationic surfactant assisted polymerization technique. The average molecular weight was 1006 (which indicated an addition of 12 thiophene units) with a wider distribution (solid state crystallinity of 26% from X-ray crystallography). A gradient solubility of OT was obtained in N, N-dimethyl sulphoxide (95%), ethanol (82%) and chloroform (65%) due to descending solvochromatic interaction. A higher emission intensity (blue) and fluorescent quantum yield (11%) was obtained in DMSO than in ethanol (quantum yield 7%) due to a lower HOMO-LUMO transition energy. Conversely, excitation in a high molecular weight solvent like poly (vinyl alcohol) displayed a low emission intensity and fluorescent quantum yield (3%) despite lower HOMO-LUMO transition energy mainly due to quenching effect. Instead, such a system was suited for a capacitative action as demonstrated through cyclic voltametric measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduced a green technology for the synthesis of a shape controlled silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through a mutual interaction of indigenous polysaccharides, Acacia nilotica or natural gum (NG) and tamarind kernel powder or TKP under a specified condition. The resultant particles were characterized using spectroscopy, microscopy and light scattering techniques which demonstrated the generation of a spherical nanoparticles with an average hydrodynamic size ranging between 10 nm to 78 nm (from light scattering experiment). The AgNPs were fairly stable. On in vitro application into different organ specific cancer cell lines e.g. cervical cancer or hela, lung cancer or A549 and mice macrophage or Raw 264.7, it elucidated a dose responsive antitumor cum antioxidant activity with high selectivity which might be an indication for its potential use in anticancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable hydrophobic membranes were prepared in-situ from the composites of poly (diethylene glycol dimethacrylate) grafted carboxymethyl guargum (CMG-g-PDEGDMA)/carboxy functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT). The composite membranes were applied for transdermal delivery of hydrophobic diclofenac sodium. The uniform dispersion of f-MWCNT resulted into stronger–matrix filler interaction, particularly at 1 wt.% f-MWCNT concentration. The membrane was most hydrophobic and least drug eluting. At higher f-MWCNT loading i.e. at 2 and 3 wt.% the membranes were less hydrophobic and faster drug eluting as a consequence of relatively poor matrix–filler interaction and copolymer wrapping. The most hydrophobic formulation (1 wt.%) had released 16.4% of the encapsulated drug, while the least (3 wt.%) had released 42% after 20 h study in a Franz diffusion cell under physiological condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co 2 (OH) 3 Cl nanoparticle is synthesized on poly (3-bromothiophene) surface solvothermally. • Co 2 (OH) 3 Cl@PTBr composite shows significantly low overpotential and better kinetics for OER. • Polymer support uplifts the ECSA of the composite and thereby improved OER efficiency. Designing a suitable electrocatalytic material for heterogenous catalysis related to electrochemical application are in the forefront of priority of energy related research. This article describes a one-step solvothermal synthesis of Co 2 (OH) 3 Cl by surfactant free method. The catalyst is further modified with a conducting polymer poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) via in-situ reaction and shows excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Electrochemical performance of the catalyst reveals a significant decrease of overpotential in case of Co 2 (OH) 3 Cl@PTBr composite compared to polymer unsupported Co 2 (OH) 3 Cl for OER reaction at 10 mA cm−2 current density. All the materials including polymer was characterized thoroughly using XRD, TGA, HRTEM, EDX-mapping, IR spectroscopy, XPS and BET to realize the structure–property relationship. The superior catalytic activity of the composite is an indication of synergistic effect and has a close correlation with the effective matrix support of conducting polymer which in-turn helps to uplift the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of the material (97.28 m2 g−1) and thus allows more active sites available for carrying out electrochemical reaction with improved efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Smart material synthesis through polymer encapsulated perovskite crystals. • The materials are used for Memory Recovery application. • The role of a conducting polymer in offering better emission quality and stability of the perovskite crystals. • Impressive optical properties of polymer-perovskite composite make the material for optoelectronic devices. Impressive optical properties of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite crystals make them suitable for optoelectronic devices. However, these crystals are unstable in water and other polar solvents and quickly lose their fluorescence which cannot be recovered by the addition of non-polar solvents. Fluorescence recovery is absolute necessity for long-term stability of perovskite in optoelectronic devices. Till date, there is no report showing mechanism of fluorescence recovery of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite crystals. Here, we have reported the synthesis of FAPbBr 3 /polypyrrole (PPy) composites (FA = Formamidinium) for shedding light on the mechanism of fluorescence recovery in presence of N,N Dimethyl formamide or DMF. We have synthesized FAPbBr 3 crystals at room temperature and tuned their band gap from green to blue by varying the amount of surfactant. Similar study was repeated with FAPbBr 3 /PPy composites, synthesized through in situ polymerization. Encapsulation was found to improve the emission quality and purity of the colour and successfully restored the fluorescence memory which was lost in presence of DMF. The recovery was attributed to resurfacing of PPy in presence of toluene which brought the building blocks of FAPbBr 3 crystals back to the co-crystallization domain. In brief, this fundamental finding could pave the future way for achieving long-term stability of perovskite crystals in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Smart conducting polymer-GQD composites synthesised through ex-situ and in-situ routes. • Polymer-filler interface quality found dependant on fabrication route. • Ex-situ composite suitable for opto-electronic display while in-situ composite suitable as energy harvestor. This article elucidates fabrication of a smart composite from poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) and graphene quantum dot (GQD) through facile in-situ and ex-situ routes and demonstrates their photo-physical and photo-electrochemical behaviors. 3-bromothiophene was first polymerized to poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) in presence of graphene oxide (GO) and then converted into PTBr/GQD composite through solvo-thermal route in the in-situ process while in the ex-situ process, both graphene oxide (GO) and poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) were first combined ex-situ and then solvo-thermally treated to fabricate the PTBr/GQD composite. Spectroscopic findings indicate safe formation of the composites however, alteration in both precursor and fabrication route had simultaneously created a demonstrable difference in interfacial interaction between poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) and graphene quantum dot (GQD) which eventually impacted their application behavior. Microscopy, Energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) mapping and X-ray diffraction study mutually elucidated the formation of uniformly thin, fibrillar (8 nm) over-growth of amorphous poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) over graphene quantum dot (GQD) in the ex-situ composite while in the in-situ composite a comparatively non-uniform and thicker over-growth (12 nm) of poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) over graphene quantum dot (GQD) was noticed. Both the composites had shown quenched photoemission but exhibited a much improved photocurrent generation than the pristine components. However, relatively high concentration of poly (3-bromothiophene) (PTBr) coupled with its stronger interaction with graphene quantum dot (GQD) in the in-situ composite had produced a stronger red shift and much higher photocurrent efficiency than that in the ex-situ sample. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polysaccharides based ternary semi IPN developed for enhanced adsorption of Pb (II) and Hg (II). • Exclusive network rheology and crystallinity influences faster adsorption of ions. • Adsorption efficiency found analogous to the swelling behavior of adsorbate. An elastic semi IPN from guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was developed and used as a bioadsorbent for soluble Pb(II) and Hg(II) from water. The IPNs were developed using a photo-initiated crosslinking cum polymerization approach (benzophenone was used as an initiator) with a variable composition of the biopolymers (GG:XG fixed at 20:80 by mass) to PAA by mass (Biopolymers: PAA as 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 50:50, respectively). The hybrids were extensively characterized for microstructure, morphology, swelling, porosity and rheological behavior, both in dry and swelled conditions. Three grades of biosorbents namely 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 showed an enhanced adsorption efficiency compared to the remaining ternary grades as well as the crosslinked binary grade of GG:XG (20:80 mass composition, used as a control), respectively. It was primarily due to high network strength (elasticity) cum flexibility (more liquid like behavior) of those three ternary grades under swollen condition followed by their higher swelling capacity and strongly negative zeta potential to attract the positively charged Pb(II) and Hg(II), respectively. The 80:20 grade (80 parts was the mass composed of XG:GG in 80:20 mass ratio and 20 parts was the mass of PAA) exhibited the maximum molecular effect and thus recorded the highest adsorption efficiency (93 % for Pb(II) with an adsorption capacity of 111.6 and 72 % of Hg(II) with an adsorption capacity of 86.4). Nevertheless, all the hybrids showed a strong pH dependant adsorption as the –COOH unit present in the network displayed a pH sensitive ionization. The adsorption was lower below the pH level of 4.0 (pKa of PAA at 4.5) while drastically improved beyond that. On additional note, the adsorbate dose was also found to affect the adsorption efficiency whereby a maximum dose of 300 ppm of both Pb(II) and Hg(II) was found to be most effective for adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article distribution of nanoclay between the two phases of a new class of dynamically vulcanized TPV based on POE/EVA(Polyethylene octene elastomer/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) elastomers prepared with various amounts of organoclay (0.5, 1 and 3 wt%) using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as vulcanizing agent by reactive melt blending process has been studied. Different specimens of POE and POE/EVA blend with and without clay were prepared. The effects of organoclay on mechanical properties, swelling kinetics, crystallinity, vulcanization characteristics, dynamic mechanical behaviour, electrical properties and morphology were studied. DMA and morphological analysis revealed the formation of a Thermoplastic vulcanizate. XRD analysis showed decrease in crystallinity on addition of EVA in POE matrix. However, morphological observation of the fractured surface suggested that the smaller EVA domain was quite uniformly distributed into the POE phase and the clay phase was predominantly dispersed in the EVA phase of the TPVs and 0.5% clay mainly improved the mechanical properties and elongation of the blends. Swelling characteristics, electrical properties and storage modulus were also improved with the clay in case of the blend containing higher EVA content which further supports the fact that nanoclay was preferably distributed in the more polar EVA phase. • Nanoclay distribution study in a novel TPV with polar-nonpolar matrix. • Clay shows greater affinity towards the polar component. • Clay distribution identified through dynamic mechanical testing. • Compliance received from morphology and mechanical properties. • Solvent resistance markedly improved through relative distribution of nanoclay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work focuses on the design of a CO 2 scavenger, capable of adsorbing a low concentration of CO 2 from a mixed gas composition. Typically, vinyl imidazole and an ionic liquid brancher were copolymerized by "Strathclyde methodology" and grafted from graphene oxide; GO-g-(HB) PVIm-co-PIL (Cl). The chain transfer agent maintained short chains and developed hyperbranched architecture in GO-g-(HB) PVIm-co-PIL (Cl). The structure and the properties of GO-g-(HB) PVIm-co-PIL (Cl) was established from FTIR, 1HNMR, Raman, XRD and rheology. A metathesis reaction was carried out to exchange chloride anions with hexafluorophosphate anions; GO-g-(HB) PVIm-co-PIL (PF 6). GO-g-(HB) PVIm-co-PIL (PF 6) selectively captured a low concentration of CO 2 from a mixed gas. The surface functionalities/ properties of GO, hyperbranched architecture, porosity, nitrogen content and surface charge distribution together played a significant role in efficient and selective CO 2 capture. • Design of a hybrid material of graphene oxide and hyperbranched polymer grafts. • Metathesis reaction was carried out to exchange anions. • Hybrid materials proved to be efficient in selective CO 2 scavenging. • Hybrid materials detected very low concentration of CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design of a hybrid material of guargum and hyperbranched polymer by grafting. • Hybrid material proved to be an efficient water-absorbing polymer. • Hybrid material served as a gelling agent for the culture of cyanobacteria. • Hybrid material served as an effective medium for plant growth. This study reports the synthesis of an unprecedented bio-based aquasorbent guargum-g-hyperbranched poly (acrylic acid); bGG-g-HBPAA by employing graft-copolymerization and "Strathclyde methodology" simultaneously in emulsion and its possible use as a sustainable nutrient bed for the effective growth of Anabaena cylindrica and Vigna radiata seedlings. The formation of bGG-g-HBPAA and the presence of hyperbranched architectures was confirmed from XRD, FTIR, 13C NMR, solubility, intrinsic viscosity, BET surface area/ pore size, SEM and rheology analyses. The synthesized grade with a branching percent of 65.4% and a swelling percentage of 13,300% facilitated maximum growth of the cultured species as compared to guargum and its linear graft. Semi synthetic bGG-g-HBPAA culture medium was optically transparent, dried at a controlled rate, held a huge amount of water for growth, provided sufficient space for unhindered growth and featured dimensional stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottlebrush polymers represent an important class of high-density side-chain-grafted polymers traditionally with high molecular weights, in which one or more polymeric side chains are tethered to each repeating unit of a linear polymer backbone, such that these macromolecules look like "bottlebrushes". The arrangement of molecular brushes is determined by side chains located at a distance considerably smaller than their unperturbed dimensions, leading to substantial monomer congestion and entropically unfavorable extension of both the backbone and the side chains. Traditionally, the conformation and physical properties of polymers are influenced by external stimuli such as solvent, temperature, pH, and light. However, a unique stimulus, salt, has recently gained attention as a means to induce shape changes in these molecular brushes. While the stimulus has been less researched to date, we see that these systems, when stimulated with salts, have the potential to be used in various engineering applications. This potential stems from the unique properties and behaviors these systems show when exposed to different salts, which could lead to new solutions and improvements in engineering processes, thus serving as the primary motivation for this narrative, as we aim to explore and highlight the various ways these systems can be utilized and the benefits they could bring to the field of engineering. This Review aims to introduce the concept of stimuli-responsive bottlebrush polymers, explore the evolutionary trajectory, delve into current trends in salt-responsive bottlebrush polymers, and elucidate how these polymers are addressing a variety of engineering challenges., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Objective: The current systematic and meta-static review aimed to analyze the correlation between isolated gastrocnemius contracture and plantar fasciitis and the effectiveness of gastroc recession surgery in the treatment of plantar fasciitis., Methodology: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct this meta-analysis. A literature search was carried out on the following databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases with the appropriate medical subject headings (MeSH) to identify the eligible articles., Results: A total of 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis. In this study, there is a significant difference in chronic plantar fasciitis outcome when comparing experimental and control (RR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.05; P <  0.001; I 2  = 29%). There is a significant difference in pain scale outcome when comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment (RR: 3.25; 95% CI 1.44 to 7.32; P =  0.004 < 0.01; I 2  = 0%). A significant difference in VAS scale outcome when comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment (RR: 2.58; 95% CI 1.52 to 4.38; P =  0.0004 < 0.01; I 2  = 0%)., Conclusion: In conclusion, the current systematic review and meta-analysis of gastrocnemius recession and proximal medial gastrocnemius release and other treatment measures for plantar fasciitis suggests that the improvement of ankle dorsiflexion, reduction in pain, and patient satisfaction are almost similar in all the treatment measures. Among the five treatment measures, gastrocnemius recession remains the best, followed by proximal medial gastrocnemius release., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Indian Orthopaedics Association 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Background: Calcaneal fractures are serious injuries that mainly affect young, active people. As a result, these fractures may cause long-term impairment and have a major socioeconomic impact. The current updated systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the functional outcomes, re-operative risk, and complications associated with the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal., Methodology: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct this meta-analysis. The literature search was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the EMBASE databases with the appropriate keywords., Results: A total of 13 studies were included in this review. The follow-up months were diverse, ranging between 12 and 65 months in sinus tarsi approach (STA) and 12 to 76 months in extended lateral approach (ELA) methods. Time to surgery was shorter for the STA when compared to ELA (MD: 3.48; 95% CI 2.43 to 4.53; p  < 0.00001). No significant difference was observed in functional outcomes between STA and ELA (MD: 0.34; 95% CI: -0.37 to 1.04; p  = 0.35 > 0.05; I 2  = 88%). In comparison to the ELA, the STA has significantly less wound healing complications (RR: 0.20; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.36; p 0.00001; I 2  = 0%)., Conclusion: In conclusion, the STA technique in treating calcaneal fractures was significantly safer and more effective when compared to the ELA methods. The STA method of treatment was found to have a lower risk of complications and an infection rate, as well as a shorter operating and recovery time., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Indian Orthopaedics Association 2023, Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

To determine the prevalence of dry eye diseases in general clinical ophthalmic practice in a hospital-based population in West Bengal, Eastern India, a cross-sectional study was undertaken among 3023 subjects with the age of > or = 30 years, attending general ophthalmic clinic in a tertiary eye hospital. Demographics, detailed history and 6-items McMonnies' dry eye questionnaire were asked. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer-I test, Rose Bengal (RB) staining, slit lamp examination and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were studied. Dry eye diseases were significantly higher in women than in men ie, 51.9% versus 48.1% (p < 0.01). Symptom-based dry eye (one or more symptoms present often or most of the time) was diagnosed in 1234 subjects (40.8%). With symptoms and at least one sign [TBUT < 10 seconds, RB staining (van Bjisterveld score: 4 or more) and Schirmer-I test = 5 mm in 5 minutes], the prevalence of dry eye was 786 (26%). Different grades of MeibOmian gland dysfunction (MGD) were detected in 957 cases (31.7%). Primary Sjogren syndrome was found in 21.5%; and 10.9% patients of dry eye had some form of systemic collagen vascular disorders. Using computers was not a risk factor in this geographical area. No significant correlation was seen between significant symptoms and positive signs in the study population. The prevalence of dry eye disease is high in West Bengal, Eastern India in hospital-based population. The risk is higher with age, female gender, systemic collagen diseases and with oral antidepressant/anxiolytic medication. Meibomian gland dysfunction is found to be common among dry eye subjects.