Electroanalytical chemistry of some organometallic compounds of tin, lead and germanium

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An Insight into the Changing Scenario of Gut Microbiome during Type 2 Diabetes

The gut microbiome consists of bacteria, protozoans, viruses, and archaea collectively called as gut microbiota. Gut microbiome (GM) modulates a variety of physiological responses ranging from immune and inflammatory responses, neuronal signalling, gut barrier integrity and mobility, synthesis of vitamins, steroid hormones, neurotransmitters to metabolism of branched-chain aromatic amino acids, bile salts, and drugs. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder that is featured by imbalance in blood glucose level, altered lipid profile, and their deleterious consequences. GM dysbiosis a major factor behind the incidence and progression of insulin resistance and is responsible for altering of intestinal barrier functions, host metabolic, and signaling pathways. The GM of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients is characterized by reduced levels of Firmicutes and Clostridia and an increased ratio of Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes. Endotoxemia stimulates a low-grade inflammatory response, which is known to trigger T2DM. Xenobiotics including dietary components, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs strongly affect the gut microbial composition and can promote dysbiosis. However, the exact mechanisms behind the dynamics of gut microbes and their impact on host metabolism are yet to be deciphered. Interventions that can restore equilibrium in the GM have beneficial effects and can improve glycemic control

TLR Signaling on Protozoan and Helminthic Parasite Infection

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a major component of innate immune system, are expressed as membrane or cytosolic receptors on neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), B lymphocytes, Th1, Th2, and regulatory T lymphocytes. It recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and Toll-interleukin1 (IL-1) receptor (TIR) of various invading pathogens. Downstream signaling of TLRs activates NF-κB, which acts as a transcription factor of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and costimulatory molecules. A balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine protects host body from infectious agents and also induces the healing process. Some of parasitic infections by protozoans and helminths such as Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis, Toxoplasmosis, Amoebiasis, Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Ascariasis, Taeniasis, and Fasciolosis are the leading cause of death and economic loss in both developing and developed nations. Frequent exposure to parasites, immigration, refugee resettlement, increasing immunodeficiency, climate change, drug resistance, lack of vaccination, etc. are the major cause of emerging and re-emerging of the above-stated diseases. However, TLR activation by parasites could stimulate antigen presenting cells and ultimately clear the pathogens by phagocytosis. So, a better understanding of host-parasite interaction in relation to TLR signaling pathway will improve the controlling method of these pathogens in immunotherapy

Productivity and profitability of commercial broiler chickens under various farming conditions

Broiler farming plays a vital role in fulfilling global protein requirements. Although broiler farming is considered profitable, profitability might be affected by factors such as genetics, feed quality, and management practices. In the current study, the productivity and profitability of commercial broiler farming were studied under various farming conditions, such as farm size, location of the farm, and mortality of the broilers. Data were collected through farmers' interviews and farm record books and processed and analyzed to determine the productivity and profitability of broiler farming. Productivity and profitability did not differ significantly across farm sizes and locations. The results of the study reported mortality as a factor affecting productivity and profitability in broiler farming. It was manifest that mortality adversely affected the productivity and profitability of broiler farming. A significant positive relationship was recorded between mortality and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, mortality was negatively correlated with the gross margin of broiler farming, meaning that the low gross margin was due to the high mortality at broiler farms. The farms were more profitable when the mortality was <5%, compared to >10%. It is recommended to reduce the mortality percentage of broiler chickens as minimum as possible, preferably <5%. Good quality chicks, better management, and the prevention of diseases might play an important role in keeping the mortality rate at a minimum level in broiler farming

Use of Probiotics for Safe Quail Meat Production

Safe meat production is an important aspect to avoid human health hazards. The use of probiotics in poultry is an important tool to produce safe meat among several established biotechnological approaches. In this experiment, we studied the effects of probiotics for producing safe Japanese quail meat. 150 Japanese quail chicks were reared for a period of six weeks using various doses of probiotics (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2g per litre of water). The chicks were randomly distributed into five treatment groups with three replications each. The number of birds in each replication was 10. After rearing six weeks, significantly high body weight was found at probiotic concentrations of 1, 1.5, and 2g per litre of water. The feed intake in various treatments did not differ significantly, but comparatively better feed conversion ratios were observed at probiotic treatments. Water quality was not significantly differed as a result of addition of probiotics to the water. The reason for this better growth performance is probably due to the multiple benefits of probiotics in poultry. Probiotics could have maintained gut health with better nutrient utilization and availability that might have been led to higher body weight gain in the quail. In future experiments, challenging the birds with diseases or comparing probiotics with antibiotic growth promoters is required to ensure the efficiency of probiotics

Effect of kaolin geopolymer ceramic addition on the properties of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joint

This paper investigates the effects of different weight percentages (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt.%) of kaolin geopolymer ceramic (KGC) on the microstructure formation, thermal properties, spreadability and joint strength in Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) lead-free solder alloys in order to develop a new composite solder system. Advanced characterization techniques such as Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and synchrotron micro-XRF were used to study the behaviors of the pure SAC305 and KGC reinforced SAC305 composite solders. Experimental results shows that the addition of KGC refines the β-Sn area and increases the eutectic area with fine intermetallics formation. In addition, the thickness of the IMC layer is reduced with a reduction in undercooling value for the KGC reinforced SAC305 composite solder. The spreadability of the KGC reinforced SAC305 composite solder is significantly increased in the spreadable area with a higher strength of solder joint. Significantly, the results obtained prove that 1.0 wt.% KGC addition gives better performance in terms of microstructure formation, thermal properties, spreadability and joint strength. Synchrotron micro-XRF interestingly indicated that some Al and Si, which are the major elements in geopolymer systems, migrate into the solder area

Modeling of riser-seabed-water interaction at touch down zone using computational fluid dynamics approach

Steel catenary risers (SCR) are widely used in deepwater oil and gas production. Due to environmental loading the riser may be subject to six degrees of motion; however, in the touchdown zone (TDZ), the vertical penetration into the seabed and uplift are two of the main components. The riser-seabed-water interaction near the touchdown zone is one of the main concerns in fatigue life design of SCR. During upward displacement, suction develops under the riser and a trench might be formed when it separates from the seabed near the touchdown point (TDP). In subsequent downward movement, the riser penetrates through this trench to the seabed. Therefore, modeling of suction and trench formation is very important. In most of the existing models these factors are incorporated using empirical relationships. It is also recognized that the available finite element (FE) modeling techniques for this large deformation problem are computationally very expensive, although the penetration resistance can be simulated. In the present study, numerical modeling of riser-seabed-water interaction at the TDZ is conducted using ANSYS CFX software to evaluate the response of the riser during its penetration and uplift. A new model for undrained shear strength of soft clay is proposed that is applicable to a wide range of shear strain rates. The models for the effects of strain rate and strength degradation on undrained shear strength are incorporated properly in ANSYS CFX and simulations are performed for one penetration-uplift cycle. The CFX model developed in this study using the subdomain approach is computationally very efficient. It is found that the suction under the riser is the main source of uplift resistance for shallow embedments. The parametric study shows that the maximum uplift resistance and depth of trench depend on uplift velocity and undrained shear strength of clay