Background: In poultry industry, hatcheries play a vital role in connecting the poultry production chain and are expected in the productive performance, with an impact on company profits. The use of in ovo feeding support poultry embryonic development and offers the production efficiency and welfare of commercial poultry. Methods: This study investigated the impact of in ovo administration of normal saline, Zinc oxide nanoparticles and Vitamin C on hatchability, chick growth and redox status in Kadaknath hatchlings. Zinc oxide nanostructures were synthesized by chemical method and characterized for size determination. A total of 150 fertile eggs of the Kadaknath poultry breed were divided into five groups (T0 to T4) and treated with in ovo administration of 200 μl each of normal saline, zinc oxide nanoparticles (5 and 10 ppm) and Vitamin C respectively on the 18th day of incubation through air sac into amniotic fluid. Result: Rod shaped nanostructures ranging from 45 to 98 nm were synthesized and showed sharp peak positioned at 436.59 cm-1. Zinc nano composite 5 ppm and vitamin C administration had significantly (p less than 0.05) improved hatchability, hatch weight, chick weight and egg weight ratio and antioxidant status.

The present study was conducted during 2019−2020 to characterize the Carica papaya leaf synthesized silver nanoparticles and to know the MIC of Carica papaya leaf extract along with silver nanoparticles synthesized using Carica papaya leaf extract against MRSA by broth dilution method. Aqueous extract and silver nanoparticles of Carica papaya leaves was prepared using freshly collected disease free leaves. Characterization of C. papaya aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (CPAgNP) was done by UV-VIS spectra analysis, SEM analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and Zeta potential and Particle Size Analysis. A single, strong and broad SPR peak in UV–visible spectrum of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles using the Carica papaya extract was observed at 400 nm. FTIR spectrum revealed the band set at 3465.80 cm-1, 3136.95 cm-1, 2917.61 cm-1, 1625.08 cm-1, 1511.51 cm-1 and 1384.81 cm-1 respectively. Electron microscopy showed that Carica papaya aqueous leaf extract crystalline nanoparticle had definite particle size. The MIC of AECPL against MRSA was found to be 31.25 mg ml-1 while MIC of CPAgNPs against MRSA was found to be 62.5 µg ml-1. MIC of CPAgNPs was reported quite lower as compared to that of AECPL, thus it could be assumed that antibacterial activity of AECPL might potentiate the antibacterial property of Ag-NPs. Therefore, CPAgNPs could be employed as therapeutic agent against bacterial infection.

The present study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus root (MHIR) in combination with amoxicillin and clindamycin against biofilm-forming methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from milk samples of mastitic cows. Microdilution susceptibility testing and microtitre plate assays were used to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of MHIR and antibiotic combinations against MRSA (n = 12). Furthermore, in vitro findings were validated in a murine model. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration of amoxicillin and clindamycin in combination with MHIR were significantly (P < 0·05) lower than when used alone against MRSA. In terms of antibacterial activity, MHIR showed additive interaction (fractional inhibitory concentrationindex >0·5–4) with amoxicillin and clindamycin against all the MRSA isolates, whereas MHIR synergizes (fractional biofilm inhibitory concentrationindex ≤0·5) the antibiofilm activity of amoxicillin and clindamycin against 58·33% and 83·33% of the MRSA isolates respectively. Amoxicillin/clindamycin in combination with MHIR significantly (P < 0·05) reduced disease activity score, and bacterial load and Gram-positive spots in kidney and liver of MRSA-infected mice. The combined efficacy of MHIR and amoxicillin/clindamycin was comparable to clindamycin alone but superior to amoxicillin alone. Hence, the combination of MHIR with amoxicillin/clindamycin is advocated in the treatment of MRSA-associated infections.

Noise Pollution has become a serious health issue nowadays and emerging as a serious pollutant.This study is carried out in three semiurban towns to evaluate the impact of noise pollution in these areas.A total of 69 locations are selected in Asansol, Bankura, and Midnapore town including the Silent, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial zone.Since the noise level varies with atmospheric conditions, hence the study is divided into premonsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons.L1, L5, L10, L50, L90, L95, L99, Equivalent sound pressure level (Leq), Noise climate (NC), Noise pollution level (Lnp), and Noise traffic Index (TNI) were computed for evaluating the intensity of noise pollution.The result reveals that the equivalent sound pressure level (Leq) is much higher than the standards in all locations of the silent zones.Noise pollution level (Lnp) and Noise traffic Index (TNI) are also computed high in commercial and heavy traffic zones.The Noise climate (NC) value shows not much variation in noise intensity with pre-post and monsoon climates.This is a pioneer study on noise quality evaluation in these locations.This study will further help in preparing future management plans to combat noise pollution in these areas.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic condition that results in hyperglycemic environment affecting the metabolism of proteins and lipids, promotes inflammation and delays wound healing. Methods: A total of n=30 Wistar rats of either sex were divided into five groups with 6 animals in each. Diabetes mellitus was induced using streptozotocin @ 35 mg/kg body weight and excision wound model was developed in all the animals. Group I and Group II were considered as healthy and diabetic control group respectively. The wounds of Group III, IV and V were treated with topical application of Carica papaya synthesized silver nanoparticles @ 62.5 µg/ml, Carica papaya leafextract @ 31.25 mg/ml and 10% povidone iodine respectively. Result: Present study concluded that the characteristics of silver nanaoparticles synthesized form C. papaya leaf extract make them suitable for the treatment of wound healing in diabetic subjects.

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic activities affect the rivers and the entire basin in different dimensions. All the river basins including Ganga and Damodar are polluted from unplanned anthropogenic activities. This study is an attempt to access the quality of Shilabati River by computing water quality and pollution index using eleven parameters pH, COD, BOD, DO, TDS, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Phosphate, Chloride, Nitrate, and Turbidity measured at eighteen different sites. The BOD and TC counts are found to be 2.45 mg/l and 9334 MPN/100 ml; which reveal that the river water falls under the moderately polluted category of Central Pollution Control Board. The high phosphate concentration suggests a heavy load of anthropogenic and industrial wastes and contributes to the rise in COD and BOD. The high phosphate concentrations also account for the eutrophic water. The physicochemical parameters fall mostly under the E category of Central Pollution Control Board. The Water Quality Index, Comprehensive Pollution Index, and Eutrophication index values show that the river water quality is poor and seriously polluted indicating that the water is not suitable for drinking, domestic purpose, and also for healthy survival of aquatic life and needs urgent management.

The massive increase in the human population, rapid industrialization, and growth in technology has made our life comfortable and luxurious. However, it has come with the price tag of extreme exploitation of our planet earth. Our species have pushed the planet earth against its carrying capacity, damaging the earth’s own restoration capacity to filter the harmful pollutants. One of the outbreaks of this is air pollution. Chronic exposure to air pollutants weakens our lungs gradually making them vulnerable to various diseases and viruses such as SARS, MERS, and now the SARS-CoV-2. In this study, concentrations of six criteria pollutants, PM10, PM2.5, CO, NOx, ozone, and SO 2 from 2018 to 2020 in 18 cities covering different regions of India were analyzed with a focus on the lockdown period. The result shows a sharp reduction in all the criteria pollutants with the enforcement of lockdown measures. In the national capital Delhi alone, the rapid decrease in particulate matter (108 µg/m 3 ), NOx (31 µg/m 3 ), and NH 3 was observed with an increase in ozone concentration. The AQI has also improved from severe to moderate and good. This study proves the vision that by simple and strict implementation of regulatory measures, the earth can be allowed to be reshaped by passive restoration.

People in Bangladesh are traditionally used to consume mainly black tea. However, some tea manufacturing companies are now producing green tea, though in a small scale. To create new knowledge as well as awareness about the consumption of green tea, the present study was carried out to compare the black and green tea available in Bangladesh based on their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. A total of eight brands of black tea and two brands of green tea were bought from the supermarkets. Total phenolics, total tannin, total flavonoids, and caffeine content were measured as bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity was evaluated by using two different methods such as DPPH (1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activity and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity of methanol extracts of black and green tea. Every bioactive compound in black and green tea was found to be significantly different (P < 0.05). The total phenolic content, on average, was measured at 242.46 mg GAE/g dry extract and 763.41 mg GAE/ g dry extract in black and green tea, respectively. Black tea contained 6.47 mg TAE/g dry extract tannin, whereas green tea had much more tannin content, 14.51 mg TAE/g dry extract, which is more than double in amount. On the other hand, the total flavonoid content was almost double in black tea (61.82 mg QE/g dry extract) compared to green tea (31.85 mg QE/g dry extract). Antioxidant activities were determined at different concentrations of tea samples. At every concentration, green tea presented higher ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging activity than black tea. The highest percentage of inhibition was observed at 20 ppm both in black and green tea, finding 98.50 % and 99.07 % inhibition, respectively. Overall, significantly (P < 0.05) higher amount of phenolic compounds as well as antioxidant activity were observed in green tea.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is popular winter vegetables cultivated all over Bangladesh and contains essential nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pre-blanching on the preservation of cabbage by drying. In this research work, cabbage was blanched at 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C temperature for 12, 8, and 2 mins, respectively. Then the samples were dried at 60°C maintaining 60% relative humidity. The moisture and ash content of untreated and treated dried samples was in the range of 16.07±0.04 to 10.80±0.01% and 5.71±0.06 to 3.81±0.02%, respectively. The total phenolic content in cabbage was 74.47±0.63 mg GAE/100g at 100°C blanching temperature for a short time of 2 mins, which was higher compared to 61.91±0.48 mg GAE/100g at 80°C for 12 mins. It was observed that the antioxidant activity and two water-soluble vitamins-ascorbic acid and beta carotene decreased in pre-blanched dried samples in contrast with fresh ones. Blanching at higher water temperature and a short period was found useful for the retention of total phenolic content and greenness of cabbage. Blanching pre-treatments were also found to have better color retention capacity than untreated dried cabbage. A proper combination of drying time and temperature, along with the incorporation of blanching pretreatment, might be useful to preserve cabbage for a long time.

The aim of this study was to correlate macro-micro mineral status with gastrointestinal parasitic (GIP) infection in wild carnivores kept in captivity in 03 Zoos of Chhattisgarh. A total of 278 faecal samples of captive wild carnivores were collected during summer and pre-monsoon and soil, water and meat samples (n=6 each) were also collected from 03 zoos to estimate the macro-micro mineral level. Faecal samples were examined by direct examination, floatation, sedimentation and McMaster method. Soil, water and meat samples were subjected to acid digestion followed by estimation using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The zoo wise prevalence of GIP reported to be 34.78%, 15.47% and 29.05% in MBZ, NVZ&S, and KPZ respectively. The macro and micro mineral level in soil, water and meat samples of 03 zoos was observed to be lower than the normal values. It was observed that macro-micro mineral level in soil, water and meat samples had significant effect on prevalence of GIP in captive carnivores under study.

The effects of two processing methods (boiling and roasting) on physicochemical qualities of dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were investigated. Changes in total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity due to processing were also analyzed by using Folin–Ciocaltue method and 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Analysis of physicochemical properties exhibited substantial variations (p<0.05) in the levels of moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, gross energy and pH of raw and processed beans. Meanwhile, there was no considerable difference (p<0.05) in the fibre content of fresh and processed beans. Investigation of total phenolic content showed the significant (p<0.05) reduction of phenolic compounds in boiled (5.53±0.74 mg GAE/ g) and roasted (8.15±1.60 mg GAE/g) beans than raw samples (12.55±1.42 mg GAE/g). DPPH radical scavenging activity was also decreased significantly (p<0.05) in boiled and roasted samples with IC50 value of 0.0608±0.0765 mg/mL and 0.0523±0.0026 mg/mL, respectively. In the case of household cooking, keeping boiling water would be advised for the preservation of minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds. The roasting process may be used to develop high-quality health-promoting dark red kidney bean products.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytogenic chemical compounds from the prepared herbal extracts. Screening of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrate and saponin from quantitative and qualitative experiments was performed by using standard methods. Result showed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, saponin, flavonoid, carbohydrate and glycoside in both the studied herbal plants. In Psidium guajava, tannin and alkaloid were found more in the acetone extracts while in A.indica carbohydrate and glycoside were found more in the hydromethanolic extract. Flavanoid and glycoside were present in more quantities in A.indica whereas saponin, tannin, carbohydrate and alkaloid were present in high concentration in P.guajava. The results are suggestive that leaf extract of P.guajava showed more antioxidant potential as compared to A.indica. The leaf extracts showed the highest antioxidant potential in hydromethanolic extract followed by the acetone and aqueous extract. Total phenol and flavonoids are positively correlated with antioxidant potential.

The maximum yield of antioxidant activity of freeze-dried jackfruit seeds and pulps was optimized in experimental conditions using response surface methodology. Temperature (°C), time (min) and solvent types (mL) were selected as three independent variables. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), TPC (total phenolic content) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were considered for the antioxidant activity. DPPH, TPC and FRAP values of seed ranged from 45-67.90 %, 2.27-5.42 mg GAE/100 g DM and 63.30-156.39 mg AAE/100 g DM, respectively while those of pulp were 49-72.14 %, 2.109-5.02 mg GAE/100 g DM and 54.90-298.00 mg AAE/100 g DM respectively. The response surface optimization revealed that the optimum conditions for maximum antioxidant activity in seeds were at 65 °C, 10 min and acetone as solvent with 8.76 % DPPH, 2.81 mg GAE/100 g DMTPC, 149.99 mg AAE/100 g DM FRAP and 0.99 desirability whereas that of pulp were at 50°C, 10 min and acetone as solvent with 45.42 % DPPH, 3.06 mg GAE/100 g DMTPC, 129.05 mg AAE/100 g DM FRAP and 0.99 desirability. Extraction of antioxidants from jackfruit seed and pulp can be performed more efficiently up to the maximum yield by maintaining the optimum conditions pinpointed in this study.

Rationale: A great wealth of studies expound on the impact of water and sanitation facilities on sustainable human development. But even though water-sanitation nexus is acknowledged in WaSH (Water-Sanitation-Hygiene) literature, they are seldom assessed collectively. In rural India, open defecation is still a major threat to human health, as much as potable water quality. Unfortunately, no study yet exists that attempts to assess the WaSH sector in a holistic sense. Objective: Present study was aimed to integrate multiple WaSH parameters into a composite WaSH Quality Index (WaSHQI) for rural India, within a geospatial framework, and understand potential effects of different sociodemographic factors that are likely to influece WaSH profile development. Methods: District-wise data for (i) within-premises latrine facility, (ii) water source type (safe/treated tap), (iii) water source location (near home/away from home), and (iv) wastewater drainage (closed/open) were mapped at nationwide scale. Gini Coefficients were computed for each parameter to elucidate spatial inequality. The parameters were integrated in various combinations to compute a composite index for each district called, WaSHQI. In the process, four hypothetical scenarios were generated (grading from most conservative to most liberal). The WaSHQI was later (a) merged with spatial algorithms (Moran's I and LISA)) to identify WaSH-hotspots and (b) correlated with a range of sociodemographic factors (e.g., literacy, household density, caste). Results: Under a conservative aproach (presumably the most hygienic WaSH scenario), a vast expanse through central India were significantly (p < 0.001) lagging in multiple WaSH facilities and appeared as major hotspots that deserve urgent management actions. On the other hand, northwestern states (Punjab and Haryana) registered a better WaSH profile owing to a number of progressive social reforms. Significant (p < 0.01) correlations between the WaSHQI and literacy levels, especially that of female, in the hotspots called for more in-depth region-specific investigations in future. Rural WaSH sector in India is marked by intense spatial inequality/heterogeneity, calling for spatially-optimized interventions. Using multiple geospatial alrorithms and statistical analyses the study demonstrated the spatially interconnected nature of the WaSH and argued that policy decisions have to address the parameters collectively. Future Implications: WaSHQI can offer the decision-makers a semi-quantitative approximation of overall WaSH infrastructural inadequacy at any level of administrative hierarchy anywhere in the world. However, some efforts to exapand/diversify the potentials WaSHQI (accounting for additional socioeconomic parameters) could be pursued on the premise of developing a WaSH informatics system to track regional progress/lag over time.

Diarrhoea is one of the most important problem causing great economic loss to dairy industry by drastic reduction in milk production. The present study was carried out in cattle reared at different organized dairy farms in and around Durg to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of synbiotics along with antibiotic in diarrhoeic cattle. A total of 18 cattle were selected and divided into three groups. Group I (n=6) served as normal healthy control whereas group (n=6) II and III were diarrhoeic cattle. Group II animals were treated with ciprofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 5 days and Group III were administered with combination of ciprofloxacin@ 5 mg/kg orally BID for 5 days and symbiotic (Ecotas®) two boli orally OD for 5 days. Escherichia coli (66.11%) was found to be most common pathogen involved in cattle diarrhoea followed by Salmonella spp. (22.22%) and Proteus spp. (16.66%) respectively. The hemato-biochemical alterations revealed significant increase in haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, TLC, neutrophils, total protein, albumin, albumin: globulin ratio and potassium values whereas, there was a significant decrease in lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, globulin, sodium and glucose levels which returned near to normal values over the due course of treatment period in Group III followed by Group II. Rumen function profile revealed significant decrease in rumen pH, sedimentation activity time and protozoan motility values, while cellulose digestion and methylene blue reduction values were increased in diarrhoeic cattle. The rumen function profile returned to normal in Group III followed by Group II. Hence, combination of antibiotic along with symbiotic proved to be a better alternative when compared to antibiotic alone for therapeutic management of diarrhoea in cattle.

Tamarindus indica L. is a multipurpose tropical tree used primarily because its fruits and leaves have eatable properties. Both parts of the plant have also medicinal uses, but in the specific case of the leaves, little information about their chemical composition is available. The study was conducted to determine the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity. Extract of Tamarindus indica leaves, fruit and seed coat powders were prepared in different solvent media viz. aqueous, aqueous methanol. The result of phytochemical screening of the advocated the presence of alkaloid, glycoside, saponin, tannin, and phenol are present in leaves, fruit pulp and seed coat in hydromethanolic extract as compare to aqueous one.

The present study was conducted to know the prevalence of canine hypothyroidism in Durg-Bhillai, Raipur and Rajnandgaon districts of Chhattisgarh state. The overall prevalence of hypothyroidism was found to be 1.28 % in Chhattisgarh state with highest prevalence in Raipur (1.73%) followed by Durg-Bhillai (1.25%) and Rajnandgaon (0.97%). Dogs between 6-8 years age (52.381%) were more susceptible to hypothyroidism. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher in male dogs (59.52%) as compared to females (40.48%). Hypothyroidism in dogs was found to be more prevalent in Labrador breed followed by Golden retriever, Spitz, German Shephard, Pug, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler respectively. Dogs having body weight above 40 kg were more susceptible for hypothyroidism accounting to a prevalence rate of 57.14%.

The river Ganga is one of the most important and sacred rivers of India. During the last few decades, massive pollution has affected its water quality. The present study reports the impact of anthropological pollutant load on river Ganga at Dakshineswar, W.B, India. Surface water samples for a two-year study (2017-19) were collected from DakshineswarGhat of the river Ganga during pre-post and monsoon seasons. The water samples were collected both during low and high tide and analyzed for different chemical and physical parameters viz.; temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electric Conductivity (EC). The mean values of these parameters were used to assess the suitability of river water by comparing it with the World Health Organization (WHO). Variation of pollutant load is observed and the value diverges during low and high tide. During the complete study, the value of pH is found to be normal the total ranges of value lie between 7 to 8. The TDS value is found to be a little high during the post-monsoon season (260 mg/l). The observed values of major parameters were slightly higher than the standard limits. The results suggest that the water quality is very poor and needs proper treatment before use. There is an urgent need for proper treatment of domestic and industrial waste before discharging into water. Restrictions should be implemented on the disposal of wastes from various religious activities.