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GROWTH RESPONSE OF MUSTARD AND GREEN GRAM PLANTS TO AQUARIUM WASTEWATER IRRIGATION
Aquarium wastewater contains organic matter, beneficial bacteria, and essential nutrients that can potentially improve plant growth. This study investigates the effects of aquarium wastewater on the germination and growth of mustard (Brassica juncea) and green gram (Vigna radiata). Seeds were grown under different treatments involving wastewater concentrations. Morphological parameters such as plant height, leaf size, and germination rate were recorded. Results revealed enhanced growth in mustard compared to green gram, suggesting that non-leguminous crops respond more favorably to aquarium wastewater. The findings support the eco-friendly reuse of fish tank effluent in sustainable agriculture
MICROWAVE-ASSISTED SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZNO NANOPARTICLES
A spinel ZnO nanocatalyst was successfully synthesized via a direct microwave heating method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase cubic spinel gahnite structure (ZnAl₂O₄) with a calculated lattice parameter of 8.335 Å, indicating high phase purity. The average crystallite size, estimated using the Debye-Scherrer equation, was approximately 26.53 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic metal–oxygen stretching vibrations, corroborating the spinel structure. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) images displayed well-defined, nano-sized grains with uniform morphology, suggesting effective control over particle formation. These findings demonstrate that microwave-assisted synthesis is a viable and efficient approach for producing high-purity spinel ZnO nanocatalysts with desirable structural and morphological properties
Development and Evaluation of Leflunomide Nanoemulgel: A Novel Topical Delivery System for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, joint pain, and progressive cartilage destruction. Leflunomide, a widely used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), effectively suppresses T-cell proliferation by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. However, its oral administration is limited by poor aqueous solubility, first-pass hepatic metabolism, and systemic side effects including hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal discomfort. These limitations necessitate the development of an alternative drug delivery approach that enhances local efficacy while reducing systemic exposure.Objective: The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a leflunomide-loaded nanoemulgel for topical application to improve local anti-inflammatory activity, enhance drug permeation through the skin, and reduce adverse systemic effects in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: A nanoemulsion of leflunomide was prepared using oleic acid as the oil phase, Tween 80 as the surfactant, and propylene glycol as the co-surfactant via the spontaneous emulsification technique. The optimized nanoemulsion was then incorporated into a Carbopol 940 hydrogel base, and phenoxyethanol was used as a preservative. The nanoemulgel was evaluated for various physicochemical properties, including droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drug content. In-vitro drug release studies were performed using Franz diffusion cells over a 24-hour period and compared to a conventional leflunomide gel.Results: The optimized nanoemulgel exhibited a mean droplet size below 200 nm, low PDI (< 0.3), and a stable zeta potential, indicating good formulation stability. The pH and viscosity were within acceptable limits for dermal application, and the formulation showed excellent spreadability and over 95% drug content uniformity. In-vitro release studies demonstrated 74% cumulative drug release over 24 hours from the nanoemulgel, significantly higher than the conventional gel, confirming improved release and potential for enhanced topical efficacy.Conclusion: The developed leflunomide-loaded nanoemulgel, comprising oleic acid, Tween 80, propylene glycol, and phenoxyethanol, showed promising physicochemical characteristics and superior drug release behavior. These findings support its potential as an effective and safe topical therapeutic system for the localized treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A TOPICAL HERBAL CREAM CONTAINING ALOE VERA EXTRACT FOR ENHANCED PHOTOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY AGAINST UV-INDUCED SKIN DAMAGE
This study develops and evaluates a topical photoprotective cream containing Aloe vera extract because of its established soothing and moisturizing properties along with antioxidant effects. The developers chose appropriate excipients to create a cream that offered excellent spread ability alongside stability and skin compatibility features and selected Aloe vera as the main bioactive element because of its protective potential against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The first step in formulation involved preparing an oil-in-water emulsion base which later received Aloe vera gel addition. A series of physicochemical tests evaluated the final cream product through assessments of organoleptic properties together with pH measurements and spread ability tests and viscosity measurements and stability tests conducted under different storage conditions. The spectrophotometric method measured in vitro sun protection factor to determine the photoprotective ability of the formulation. The cream met the requirements for desirable physical characteristics and provided moderate to good UV protection according to traditional skin care practices that use Aloe vera. This study suggests that Aloe vera-based topical formulations can serve as effective, natural photoprotective agents and provide a promising alternative to synthetic sunscreens
GROUNDWATER SUITABILITY FOR DRINKING PURPOSE IN AURANGABAD AREA, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA: A WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) APPROACH
The depleting groundwater quality poses major risks to human health, ecologies and the environment. This study was an effort to evaluate the potability of subterranean water in Aurangabad area, Maharashtra by the WQImethod, aninclusivetechnique for assessing and detecting the appropriateness of groundwater for human consumption. The total 60 samples of groundwater were collected from different selected locations and a comprehensive examination of groundwater quality was conducted, comprising a range of physical parameters (colour, odour, taste, TDS, turbidity, and EC), chemical parameters (TA, TH and pH) and inorganic parameters(sulfate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and iron). The ranged of WQI values obtained from excellent to unfit for drinking. The results showed that only 2% samples showing excellent water quality. The majority of samples that is about 47.5% showed poor to very poor water quality, while 12% samples were estimated unfit for drinking. The results underlined the need for effective groundwater management policies, including monitoring, protection, and justifiable use practices, to protect this crucial resource and ensure the health and well-being of societiesdependent on groundwater
AIR POLLUTANTS INDUCED HAIR FALL
Hair fall is a common concern among human beings. The bodily factors are proven to be responsible for it. However, in addition to it,external environmental factors are also responsible for the same. This paper sheds light on the various air pollutants viz. particulate matter including dust suspended, respirable, and fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants viz. sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,ultra violate radiation and humidity responsi ble for human hair fall and the mechanism involved in it
Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of nonantibacterial drugs - Diclofenac Sodium, Omeprazole and Cetirizine against E. faecalis when used as an intracanal medicament: An in vitro study
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of non-antibacterial drugs—diclofenac, omeprazole, and cetirizine—against Enterococcus faecalis when used as intracanal medicaments at time interval of 24 hr and 7 days in endodontic treatments.Settings and Design: An in-vitro comparative studyMaterials and Method: The study comprised of four test groups- Group – 1 [Ca (OH)2 (16mg/ml)], Group – 2 [Diclofenac sodium (400 mg/ml)], Group – 3 [Omeprazole (4 mg/ml)], Group – 4 [Cetirizine (2 mg/ml)], each group contained 10 samples, which were evaluated for antibacterial efficacy using agar well diffusion test. The experimental specimens were then placed on agar plates inoculated with E. faecalis, and the area of inhibition was calculated.Statistical analysis: Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using multiple group comparison using One-way Anova, Posthoc Tukey test and Paired t-test.Results: All the experimental groups exhibited bacterial inhibition; however, group 2 exhibited highest antibacterial activity compared to group 1,3 and 4.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the promising antibacterial efficacy of non-antibacterial drugs, particularly diclofenac sodium, when used as intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis, highlighting its potential as an effective alternative in endodontic treatments
Double jeopardy: Examining the burden and bias faced by new mothers working in Indian educational institutions
In the Indian culture, women are usually expected to take up the role of a caregiver for their newborns while compromising on their other roles. Moreover, mothers employed in Indian educational institutions tend to experience dual burden of providing care to their neonates while facing systemic gender bias leading to “double jeopardy” negatively impacting their career in the academia. This qualitative study, based out of Delhi NCR, explores the lived experiences of tennew mothers with children aged 0-2 years who are employed as teachers, lecturers or professors at any Indian educational institutions navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood while maintaining a positive professional trajectory. Using in-depth interviews, the research identifies key themes, including institutional barriers, implicit and explicit biases, and the socio-cultural expectations that exacerbate their struggles. Findings indicate that new mothers often face limited structural support, discriminatory policies, and a lack of accommodation for their dual roles. The study presents crucial topics for discussion such as gender based biasness/discrimination in academia by highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms, inclusive workspaces, and institutional sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by new mothers working in Indian educational institutions. The implications extend to fostering gender equity, ensuring work-life balance, and promoting systemic changes within academic institutions to support women employed in academia
Morphological characterization of Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Genotypes and their Hybrids
The present investigation was carried out for successive two years during summer season of 2022-23 and 2024-25 to carry out characterization of 44 genotypes (30 F1 + 13 parents) including 1 check of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) at Main Experimental Research Station, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh India
EFFECT OF LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN ON THE ACTIVITY OF GLYCOLYTIC PATHWAY AND MITOCHONDRIAL OXIDATIVE ENZYMES
The application of pyrethroids as an insecticide and anti parasitary preparations has markedly increased. Fishes are extremely susceptible to these substances. An important factor is the rapid absorption of their accessibility, thus also the risk for aquatic organisms. The present study is a contribution to the assessment of toxicity and effects of lambda cyhalothrin on a benthic species, Clarias batrachus. Effect of lambda cyhalothrin on the activity of glycolytic pathway and mitochondrial oxidative enzymes were studied. Three groups of 25 fishes each were selected for the study. Specific activity of pyruvate kinase at different durations of exposure to the pyrethroid showed significant variation. Specific activity of citrate synthase after 45 days of exposure, the enzyme activity of the hepatic tissue of fishes of both experimental groups remained above the control levels. Specific activity of α-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in the various tissues viz., ovary, muscle, liver, heart and brain of the pyrethroid-exposed fishes showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) by the end of the exposure period of 45 days when compared to the control group. In fishes exposed to the higher sub-lethal concentration of lambda cyhalothrin, the ovary, muscle, liver, heart and brain tissues showed a significant decline (P<0.05) in the SDH enzyme activity at all durations of exposure to the pyrethroid in comparison to the control of animals. In the present study, the synthetic pyrethroid lambda cyhalothrin showed a significant inhibition of the malate dehydrogenase activity of the various tissues of Clarias batrachus even at sub-lethal concentrations. The liver tissue of pyrethroid-exposed fishes of both groups showed a gradual and significant decline (P<0.05) in the ATP levels throughout the exposure period when compared to the control group of fishes