Chicken Gut Microbiome and Human Health: Past Scenarios, Current Perspectives, and Futuristic Applications.

Sustainable poultry practices are needed to maintain an adequate supply of poultry products to the increasing human population without compromising human wellbeing. In order to achieve the understanding of the core microbiome that assumes an imperative role in digestion, absorption, and assimilation of feed as well as restrict the growth of pathogenic strains, a proper meta-data survey is required. The dysbiosis of the core microbiome or any external infection in chickens leads to huge losses in the poultry production worldwide. Along with this, the consumption of infected meat also impacts on human health as chicken meat is a regular staple in many diets as a vital source of protein. To tackle these losses, sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics are being used as a feed additive along with other conventional approaches including selective breeding and modulation in feed composition. Altogether, these conventional approaches have improved the yield and quality of poultry products, however, the use of antibiotics encompasses the risk of developing multi-drug resistant pathogenic strains that can be harmful to human beings. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the chicken microbiome in order to modulate chicken gut microbiome and provide alternatives to the conventional methods. Although there is now emerging literature available on some of these important microbiome aspects, in this article, we have analysed the relevant recent developments in understanding the chicken gut microbiome including the establishment of integrated gene catalogue for chicken microbiome. We have also focussed on novel strategies for the development of a chicken microbial library that can be used to develop novel microbial consortia as novel probiotics to improve the poultry meat production without compromising human health. Thus, it can be an alternative and advanced step compared to other conventional approaches to improve the gut milieu and pathogen-mediated loss in the poultry industry.

Biogenic Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites kill Staphylococcus aureus without provoking nuclear damage and cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblasts cells under hyperglycemic condition with enhanced wound healing proficiency.

The aim of the present study is focused on the synthesis of Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites, where zinc oxide is overlaid on biogenic gold nanoparticles obtained from Hibiscus Sabdariffa plant extract. Optical property of nanocomposites is investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy and crystal structure has been determined using X-ray crystallography (XRD) technique. The presence of functional groups on the surface of Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites has been observed by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Electron microscopy studies revealed the morphology of the above core-shell nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposite material has shown antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH). The microbes are notorious cross contaminant and are known to cause infection in open wounds. The possible antimicrobial mechanism of as synthesized nanomaterials has been investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and obtained data suggests that the antimicrobial activity could be due to release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Present study has revealed that surface varnishing of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles through zinc oxide has improved its antibacterial proficiency against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas reducing its toxic effect towards mouse fibroblast cells under normal and hyperglycaemic condition. Further studies have been performed in mice model to understand the wound healing efficiency of Au@ZnO nanocomposites. The results obtained suggest the possible and effective use of as synthesized core shell nanocomposites in wound healing.

Hydrochar amendments stimulate soil nitrous oxide emission by increasing production of hydroxyl radicals and shifting nitrogen functional genes in the short term: A culture experiment.

The application of waste biomass-derived hydrochar to soil may cause extremely intensive nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes that can challenge our current mechanistic understanding of the global nitrogen cycle in the biosphere. In this study, two waste biomasses were used to prepare cyanobacterial biomas-derived hydrochar (CHC) and wheat straw-derived hydrochar (SHC) for short-term incubation experiments to identify their effects and mechanisms of waste biomass-derived hydrochar on soil N2O efflux, with time-series samples collected for N2O efflux and soil analysis. The results showed that CHC and SHC caused short-term bursts of N2O effluxes without nitrogen inputs. Moreover, the enrichment of exogenous organics and nutrients at the hydrochar-soil interface was identified as the key factor for enhancing N2O fluxes, which stimulated microbial nitrification (i.e., increased gene copy number of ammonia oxidizing bacteria) and denitrification (i.e., increased gene copy number of nitrate and N2O reducing bacteria) processes. The concentrations of Fe (II) and hydroxyl radicals (HO•) were 6.49 and 5.63 times higher, respectively, in the hydrochar layer of CHC than SHC amendment. Furthermore, structural equation models demonstrated that HO•, as well as soil microbiomes, played an important role in driving N2O fluxes. Together, our findings provide a deeper insight into the assessment and prognosis of the short-term environmental risk arising from agricultural waste management in integrated agriculture. Further studies under practical field application conditions are warranted to verify the findings.

How does biochar aging affect NH3 volatilization and GHGs emissions from agricultural soils?

Biochar has been considered as a potential tool to mitigate soil ammonia (NH3) volatilization and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions in recent years. However, the aging effect of biochar on soils remains elusive, which introduces uncertainty on the effectiveness of biochar to mitigate global warming in a long term. Here, a meta-analysis of 22 published works of literature with 217 observations was conducted to systematically explore the aging effect of biochar on soil NH3 and GHGs emissions. The results show that, in comparison with the fresh biochar, the aging makes biochar more effective to decrease soil NH3 volatilization by 7% and less risk to contribute CH4 emissions by 11%. However, the mitigation effect of biochar on soil N2O emissions is decreased by 15% due to aging. Additionally, aging leads to a promotion effect on soil CO2 emissions by 25% than fresh biochar. Our findings suggest that along with aging, particularly the effect of artificial aging, biochar could further benefit the alleviation of soil NH3 volatilization, whereas its potential role to mitigate global warming may decrease. This study provides a systematic assessment of the aging effect of biochar to mitigate soil NH3 and GHGs, which can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable green development of biochar application.

Synthesis, characterisation and thermo-physical properties of highly stable graphene oxide-based aqueous nanofluids for potential low-temperature direct absorption solar applications.

Two types of highly stable 0.1% graphene oxide-based aqueous nanofluids were synthesised and investigated. The first nanofluid (GO) was prepared under the influence of ultrasonic irradiation without surfactant. The second nanofluid was treated with tetra ethyl ammonium hydroxide to reduce the graphene oxide to form reduced graphene oxide (RGO) during ultrasonic irradiation. The GO and RGO powders were characterised by various techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman. Also UV-visible absorption spectroscopy was carried out and band gap energies were determined. Optical band gap energies for indirect transitions ranged from 3.4 to 4.4 eV and for direct transitions they ranged between 2.2 and 3.7 eV. Thermal conductivity measurements of the GO-based aqueous nanofluid revealed an enhancement of 9.5% at 40 °C compared to pure water, while the RGO-based aqueous nanofluid at 40 °C had a value 9.23% lower than pure water. Furthermore, the photothermal response of the RGO-based aqueous nanofluid had a temperature increase of 13.5 °C, (enhancement of 60.2%) compared to pure water, the GO-based aqueous nanofluid only displayed a temperature rise of 10.9 °C, (enhancement of 46.6%) after 20 min exposure to a solar irradiance of 1000 W m-2. Both nanofluid types displayed good long-term stability, with the GO-based aqueous nanofluid having a zeta potential of 30.3 mV and the RGO-based aqueous nanofluid having a value of 47.6 mV after 6 months. The good dispersion stability and photothermal performance makes both nanofluid types very promising working fluids for low-temperature direct absorption solar collectors.

A three-centre experience of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy: revisiting the initial experience, and results in 104 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, in a retrospective three-centre series, a second analysis of the initial experience and results of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction (ONR) after an additional 4 years of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 104 suitable consecutive patients undergoing RC and ONR between June 1994 and April 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. The complications, mortality, continence and cancer control rates were all recorded. RESULTS: The median (range) follow-up was 88 (52-156) months; 90 patients had reconstruction with a 'Studer' neobladder, 12 with a Hautmann W pouch and 2 with a 'T pouch' ileal neobladder. There were 24 early complications, and one death after surgery. There were 32 late complications. The daytime continence rate was 98% and the nocturnal continence rate was 76%. Ten patients required intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). In all, 30 patients had local and/or distant recurrences, all of whom died. Seven patients died from other causes. CONCLUSIONS: ONR provides excellent long-term continence rates and both acceptable complication and mortality rates. Suitable patients undergoing RC should be offered ONR.

Production of High-Value Nanoparticles via Biogenic Processes Using Aquacultural and Horticultural Food Waste.

The quantities of organic waste produced globally by aquacultural and horticulture are extremely large and offer an attractive renewable source of biomolecules and bioactive compounds. The availability of such large and diverse sources of waste materials creates a unique opportunity to develop new recycling and food waste utilisation strategies. The aim of this review is to report the current status of research in the emerging field of producing high-value nanoparticles from food waste. Eco-friendly biogenic processes are quite rapid, and are usually carried out at normal room temperature and pressure. These alternative clean technologies do not rely on the use of the toxic chemicals and solvents commonly associated with traditional nanoparticle manufacturing processes. The relatively small number of research articles in the field have been surveyed and evaluated. Among the diversity of waste types, promising candidates and their ability to produce various high-value nanoparticles are discussed. Experimental parameters, nanoparticle characteristics and potential applications for nanoparticles in pharmaceuticals and biomedical applications are discussed. In spite of the advantages, there are a number of challenges, including nanoparticle reproducibility and understanding the formation mechanisms between different food waste products. Thus, there is considerable scope and opportunity for further research in this emerging field.

Nanofluid Types, Their Synthesis, Properties and Incorporation in Direct Solar Thermal Collectors: A Review.

The global demand for energy is increasing and the detrimental consequences of rising greenhouse gas emissions, global warming and environmental degradation present major challenges. Solar energy offers a clean and viable renewable energy source with the potential to alleviate the detrimental consequences normally associated with fossil fuel-based energy generation. However, there are two inherent problems associated with conventional solar thermal energy conversion systems. The first involves low thermal conductivity values of heat transfer fluids, and the second involves the poor optical properties of many absorbers and their coating. Hence, there is an imperative need to improve both thermal and optical properties of current solar conversion systems. Direct solar thermal absorption collectors incorporating a nanofluid offers the opportunity to achieve significant improvements in both optical and thermal performance. Since nanofluids offer much greater heat absorbing and heat transfer properties compared to traditional working fluids. The review summarizes current research in this innovative field. It discusses direct solar absorber collectors and methods for improving their performance. This is followed by a discussion of the various types of nanofluids available and the synthesis techniques used to manufacture them. In closing, a brief discussion of nanofluid property modelling is also presented.

A self-report-based study of the incidence and associations of sexual dysfunction in survivors of intensive care treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and associations of sexual dysfunction in survivors of intensive care unit treatment in their first year after hospital discharge using a self-report measure. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: ICU Follow-up Clinic, The Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. SUBJECTS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients aged 18 years and over who spent 3 days or more in the intensive care unit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic data; reported incidence of sexual dysfunction and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology; association between reported sexual dysfunction and age, gender, post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology and length of intensive care unit stay; patient and partner satisfaction with current sex life. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (43.6%) reported symptoms of sexual dysfunction. There was a significant association between sexual dysfunction and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology (p = 0.019). There was no association between reported sexual dysfunction and gender (p = 0.33), age (p = 0.8) or intensive care unit length of stay (p = 0.41). Forty-five per cent of patients and 40% of partners were not satisfied with their current sex life. No other medical practitioner had sought symptoms of sexual dysfunction during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of sexual dysfunction are common in patients recovering from critical illness and appear to be significantly associated with the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology. The intensive care unit follow-up clinic is a suitable forum for the screening and referral of patients with sexual dysfunction.

Progress towards Sustainable Utilisation and Management of Food Wastes in the Global Economy.

In recent years, the problem of food waste has attracted considerable interest from food producers, processors, retailers, and consumers alike. Food waste is considered not only a sustainability problem related to food security, but also an economic problem since it directly impacts the profitability of the whole food supply chain. In developed countries, consumers are one of the main contributors to food waste and ultimately pay for all wastes produced throughout the food supply chain. To secure food and reduce food waste, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the various sources of food wastes throughout the food supply chain. The present review examines various reports currently in the literature and quantifies waste levels and examines the trends in wastage for various food sectors such as fruit and vegetable, fisheries, meat and poultry, grain, milk, and dairy. Factors contributing to food waste, effective cost/benefit food waste utilisation methods, sustainability and environment considerations, and public acceptance are identified as hurdles in preventing large-scale food waste processing. Thus, we highlight the need for further research to identify and report food waste so that government regulators and food supply chain stakeholders can actively develop effective waste utilisation practices.

Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles via Biological Entities.

Nanotechnology is the creation, manipulation and use of materials at the nanometre size scale (1 to 100 nm). At this size scale there are significant differences in many material properties that are normally not seen in the same materials at larger scales. Although nanoscale materials can be produced using a variety of traditional physical and chemical processes, it is now possible to biologically synthesize materials via environment-friendly green chemistry based techniques. In recent years, the convergence between nanotechnology and biology has created the new field of nanobiotechnology that incorporates the use of biological entities such as actinomycetes algae, bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts, and plants in a number of biochemical and biophysical processes. The biological synthesis via nanobiotechnology processes have a significant potential to boost nanoparticles production without the use of harsh, toxic, and expensive chemicals commonly used in conventional physical and chemical processes. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent trends in synthesizing nanoparticles via biological entities and their potential applications.

Chemical synthesis, characterisation, and biocompatibility of nanometre scale porous anodic aluminium oxide membranes for use as a cell culture substrate for the vero cell line: a preliminary study.

In this preliminary study we investigate for the first time the biomedical potential of using porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes as a cell substrate for culturing the Cercopithecus aethiops (African green monkey) Kidney (Vero) epithelial cell line. One advantage of using the inorganic AAO membrane is the presence of nanometre scale pore channels that allow the exchange of molecules and nutrients across the membrane. The size of the pore channels can be preselected by adjusting the controlling parameters of a temperature controlled two-step anodization process. The cellular interaction and response of the Vero cell line with an in-house synthesised AAO membrane, a commercially available membrane, and a glass control were assessed by investigating cell adhesion, morphology, and proliferation over a 72 h period. The number of viable cells proliferating over the respective membrane surfaces revealed that the locally produced in-house AAO membrane had cells numbers similar to the glass control. The study revealed evidence of focal adhesion sites over the surface of the nanoporous membranes and the penetration of cellular extensions into the pore structure as well. The outcome of the study has revealed that nanometre scale porous AAO membranes have the potential to become practical cell culture scaffold substrates with the capability to enhance adhesion and proliferation of Vero cells.

The synthesis, characterisation and in vivo study of a bioceramic for potential tissue regeneration applications.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible ceramic that is currently used in a number of current biomedical applications. Recently, nanometre scale forms of HAP have attracted considerable interest due to their close similarity to the inorganic mineral component of the bone matrix found in humans. In this study ultrafine nanometre scale HAP powders were prepared via a wet precipitation method under the influence of ultrasonic irradiation. The resulting powders were compacted and sintered to form a series of ceramic pellets with a sponge-like structure with varying density and porosity. The crystalline structure, size and morphology of the powders and the porous ceramic pellets were investigated using advanced characterization techniques. The pellets demonstrated good biocompatibility, including mixed cell colonisation and matrix deposition, in vivo following surgical implantation into sheep M. latissimus dorsi.

Engineering a biocompatible scaffold with either micrometre or nanometre scale surface topography for promoting protein adsorption and cellular response.

Surface topographical features on biomaterials, both at the submicrometre and nanometre scales, are known to influence the physicochemical interactions between biological processes involving proteins and cells. The nanometre-structured surface features tend to resemble the extracellular matrix, the natural environment in which cells live, communicate, and work together. It is believed that by engineering a well-defined nanometre scale surface topography, it should be possible to induce appropriate surface signals that can be used to manipulate cell function in a similar manner to the extracellular matrix. Therefore, there is a need to investigate, understand, and ultimately have the ability to produce tailor-made nanometre scale surface topographies with suitable surface chemistry to promote favourable biological interactions similar to those of the extracellular matrix. Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have produced many new nanomaterials and numerous manufacturing techniques that have the potential to significantly improve several fields such as biological sensing, cell culture technology, surgical implants, and medical devices. For these fields to progress, there is a definite need to develop a detailed understanding of the interaction between biological systems and fabricated surface structures at both the micrometre and nanometre scales.

Photothermal response of CVD synthesized carbon (nano)spheres/aqueous nanofluids for potential application in direct solar absorption collectors: a preliminary investigation.

Direct-absorption solar collectors have the potential to offer an unlimited source of renewable energy with minimal environmental impact. Unfortunately, their performance is limited by the absorption efficiency of the working fluid. Nanoparticles of functionalized carbon nanospheres (CNS) have the potential to improve the photothermal properties of the working fluid. CNS are produced by the pyrolysis of acetylene gas in a tube-based electric furnace/chemical vapor deposition apparatus. The reaction takes place at 1000°C in the presence of nitrogen gas without the use of a catalyst. The synthesized CNS were examined and characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and ultraviolet-visible analysis. The CNS powders with a mean particle size of 210 nm were then functionalized using tetraethylammonium hydroxide ([C2H5]4 N[OH]) and used to produce a series of aqueous nanofluids with varying mass content. The photothermal response of both the nanofluids and films composed of CNS were investigated under 1000 W/m(2) solar irradiation.

Progress in Nano-Engineered Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membrane Development.

The anodization of aluminum is an electro-chemical process that changes the surface chemistry of the metal, via oxidation, to produce an anodic oxide layer. During this process a self organized, highly ordered array of cylindrical shaped pores can be produced with controllable pore diameters, periodicity and density distribution. This enables anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes to be used as templates in a variety of nanotechnology applications without the need for expensive lithographical techniques. This review article is an overview of the current state of research on AAO membranes and the various applications of nanotechnology that use them in the manufacture of nano-materials and devices or incorporate them into specific applications such as biological/chemical sensors, nano-electronic devices, filter membranes and medical scaffolds for tissue engineering.