bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive study of benign vocal cord lesions
Authors: Bhadesia Bhoomi , Sorathiya Rashmi , Joshi Hetal , Desai Nisarg , Hirani Narendra
Published: February 2020

Background: Various vocal cord lesions have a significant influence on vocalization. In India and other developing countries, the prevailing lower economic status, poor general health of population, different food habits, vocal habits, smoking and drinking habits, unhealthy environment and different social customs definitely influence the incidence of various vocal cord lesions. Objective of this was study was to find out the incidence of various vocal cord lesions, factors affecting the voice and treatment.

Methods: This is a prospective study carried out in ENT Department from June 2018 to September 2019 at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Western Gujarat. We evaluated 48 patients who had various lesions on vocal cord. Incidence, age, gender, occupational factors, contributing factors, clinical features, histopathological findings were studied.  

Results: Vocal cord lesions were more common in males (64.58%), 21 to 40 years of age group. Change of voice (100%) was the most common presenting symptom. Vocal abuse (83.33%) was most common etiological factor. Students (27.08%) were most commonly affected. Maximum cases were of vocal cord nodules (39.58%). All vocal cord lesions (except papilloma) had good recovery with no recurrence.

Conclusions: Vocal cord lesions were more common in males and in 3rd and 4th decades of life. Change of voice was the most common presenting symptom. Vocal abuse was most common etiological factor. Students were more affected in vocal cord lesions. Vocal cord nodules were the most common lesions. Microlaryngeal surgery, voice rest and speech therapy are the mainstay of the treatment for benign lesions.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AS A GENERATOR OF INNOVATION IN COMPANIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Nejjari Zakarai , Aamoum Hanane
Published: February 2020

Purpose: In this study, a meticulous summary of all the main investigations in response to the link between intellectual capital and innovation is achieved. Methodology: A meta-analysis technique was implemented to establish the data in context and to determine the proposed research utility, this approach enables systematic review sources of information correlated with two variables predicted research associate intellectual capital and innovation. Main findings: The results of the systematic review reveal that intellectual capital is a generator of innovation in corporations. Implications: This paper will provide support to investigators who are intended to work in this area. Novelty: This article sheds some light and gives future researchers answer to questions like what are the signifiers in which works are involved with? What theories are established in this area and data selection mechanisms chosen by scientists in the field?
EXPLORING THE ABSENCE OF WATCHDOG JOURNALISM IN NIGERIA BROADCAST MEDIA
Authors: Abdu Gainaka Maryam , Agil Alsagoff Syed , Hayati Ahmad Ghazali Akmar
Published: February 2020

Purpose of the study: The research became necessary to explore the watchdog role of broadcast media in Nigeria. The study was conducted for the purpose of understanding how broadcast media interpret the watchdog function and the reason for its rarity in Nigeria broadcast media.

Methodology: The study used the qualitative case study approach. Two broadcast media were purposively selected for the study-FRCN and AIT. Semi-structured face to face interview was used to collect data from ten informants comprising of senior editors and field reporters who were purposively selected for the study. Researchers used thematic analysis for data analysis to interpret and discuss findings.

Main findings: The broadcast media perform the watchdog role through reporting of investigations not initiated by them and also through their programs. The absence of watchdog in their media is influenced by the interference of broadcast media owners, enormous economic and commercial pressures on them being a more capital intensive media as well as the failure of broadcast media practitioners to explore the freedom of information Act like their print counterparts do.

Application/Implication: The findings offer a reference point for media regulatory bodies to discover broadcast media issues that are useful for making regulations to improve media practice. It contributes to the call for media social responsibility by providing insight into the impediments of fulfilling the media’s social obligation as a watchdog.

Novelty/originality: Research in the area of media watchdog role and functions have often focused on audience perceptions and evaluations of print media. This study explored broadcast media and added to the conceptualization of the concept of media as watchdog beyond investigative journalism only.
Is ischemia modified albumin a good marker in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: OGAN Nalan , EVRİN Togay , ÇANDAR Tuba , ALHAN Aslıhan , GÜLHAN Meral
Published: February 2020

Objectives:
Our
aim is to compare the Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) in patients with acute
exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with a high
oxidative and inflammatory biologic marker like C-reactive protein (CRP) and to
investigate its employability in AECOPD and the relationship between arterial
blood gas and pulmonary function parameters. Methods: Forty-six
patients diagnosed with acute exacerbation of COPD between March 2015 -
September 2016 at Ufuk University School of Medicine were included. The 1st
and 5th days of IMA and CRP levels were measured. Also, IMA levels
were given in absorbance units (ABSU). Results: Total
46 patients of COPD, 13 (28.3%) were females and 33 (71.76%) were males. The
mean age of the patients was 71.39 ± 10.04 years. The 1st and 5th
day values of IMA, ABSU and CRP were 1.08 ± 0.33 and 0.49 ± 0.24; 1.06 ± 0.34
and 0.49 ± 0.26; and 29.25 (3.10-288.00) and 6.35 (0.30-149.00), respectively (p < 0.001). No significant
correlation was determined between IMA and CRP. Also, no correlation were
determined between the parameters of arterial blood gas and pulmonary function.

Conclusions: Although IMA values showed significant
increase during acute exacerbation of COPD and decreased after treatment, CRP
still appeared more effective in evaluating the exacerbation status and
following up of the treatment of patients with COPD.
Neem and the Environment
Authors: Prasad Rajendra , Prasad Samendra
Published: February 2020

Neem ( Juss) can play a key role in C-sequestration, Azadirachta indica reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) production from the agricultural fields, checking desertification and reducing nitrate eutrophication of surface and groundwater due to fertilizer nitrogen. Neem is a shady tree and reduces temperature of the micro environment under it. Neem also contains a large number of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that may purify the air around the tree; this is in addition to production of oxygen during the day as most trees and plants do.
Macro and Essential Trace Elements in Apis cerana-indica Honey from Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Uniyal P. L. , Chaudhary Ekta , Tiwari P.
Published: February 2020

Quantification of macro and trace elements is of quite an interest to evaluate the nutritional level of honey and for characterizing the bee products in view of safety implications. The aim of present study was set to estimate the macro and essential trace elements of twenty four honeys from some localities of district Pauri, Garhwal Himalaya. Potassium and sodium concentrations were determined by using flame photometer and calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese were studied by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results revealed that potassium was most abundant macro element and in the trace elements, iron and zinc were found to be most common. Statistically analyzed samples were found significantly different (p less than 0.05). Copper showed high and positive correlation with Zinc (r=0.884) as compared to others, while indicated least and negative correlation with sodium which was r=-0.007.
Effect of Precipitation and Nitrogen Input on Soil Respiration in Grasslands
Authors: Singh Hema , Mishra Swati , Afreen Talat
Published: February 2020

Nowadays soil respiration has become an important issue in research. Measurement of soil respiration helps in determining the carbon budget under the influence of global climate change. Rainfall variability and nitrogen (N) input both have a profound impact on soil respiration and its components, i.e. autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration. Besides, soil respiration also shows considerable change due to global warming. According to emissions scenario, the elevated CO2 concentration would increase the soil surface temperature by 2oC in the coming 35 years which may lead to huge C-losses to the atmosphere. Such carbon losses to the atmosphere would aggravate the effects of global warming on the human race. Although some progress had been made in soil respiration research about rainfall variability and N-input, there are discrepancies in the results. But despite considerable scientific attention in recent years, there is no consensus on the direction and magnitude of warming-induced changes in soil carbon. Soil respiration changes with climate but to confirm it observationally have big constraints such as high spatial variability in soil respiration, inaccessibility of the soil medium and inability of the instruments to measure soil respiration on large scales. Further, most of the soil respiration studies about rainfall variability and N-input have been conducted in temperate regions, and tropics have remained ignored. Though tropical countries have not yet experienced the extreme variations in rainfall, still under the ongoing climate change the tropical region would also start to experience altered rainfall regimes. Rainfall variability and N-input are the consequences of intense global climate change and industrialisation, respectively. There are reports from grasslands that the antecedent soil moisture determines the strength of the effect of rainfall on soil respiration. N-input is reported to increase soil respiration only when water addition accompanied it. Further, the effect of N-input on soil respiration was different for the short term and long term addition of nitrogen. Likewise many ecosystem warming experiments suggest that warming increases the carbon fluxes to and from the soil, but the net global balance between these responses is uncertain.
Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria in Certain Agricultural Crop Soils of Delhi
Authors: Baishya Ratul , Saikia Rhituporna
Published: February 2020

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) helps in the solubilization of insoluble phosphates and thus lead to increase in crop yields. A study was conducted to isolate and characterize biochemically PSB from different agricultural crop soils of Delhi such as Garlic, Radish, Chilli, Onion and Cabbage. PSB were isolated in Pikovskaya solid medium and formation of solubilization (halo) zone was measured. 16 PSB were isolated and identified. The selected PSB differed in phosphate solubilizing efficiency, production of organic acids and phosphatases. Citrobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were dominant in all the crop plants. Among all the isolates, Pseudomonas sp. proved to be an efficient phosphate solubilizer.
Interactive Effects of Cinnamic Acid and Water Stress on Wheat Seedlings
Authors: AAmist Nimisha , Singh N. B.
Published: February 2020

In the present study we compared the effects of allelochemical with water stress (WS) on growth, biochemical parameters and responses of antioxidative enzymes in wheat seedlings. The wheat seedlings were treated with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM concentrations of cinnamic acid (CA) with and without water stress by withholding water supply for 5 days. Leaf water status, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, amount of proline and nitrate reductase (NR) and antioxidant enzymes activities were examined. CA resulted in reduction of seedling height with drastic decrease in stressed seedlings. The combined treatments CA+WS further decreased the seedling height. The same result was registered for seedlings dry weight, relative water content and pigment and protein contents. Total soluble sugar content and nitrate reductase activity were variedly affected under all treatments. Proline content and lipid peroxidation increased. Activity of superoxide dismutase increased significantly (P less than 0.05) while catalase activity was lower in all treatments. Ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities were higher as compared with catalase which showed protection of wheat seedlings from oxidative stress. Water stress elevated the toxic effect of allelochemical.
Interactive Effects of Cinnamic Acid and Water Stress on Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Singh N. B. , Amist Nimisha
Published: February 2020

In the present study we compared the effects of allelochemical with water stress (WS) on growth, biochemical parameters and responses of antioxidative enzymes in wheat seedlings. The wheat seedlings were treated with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM concentrations of cinnamic acid (CA) with and without water stress by withholding water supply for 5 days. Leaf water status, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, amount of proline and nitrate reductase (NR) and antioxidant enzymes activities were examined. CA resulted in reduction of seedling height with drastic decrease in stressed seedlings. The combined treatments CA+WS further decreased the seedling height. The same result was registered for seedlings dry weight, relative water content and pigment and protein contents. Total soluble sugar content and nitrate reductase activity were variedly affected under all treatments. Proline content and lipid peroxidation increased. Activity of superoxide dismutase increased significantly (less than 0.05) while catalase P activity was lower in all treatments. Ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities were higher as compared with catalase which showed protection of wheat seedlings from oxidative stress. Water stress elevated the toxic effect of allelochemical.
Nanotechnology: A New Approach for Reducing Heavy Metal Toxicity in Plants
Authors: Gupta Meetu , Sahay Seema
Published: February 2020

Nano-technology becomes a key technology of 21st century due to endow with immense and wide range applications in several interdisciplinary research fields. Ample literature is available on the individual effect of nanoparticles (NPs) and plant responses, whereas, they also interact with heavy metals (HMs) present in the environment. To date, very limited information is available on the systematic investigation regarding the probability of plant exposure to NPs under heavy metal stress conditions, particularly in context to the use of engineered NPs (ENPs) for reducing heavy metal toxicity. Furthermore, there is a need to explore the interactive mechanism of NPs-metals (NPs-HMs complex) including their uptake, localization, and fate in plants at physiological and molecular level. In this brief review, an attempt has been made to provide some aspects related to the possible mechanism of ENPs in the alleviation of metal toxicity in plants. Besides, an update on ENPs characterization, synthesis, uptake, and translocation was also discussed. This review will help to understand the nature of NPs-HMs complex and its potential to design innovative technologies over heavy metal free ecosystem development.
Algal Blooms and Phosphate Eutrophication of Inland Water Ecosystems with Special Reference to India
Authors: Prasad Rajendra , Prasad Rajendra , Prasad Samendra
Published: February 2020

Algal blooms lead to hypoxia resulting in the mortality of fish and other aquatic animals in inland as well as marine waters. A number of reports on fish mortality in lakes and river waters due to hypoxia are available in India. The main cause of algal blooms is reported to be the eutrophication of inland and marine waters with plant nutrients, of which phosphate is the most important. Phosphate is added to inland and marine waters from run-offs from agricultural fields receiving phosphate fertilizers. Phosphate is also added to the waters from untreated human solid waste and sewage in the river and lake waters from nearby towns and cities. An N:P ratio of less than 10:1 is reported to encourage bloomer phytoplankton. Causes other than hypoxia, responsible for the mortality of fish and other aquatic animals include the production of neurotoxins and methanol by phytoplankton, heavy metals from industrial effluents and residues of pesticides from agricultural fields.
Isolation and Characterization of Arsenic Tolerant Bacteria Collected from Arsenic Contaminated Site of West Bengal, India
Authors: Singh N. K. , Verma D. K. , Upadhyay A. K. , Rai U. N.
Published: February 2020

In the present study, arsenic tolerant bacteria were isolated and characterized from rhizospheric soil of rice plant growing in the arsenic contaminated area of West Bengal, India. Among 31 bacterial isolates, nine isolates were showed tolerance at higher concentration of arsenate (As V; 20000 mg mL-1). Selected arsenic tolerance bacterial isolates were characterized based on biochemical analysis, partial 16S rDNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results revealed that selected arsenic tolerant bacterial strains were lavished at 370C and neutral pH 7 and showed a positive response for catalase and oxidase enzymes. Using partial 16S rDNA based identification and phylogenetic analysis, selected bacterial isolates were identified as Jeotgalicoccus nanhaiensis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Paenalcaligenes sp., Providencia sp., Kocuria sp. and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Further, the isolated As tolerant bacterial strains may be tested for their possible utilization in arsenic mobilization in the rhizosphere for enhancing phytoremediation potential to remediate arsenic from contaminated sites. However, efficient arsenic accumulator strain like Pseudomonas stutzeri can be employed as bioresource to develop low-cost bioremediation technology for arsenic removal.
Eco-friendly Environment of Tripura, India Prove to be a Boon for Tasar Cultivation on Zizyphus mauritiana L.
Authors: Das Suman , Ghosh Ashmita , Ray Mrinal , Singh Gangesh B. , Baruah Pradip Kumar
Published: February 2020

Indian silk industry is the second largest producer of silk in the world. India has the unique distinction of being the only country producing all the five known commercial silk, namely, Mulberry, Tropical Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri, and Muga. Among the four varieties of silk produced in 2015-16, Tasar accounts for 9.90%, i.e., 2,818 MT of the total raw silk production of 28,472 MT. In Tripura, the societies are well acquainted with only mulberry silk production. Temperature plays a very vital role in the growth of Tasar (Anthereae mylitta) silkworm also. Anthereae mylitta is a species of moth in the family Saturniidae known commonly as the Tasar silkworm and Vanya silkworm. This species is variable, with at least 44 identified eco-races, populations adapted to varied ecological conditions and food plants. Though Tripura is endowed with well demarcated sub-tropical and temperate zones with a low average temperature of 10°C in the winter season which rises to a maximum average of 35°C in the summer, it supports the cultivation of tropical Tasar silkworm in a very unique manner naturally. The present study analyzes the morphological behavior of the Tasar silkworm in a new environment and its interaction to that particular eco-friendly environment to facilitate the socioeconomic upliftment regarding the sericulture practices exhibited by the rural people of the state of Tripura. This study also proves that in the near future Tasar culture will become a boon to the poor people along with Mulberry cultivation.
Nitric Oxide Alleviates Iron Toxicity by Reducing Oxidative Damage and Growth Inhibition in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings
Authors: Pandey Nalini , Verma Laxmi
Published: February 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important bioactive signaling molecule in plants which modulates a variety of physiological processes and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, the effects of exogenous NO supplied as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in wheat seedlings under ironinduced oxidative damage was investigated. An appropriate concentration of NO was determined by conducting a preliminary experiment. In solution culture, wheat seeds were grown in the control (100 μM Fe), and toxic Fe (400 μM Fe) levels and the toxic Fe supply was treated with various levels of (50, 100, 200 and 500 μM) sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The results indicated that 400 μM Fe significantly decreased percentage germination, tolerance index, root lengths as well as fresh and dry weight compared to control. Exogenous SNP attenuated the inhibition of wheat seed germination. The promoting effect was most pronounced at 100 μM SNP. The accumulated concentration of iron and active Fe was significantly decreased by SNP treated Fe toxic seedlings. Toxicity of Fe caused oxidative stress by elevating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents in roots of wheat seedlings. One hundred μM SNP counteracted Fe toxicity by reducing the H2O2, MDA and proline contents of toxic Fe exposed seedlings. Meanwhile, application of SNP markedly reduced the activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidases (APX), non protein thiols (NPT) and of glutathione reductase (GR) and increased ascorbate (ASc) compared with Fe toxic treatment alone, thereby indicating the modulation of the antioxidative capacity in the root under Fe stress by NO. The results indicated that the exogenous application of SNP, improved the antioxidant enzymes activity of wheat seedlings against Fe induced oxidative stress.
Growth Measurements of Invasive Plant Mikania micrantha Kunth (Mile a Minute Weed), A Threat of Biodiversity
Authors: Vijayan Swapna , Joy C. M.
Published: February 2020

This study attempts to measure the growth of invasive plant species Mikania micrantha Kunth, which is considered as one among the top hundred worst invasive weeds worldwide. Seedlings of Mikania micrantha were propagated through vegetative part as well as seed for the study. The juvenile plants were allowed to grow on different hosts such as poles (nonliving support) and a garden plant (living support) in a soil that contains minimum requirements for growth. Growth of the seedlings was recorded daily by measuring the length of the stem, a number of twines and number of leaves for a growth period of fourteen days. The plants thrived on both types of support. The growth rate was higher in vegetatively propagated plants. It ensures re-growth even from a single node and is responsible for successful invasion of the weed after mechanical weeding.
Monitoring of Pesticides Level in Agricultural Soils using Validated Method
Authors: Pakade Yogesh B. , Chahal Vanita , Singh Navdeep , Nagpal Avinash , Katnoria Jatinder K
Published: February 2020

Agricultural soil serves as a natural medium for the growth of a variety of edible crops and vegetables. Likewise, systematic assessment of agricultural soil becomes mandatory as it reflects direct linkage with the food chain and health of living beings. In the past few decades, it has been detected with the presence of various environmental contaminants being heavy metals and pesticides. The current research focuses on the investigation of different pesticides viz., organophosphorous (OPPs) and organochlorine (OCs) in agricultural soils of Amritsar (India) using gas chromatograph. All soil samples (except south zone) were found to be contaminated with one or the other pesticide. The linearity was observed over the range from 0.1 to 1.0 mg L-1 for all pesticides. The coefficient of determination (r2) was observed in the range of 0.916 to 0.999. The LODs, based on signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 3, ranged from 0.003 to 0.009 mg L-1. The precision of the proposed method was presented and accepted with an RSD greater than 20%. This report pertains to the presence of alarming concentrations of pesticides in soils of Amritsar (India).
First Report of Ulva sapora (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) from Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Bast Felix , Rani Pooja
Published: February 2020

The green marine algal species Ulva sapora (U. sapora) had only been reported from Australia till date. In this study, we analyzed many algal specimens collected from different locations of Indian coastline and the Andaman Islands. Both morphological, as well as nuclear ITS1 based phylogenetic analysis, revealed them to be congruent with U. sapora. All the isolates from India clustered with the accessions from Australia forming a monophyletic clade with strong statistical support. We also generated sequence data of chloroplast-encoded CF1-ATPase betasubunit gene (atpB) for the first time for this species. Phylogenetic assessments at this locus revealed an evolutionary affinity of U. sapora with Ulva intestinalis. As U. sapora is commercially important edible green seaweed and a known indicator for coastal pollution, this new record for India are expected to be significant.
Rapid Screening of Wheat Cultivars Suitable for Cultivation in Cd Contaminated Soils under Mountain Ecosystem
Authors: Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Khatri Shakuntala , Shridhar Vijay
Published: February 2020

Four wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cv. HPW-184, HPW-236, HPW-155, VL-829) have been evaluated concerning plant growth parameters under the influence of varying Cd concentrations (0-20 mg Cd L-1) to identify the potential Cd tolerant cultivar. Early response of test cultivars evaluated in terms of mean germination rate, lengths, and biomass of plants was found to decrease significantly with the increasing Cd concentration (p less than or equal to 0.05). Results of 2-way ANOVA test further showed that Cd concentrations, cultivars, and their interactions affected these parameters significantly except the number of leaves. The tolerance to excess Cd among the four wheat cultivars was found to be in order HPW-236 greator than HPW-184 greator than HPW-155 greator than VL-829. The present study suggests the suitability of T. aestivum cv. HPW-236 for cultivation in a Cd polluted soil under mountain ecosystem. However, the Cd accumulation potential of these cultivars exposed to the Cd contaminated soil seems a future research topic.
Carbon and Ecological Footprint of Textile Industry: Application of R3 Strategy to Mitigate the Environmental Effects of Textile Processing Waste
Authors: Rathore Dheeraj , Singh Ratan
Published: February 2020

The carbon footprint reflects the greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated throughout the life cycle of a human activity or product, and is therefore an important tool for assessing and managing GHGs emissions. Ecological footprint display the impact assesments of waste managments process of any industry, as it generates very harmful products in the environment. However, it needs attention to use advanced technology to mentain the equllibrium of carbon and ecological footprint of textile industry. Presented review comprises the carbon and ecological foot prints of textile effluents and 3R strategy for their possible balance. 3R strategy i.e. reduce, recycle and reuse were discussed in terms of carbon reduction through transport management, and waste management generated from textile industries including nutritional value of textile sludge and effluent for agricultural use.
Nitric Oxide-Mediated Modulation of Functional Iron Status in Iron-Deficient Maize Plants
Authors: Tewari Rajesh Kumar
Published: February 2020

Nitric oxide is reported to alleviate Fe-deficiency effects, possibly by enhancing the functional Fe status of plants. Study describes changes in leaf tissue Fe status and consequent modulation of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in Fe-deficient maize (Zea mays L.) plants supplied with NO. Supply of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), but not of sodium ferrocyanide (SF), caused regreening of leaves, syntheses of chlorophylls and carotenoids and increased activities of hydrogen peroxide-scavenging heme-Fe enzymes and lipid peroxidation, decreased SOD activity and hydrogen peroxide concentration. Though SNP or SF appears to donate Fe and increase leaf active Fe, the later did not induce increases in chlorophyll and carotenoids, and therefore NO appears to have a role in Fe nutrition irrespective of total or active Fe status of plants.
Floristic Diversity Status Assessment of Lichens from Dima Hasao District, North East, India
Authors: Nayaka Sanjeeva , Mishra Gaurav K. , Upreti Dalip K.
Published: February 2020

An enumeration of 142 species of lichens belonging to 60 genera and 27 families from Dima Hasao district in North East region is provided. The present study supplemented 98 species new to the lichen biota of Assam. The study added one new record of basidiolichen [Multiclavula vernalis (Schw.) Petersen] to the lichen biota of India. The lichen genus Graphis with 21 species exhibit its dominance in the area followed by Pyrenula and Parmotrema with nine and eight species respectively. Among the different localities in the area Umrangso towards Khundog showed maximum diversity of lichens represented by 58 species followed by the locality in and around circuit house, represented by 42 species. The dominance of Graphidioid community in the area indicates an evergreen open canopy forest as well as the presence of smooth bark trees in the region.
Antibacterial Potential of some Plant Extracts against Escherichia coli, along with its Phytochemical Analysis, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Singh Pooja , Srivastava Upma
Published: February 2020

In vitro antibacterial activity of 21 plant methanolic extracts were investigated by disc diffusion method against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Amongst the extracts tested, the Datura stramonium L. and Ocimum basilicum L. showed significant antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogen. D. stramonium showed the highest antibacterial activity followed by O. basilicum extract. Phytochemical analysis of extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ABTS analysis of potent extract D. stramonium showed appreciable antioxidant activity. For DPPH and ABTS assay the highest antioxidant activity was observed at 60 mg ml-1 concentration with a percent inhibition of 71.66 and 77.19 with IC50 value 9.71 and 22.16 μg ml-1 respectively. Moreover, the radical scavenging activity of the extract was lower than that observed for the synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA )and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The total phenolic content of D. stramonium extract was found to be 0.592 mg GAE/gm which was assayed using Folin ciocalteau reagent. The results provide evidence that the extract of D. stramonium and O. basilicum can be further recommended in the treatment of the infections caused by E. coli; further D. stramonium is also a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Heavy Metal Accumulation by Plant Species at Fly-Ash Dumpsites: Thermal Power Plant, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Authors: Pathak Bhawana , Rawat Krishna , Fulekar M. H.
Published: February 2020

Naturally growing wild plant species were identified for accumulation of heavy metals at fly ash different disposal sites of Thermal Power Plant Gandhinagar. Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr metals were selected for studying accumulation by indigenous plants. Nine major weed species growing dominantly at fly ash dumpsite were identified i.e. Prosopis juliflora, Ipomea carnea, Calotropis procana, Nerium indicum, Abutilon indicum, Tephrosia purpunea, Cassia tora, Parthenium hysterphorus, Jatropha gossypifolia. Results showed significant accumulation of fly ash heavy metals by indigenous identified plants positive pattern of accumulation differed significantly in different weed species. Roots showed higher accumulation of heavy metals as compared with shoot in most of the plants but in some shoots also showed more accumulation compared to roots. Both translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor was calculated to determine metal translocation from site to roots and from root to shoot. Current results suggest that these plants species can effectively survive in harsh environment and can be used for eco-restoration purpose and also they can be used as potential phytoremediation species.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND MINIMUM EFFECTIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FOUND IN DISINFECTANTS
Authors: Shestopalov Nikolay V. , Fedorova L. S. , Skopin A. Yu.
Published: February 2020

The antimicrobial properties of various chemical compounds are significantly different. These differences are determined as the properties of the chemical compound and the properties of applied microorganisms. To determine the antimicrobial activity and establish the minimum effective concentrations of the most common chemical compounds, the Research Institute for Disinfectology of the Federal Service on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare Supervision Rospotrebnadzor conducted extensive research. The antimicrobial properties of chemical compounds were studied in relation to the main test microorganisms - gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, mold, viruses. The results obtained allowed establishing the minimum effective concentration for 9 chemical compounds in relation to 10 test microorganisms.
STUDY OF THE PARTICLE SIZE COMPOSITION OF ATMOSPHERIC SUSPENSION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND INDUSTRIAL CENTER OF EASTERN SIBERIA
Authors: Efimova Natalia V. , Drozd V. A. , Golokhvast K. S. , Elfimova T. A. , Motorov B. P.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Snow is an informative object for assessing the chemical load in areas with persistent snow cover. However, snow samples are rarely used as a source of air contamination data. The purpose of the study is to characterize the atmospheric air by the granulometric composition of suspended substances contained in snow samples. Methods. Studies of the particle size distribution of atmospheric suspensions accumulated in the snow cover for the winter period 2017-2018 have been carried out. The snow was placed in sterile containers and stored at room temperature. The liquid was studied on a laser particle analyzer Fritsch Analysette 22 NanoTech (Germany). The measurements were carried out in the range from 0.08 to 2000 μm. Results. At the five points studied, was found the predominance of small particles (with a diameter of 10.1-50 μm and 1-10 μm). Most of the atmospheric suspension (21.8-60.9%) is represented by particles with size from 10.1 to 50 microns. The highest content of fine dust with a diameter of 1-10 microns is noted in the immediate vicinity of the railway tracks. This is probably due to the combustion of diesel fuel in railway locomotives. The background point is located in a residential area that is remote from industrial sources of pollution and highways. The peculiarity of the background point is the content of a significant proportion of particles of large size (fraction from 400 to 700 microns was 27.8%, more than 700 microns - 23.8%). Conclusion. Research indicates the need to further improve the system of social and hygienic monitoring of environmental pollution using snow cover analysis methods.
THE RATIONALE FOR THE USE OF INDICES OF A NON-SPECIFIC LINK OF PATHOGENESIS AND THE DOSE OF LOCAL VIBRATION WHEN PREDICTING THE RISK OF DEVELOPING A VIBRATIONAL DISEASE
Authors: Dyakovich Marina P. , Rukavishnikov V. S. , Pankov V. A. , Lakhman O. L. , Kuleshova M. V.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. The importance of attracting to predict the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) nonspecific indices of violations of the basic functional systems, for which the dose or exposure dependences can be clearly established, is shown. There is shown the importance of attracting non-specific indices of violations of the main functional systems of the body, for which dose or exposure dependencies can be clearly established to predict the development of vibrational disease (VD) due to a local vibration. Material and methods. The studies were carried out on the information array of personalized indices of the functional systems in aircraft production workers exposed to local vibration. There was used a multiplicity of exceeding the maximum dose of vibration as an index of the vibration effect during the work. Information-entropy modeling was used to predict the risk of changes in functional systems formation. Results. Analysis of calculations in different variants of diagnostic models allowed drawing a conclusion that the pathological indices of the main activity of the brain and thyroid system made the greatest contribution (82.6%) to HAVS formation among the studied combinations. In the model with the consideration of the indices of the main activity of the brain and the thyroid system, an increase in the equivocation of the system to almost 100% were and by 3 times increasing differences between the coefficients of redundancy characterizing the relative organization of the system in the norm and pathology were noted. Conclusion. The conducted studies have allowed substantiating the high importance of non-specific indices of the pathogenesis of HAVS (Central nervous system and thyroid systems), which opens up opportunities to attract them to the structure of the model, taking into account the dose of local vibration. It is proposed to consider the expansion of the information base with the involvement in the model, along with indices of the specific link of the pathogenesis of HAVS and indices of its nonspecific link.
ANALYSIS OF THE OCCUPATIONAL MORBIDITY AMONG WORKING-AGE WOMEN
Authors: Pankov Vladimir A. , Kuleshova M. V.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Female employees composing of 49% of the total engaged population, work in conditions that do not meet sanitary and hygienic standards, which lead to impaired health and reducing working longevity. The purpose of the study is to analyze the occupational morbidity (OM) of the female population employed in the main industries of the Irkutsk Region. Material and methods. The analysis of the OM for 2006-2018, working conditions of female workers of the Irkutsk Region was carried out. The alignment of the dynamic range was used for OM analyzing. The results are presented by intensive and extensive variables, average, and minimum and maximum values. Results. Three time periods of the OM level formation were established: growth (2006-2010), stagnation (2011-2014) and decrease (2015-2018). During the growth period, infectious diseases (27.6%), respiratory diseases (19.5%), and organs of hearing (18.9%) prevailed in the OM structure in women. On the background of the OM indices decrease, a statistically significant increase in respiratory diseases, vibration disease, and infectious diseases, and also an increase of the occupational diseases’ share among women employed in the processing of woods, production of aircraft, and metallurgical industry is observed. The largest number of OM cases is registered at the privately-owned enterprises - 46.4 [32.3-73.3] %. Conclusion. OM dynamics are characterized by a significant decrease, however, an increase in the proportion of occupational diseases registered in women among all newly detected cases. Women employed in health care, wood processing, ship and aircraft manufacturing, metallurgy, power generation, transmission, and distribution are most at risk of developing occupational diseases. The current situation is a consequence of the long accumulation and unresolved problems of ensuring safe working conditions and requires the adoption of systemic measures aimed at the preservation of women’s health.
NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FEATURES AT PATIENTS FROM OCCUPATIONAL NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Authors: Shevchenko Oksana I. , Rusanova D. V. , Lakhman O. L.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Issues of studying the central origins and development of оccupational pathology in the faces of flight personnel define a need for the application of neurophysiological and neuropsychological methods of research. Material and methods. The levels of constant potential (LCP), characteristics the somatosensory caused potentials (SSVP), neuropsychological features in 95 patients with оccupational neurosensory deafness (ONSD) and 35 cases in a group of comparison are studied. Methods of the statistical analysis with a definition of W-of criterion of Shapiro-Uilka, Mann-Whitney›s U-criterion, coefficient of correlation of Spirmen, the discriminant analysis are applied. Results. in ONSD at patients the quantity of cases with the increased values of average LCP were established to prevail significantly in comparison with those in patients of a group of comparison (39% and 13% respectively, р = 0.03), strengthening of neuropower exchange in right and left frontal, central, left central, left parietal, right temporal assignments, increase in duration of the latent period of N18, N30 components are registered (р < 0.05). The condition of the cognitive sphere was characterized by the easily expressed violations of functions of analytical and synthetic thinking, оral-aural memory, visual, long-term memory, reciprocal coordination, impressive speech. Correlation connection between the index of N13-N20 and indices characterizing a condition of long-term memory, reciprocal coordination, the expressional speech is established (rs=0.45; 0.28; 0.28 at р =0.008; 0.04; 0.03 respectively), an index the between hemispheres of the relations Fd-Fs and latency of P25 and N30 (rs = 0.53 and 0.29 at р =0.009; 0.02 respectively). Diagnostic signs of brain deficiency at patients with ONSD were indices of visual gnosis, reciprocal coordination, LCP in right central, central parietal assignments of a brain, duration of the latent period of N30, N18-N20 (F=9.14; 5.43; 6.08; 4.41 4.77; 4.34 respectively). Conclusions. Violations of power metabolism in the frontal and central and parietal and temporal assignments of a brain, a functional condition of the central carrying-out structures, disorganization of cognitive activity were established to be a consequence of the impact of aviation noise and the reason of brain deficiency.
SCORE EXPOSITION OF CHEMICAL LOADS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH OCCUPATIONAL RISKS IN THE MODERN MANUFACTURE OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Authors: Meshchakova Nina M. , Shayakhmetov S. F. , Lemeshevskaya E. P. , Zhurba O. M.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. In the modern production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), despite relatively low levels of air pollution of the working zone of the harmful substances, the problem of the negative effects of chemical factors on organism remains topical In this regard, the objective of the present study was the quantitative estimation of exposure of chemical loads (ECL) priority toxicants in PVC production and the identification of associated links with health indices. Material and methods. In the work of the applied methods of hygienic studies using a methodology for assessing occupational risks of the method of calculation of exposure to the chemical load. To justify a connection with the profession of morbidity used method of correlation analysis. Results. In PVC production average settlement values of ECL priority substances (vinyl chloride and 1.2 dichloroethane) for the 10-year period were was shown to gradually decrease and be statistically significantly higher: during the first five-year period in comparison with the second, at mechanics in comparison with bureaucrats, in the shop of production of PVC in comparison with the shop of production of VH (р <0.01; р <0.001). When studying the health state of workers, the high prevalence of occupational risks was also noted rather functional violations of a cardiovascular system (31.2±5.1), neurologic frustration (28.0±3.2), functional violations of a digestion system (26.3±3.4). At medical examination diseases of a cardiovascular system (43.4±5.9), the nervous system (29.5±4.9), the system of digestion had the greatest prevalence (19.7±4.0). Correlation relationships between separate indices of the violation of health and quantitative indices of ECL are revealed. Conclusion. For example, in employees of a modern PVC production, the results demonstrate it to be possible to identify an association between health and ECL, reflecting the cumulative impact of chemical pollutants production media after years of work at the enterprise. There was confirmed the usefulness of calculations specified ECL for linking disease with an occupation, particularly in the context of the effects of low concentrations of chemicals.
MARKERS OF VASCULAR TONE AND INFLAMMATION IN PERSONS EXPOSED TO MERCURY
Authors: Naumova Olga V. , Kudaeva I. V. , Masnavieva L. B. , Dyakovich O. A.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an important link in the development of cardiovascular disease. There is evidence that exposure to mercury and its compounds can be a risk factor for the development of ED. The aim - the study of endothelial dysfunction markers involved in the regulation of vascular tone, inflammation, and vascular endothelial damage in patients with cardiovascular disease, the exposed and unexposed mercury. Material and Methods. In persons exposed due to their occupational activities with metallic mercury, who had been working for over five years, people with newly diagnosed chronic mercury intoxication and patients with chronic mercury intoxication in the long post-exposure period, and the persons are not exposed mercury a cross-sectional survey was conducted using biochemical methods Results. In examinees there have been revealed changes in the content of biochemical indices of ED - reducing nitrogen oxide, an elevated level of endothelin-1, angiotensin II, histamine, hsCRP, homocysteine. There has been established a breach in the content of ED markers that are pathogenic factors in the development of ED and, as a consequence, the development of cardiovascular disease in chronic mercury exposure. Conclusion. In persons exposed to mercury there were the most pronounced changes in the regulation of vascular tone, which may be one of the factors in the development of vascular disease. At the same time the importance of inflammation indices and vascular endothelial damage plays a secondary role.