Objectives: Convalescent plasma (CP) as a passive source of neutralizing antibodies and immunomodulators is a century-old therapeutic option used for the management of viral diseases. We investigated its effectiveness for the treatment of COVID-19. Design: Open-label, parallel-arm, phase II, multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Thirty-nine public and private hospitals across India. Participants: Hospitalized, moderately ill confirmed COVID-19 patients (PaO2/FiO2: 200-300 or respiratory rate > 24/min and SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air). Intervention: Participants were randomized to either control (best standard of care (BSC)) or intervention (CP + BSC) arm. Two doses of 200 mL CP was transfused 24 hours apart in the intervention arm. Main Outcome Measure: Composite of progression to severe disease (PaO2/FiO2<100) or all-cause mortality at 28 days post-enrolment. Results: Between 22 nd April to 14 th July 2020, 464 participants were enrolled; 235 and 229 in intervention and control arm, respectively. Composite primary outcome was achieved in 44 (18.7%) participants in the intervention arm and 41 (17.9%) in the control arm [aOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.77]. Mortality was documented in 34 (13.6%) and 31 (14.6%) participants in intervention and control arm, respectively [aOR) 1.06 95% CI: -0.61 to 1.83]. Interpretation: CP was not associated with reduction in mortality or progression to severe COVID-19. This trial has high generalizability and approximates real-life setting of CP therapy in settings with limited laboratory capacity. A priori measurement of neutralizing antibody titres in donors and participants may further clarify the role of CP in management of COVID-19.

Pectinases (EC 3.2.1.15) are a class of enzymes that catalyze the depolymerization or de-esterification reactions that degrade pectic substances. In the present study, we have isolated the Aspergillus niger strain from soil samples, in India and evaluated pectinase production. The highest pectinase producing A. niger strain was further evaluated and optimized with various agricultural wastes. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and Central composite design ‘(CCD)’ were used to determine the best parameters for maximum pectinase production. Pectinase activity was increased to 99.21 U/ml after optimizing the production medium using PBD and CCD statistical analysis. A positive correlation of pectinase activity between predicted (112.65 U/ml) and experimental (99.21 U/ml with SD=0.005) optimum was observed. Maximum pectinase was produced by A. niger under submerged fermentation, utilizing orange peel, which is a cost-effective, adaptable, and environmentally friendly approach. The partially purified pectinase showed significant application for apple juice clarification and showed the ability to degrade pectin and therefore the colour change was observed in apple juice within 120 min. Maximum pectinase was produced by A. niger using agricultural waste orange peel under submerged fermentation which is an economical, versatile and eco-friendly process and pectinase showed a significant application for apple juice clarification.

Background: The present scenario of agriculture is dependent on chemical fertilizer, pesticides and artificial growth promoters etc. The extensive uses of these chemicals fertilizers affect soil and it become less fertile. These problem requireaying an attention towards the use of native biological agents for endorsement of plant growth. Indigenous rhizobacteria are the native rhizospheric bacteria having ability to enhance the growth and yield of crop along with bulk soil bacteria. Methods: In present study the selected area was North Maharashtra region in which mainly the sorghum is cultivated. Total 320 rhizobacteria were screen for PGP traits viz. IAA, GA, ACC deaminase production, phosphate, zinc, potassium solubilization. The potential PGPR used for seed germination and pot assay. Result: The highest IAA production was 79.74 µg/mL and GA producing isolate shows 227.27 µg/mL. The quantitative analysis of Phosphate reports 455 µgm/mL. Most of the isolates showed positivity for all the traits. From among all isolates, 12 were selected for preparation of consortium. Seed germination plate assay and pot assay. Seed germination assay shows highest vigor index (820) by mixture of both biostimulators. Similar results were obtained during pot assay, vigor index was 3320 for the combine treatment of both biostimulators.

All over the world, due to the extensive use of pesticides in the agriculture sector, the soil gets contaminated and polluted. In the agriculture field, the pyrethroid pesticide cypermethrin is extensively used to control cotton, vegetables, and fruit insects. Cypermethrin is harmful for the atmosphere, human beings, and animals, along with having exerted detrimental effects on the nervous and reproductive system. Cypermethrin is moderately toxic to the skin and also negatively affects health, such as neurotoxicity and reproductivity. The toxicity of cypermethrin may also lead to death. Due to the very slow degradation rate, low water solubility, and nonpolar nature, the residues of cypermethrin can persist in soil for a longer period with a significant threat. The metabolite of cypermethrin, 3-phenoxy benzoic acid, is also hazardous to humans and surroundings, in addition to causing serious widespread soil and groundwater pollution. Therefore, there is a need to identify and remove such hazardous chemicals. Bioremediation is the best alternative, which is the most effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method. This chapter shows an overview of the current status of biodegradation of cypermethrin in soil and simultaneously also highlights applications of the bioremediation process, which converts cypermethrin and 3-PBA into simple and harmless substances, which play a key role in protecting human lives and the environment. Fungi play a major role in the bioremediation of cypermethrin and 3-PBA contaminating soil. Fungi are more efficient than bacteria because fungi are critical to the biogeochemical cycle and responsible for the bulk of the degradation of xenobiotics like cypermethrin.

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