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Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious global public health issue, especially for intravenous drug users (IVDUs), who are more vulnerable because of risky behaviours, including sharing needles. This study sought to determine the prevalence of HIV and HCV infections, explore the relationship between liver enzyme levels and HCV viral load, and analyze sociodemographic characteristics among drug users in Jorhat, Assam, India. Methods A total of 461 participants were enrolled, comprising 108 IVDUs and 353 non-IVDUs. For HCV screening, rapid test kits and ELISA were used. RT-PCR was performed to measure the HCV RNA viral load, and AST and ALT levels of the liver enzymes were assessed. Data were evaluated using chi-squared tests. Results In comparison to non-IVDUs, IVDUs were substantially younger, more likely to be unmarried, unemployed, and less educated. HCV positivity rate was highest in the 21–30-year age group for both IVDUs (83.8%) and non-IVDUs (97.2%). Compared to non-IVDUs (25.49%), IVDUs exhibited noticeably greater HCV viral loads (> 1001 IU/mL in 59.25%). Co-infection between HIV and HCV was found in 25.9% of IVDUs. Elevated liver enzymes were noted among IVDUs (ALT: 107.44 ± 114.30 IU/mL; AST: 94.60 ± 97.50 IU/mL), which is indicative of hepatic damage. Conclusion This study emphasizes that IVDUs have a high prevalence of HCV and HIV co-infections, increased viremia, and abnormal liver enzymes. For high-risk populations, targeted public health interventions such as integrated treatment services, early identification, and harm-reduction tactics are essential to halting transmission and improving results. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Using a new isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we obtained 7 g cell dry wt (CDW/l) using 5 % (w/v) glucose. Crude polyhydroxyalkanoates were obtained at 14.6 % of CDW. FTIR and NMR analysis confirmed that this was a new co-polymer: 3-hydroxyvalerate-co-5-hydroxydecenoate. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed two different melting temperatures of the copolymer and also indicated the glass transition temperature to be 4 °C. The polydispersity index of the polymer was 1.059.

Increasing global concerns over plastic waste disposal and environmental awareness has already highlighted Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA’s) as an increasingly attractive bioplastic option. In this regard, the present investigation aims to highlight the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate by Pseudomonas aeruginosa BPC2 (GeneBank entry: JQ866912) using a glycerol by-product as an inexpensive carbon source. The glycerol by-product was generated via the production of biodiesel from kitchen chimney dump lard (KCDL). The strain was also cultured in media comprising other carbon sources like glycerol (commercial), sugar cane molasses and glucose for comparative PHA yield. An appreciable PHA accumulation up to 22.5 % of cell dry weight was found when the bacterium was cultured in media comprised of glycerol by-product. The extracted bacterial biopolymer was further characterized by FTIR, GC-MS, GPC and TGA. The experimental results of the study warrant the feasibility of bacterial biopolymer production using glycerol by-product as an inexpensive carbon source.

Using a new isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we obtained 7 g cell dry wt (CDW/l) using 5 % (w/v) glucose. Crude polyhydroxyalkanoates were obtained at 14.6 % of CDW. FTIR and NMR analysis confirmed that this was a new co-polymer: 3-hydroxyvalerate-co-5-hydroxydecenoate. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed two different melting temperatures of the copolymer and also indicated the glass transition temperature to be 4 °C. The polydispersity index of the polymer was 1.059.

Background The global upsurge in world energy demand, sharp decline in petrofuels reserves, and greater concerns about the environment has constrained mankind to investigate newer and renewable feedstocks for liquid transportation fuels. Existent bioenergy feedstocks cannot suffice for the petro crude reserves, new feedstock for the same will serve as an incremental step for addressing the long recognized problem of energy supply and simultaneously also support further research endeavors related to green chemistry, feed stock biology and bio-energy research. In this regard, the present investigation aims to highlight kitchen chimney dump lard (a bio-waste), as a prospective feedstock for biodiesel production. Results Statistical implication (response surface methodology, RSM) can be helpful in design of experiments for biodiesel production and allied approaches. Biodiesel was produced from KCDL which contains high amount of free fatty acids (acid value 28 mg KOH/gm) by a two stage transesterification process. The biodiesel yield was optimized using RSM for optimal production and the yield was found to be 82% compared to 80% predicted using RSM. The biodiesel was characterized by CHN, GC-MS and FTIR spectroscopy. The fuel properties namely density, viscosity, cloud point, pour point, flash point and calorific value were analyzed to access the quality of the fuel. The results suggest the feasibility of biodiesel production from KCDL. Conclusion Production of biodiesel from KCDL is feasible and warrants necessary research.