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Bioremediation as a bioprocess has great potential to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals such as lead (Pb) from contaminated sites. In this study, the Pb-bioremediation potential of bacteria was evaluated by strain improvement and by preparing different Consortium. To improve the Pb-bioremediation efficiency, the one factor at a time was used to optimize the process factors responsible such as pH, temperature and initial Pb concentration. Among the studied bacteria, mixture culture (containing both strains) was more able to remove Pb than a single culture. Our result found that the most resistant bacterial strain against lead were S1C3 (1) and S4C7 (2). Among these, S1C3 exhibited the highest resistance to lead. Solubilisation of lead in water sample was observed through the consortium of these two bacteria. The 5 consortium were prepared viz. Wild (1+2), UV (1+2), EtBr (1+2), W (1) +UV(2), W (2)+UV (1). These prepared consortia were inoculated in lead medium. After examination through the atomic absorption, it was found that consortium of UV treated bacteria showed maximum removal tendency among the other consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research indicates heavy backpacks can cause students to adjust their posture, potentially harming their spine and shoulders. This study focuses on musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren in Bangalore, attributed to backpack weight, and examines postural impacts in both urban and rural settings., Methodology: With consent, 500 students from various schools underwent physical measurements, including backpack weight, and provided data through questionnaires. Postural angles were assessed without backpacks to determine the impact of weight., Findings: On average, students carried backpacks weighing 6.53 kg, about 13.53% of their body weight. Pain was reported by 50.9% of boys and 63.9% of girls, with a higher incidence among girls from private schools (88.2%) compared to boys from government schools (51.6%)., Conclusion: A significant link was found between heavier backpacks and decreased craniovertebral angle, head on neck (HON), and head and neck on trunk (HNOT) angles, aligning with increased pain prevalence. This underscores the health risks of heavy school backpacks and the need for weight management., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Background: Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in individuals experiencing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with several complications. Therefore, utilizing noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is the suggested initial management for these individuals. The current study was done to assess and compare the clinical and physiological parameters before and after the application of NIPPV and also to evaluate the outcomes of NIPPV., Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients with COPD experiencing acute exacerbations. These patients were treated with NIPPV. Measurements of blood pressure, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), dyspnea using the modified Borg scale, and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters (pH, PaCO2, and PaO2) were recorded at baseline, one hour, six hours, 24 hours, and daily until discharge. The study's outcomes included the subjects who successfully underwent NIPPV and failed during NIPPV., Results: NIPPV effectively reduced the dyspnea score from 7.24 ± 1.58 at baseline to 5.53 ± 1.82 at one hour, 4.11 ± 1.75 at six hours, 2.60 ± 1.03 at 24 hours, and 1.26 ± 0.44 at the time of discharge. Significant improvements were also observed in HR and RR ( P < 0.001). When compared to the baseline, the pH level was significantly maintained, PaCO2 was decreased, and PaO2 was increased at various times. Mortality was observed in four patients., Conclusions: NIPPV was successful in 42 (84%) patients, with improvements in ABG and pH for early recovery and reduced hospital stay., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Institutional Ethics Committee at Yashoda Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad, India issued approval IEC-YAMER/DNBT-06/2017. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Gudelli et al.)

Background Schoolbags or backpacks have been an essential part of the education system for a long time. However, a hefty backpack causes the child to arch the back excessively or bend their head and trunk forward to withstand the weight of the schoolbag. If the student carries the backpack on one shoulder, he/she bends to the opposite side to compensate for the extra weight, which may damage the shoulders and spine. Considering these factors, the main aim of this study was to investigate the percentage of backpack weight in proportion to the student's body weight regarding the new guidelines among urban and rural schoolchildren aged 12 to 15 years in Bangalore, Karnataka. Methodology In southern India, over a year, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 students who voluntarily participated after providing written consent. They completed a questionnaire, underwent vital and anthropometric measurements, and had their weights measured, including the weights of their backpacks. Sample bags were inspected to determine contributing weight factors and evaluate adherence to timetables. Results The average weight carried by children of all ages was 6.53 kg, averaging 13.53% of their body weight. Among males, the percentage carrying backpacks weighing over 10% of their body weight was 80.9%, while among females, it was 85.7%. Of all the males carrying bags weighing more than 10% of their body weight, 67.7% attended government schools, while 32.3% attended private schools. Among females studying in government schools, 63.6% carried backpacks weighing more than 10% of their body weight, while among those in private schools, 36.4% carried bags exceeding that weight. Conclusions The study concluded that despite regulations being implemented on backpack weight for children, a significant number still carry bags exceeding 10% of their body weight among both urban and rural school children. This could elevate pressure on neck and back muscles, leading to excessive fatigue and potential damage to the skeletal system, ultimately contributing to spinal deformities., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Ahmed et al.)