In this report, aqueous phase green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle utilizing Platanus orientalis is elucidated for the first time. The phytoconstituents of the P. orientalis leaf extract serve a dual role as reducing and capping agent during the fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles. The role of the leaf extract in the synthesis of iron oxide has been briefly demonstrated in this work. The tailored iron oxide particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering technique. Nonetheless, X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the mixed phase nature of the ensuing iron oxide, i.e. α-Fe2O3 and γ-Fe2O3. The spherical oxide particles have an average diameter of 38 nm as determined from transmission electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles by the phytochemicals present in the leaf extract. Iron oxide nanoparticles show significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Mucor piriformis, employed as model fungi, but found to be more active toward M. piriformis.

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Due to fast and deadly spread of corona virus (COVID-19), the Government of India implemented lockdown in the entire country from 25 April 2020. So, we studied the differences in the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi (DTU, Okhla and Patparganj), Haryana (Jind, Palwal and Hisar) and Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Kanpur and Greater Noida) from 17 February 2020 to 4 May 2020. The AQI was calculated by combination of individual sub-indices of seven pollutants, namely PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , NH 3 , SO 2 , CO and O 3 , collected from the Central Pollution Control Board website. The AQI has improved by up to 30-46.67% after lockdown. The AQI slope values − 1.87, − 1.70 and − 1.35 were reported for Delhi, − 1.11, − 1.31 and − 1.04 were observed for Haryana and − 1.48, − 1.79 and − 1.78 were found for Uttar Pradesh (UP), which may be attributed to limited access of transportation and industrial facilities due to lockdown. The ozone (O 3) concentration was high at Delhi because of lesser greenery as compared to UP and Haryana, which provides higher atmospheric temperature favourable for O 3 formation. The air mass back trajectory (AMBT) analysis reveals the contribution of air mass from Europe, Africa and Gulf countries as well as local emissions from Indo-Gangetic Plain, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra states of India.

Studies on baboons and preliminary observations in three patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) suggested that high doses of pulse administered recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) stimulate F-reticulocyte production. We now report on the administration of rHuEPO in a double- blind format to ascertain frequency of response and potential precipitation of side effects. Ten patients were enrolled, but one was discontinued due to the indication of a blood transfusion. Of the other nine, five received rHuEPO in escalating doses (from 400 to 1,500 U per kg twice daily [BID] per week), alternating with a placebo, in blinded fashion. The second group, consisting of four patients, followed an identical protocol (except starting dose was 1,000 U/Kg, BID per week) and were iron supplemented during treatment. The criterion of response was a transient doubling (as a minimum) of the steady-state F- reticulocyte level. We found that none of the five patients in the first group responded to rHuEPO, and two of them became iron deficient, as judged by a significant decrease in ferritin. Of the second group, four patients responded with F-reticulocyte increases. In three patients, open label administration of rHuEPO confirmed the effect. We observed seven painful episodes during this study, two during the EPO administration and five during the placebo arm. Three patients were phlebotomized because the hemoglobin level increased 1.5 g/dL more than steady-state levels. Of the six patients followed-up by percent dense cell determinations, one exhibited increased levels during periods of the treatment, whereas the other five showed no change. No anti-rHuEPO antibodies were detected. We conclude that rHuEPO can stimulate F- reticulocyte response in some patients with sickle cell anemia, without apparent negative clinical side effects. The state of iron stores may be critical. Whether higher doses of rHuEPO and/or a different regimen might induce sustained F cells and fetal hemoglobin increases remains to be determined.

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The worldwide pandemic situation of COVID-19 generates a situation in which healthcare resources such as diagnostic kits, drugs and basic healthcare infrastructure were on shortage throughout the period, along with negative impact on socio-economic system. Standardized public healthcare models were missing in pandemic situation, covering from hospitalized patient care to local resident’s healthcare managements in terms of monitoring, assess to diagnosis and medicines. This exploratory and intervention-based study with the objective of proposing COVID-19 Care Management Model representing comprehensive care of society including patients (COVID-19 and other diseases) and healthy subjects under integrated framework of healthier management model. Shifting policy towards technology-oriented models with well-aligned infrastructure can achieve better outcomes in COVID-19 prevention and care. The planned development of technical healthcare models for prognosis and improved treatment outcomes that take into account not only genomics, proteomics, nanotechnology, materials science perspectives but also the possible contribution of advanced digital technologies is best strategies for early diagnosis and infections control. In view of current pandemic, a Healthier Healthcare Management Model is proposed here as a source of standardized care having technology support, medical consultation, along with public health model of sanitization, distancing and contact less behaviours practices. Effective healthcare managements have been the main driver of healthier society where, positive action at identified research, technology and management segment more specifically public health, patient health, technology selection and political influence has great potential to enhanced the global response to COVID-19. The implementation of such practices will deliver effective diagnosis and control mechanism and make healthier society.

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