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This study explores the dual applications of a greenly synthesized ZnO@CTAB nanocomposite for the efficient remediation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and lead (Pb). The synthesis method involves a sustainable approach, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices. FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, zeta potential, and particle size analyzer (PSA), BET, and UV–VIS were used to physically characterize the zinc oxide and CTAB nanocomposite (ZnO@CTAB). The size and crystalline index of ZnO@CTAB are 77.941 nm and 63.56% respectively. The Zeta potential of ZnO@CTAB is about − 22.4 mV. The pore diameter of the ZnO@CTAB was 3.216 nm, and its total surface area was 97.42 m 2 /g. The mechanism of adsorption was investigated through pH ZPC measurements. The nanocomposite’s adsorption performance was systematically investigated through batch adsorption experiments. At pH 2, adsorbent dose of 0.025 g, and temperature 50 °C, ZnO@CTAB removed the most RhB, while at pH 6, adsorbent dose of 0.11 g, and temperature 60 °C, ZnO@CTAB removed the most Pb. With an adsorption efficiency of 214.59 mg/g and 128.86 mg/g for RhB and Pb, the Langmuir isotherm model outperforms the Freundlich isotherm model in terms of adsorption. The pseudo-2nd-order model with an R 2 of 0.99 for both RhB and Pb offers a more convincing explanation of adsorption than the pseudo-1st-order model. The results demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics and high adsorption capacities for RhB and Pb. Furthermore, there was minimal deterioration and a high reusability of ZnO@CTAB till 4 cycles were observed. Graphical Abstract

This study explores the synthesis of a novel titanium oxide-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (TO@CTAB) nanocomposite for the effective removal of malachite green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. The optimization of the nanocomposite’s performance was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM). The adsorption characteristics were further evaluated through isotherm models, kinetic studies and thermodynamic analyses. The mesoporous nature of TO@CTAB was confirmed through BET analysis, revealing a pore diameter of 4.625 nm. The crystalline size of TO@CTAB is 54.78 nm, and its crystalline index is 70.84%. The optimal operating conditions were established based on the results obtained from the ANOVA. The Langmuir isotherm model demonstrates superior adsorption performance compared to the Freundlich isotherm model, with adsorption efficiencies of 317.46 mg/g for MO and 306.748 mg/g for MG. The pseudo-second-order model, with an R 2 value of 0.998 and 0.997 for MO and MG, respectively, provides a more accurate and reliable explanation of the adsorption process compared to the pseudo-first-order model. Furthermore, the high reusability and minimal deterioration of TO@CTAB were observed for up to 5 cycles. The analysis of the adsorption mechanism indicates that the adsorption of MG and MO occurs through H-bonding, electrostatic and π-π interactions. A comprehensive cost analysis of the process was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness; total expenditure incurred during the process was determined to be within acceptable limits. TO@CTAB was assessed using real wastewater samples, demonstrating a decolourization efficiency of 82%. Additionally, it resulted in a reduction of COD , BOD , TSS and TDS . Graphical Abstract

Water is the most important component for human survival and often the most misused one. The present study deals with the assessment of groundwater quality of Tosham block, Bhiwani District, Haryana, India, and its nearby villages. A total of 23 samples were collected from different groundwater sources and were analysed for 16 different physico-chemical parameters. Correlation coefficients were calculated to identify highly correlated and interrelated water quality parameters. It provides an excellent tool for the prediction of parameter values within the reasonable rank of exactness. A strong correlation was observed between total hardness, magnesium and total dissolved solids, especially between total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. The obtained results were compared with Indian Standard Drinking water specifications IS: 10500-2012. Concentration of total hardness, iron and chloride was found above the permissible limit in all the samples. Multivariate statistical techniques, namely cluster analysis and principal component analysis, were used to find the relationship between studied parameters. Water quality index (WQI) was also calculated. The WQI of groundwater samples ranged from 125 to 556. The water quality index revealed that out of 23 samples, 13 were found to have poor water quality and 6 samples were of very poor water quality. High value of WQI was found mainly from total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, Mg, Cl and Fe. Groundwater analysis of the studied water samples indicated that there is a need to treat the water before its use for drinking and other domestic activities. Necessary precautions should be taken to prevent the groundwater from being contaminated.

In this research, we examined the microbial diversity in Sohna hot spring, Haryana, India using shotgun metagenome sequencing based on the Illumina Hiseq 4000 sequencing technology. The raw sequence data from metagenomic paired-end libraries were analysed for taxonomic classification, diversity, and functional annotation using MG-RAST online server. The results showed the presence of total of 57 phyla, 931 genera, and 2068 species, predominantly occupied by Moraxellaceae (Gammaproteobacteria). However, at the species level, we reported the presence of some representative pathogenic taxa, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Moraxella osloensis. The functional annotation predicted at various levels based on SEED-based subsystem, KEGG ortholog identity (KO), Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COGs) database identified the predominance of genes associated with primary and secondary metabolism along with a crucial role in environmental and genetic signals, cellular communication, and cell signalling. Comparative Genome Analysis (CGA) using The Pathosystem Resource Integration Centre (PATRIC) tool based on genome annotation and assembly of the metagenomic libraries for representative taxon Acinetobacter baumannii (NCBI tax id:470) characterized the reads with a unique genome identifier of 470.20380 (A. baumannii DDLJ4) which is evolutionary closer to A. baumannii ATCC 470.17978 400667.7. In addition, the CARD database results about the presence of potential AMR pathotypes and the prevalence of adeABC, adeIJK, abeM gene-specific clusters that function as multidrug efflux pumps. Overall, the results provided a comprehensive insight into virulence and anti-microbial resistance mechanism and could be useful for developing potential drug targets against the possible AMR pathotypes.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have been in focus of research due to their massive contamination of environment and bio-accumulation. Bioremediation and high-throughput research have gained momentum to curb the harmful effects of POPs. The present research has explored the microbial diversity of Chumathang Hot Spring, Ladakh, India, through Illumina metagenomic HiSeq 4000 sequencing platform and their potential to degrade persistent pollutants, especially xenobiotics. Taxonomic characterization based on raw metagenomic data illuminated the abundance of members of Pseudomonadota and Actinomyceota. The re-construction of the microbial genomes from assembled contigs and scaffolds using de novo assembler metaSPAdes and their further annotation through contig alignment with available reference genomes elucidated the landscape of the hot spring's microbes. The predominantly occupied key genera reported were Pannonibacter and Novosphingobium. Comparative genomic analysis established evolutionary relationships and functional diversities among hot spring microbial communities. The function annotation through MG-RAST has revealed their metabolic versatility of degrading a wide array of xenobiotic compounds, including caprolactam, dioxin, chlorobenzene, benzoate, and. Further, the hydroxylating dioxygenase (Saro_3901) was identified as a pivotal component in the aromatic degradation pathways, showcasing extensive metabolic interconnectivity. Interestingly, protein interaction network analysis identified hub genes like Saro_1233 (protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase alpha subunit), while Saro_3057 (amidase) was noted for its critical role in network communication and control. The resilience of thermal ecosystems, evidenced by robust enzymatic activity and degradation capability among organisms with < 95% genetic similarity, underscores their potential for industrial and bioremediation exploration, emphasizing the importance of preserving and studying biodiverse habitats.

The study presents the spatial and temporal variation of fine ambient aerosols (PM 2.5 ) over National Capital Region (NCR), India, during January to June 2016. The investigation includes three sampling sites, one in Delhi and two in the adjoining states of Delhi (Uttar Pradesh and Haryana), across NCR, India. The average PM 2.5 concentration was highest for Delhi (128.5 ± 51.5 μg m −3 ) and lowest for Mahendragarh, Haryana (74.5 ± 28.7 μg m −3 ), during the study period. Seasonal variation was similar for all the sites with highest concentration during winter and lowest in summer. PM 2.5 samples were analysed for organic compounds using gas chromatograph (GC). The concentration of three organic compound classes, n-alkanes (C11–C35), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and phthalates, present in PM 2.5 samples has been reported. Diagnostic ratios for n-alkanes demonstrated that biogenic emissions were dominant over Mahendragarh while major contributions were observed from petrogenic emissions over Delhi and Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Molecular diagnostic ratios were calculated to distinguish between different sources of PAHs, which revealed that the fossil fuel combustion (diesel and gasoline emissions), traffic emissions, and biomass burning are the major source contributors. Health risk associated with human exposure of phthalates and PAHs was also assessed as daily intake (DI, ng kg −1  day −1 ) and lung cancer risk, respectively. Backward trajectory analysis explained the local, regional, and long-range transport routes of PM 2.5 for all sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) results summarized that the vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and plastic burning were the major sources of the PAHs and phthalates over the sampling sites.

Background: Uterine fibroids are common benign smooth muscle tumours that may complicate pregnancy with pain and pressure symptoms. While conservative management is preferred due to the risk of haemorrhage and pregnancy loss, antepartum myomectomy may be indicated in selected cases with intractable symptoms. Case Presentation: We report 2 cases of successful antepartum myomectomy performed in the second trimester for severe, unrelenting pain secondary to large fibroids. The first case involved a 27-year-old primigravida at 15 + 2 weeks’ gestation with a 22 × 16 × 17 cm pedunculated fibroid causing respiratory compromise. The second case involved a 41-year-old multigravida at 14 weeks’ gestation with multiple fibroids, the largest measuring 19 × 21 cm. Both patients underwent open myomectomy following multidisciplinary evaluation and counselling. Estimated blood loss was minimal, and postoperative recovery was uneventful. Pregnancies progressed to term, resulting in favourable maternal and fotal outcomes. Conclusion: Antepartum myomectomy, though rarely indicated, can be safely performed in well-counselled, carefully selected patients with severe symptoms and favourable fibroid characteristics. Preoperative imaging, multidisciplinary planning and meticulous surgical technique are crucial for optimal outcomes.

In the present study, tolerance of ten microalgal strains isolated from wastewaters of different textile mills in relation to two metals and dyes was studied based on cell growth estimated spectrophotometrically. Three cyanobacterial strains that were found to tolerate both Cr(VI) and Co(II) along with the dyes reactive red 198 (RR 198) and crystal violet (CV) were investigated further for the concentration of various photosynthetic pigments and exopolymer production in the presence of the dyes and metals. All three tolerant species—Nostoc linckia HA-46, Myxosarcina spectabilis HP-43 and Gloeocapsa calcarea HP-45—showed a significantly higher concentration (P < 0.05) of various pigments when the medium was spiked with metals or dyes. Production of extracellular proteins and particularly extracellular polysaccharides by the tolerant strains increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the presence of metals. The effect of dyes was, however, not always statistically significant (P > 0.05). Production of hydrogen by these photoautotrophic microbes was moderate (19–28 nmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹dry wt). The best performing strain, N. linckia, when examined further for its hydrogen production potential in the presence of the two dyes and metals, showed significantly higher rates of hydrogen production in the presence of Cr, Co and RR 198. Its hydrogenase activity also followed the same trend. Immobilization of the microbe into alginate beads almost doubled the hydrogen production by the organism in the control as well as in the presence of suitable concentrations of the two metals (10 mg L⁻¹) and dyes (50 mg L⁻¹).

ABSTRACT Aims and Objectives: To assess the current patterns and experience of internet use among persons with depressive and anxiety disorders, particularly for health-related issues. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted with persons diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders (DSM-5), aged ≥18 years who could read and write in Hindi/English, using an interview guide. The interview guide contained questions related to internet use in daily life, internet use for health-related issues, and internet use for stress, and internet use for anxiety/depressive disorder. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed to identify codes and subsequently themes. Results: A total of 20 subjects; 10 each diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders were interviewed. About half the participants could operate internet independently, while rest required assistance. YouTube was the most common search engine used, and leisure was the most common reason for daily use. Almost all participants reported searching internet for health-related information including their psychiatric diagnosis. The most common purpose, for health in-general, was searching for alternate therapies. Most common purpose for psychiatric diagnosis was understanding the symptoms, recovery from their illness, and side effects of medicines. Highest impact as perceived by the participants was on distraction or stress reduction rather than direct impact on the illness/treatment. Conclusion: Persons with depressive and anxiety disorders use internet for distraction, communication, and seeking information about the illness and medicines.