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Various leather factories in West Bengal have resulted in an enormous amount of leather that is processed annually. Regular discharges of tannery effluents into land and open water have led to significant soil and water pollution, with one of the most dangerous inorganic pollutants being chromium (Cr). This study aims to recover the most harmful components from industrial water using efficient biosorbents.Brevibacillus brevisUS575 has been initially found in tannery effluents, where it has a high tolerance level to Cr6+ions. The Cr(VI) adsorbed from the solution in aqueous phase during the course of the 60-minute contact period in this experiment was nearly 74%. Studies on the concentration of biomass, pH of the medium, and the starting concentration of metal ions have also been seen to affect the rate of biosorption. According to the desorption investigation, 1 M HCl outperformed all other concentrations of HCl, NaOH and pure water. Highest capacity of adsorption of the bio-adsorbent was calculated using the Langmuir model. The monolayer adsorption process was determined, and since the Freundlich model’s 1/n value fell inside 1, favourable adsorption has been postulated. According to the results of this study, the bacterium isolated from tannery wastewater was found to be the best alternative and could be used to create plans for using biosorption to combat current environmental pollution.

Fungiculture or Mushroom Cultivation is rapidly expanding throughout the world. It is further catalyzed by its high nutritional value and increased market demand. Additionally, the method of cultivation does not require much space and the per unit production is very high compared to other crops. Bagasse is the byproduct left after extracting the juice from sugarcane. It has been speculated that bagasse can be an excellent substrate due to its high carbohydrate and mineral content (Hoa et al., 2015). In the experiment spawns of Oyster Mushroom were inoculated in bagasse collected from industries. Remarkable growth of mushrooms in short period of time was observed. However, the metal toxicity being our primary concern in this experiment, AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) Test was used to detect the heavy metal ion concentrations in both the bagasse and the fruiting bodies of mushrooms. The concentrations of metals calculated are as follows, in bagasse (mg/kg): Cadmium - 0.015, Arsenic - 8.56, Copper-12.47, Chromium-9.17, Mercury - less than 0.01, and in mushroom (mg/kg): Cd - 0.022, As - 10.12, Cu - 14.29, Cr - 7.59, Hg - less than 0.01. These results indicated biomagnification of metal ion concentration in the mushrooms up taken from bagasse. These metals, in such high concentrations are lethal and causes many diseases in humans and other animals. Hence, from this experiment it can be deduced, that though bagasse is an excellent substrate for mushroom cultivation, the toxicity of metal ions present in it in such high concentrations overshadow the earlier benefits of bagasse as a good substrate. However, it has been proposed that if such metals are removed or their concentrations are lowered then the earlier mentioned benefits of bagasse are restored.

Volatile organic compounds (often abbreviated as VOCs) are emitted as secondary metabolites by plants, and contribute to a wide range of ecological processes, owing to their pivotal role in plant interactions with biotic and abiotic variables. As a result, they differ greatly between species and explain disparities in ecological strategy. In an effort to comprehend their genesis and assess potential evolutionary trends, this work probes into the enzymatic pathways that lead to their synthesis. Correspondingly, we adopt and propose an in-silico approach to analyze connections between the species evolution and the gene evolution of two major plant volatile organic compounds. We lay focus on isoprene and pinene, volatile organic compounds synthesized by two common yet compartmentally isolated pathways - the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway and the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway, respectively. Analyses of gene-specific and protein-specific phylogenetic trees of the enzymes involved in these pathways thereby indicate a mixed trend in the evolution as per the APG IV (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV) system. These results and the in-silico pipeline thus provide us with future opportunities to explore different networks of plant communication for a holistic understanding of intraspecific and interspecific interactions in different natural ecosystems.

Objectives: The study was conducted to know how Covid-19 and TB affected the people of Paschim Burdwan, India for 12 months period (from August 2020 to July 2021).Materials and Methods: Covid-19 cases were studied in terms of age groups (viz.≤19,≥20 to≤45,≥46 to ≤60 years and >60 years)and genders forfirst and second waves of Covid -19 in the mentioned part of our country.Results and Conclusions: It was found that most of the peopleof ≥20 to≤45 years of age were affected more compared with other groups. In the 0-19 age group, females were more affected (7.44%) than males (4.74%)and few of them were statistically evaluated.Pollution parameters viz. Nitrogen oxides(NOx), Carbon oxides(COx), Sulphur oxides(SO2), particulate matters ( PM2.5, and PM10) in the Asansol area of Paschim Burdwan were studied for the month of July 2019,2020 & 2021but there was no significant change and they are not linked to increased Covid-19 cases.

Aim: The present investigation aims to construct a comparative analysis based on isolation, identification and observation of resistance of Salmonella spp. in eggs for human consumption. Study Design: This is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in the Microbiology laboratory of Department Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata (West Bengal, India), from January to March, 2020. Methodology: In this study, a total of 48 poultry (chicken) eggs from local and super markets (24 samples from each market) were examined to study the diversity of microorganisms in eggshell surface as well as in the internal contents with the specific objective to isolate Salmonella spp. and to study their resistance against a range of antibiotics- Cefotaxime (30 mcg), Levofloxacin (5 mcg), Aztreonam (30 mcg), Imipenem (10 mcg), Amikacin (30 mcg) and Ceftazidime (30 mcg). Results: Microscopic and biochemical observations revealed the presence of Salmonella spp. in 68% egg samples. About 22% of the identified Salmonella spp. cultures were resistant to the antibiotics used in the study. Further, the total and the outer membrane proteins of specific isolated Salmonella spp. were isolated, few of which exhibit antibiotic resistance. More than 50% of the cultures exhibited biofilm formation which is a clear indication of the potential risk that it may pose after egg consumption. A 33 kDa and a 36 kDa protein was isolated from the resistant cultures and analysed by SDS-PAGE that could serve as promising vaccine development agents and the level of toxicity was checked on Human Cheek Cells (HCCs), of which 15% caused morphological distortions in the cells. Conclusion: The study was conducted to isolate, identify and observe the antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella spp. from eggs obtained from local and supermarkets. The study clearly indicates the prevalence of antibiotic resistant Salmonella spp. contamination in eggs that may be detrimental for human consumption. Thus, appropriate measures should be adopted by vendors and poultry farm workers to ensure supply of egg samples suitable for human consumption. From the research and development point of view, the results hold a promising prospect to develop potential therapeutics and vaccine candidates against selected Salmonella spp. to reduce the incidence of food-borne infections in humans.

Arsenic infiltration via bio-geological and anthropogenic mean's has been a global concern in the developing countries due to the severe toxic effects of the compound which leaches to the ecological niche. Herein, we report one such arsenotolerant bacteria isolated from a contaminated soil collected from a district in West Bengal (India), where an arsenic concentration of the soil sample was found to be 0.51 mg/kg. In the present study, several bacteria were isolated from the soil sample, out of which LD50 value of arsenic for the novel tolerant bacteria was found to be 500 mg./l which was also determined by INT assay. The efficacy of arsenate uptake by this bacterium was 52.20% from its respective LD50 concentration. After 16S rDNA sequencing, the bacteria showed 99% similarity with Exiguobacterium indicum based on nucleotide homology and meta-phylogenetic analysis. LCMS FAME revealed that the unique fatty acids were monosaturated C:10:03 OH (0.53%), C12:1 (0.16%), C11:03 OH (0.38%), terminally branched Anteiso C14:0 (0.74%), monosaturatedC15:1w5C, monosaturatedC16:0 N Alcohol, Anteiso 16:0 (0.36%), Iso- C16:0 3OH (0.33%), Iso- C18:1 H (0.25%), C18:3w6C (6,9,12) (0.53%), C18:1 2OH (0.52%), which lead us to conclude that the bacteria was a new and unique bacterial strain. So, on the basis of FAME analysis, the unique bacteria were named as Exiguobacterium indicum Strain DSAM62, which can be used as a potential bio accumulator in agricultural fields for bioremediation of arsenic. The fully annotated sequence of the genome and the plasmid of the novel strain revealing key regulatory genes were also investigated and results can be correlated with this tolerant behavior. The annotated sequence was submitted to NCBI genome database which currently having an accession number of PRJNA555453.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a nutritious domesticated vegetable which belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. India ranks 30th in global cucumber production and its total output is 1,61,000 metric tons annually. In the investigation a different kind of leaf spot disease was observed on 2 months old cucumber leaves samples from cucumber fields in Baruipur, West Bengal, India (Latitude: N 22° 22.262′, Longitude: E 88° 24.5086′). The spots appeared were large, greyish brown in colour surrounded by a yellow to brownish halo, measuring 2 × 1 cm in average. These lesions expanded gradually from circular to angular spots ultimately resulting in necrosis and defoliation. The isolated fungus showed greyish black to dark olive mycelial growth. Microscopic characterization revealed straight to slightly curved conidia and distoseptate with a distinctly protruding basal hilum. Through microscopic observation and ITS sequencing the organism was identified to be Exserohilum rostratum. E. rostratum was previously known for causing blight disease in maize as well as human immune system diseases. E. rostratum, E. longirostratum and E. mcginnisii are identified as human pathogens. Koch’s postulates were carried out and distinct symptoms were observed in cucumber. As because there is no such record, this is the first time the host pathogen combination is separated in India.

Synergistic effect of mushroom extracts with standard antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria is beneficial for treating infectious diseases. The present investigation tested the antibacterial activity and synergistic effect from an edible mushroom, Calocybe indica, with standard antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of different extracts from C. indica was checked against pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis using the broth dilution and agar well diffusion method. The agar disc diffusion method, checkerboard study, and growth curve analysis were used to test synergism. The preliminary mechanism of action regarding cellular morphology, membrane permeability, and damage to protein and DNA were evaluated. Maximum antimicrobial activity was found in the methanolic crude extract (MCE) from C. indica, with a MIC value ranging from 5 to 10 mg/mL. It showed a significant increase in the efficiency of ciprofloxacin (CIP) acting synergistically. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of MCE was significant for E. coli and S. aureus with values of 0.46 and 0.45 respectively. Results showed an increase in the loss of cell viability, damage to cell membrane permeability, and damage to bacterial protein and DNA as the probable synergistic mechanism of action for the MCE and the antibiotic. HR-LCMS analysis of the MCE showed the presence of phenolic acid, terpenoids, fatty acid ester, and carboxylic acid, which, in combination, increased the bacterial susceptibility. The present study is significant because it considered the methanolic crude extract from C. indica as complementary medicine for infectious diseases.

Two types of bivalent ruthenium complexes [RuLPy(CO)Cl(PPh3)3] 3 and [RuLBenz(CO)Cl(PPh3)3] 4 were synthesized starting from [RuH(CO)Cl(PPh3)3] and heterocyclic hydrazone ligands 1 and 2 respectively. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that in both types of complexes, the ligands behave as monoanionic bidentate Nhydrazonyl and Npyridyl/Nbenzothiazolyl donors towards ruthenium(II), thereby furnishing four-membered metallacycles. The multiple transitions in the electronic spectra have been elucidated by time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The redox active nature of both 3 and 4 has been substantiated from the well-defined oxidative responses and theoretical scrutiny corroborates that one of them is exclusively ligand centred while the other one is chiefly due to the RuII/RuIII oxidation. Both the types of complexes exhibit a significant antimicrobial activity, although the activity of 4 is more prominent, particularly over Pseudomonas. These are analyzed by measuring ZOI, MIC as well as the extent of membrane damage and protein leakage studies. The complexes probably cause free-radical facilitated oxidative damage to the bacterial cells during the course of their activity.

World is facing the pandemicity of COVID 19. There are various types of mutations occurring in the genomics of SARS-Cov 2. COVID 19 vaccination has been already started. Common Vaccines are Pfizer, Moderna, Jassen, Sinovac, Covidshield, Covaxin, Sputnik V. In India, Covidshield and Covaxin have been majorly administered. Some people have taken Sputnik V also. We have proposed a Protocol of Analyzing the Breakthrough of COVID 19 infection Incidence Rate, Severity and Mortality among the COVID 19 Vaccinated Population of West Bengal, India and a State of the Art Systematic Review on using mask as a preventive measure against COVID 19 pandemic. This study will help to analyze the vaccine effectiveness and duration of effectiveness among the population of West Bengal. The systematic analysis of using mask will give a broader picture towards protective measures against COVID 19

Chromium-like heavy toxic metals seriously influence the metabolism of living organisms and cause permanent threatening of health. Microorganisms can help to detoxify those hazardous heavy metals in the environment by the process of bioremediation. Two bacterial genera were isolated from industrial sludge designated P1 and P2. From the 16srRNA study, it is revealed that P1 is Bacillus cereus and P2 is Enterobacter sp. They are deposited in NCMR and NCBI and received the accession no. MCC 3868 for P1 and MCC 3788 for P2. P1 is gram positive, motile, and P2 is gram negative, motile. Eighteen antibiotics have been taken for antibiotic assay; P1 is resistant to 12; P2 is resistant to 8 antibiotics. For growth pattern analysis in chromium, three parameters have been selected, and they are temperature, pH, and biomass. In LD50 and above parameters, total chromium uptake by those bacteria in stressed conditions have been recorded. The two bacteria are not antagonistic to each other so they are used to bioremediate chromium from their contaminated sites and also treated as consortium.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to understand commonly affected age groups, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases, and vaccine efficacy in Kolkata-centric COVID-19 patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients’ data from May 2020 to July 2021 from Peerless Hospitex Hospital & Research Center Ltd., a tertiary care private hospital of Kolkata, West Bengal, was done.Results: A total of 67,121 samples were tested for COVID-19 between May 2020 and July 2021, with the COVID-19 positivity rate of 23.8 % noted over this period. A direct correlation was found between the number of tests conducted and the positivity. The first wave of the pandemic was observed to be from May to December 2020, while the second wave began from April 2021 and declined by July 2021. This correlated with the first and second waves observed in India. The first wave mainly affected the elderly population, while the second wave more affected the younger and middle-aged population. The percentage of asymptomatic patients increased during the second wave compared to the first wave. By comparing the percentage of vaccinated individuals who tested COVID-19 positive following Covaxin vs. Covishield vaccination, although after the first dose, Covishield was observed to be more effective than Covaxin, after the second dose, efficacies of Covaxin and Covishield were not found to differ significantly.Conclusion: The pattern of COVID-19 cases in Kolkata is similar to the National pattern; however, in the second wave, younger and middle-aged persons, females, and asymptomatic cases were significantly more than the first wave. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 11(4):174-182.

Objectives: Due to emerging drug-resistant microorganisms throughout the world, newer antimicrobial agents should be looked for. Plants are enriched with different bioactive chemicals. In this study, we searched antibacterial activities of some mangrove plant extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Methods: In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of the leaves of Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Excoecaria agallocha, Avicennia alba, and Aegialitis rotundifolia was evaluated against a few reference pathogenic bacterial strains, namely, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains E. coli extended-spectrum beta-lactamases strain. Aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extracts were studied. The antimicrobial activities of the organic solvent extracts on the various test microorganisms were investigated using agar well diffusion technique followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration values by serial dilution in a microtiter plate. Results: Ethanol and DMSO extracts of B. gymnorhiza exhibited promising antimicrobial activity followed by extracts of A. alba and E. agallocha. Among all microorganisms studied, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 showed significant growth inhibition with ethanol and DMSO extracts. Conclusion: Extracts of some mangrove plants, particularly, B. gymnorhiza showed very good antimicrobial activities against common microbial agents causing human infections and in general mangrove plants appear to act better on P. aeruginosa.

The novel corona virus causing Covid-19 was first detected in the city of Wuhan, China in December, 2019. In matter of months Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The focus of this research includes the probable factors that might have played an important role in the spread of this infection causing a global threat. In this study we dealt with the South Asian countries namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan. Data on the demography of the countries, the climatic and geographical conditions, the socio-economic statuses, GDP being in the forefront, was collected and compared with Covid-19 related data such as total number of positive, recovered and death cases, etc. to determine if there was any significant correlation. The wide range of correlations observed can curve the path for the future research to understand the factors behind the spread of the communicable disease, analyzing the dynamics of the future biological threats to mankind and design the precautionary or preventive methods accordingly.

The data represents the bacterial community profile obtained through metagenomic sequencing of soil sample, collected from the ‘Rarh’ region of West Bengal, which is characterized by the lateritic badlands dating back to the late Pleistocene. Taxonomic binning and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) prediction of the Illumina sequencing data indicated the abundance Proteobacteria (61%) followed closely by Bacterioidetes (35%). The top two most abundant genera identified, were Sphingobacterium and Acinetobacter respectively. Chemical properties of soil, such as pH, organic carbon content, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were also analyzed for enabling future researchers to correlate the abundance of microbial taxa with the prevalent conditions. These findings can be effectively used to formulate strategic microbiome engineering through bioaugmentation for a sustainable agricultural system.