Silver Nanoparticle Incorporated Flaxseed Protein-Alginate Composite Films: Effect on Physicochemical,Mechanical, and Thermal Properties

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - In the present study, flaxseed protein-alginate films were prepared with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and were evaluated for...     

Kolaviron suppresses dysfunctional reproductive axis associated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes exposure in male rats

Reproductive toxicity associated with excessive exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which are commonly used in medicine as valuable drug delivery systems, is well documented. Kolaviron, a bioflavonoid isolated from Garcinia kola seeds, elicits numerous health beneficial effects related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-genotoxic activities, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties. However, information on the role of kolaviron in MWCNTs-induced reproductive toxicity is not available in the literature. Herein, we assessed the protective effects of kolaviron on MWCNTs-induced dysfunctional reproductive axis in rats following exposure to MWCNTs (1 mg/kg) and concurrent treatment with kolaviron (50 or 100 mg/kg body weight) for 15 successive days. Results showed that MWCNTs-induced dysfunctional reproductive axis as evidenced by deficits in pituitary and testicular hormones, marker enzymes of testicular function, and sperm functional characteristics were abrogated in rats co-administered with kolaviron. Moreover, co-administration of kolaviron-abated MWCNTs-induced inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities increases in oxidative stress and inflammatory indices. This is evidenced by diminished levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species as well as reduced activity of myeloperoxidase in testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of the rats. Biochemical data on the chemoprotection of MWCNTs-induced reproductive toxicity were corroborated by histological findings. Taken together, kolaviron suppressed dysfunctional reproductive axis associated with MWCNTs exposure via abrogation of oxidative stress and inflammation in male rats.

     

Response of ultraviolet-B induced antioxidant defense system in a medicinal plant, Acorus calamus

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation generates an oxidative stress in plant cells due to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can denature enzymes and damage important cellular components. In the present study, an important medicinal plant Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) was subjected to two doses of supplemental UV-B radiation (sUV-B): sUV1 (+ 1.8 kJ m(-2) d(-1)) and sUV2 (+3.6 kJ m(-2) d(-1)) to evaluate the relative response of antioxidant defense potential. Stimulation of activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) was observed at initial growth period while the activities of CAT and SOD decreased at later age of sampling. sUV-B induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed showing alteration of membrane properties. No definite trend of change was observed for ascorbic acid (AsA), while increments in thiol, proline, phenol and protein contents were observed due to sUV-B. Results suggested that sUV-B radiation may stimulate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense system of Acorus plants, showing its better adaptation at lower dose of sUV-B.     

Assessment of medication adherence among type-2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Study was conducted utilizing a confirmed medication adherence scale to measure the socio-demographic profile, self-care, and medication...     

Nanostructured semiconducting materials for efficient hydrogen generation

Massive production of hydrogen by water decomposition triggered by a solar light active photocatalyst is a major objective in chemistry and a promising avenue to overcome the global energy crisis. The development of efficient, stable, economically viable and eco-friendly photocatalysts for hydrogen production is a challenging task. This article reviews the use of nanocomposite in three combinations: metal oxide–metal oxide semiconductor, metal–metal oxide semiconductor and metal chalcogenide–metal oxide core–shell nanostructures. These core–shell structures occur in two forms: a simple form where the photocatalyst is either in the core or the shell or in a more complex system where the core–shell structure comprises a co-catalyst deposited on a semiconducting material. We discuss the design, synthesis and development of semiconductor-based nanocomposite photocatalysts for hydrogen production. The major points are the role of catalytic active sites, the chemical nature of sacrificial agents, the effect of light sources, the variable light intensity and the energy efficiency calculation. For TiO₂-based nanocomposites, the metal oxide or metal co-catalyst loading of 1.0–3.0 wt% was optimal. TiO₂ nanotube–CuO hybrid nanocomposites produce 1,14,000 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\), whereas TiO₂/Au nanocomposites display 1,60,000 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\). For core–shell catalysts, a shell thickness of 2–20 nm was found for the best activity, and its performance is as follows: (a) CdS–NiO system produces around 19,949 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\) and (b) CuO–Cr₂O₃ as co-catalyst immobilized on TiO₂ system produces around 82,390 µmol h^?1 \({\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{cat}}\).     

Monitoring of pesticide residues in vegetarian diet

Samples (28) of complete vegetarian diet consumed from morning till night i.e. tea, milk, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, sweet dish etc. were collected from homes, hostels and hotels periodically from Hisar and analysed for detecting the residues of organochlorine, synthetic pyrethriod, organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. The estimation was carried out by using multi-residue analytical technique employing gas chromatograph (GC)-electron capture detector and GC-nitrogen phosphorous detector systems equipped with capillary columns. The whole diet sample was macerated in a mixer grinder and a representative sample in duplicate was analyzed for residues keeping the average daily diet of an adult to be 1,300 g. On comparing the data, it was found that actual daily intake (microgram/person/day) of lindane in two and endosulfan in four samples exceeded the acceptable daily intake. Residues of other pesticides in all the diet samples were lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of the respective pesticides. The study concluded that although all the diet samples were found contaminated with one or the other pesticide, the actual daily intake of only a few pesticides was higher than their respective ADI. More extensive study covering other localities of Haryana has been suggested to know the overall scenario of contamination of vegetarian diet.     

Evaluation of leaching behavior of pendimethalin in sandy loam soil

The mobility of pendimethalin in sandy loam soil was studied in soil columns under laboratory conditions at two application rates, 1.0 and 2.0 kg a.i. ha^???1, with simulated rainfall of 300 mm. The maximum concentration of the herbicide was found in the top 10 cm layer, though it was found distributed in soil at all the depths at both the doses.     

Leaching behaviour of chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin in sandy loam soil

The mobility of chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin in sandy loam soil was studied in soil columns under laboratory conditions at two application rates, 25 and 50 μg, with simulated rainfall of 300 mm. Residues of chlorpyriphos and cypermethrin in soil and leachate were estimated by gas–liquid chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Though maximum concentration of both the insecticides was found in the top 10-cm layer, chlorpyriphos was found distributed in the soil up to a depth of 35 cm and cypermethrin remained up to 15 cm. Results indicated the low mobility of both the insecticides under saturated moisture condition and hence may not contaminate ground water. No residues of any insecticide were detected in the leachate fractions.     

Investigation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in old consumer products in India

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used extensively over the past 3 decades as flame retardants in most types of polymers, all over the world, have been identified as global pollutants. PBDEs pose various health problems such as thyroid hormone disruption, permanent learning and memory impairment, behavioral changes, hearing deficits, delayed puberty onset, fetal malformations, and possibly cancer. Many measurements of PBDEs in various matrices from Sweden, Holland, Japan, the USA, and elsewhere have been reported, but few measurements are available for India. In this study, a preliminary screening of different congeners of PBDEs has been performed in different old electronic and consumer products with an objective to build capacity in order to analyze PBDEs and BFRs. Six different samples, foam from upholstery, motherboard of a computer, children toy composite sample, old vanishing window blind sample, electrical wire sample, and PVC flooring sample, were collected and analyzed for the presence of the following PBDE congeners: BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183, and BDE-209. It was found that three out of six samples were positive for the presence of PBDEs. Three congeners were detected in the samples, i.e., BDE-47, BDE-153, and BDE-209, of which, highest concentration was of BDE-209. Among the samples, motherboard of computer showed the highest concentration of BDE-209 followed by window blind and foam from upholstery. The results of this preliminary investigation indicate that PBDEs are still present in the old consumer products which can be an important additional source of exposure to the population.