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Over the years the word Diabetes has been the bane of many a patients across the world. Millions of people fall a victim to diabetes every year and suffer the harmful consequences for their lifetime. Though it is no longer a life threatening ailment as it once used to be but it could be fatal if the patient sidelines necessary precautions. The study conducted in the city of Kota aims to highlight the scourge of Diabetes and its lethal effects on the cardiovascular health of middle aged people who are the most potent victims. Though it’s well known that uncontrolled blood sugar levels lead to Diabetes among the middle aged but over a span it gradually impacts their heart which starts malfunctioning and may even collapse if the condition keeps worsening. The study was randomly conducted on a sample set of 50 middle aged individuals between 35 to 65 in age residing in the city of Kota and undergoing treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. The sample was sourced from a hospital in the city which allowed us to interact with the patients. The results were surprising and somehow validated the beliefs. Though, there wasn’t exactly a strict correlation between the two but the data and its analysis later indicated that unduly high blood sugar level does have a long term impact on the heart of individuals. Contacting the patients and seeking their responses was a tough job but a meticulous approach made it possible to collate the results and reach an informed conclusion. Since all the individuals in the sample set were diabetics, getting responses from them regarding the health of their heart and connecting it with their pre-existing conditions held the key to the whole study. Although they were all on strict medication for Diabetes, their related heart ailments were forcing them to ingest pills to keep their hearts in check and in some respondents the ailment was grave enough and worthy of a serious consideration. Although majority of them just started off as diabetics but on the way picked heart related disorders and were forced to undergo special treatment for that. Keywords: Scourge, ailment, correlation, collate

Establishing and arriving at a diagnosis is the key to treatment planning and often practitioners tend to create a treatment plan overlooking the fundamental principles that must be taken into consideration prior to performing implant surgeries. The sequential process of clinical examination, laboratory tests, radiographic analysis, diagnostic protocols, casts wax ups, along with the treatment needs and desires of the patient have to be factored in for the overall diagnosis and prognosis of implant therapy. A step-by-step methodology has been created to help the implant practitioner with a checklist that aims to create the optimal treatment plan for each case.

Lung sounds contribute essential information about a patient’s health. Here, for detecting adventitious sounds of lungs, two sets of eight features each (total 16 features), based on wavelet bi-spe...

Approximately half of the characterized begomoviruses have bipartite genomes, but the second genomic segment, the DNA-B, is understudied relative to the DNA-A, which is homologous to the entire genome of monopartite begomoviruses. We examined the evolutionary history of the two proteins encoded by the DNA-B, the genes of which make up ∼60% of the DNA-B segment, from all bipartite begomovirus species. Our dataset of 131 movement protein (MP) and nuclear shuttle protein (NSP) sequences confirmed the deep split between Old World (OW) and New World (NW) species, and showed strong support for deep, congruent branches among the OW sequences of the MP and NSP. NW sequences were much less diverse and had poor phylogenetic resolution; over half of nodes in both the NSP and MP NW clades were supported by50% bootstrap support. This poor resolution hampered our ability to detect incongruent phylogenies between the MP and NSP datasets, and we found no statistical evidence for recombination within our MP and NSP datasets. Finally, we quantified the sequence diversity between the NW and OW proteins, showing that the NW MP has particularly low diversity, suggesting it has been subject to different evolutionary pressures than the NW NSP.

Background An epidemiological survey was conducted among the geriatric population to determine the status and need for dental prosthetics and their influence on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methodology The study population consisted of 270 patients aged 60 or older. All pertinent demographic information, clinical data on prosthesis status and need, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questions to assess OHRQoL were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire written in the patient's native tongue. In addition, a type 3 oral examination was performed on a sample of the geriatric population. Results The OHRQoL was found to be unaffected by the prosthetic status. However, there was a strong correlation between the elderly study population's OHRQoL and the need for a prosthetic. Of each variable in OHRQoL, physical pain, discomfort when eating, and loss of taste were the most affected in this population. Conclusions The prosthetic needs of the study population must be given high priority as there are many unmet needs. The concerned health departments need to seriously consider increasing facilities with an affordable system. There is a lack of appreciation for OHRQoL. However, given that a satisfactory clinical assessment of the mouth does not always indicate good oral health status, the justification for evaluating dental care with respect to oral well-being is compelling.

Lakes respond to nutrient enrichment by varying degrees, and it is important to understand how species richness of macrophytes is affected by anthropogenic disturbances in urban and rural catchments. Trophic state and macrophytic diversity of three tropical lakes exposed to different anthropogenic stresses have been studied in this paper. It is observed that changes in nutrient loading and anthropogenic interference result in changes in the community structure of macrophytes. Trophic state of lakes was measured using three main parameters viz. total phosphorous (TP), chlorophyll a and Secchi depth. To quantify the impact of pollution on macrophytic diversity, diversity indices such as species richness, Shannon–Wiener index and importance value index have been estimated. With increasing TP, a significant decline in the species richness of submerged macrophytes was observed, while species richness of floating macrophytes increased. The two lakes in urban areas were found to be in mesotrophic state, while the one in rural area with agricultural catchment was found to be in oligotrophic condition. It was observed that lake’s trophic state along with anthropogenic disturbances affected the dominance, composition and diversity of various macrophytes. Low TP favors abundance of submerged and free-floating macrophytes which increases habitat heterogeneity and species richness. With increasing nutrient loading, a major shift has been observed in the trophic state and macrophytic diversity. Species evenness was maximum in mesotrophic lake, main reason being the excessive growth of free-floating invasive species causing biotic homogenization, mainly attributed to high TP loadings.

Eight free water surface constructed wetland microcosm (CWM) units are designed with single as well as mixed planting of Pistia stratiotes, Phragmites karka, and Typha latifolia with control to ass...

There was a significant decline in air pollution in different parts of the world due to enforcement of lockdown by many countries to check the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In particular, commercial and industrial activities had been limited globally with restricted air and surface traffic movements in response to social distancing and isolation. Both satellite remote sensing and ground-based monitoring were used to measure the change in the air quality. There was momentous decline in the averaged concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), methane (CH4) and aerosols. Many cities across India, China and several major cities in Europe observed strong reductions in nitrogen dioxide levels dropping by around 40–50% owing to lockdowns. Similarly, concentrations of SO2 in polluted areas in India, especially around large coal-fired power plants and industrial areas decreased by around 40% as evidenced by the comparative satellite mapping during April 2019 and April 2020. Recent advances in sensors on board various satellites played a significant role in real-time monitoring of emission regimes over various parts of the world. The satellite data is relying upon single scene profusion for real-time air quality measurements, and also using averaged dataset over certain time-period. The daily global-scale remote sensing data of NO2, as measured through the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (S5p/TROPOMI) of European Space Agency (ESA), indicated exceptional decreases in tropospheric NO2 pollution in urban areas. Similarly, Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, with a repeat cycle of three days helped in assessing the sources and sinks of CO2 and CH4 on a sub-continental scale. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42398-021-00166-w.

In an attempt to give extensions of the results in the theory and applications of special functions we derive a proper integral whose integrand contains Aleph function having general argument and used it in finding out a solution of a non-linear differential equation ∂u/∂t = D (∂2u/ ∂x2) + f (u) related to a reaction-diffusion problems in biological models by means of linearization procedure.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer an eco-friendly wastewater treatment technology primarily for decentralized locations. They support a dense growth of macrophytes which help in the reduction of water velocity, development of conducive microenvironments and provide adherence sites for microorganisms to develop biofilms. Several environmental and operational parameters are crucial for the efficient working of CWs wherein, suitable pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) are more significant. The performance of CWs has been enhanced significantly through effluent recirculation and artificial aeration. Removal of phosphorus proceeds via adsorption within media material, sedimentation, cation exchange, precipitation and uptake by macrophytes and the removal of nitrogen occurs mainly by microbial communities and macrophytic uptake. In colder climates, the bioaugmentation of microbial communities is required to increase the treatment efficiency. Various previous research findings showed several aspects of CWs that could potentially affect removal efficiency of the nutrients from the wastewater. However, maintaining suitable environmental and operational conditions for the effective operation of CWs remains a challenge. Therefore, the objectives of this review-based study are to provide the most favorable environmental conditions for the effective operation of CWs. Recent developments in operational and working parameters of CWs focusing on the selection of macrophytes and substrate material, carbon source, feeding mode, hydraulic loading rates and retention times are discussed. The study also provides effect of effluent recirculation, bioaugmentation of microbes, suitable C/N ratio and artificial aeration for the domestic wastewater treatment.

Introduction: Periodontal dressings, also known as periodontal packs, have been employed over centuries for the purpose of protection of surgical sites. Many modifications have been made to improve their physical and therapeutic properties. Hence this study was designed to compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of light cured periodontal dressing to most widely used non-eugenol pack. Materials and method: Ten patients suffering from generalized chronic periodontitis, requiring periodontal flap surgeries on contralateral sides of the arch were selected and randomly divided into two groups: Group I (Control group) and Group II (Test group). In Group I, non-eugenol periodontal dressing and in Group II light cured periodontal dressing was applied at the surgical sites. Clinical parameters that were assessed on day 7 after the removal of the pack are debris index, plaque scores and gingival index. Patients were also be assessed for acceptance and compliance of the material. All the data recorded was then statistically analysed. Result: Group II showed better results when compared with the control group on debris index, plaque scores and gingival index, though the differences were found to be statistically insignificant. Group II also showed better results in terms of esthetics, associated mucosal problems, retention of the dressing and over all patient satisfaction.Conclusion: Light cured periodontal dressing showed better patient acceptability and compliance and could be considered to be a clinically efficient and alternative to the non-eugenol pack as the periodontal dressing.

Background: Isolation of viable colonocytes from human stool is a noninvasive and convenient approach that can be used for diagnostic, screening, management, and research on various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases including colon cancer. Limited studies are available globally and for the first time in this article, we have reported the immunoglobulin (Ig) (IgA and IgG) receptors concentration on viable colonocytes for Indian colon cancer patients using this noninvasive approach. Materials and Methods: Viable colonocytes from stool were isolated by the Somatic Cell Sampling and Recovery method (Noninvasive Technology, USA) and processed for the assessment of Igs (IgA and IgG) receptors expression using standard immunophenotyping and flow cytometry. Results: IgA and IgG receptor expression was measured and reported on these viable colonocytes. There was a significant difference in the expression of IgA and IgG receptors on viable colonocytes between colon cancer patients and healthy individuals. Conclusion: This noninvasive technique is a promising approach for the detection of molecular and immunological markers that will help clinicians in the diagnosis, screening, monitoring, and management of different GI diseases including colon cancer.

The continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals and personal care products can lead to a series of individual antagonistic and synergistic effects and long-lasting toxicity to humans and aquatic lives. This may also lead to developing antibiotic resistance, teratogenic, carcinogenic, and endocrine-disrupting effects. However, several PPCPs are also considered biologically active for non-target aquatic organisms, such as mosquito fish, goldfish, and the algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Various physicochemical methods such as ozonation, photolysis, and membrane separation are recognized for the effective removal of PPCPs. However, the high operation and maintenance costs and associated ecological impacts have limited their further use. Constructed wetlands are considered eco-friendly and sustainable for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products together with antibiotic resistance genes. Several mechanisms such as sorption, biodegradation, oxidation, photodegradation, volatilization, and hydrolysis are occurring during the phytoremediation of PPCPs. During these processes, more than 50% of PPCPs can be eliminated through constructed wetlands. They also offer several additional benefits as obtained macrophytic biomass may be used as raw material in pulp and paper industries and a source for second-generation biofuel production. In this study, we have discussed the origin and impacts of PPCPs together with their treatment methods. We have also investigated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with constructed wetlands during the treatment of wastewater laden with pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Human gut is one of the major niches for anaerobes which play diverse functional role in host physiology and development. Gut microbiota maintains a homeostasis and dysbiosis may contribute in pathogenesis of different diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Probiotic intervention is an established approach to maintain microbial homeostasis for the prevention and treatment of different diseases. The efficacy of probiotic strain Bacillus clausii UBBC-07 has been demonstrated and established in various diseases but its efficacy in IBD is under reported. To assess the effect of Bacillus clausii UBBC-07 in IBD patients, a randomized controlled study was conducted. Patients were randomly allocated to either placebo or probiotic B clausii UBBC-07 for four weeks along with the standard medical treatment (SMT). Enrolled patients were evaluated before and after intervention for GI survival of the given probiotic, change in GI microbiota, change in serum cytokines, serotonin and dopamine, symptoms of disease, physical, behavioral and psychological parameters. B clausii UBBC-07 showed good survival in IBD patients in the treatment group (p

Probiotic intervention is an important approach for the treatment and health restoration in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The preventive and therapeutic effects of probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 in different diseases have been well recognized but its efficacy in IBD is unreported. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 in IBD patients. Subjects those satisfying compliance criteria were recruited in the study and given either probiotic B. coagulans Unique IS-2 or placebo for 4 weeks as per randomization. Survival of the given probiotic strain in GI, presence of beneficial gut bacteria, serum cytokines, serum serotonin and serum dopamine, symptoms of disease, physical, behavioral and psychological parameters of the subjects were evaluated before and after intervention. In this study B. coagulans Unique IS-2 was well tolerated with no severe adverse events in IBD patients. B coagulans Unique IS-2 demonstrated good survival in GI tract by significantly high detection in probiotic treated group (p

Prolonged exposure of the earth's surface to the sun's ultraviolet radiation may result in various skin diseases and cataract. Carbazole (CBZ), as a polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is blended with a five-member nitrogen-containing ring. It is found in cigarette smoke, coal, eye kohl, tattoo ink, and wood combustion and affects various types of flora and fauna. Our findings suggest that CBZ generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) like O 2 • - through type-I photodynamic reaction and causes phototoxicity in the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), which has been proved by mitochondrial dehydrogenase and neutral red uptake assays. CBZ induces single strand DNA damage. We have investigated the involvement of the apoptotic pattern of cell death and confirmed it by cytochrome C release from mitochondria and caspase-9 activation. Similarly, photo-micronuclei formation was associated to CBZ-induced phototoxicity. The results of this study strongly support that the upregulation of bax, cyto-C, apaf-1, casp-9 and down regulation of bcl2, keap-1, nrf-2, and hmox-1 genes cause apoptopic cell death. Downregulation of antioxidant genes showed a significant amount of ROS generation by photosensitized CBZ. Therefore, the current study will be a step forward to safeguard human beings from sunlight-induced photosensitive CBZ prolonged exposure.

Nabumetone (NB) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), prescribed for managing pain associated with acute/chronic rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Though some incidences of photosensitivity have been reported, there is limited information available on its phototoxicity potential. In this study, NB photodegraded in a time-dependant manner (0–4 h) under UVA (1.5 mW/cm2), UVB (0.6 mW/cm2) and natural sunlight as observed through UV–vis spectrophotometer and the results were further confirmed with Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). Photosensitized NB generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) as observed by lipid peroxidation, suggesting oxidative degradation of lipids in cell membrane, thereby resulting in cell damage. MTT and NRU (neutral red uptake) assays revealed that NB induced phototoxicity in concentration-dependent manner (0.5, 1, 5, 10 μg/ml) under UVA, UVB and sunlight exposure (30 min) in human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT), with significant phototoxicity at the concentration of 5 μg/ml. Photosensitized NB generated intracellular ROS, disrupted mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane integrity, resulting in cell death. UV-induced genotoxicity by NB was confirmed through micronuclei generation, γ-H2AX induction and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation. This is the first study which showed the phototoxicity and photogenotoxicity potential of NB in HaCaT cell line. We also observed that photosensitized NB upregulated inflammatory markers, such as COX-2 and TNFα. This study proposes that sunlight exposure should be avoided by patients using nabumetone and proper guidance should be provided by clinicians regarding photosensitivity of drugs for better safety and efficacy.

In the past, many attempts were made to solve the molecular mechanisms of cancer biology using a single OMICS approach through transcriptomics or proteomics for screening gene-level cancer-specific mutations, changed epigenetic profile, or varied mRNA and protein expressions. Apart from the contribution of these approaches in the identification of cancer-related mutations, alterations, these have lacked in establishing a direct link between molecular signatures and phenotypic examination of cancer hallmarks. Nevertheless, multi-OMICS approaches will reveal the underlying complex molecular mechanism of cancer hallmark stages like metastasis and angiogenesis. These approaches can very well be used to analyze cellular response to various cancer treatment therapies as well as find out molecular candidates having the potential to diagnose or cure. This chapter deals with applications of diverse OMICS approaches in the varied and dynamic field of cancer biology and also confers how these multi-OMICS approaches can be decisive in the personalized medicine field. The unified experimental data along with computational or mathematical data models have been accumulated in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium, which further with the multi-OMICS approach will provide an opportunity to deal with the cancer cells complexity. This chapter will encourage the readers to integrate these OMICS approaches together to analyze the oncogenesis at different cellular, molecular, and system basis.

Today, every prison around the world requires a correctional programme so that rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders can be done successfully. Correctional reforms is a serious issue and has been taken seriously even internationally. In India, many attempts have been made to improve the condition of prisons and prisoners, but little changes have been seen at the root-level. There is a scope of modifications in the correctional reforms to meet the present-day needs of the criminal justice system. The chapter will give an overview of the correctional reforms in Indian prisons and after reviewing the existing literature will attempt to identify the limitations of the correctional programs which need to be addressed for effective rehabilitation and reformation of prisoners. Lastly, the chapter will conclude with a number of suggestions and with a comprehensive model for rehabilitation.

Microbial biomass is the main reducer for majority of organics and nutrients. The aerobic region of constructed wetland microcosms (CWMs) is majorly characterized by presence of Nitrosomonas and Pseudomonas spp. The diversity of ammonia-oxidizers mainly Nitrosospira sp. is higher in CWMs designed to treat domestic wastewater as compared to other bacteria studied. The activity of enzymes within CWMs is a key indicator towards role of microbial community. Rhizospheric region has diverse elements that comprises minerals, sugars, vitamins, organic acids, polysaccharides, phenol and various other organic materials that encourages the microbial groups to degrade wastewater pollutants. The presence of macrophytes has significant effects on microbial richness and community structure. The root exudates liberated by macrophytes are also able to alter the richness and diversity of the microbial population. The decomposition rates of microbes become slow as temperatures drop, which can be optimized by increasing the size of wetlands to accomplish the slower reaction rates. The pH of wastewater has also a strong effect on various microbially mediated reactions and processes. Temperature, hydrologic conditions, macrophytic diversity/richness and biotic succession strongly impact the microbial community structure. A little alteration in the diversity or community structure of the microorganisms directly affects the treatment performance of CWMs.

Pefloxacin (PFLX) is an antibiotic, which shows broad spectrum antimicrobial activities. It is an important derivative of fluoroquinolones (FLQs) group. Ultraviolet radiation (200-400nm) causes major problem for living being which comes at the earth surface naturally through sunlight and increasing regularly due to ozone depletion. PFLX was photodegraded in 5h and forms photoproduct under UVA exposure. At the non photocytotoxic dose PFLX, shows reduced phagocytosis activity, NO (nitric oxide) production, large vacuole formation and down regulated IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1 in BALB/c macrophages at both genes and proteins levels. At higher doses (photocytotoxic doses), PFLX induced a concentration dependent decrease in cell viability of human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. Our molecular docking suggests that PFLX binds only to the cleaved DNA in the DNA-human TOP2A complex. Topoisomerase assay confirmed that PFLX inhibits human topoisomerase by forming an adduct with DNA. Photosensitized PFLX also caused intracellular ROS mediated DNA damage and formation of micronuclei and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Increase intracellular ROS leads to apoptosis which was proved through lysosomal destabilization and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Our present study shows that ambient UVA exposure in the presence of PFLX caused immunomodulatory as well as photogenotoxic effects. Therefore, patients under PFLX drug treatment should avoid sunlight exposure, especially during peak hours for their photosafety.

Eight constructed wetland microcosms have been designed using various combinations of three different macrophytes in single as well as mixed planting units. The removal efficiency of major water quality parameters such as biological oxygen demand, total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, ammonium, nitrate and nitrite-nitrogen and heavy metals was evaluated at three retention times. The potential of selected macrophytes for heavy metals uptake was also studied in terms of bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, aerial tissue concentration factor and root concentration factor. Constructed wetland microcosm unit designed using Pistia stratiotes and Phragmites karka exhibited higher removal potential with maximum decay constants for most of the heavy metals and other wastewater contaminants. Maximum translocation and bioconcentration factors were also expressed by Pistia stratiotes and Phragmites karka for Zn (0.69 and 1.69 respectively). However, the maximum root concentration factor and aerial tissue concentration factors were observed in Pistia stratiotes for Cu (0.35) and Zn (0.10) respectively. The paper reports significantly higher removal of wastewater contaminants including heavy metals in mixed species planting as compared to single species. The removal efficiencies for all metals studied in different constructed wetland microcosm units ranged from 43.80 to 63.67%, 75.92–92.07% and 82.17–98.58% for 3, 7 and 14 days retention time respectively. Relative higher values of decay constants were observed for Cr, Cd and Mn. However, the correlation studies between removal efficiencies of heavy metals and several other parameters exhibited significant variation over time.

This paper proposes a novel topology for a pixel circuit with a voltage-programmed threshold voltage compensation technique for amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistor (a-IGZO TFT) used in flexible AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) displays. Simulation of the proposed circuit was done in Cadence Spectre using SPICE models for a-IGZO TFT, and the circuit utilizes six a-IGZO TFTs and one storage capacitor. Moreover, a detailed analytical analysis of the circuit is also done to estimate the error introduced during the emission phase. The simulation results showed that this pixel circuit offers excellent immunity to threshold voltage variation of driving TFT caused by bending and prolonged operation under gate bias. It can compensate for a wide range of VTH variations, i.e., 0 V–2.1 V, from the original 0.7 V of the TFT model, and the maximum percentage error in OLED current obtained was below 1.14%. The circuit proposed also alleviates the effect of electrical instability caused by threshold voltage shifts due to the compressive and tensile strain in the flexible substrate of the AMOLED display. The OLED current error was found to be below 0.0018% for a ±0.3% strain in the driving TFT.

Methyl paraben (MP), is a widely used preservative in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products. Its molecular mechanism under ambient ultraviolet radiation is not well understood. We investigated photosensitizing mechanism of MP under ambient UVB (0.6 mW/cm2) intensity. MP showed dose dependent decrease in cell viability of human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) by MTT and NRU assays. Study showed 40% reduction in antimicrobial activity of UVB irradiated MP through E. coli culture. Photosensitized MP (25 μg/ml) significantly enhanced lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS generation and disrupted mitochondrial membrane integrity. MP induced loss of lysosomal membrane integrity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mediated stress evident from Ca+2 release. Phototoxicity of MP showed nuclear fragmentation, phosphatidylserine translocation, 30% tail DNA and micronuclei formation. Study showed mitochondria mediated apoptosis via upregulation of Bax, Apaf-1, Cytochrome C and Caspase-3. Upregulation of Caspase-12 (2 folds) specifically showed role of ER in apoptosis. Specific caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK showed involvement of caspase cascade pathway in apoptosis. Results indicate that photosensitive MP leads to oxidative stress mediated DNA damage and apoptosis through mitochondria and ER. MP causes deleterious effects and its long term exposure to human skin may promote skin diseases. Therefore, MP should be replaced by other photosafe preservatives for humans.

Eight constructed wetland microcosm (CWM) units have been designed using three macrophytes for domestic wastewater treatment. The main aim of this study is to evaluate enzyme activities with respect to time and soil depth and their correlation with removal efficiency of pollutants within different CWM units. The findings of this study show that the activity of enzymes and pollutants removal efficiency vary to a great extent on the soil depth, time of the sampling and type of pollutants. The correlation between removal of soluble reactive phosphorus and total phosphorus was significant with phosphatase activity in most of the CWM units. Activity of urease and NH4+-N removal was positively correlated with significant positive correlation in CWM units planted with Phragmites karka, and Pistia stratiotes (Ph + Pi) and Typha latifolia, Phragmites karka and Pistia stratiotes (T + Ph + Pi). Urease activity was found to be both positively and negatively correlated with respect to removal of NO3−-N and NO2−-N in different CWM units. Dehydrogenase activity showed negative correlation with respect to biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal except in CWM units with Ph + Pi and T + Ph + Pi. Similarly, a moderate positive and negative correlation exists between fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and BOD removal. Removal of BOD and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was negatively correlated with each other in most of the CWM units. With respect to vertical variation, the top layer of CWM units expressed significantly higher activity of extracellular enzymes and were significantly different from the deeper layer. CWM units exhibited significant variations in enzyme activity with respect to time.

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main factor of photocarcinogenesis, photoaging, and photosensitivity; thus protection from biological damaging UV radiation is a concern. Sunscreens containing UV filters are the most preferred means of photoprotection but the safety and efficacy of UV filters are in question. Benzophenone (BP) and its derivatives, namely, benzophenone 1 (BP1), is commonly used in sunscreens as a UV blocker. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of BP and BP1 on the differential expression of proteins in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) under exposure to ultraviolet A radiation. Photosensitive proteins were screened from HaCaT cells by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis, and identification of these differentially expressed proteins was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF)/TOF mass spectrometry. Protein identification was performed using the search program MASCOT and a database made of SUMO and GhJMJ12 amino acid sequences. Our results showed that the proteins involved directly or indirectly in apoptosis are 70 kDa heat shock protein, long-chain specific acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, serine/threonine-protein kinase, and FAM78A protein, which were upregulated in comparison to control HaCaT cells. The expressions of binding immunoglobulin protein, podocalyxin-like protein, actin, cytoplasmic, and calreticulin precursors were downregulated. The altered protein expression indicated that cell growth arrest and apoptosis were potential mechanisms of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of BPs. The results of 2-D gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry showed expression of novel proteins involved in promoting or initiating apoptotic pathways. Hence, we conclude that BPs should be avoided as a UV blocker from sunscreens because of its potential to promote apoptotic proteins in human skin keratinocytes.

Freshwater lakes constitute a significant part of the hydrological cycle of the earth as they maintain ecological balance and support diverse aquatic biodiversity. Increasing urbanization, land use modifications, pollution, and various other anthropogenic activities including catchment land use change around lakes cause stress on lake ecosystem which include eutrophication, acidification, siltation, introduction of exotic macrophytic species, and toxic contamination. Eutrophication is considered as a major stress for lake ecosystem as increasing nutrients mainly nitrogen and phosphorous result in greater density of macrophytes that leads to change in trophic states of lakes. Unhealthy anthropogenic activities leading to eutrophication and excessive growth nuisance of macrophytes result in disturbed ecological balance within the lakes. As reported by many limnologists, macrophytes in freshwater lakes are highly sensitive to slight change in climatic conditions, along with changes in nutrient concentration, because of which macrophytes are considered as bioindicators for assessing the trophic states of lakes. This review paper presents an overview of the problem of nutrient enrichment leading to eutrophication, characteristics of different trophic states, and effects of nutrient enrichment on macrophytes and algal species present in lakes. Eutrophication causes changes in physical and chemical quality of water and sediments which affects the whole ecohydrology of lakes along with changes in composition, diversity and richness, and species succession of algae and macrophytes along with change in trophic state. Eutrophication results in growth of undesirable and harmful algal species and flourishing growth of exotic invasive macrophytes resulting in altered species composition and habitat structure which affects overall ecological functioning of lakes and results in extinction of many sensitive species of algae and macrophytes. This may disturbs the overall lacustrine food web irreversibly affecting our aquatic biodiversity adversely.

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial preservative used in personal care products. Here, we have studied the phototoxicity, photogenotoxicity of TCS and its molecular mechanism involving p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway under UVB/sunlight exposure. We found that TCS showed photodegradation and photoproducts formation under UVB/sunlight. In silico study suggests that photosensitized TCS loses its preservative property due to the formation of its photoproducts. Photosensitized TCS induces significant O2•−, •OH generation and lipid peroxidation via type-I photochemical reaction mechanism under UVB/sunlight exposure. We performed intracellular study of TCS on human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cell-line) under the ambient intensity of UVB (0.6 mW/cm2) and sunlight exposure. Significant intracellular ROS generation was observed through DCFH2-DA/DHE assays along with a significant reduction in cell viability through MTT and NRU assays in photosensitized TCS. Photosensitized TCS also induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as shown through ER-tracker/DAPI staining and Ca2+ release. It further induced cell cycle arrest through the sub-G1 phase augmentation and caused lysosomal/mitochondrial destabilization. Photogenotoxicity was shown through significant tail DNA, micronuclei and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) formations. Cell signaling mechanism implicated upregulated expression of cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, phospho-p38, phospho-JNK and cytochrome C, thereby downregulated Bcl-2 expressions. Results advocate that TCS induces phototoxic effects via type I mediated photodynamic mechanism and activation of MAPK pathway. We conclude that photoexcited TCS may be deleterious to human health at the ambient environmental intensities of sunlight reaching at the earth's surface. Therefore, it may be replaced by alternative safe preservative.

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin for all the good reasons. During the skin exposure to sunlight, UVB photolyses 7-dehydrocholesterol of skin into pre-vitamin D3 which further gets isomerized into vitamin D3. Human beings typically count on sunlight exposure for their total vitamin D need. Skin pigmentation/colouration, use of proper sunscreen, photoaging of one’s skin, particular time of the day, seasonal changes/fluctuations and, lastly, latitude hugely influence synthesis of pre-vitamin D3. Around 50% of total population of the world is currently under deficiency of vitamin D according to reports. Vitamin D deficiency may be partially due to inadequate vitamin D-enriched foods and well-known misapprehension of healthy diet being adequate in vitamin D. Its deficiency is responsible for causing retardation in growth and rickets primarily in kids. Further, in adults it may cause osteoporosis, osteopenia and increased risk of fractures. The other severe consequences include cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and common cancers. Thus, for the humans, there is a constant need to emphasize on the intake of crucial amount of sunlight to fulfil their essential threshold vitamin D requirements for a better well-being.

Ofloxacin (OFLX) is a broad spectrum antibiotic, which generates photo-products under sunlight exposure. Previous studies have failed to explain the attenuated anti-bacterial activity of OFLX. The study was extended to explore the unknown molecular mechanism of photogenotoxicity on human skin cell line (HaCaT) under environmental UV-B irradiation. Photochemically OFLX generates ROS and caused 2′-dGuO photodegradation. We have addressed the binding affinity of OFLX and its photo-products against DNA gyrase. Significant free radical generation such as 1 O 2 , O 2 •− and • OH reduces antioxidants and demonstrated the ROS mediated OFLX phototoxicity. However, the formation of micronuclei and CPDs showed photogenotoxic potential of OFLX. OFLX induced cell cycle arrest in sub-G1 peak. OFLX triggers apoptosis via permeabilization of mitochondrial membrane with the downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and caspase-3 whereas, upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and Cyto- C proteins. Our study illustrated that binding affinity of OFLX photo-products with DNA gyrase was mainly responsible for the attenuated antimicrobial activity. It was proved through molecular docking study. Thus, study suggests that sunlight exposure should avoid by drug users especially during peak hours for their safety from photosensitivity. Clinicians may guide patients regarding the safer use of photosensitive drugs during treatment.

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a known environmental skin aggressor and main causative agent of most types of skin cancer. Skin is the physiological barrier that defends against both pathogens and chemical/physical damage. Sunlight exposure to skin may cause cellular oxidative damage and mutilation of antioxidant machinery. UVR is the key element responsible for photoageing. Photoprotection is therefore essential to avoid such undesired instances of UVR. In day to day life, the use of sunscreens has come up as the best photoprotective prerequisite. Apart from the sunscreens, special emphasis is on the use of chemicals of natural origin having photoshielding, antioxidant, radical scavenging or repair properties. Key classes of beneficial phytochemicals include phenolic acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tea polyphenols, curcumin, resveratrol, etc. These phytochemicals are able to modulate apoptotic machinery (Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, APAF-1) towards cell survival pathways (Bcl-2, PI3/AKT, mitogen-activated kinases). Several studies of medical importance have revealed that phytochemicals proceed through several molecular and cellular mechanisms to impediment or check photocarcinogenesis and photoageing. Therefore, it is very much needed to explore more photoprotective phytochemicals and understand their molecular mechanism to prevent UVR-induced damage.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Lymph node biopsy is an important tool for diagnosis,staging & prognosis determination. This study was undertaken to determine the histo- pathological spectrum of lymphadenectomies at a tertiary care Centre at Rajasthan. METHODS: In a cross sectional observational study, 573 histologically diagnosed lymph node biopsies from January 2008 to December 2012 were reviewed. The patient's history, clinical features & definite pathologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: 573 patients (Male 306, Females 267) maximum biopsies were cervical (53.5%), Axillary (22.8%). Overall biopsies revealed TB (63.3%), Chronic Non Specific Lymphadenitis (13.4%), Reactive Hyperplasia (6.4%) & Lymphoproliferative disorder (2%).76 patients were suspected to have Metastatic lesion clinically, but it was found in 29(5.06%) on histological evaluation. Tubercular lymphadenitis was the commonest diagnosis in all age groups. CNSL (20.6%) was commonest in 1-20 years, Metastatic (15.3%) in 61-80 years. CONCLUSION: Lymph node biopsy plays an important role in establishing the cause of lymphadenopathy. Tubercular lymphadenitis is the commonest finding in spectrum of diseases affecting lymph nodes from this region.

Sparfloxacin (SPFX) is a broad spectrum antibiotic which inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme activity. However, photodegradation in the presence of UVA limits its antibacterial activity and induces phototoxicity. Thus, to encounter this problem, we have developed poly d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) loaded SPFX nanoparticles. Here, we have performed a comparative antibacterial activity of SPFX and its nanoparticles (NPs) through molecular docking and plate sensitivity assay. Under environmental UVA exposure, photoexcited SPFX significantly generates ROS, DNA damage and mitochondrial mediated cell death in comparison to PLGA-SPFX-NPs (nano SPFX) in human skin cell line (HaCaT). In presence of UVA, bulk SPFX induced cell cycle arrest with appearance of sub-G1 peak showing apoptosis while nano SPFX did not show any change. SPFX triggered apoptosis via alteration in membrane integrity of mitochondria and lysosome in comparison to PLGA-SPFX-NPs. Involvement of mitochondrial mediated cell death was confirmed by down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 and upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, cytochrome-c and caspase-3 proteins expression. Specific caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK showed involvement of caspase cascade pathway in apoptosis. Our finding suggests that controlled release of SPFX from PLGA-SPFX-NPs can reduce its side effects and enhance its antibacterial activity. Thus, nanotization of fluoroquinolones will be a significant step to reduce the problem of resistance and phototoxicity of this group.