Dietary eubiotics of microbial muramidase and glycan improve intestinal villi, ileum microbiota composition and production trait of broiler.

BACKGROUND: Optimal gut health is important to maximize growth performance and feed efficiency in broiler chickens. A total of 1,365 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into 5 treatments groups with 21 replicates, 13 birds per replicate. The present research investigated effects of microbial muramidase or a precision glycan alone or in combination on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, total blood carotenoid content, intestinal villus length, meat quality and gut microbiota in broiler chickens. Treatments included: NC: negative control (basal diet group); PC: positive control (basal diet + 0.02% probiotics); MR: basal diet + 0.035% microbial muramidase; PG: basal diet + 0.1% precision glycan; and MRPG: basal diet + 0.025% MR + 0.1% PG, respectively. RESULTS: MRPG group increased the body weight gain and feed intake (P < 0.05) compared with NC group. Moreover, it significantly increased total serum carotenoid (P < 0.05) and MRPG altered the microbial diversity in ileum contents. The MRPG treatment group increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, and family Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae and decreased the abundance of the phylum Campilobacterota, Bacteroidota and family Bacteroidaceae. Compared with the NC group, the chickens fed MRPG showed significantly increased in duodenum villus length at end the trial. CONCLUSION: In this study, overall results showed that the synergetic effects of MR and PG showed enhancing growth performance, total serum carotenoid level and altering gut microbiota composition of broilers. The current research indicates that co-supplementation of MR and PG in broiler diets enhances intestinal health, consequently leading to an increased broiler production.

Marine derived Ca-Mg complex supplementation basal diet during four subsequent parities improved longevity and performance of sows and their litters.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Ca-Mg complex on the longevity and reproductive performance of sows. In total, seventy-two gilts ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc, average body weight 181 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments during 4 successive parity in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of CON (basal diet), CM1 (basal diet -MgO - 0.3% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex), and CM2 (basal diet - MgO - 0.7% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex). A higher (p < 0.05) number of totals born and live piglets, and sows increased feed intake during gestation and lactation, increased backfat thickness, and increased estrus interval were observed (p < 0.05) during their third and fourth parity than during their first and second parity. Ca-Mg complex supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the number of total piglets during the first and second parity as well as live-born piglets during the first to third parity, reduction (p < 0.05) in backfat thickness during the third and fourth parity, a higher (p < 0.05) initial and final number of suckling piglets as well as higher weaning weight compared with sows fed CON diet during the first, second, and third parity. The average daily gain (ADG) was higher (p < 0.05) in piglets born to CM1 and CM2 sows regardless of parity. The treatment diets fed to sows lowered (p < 0.05) the duration of first to last piglet birth and placenta expulsion time compared with CON sows. A significant interactive effect (p = 0.042) between parities and treatment diets was observed for the first to last piglet birth. Thus, Ca-Mg complex supplementation by partially replacing limestone in the basal diet enhanced sow performance, specifically during their third and fourth parity, thereby improving sow longevity.

Positional Isomeric Symmetric Dipodal Receptors Dangled with Rotatable Binding Scaffolds: Fluorescent Sensing of Silver Ions and Sequential Detection of l-Histidine and Their Multifarious Applications.

Three simple dipodal artificial acyclic symmetric receptors, SDO, SDM, and SDP, driven by positional isomerism based on xylelene scaffolds were designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy techniques. Probes SDO, SDM, and SDP demonstrated selective detection of Ag+ metal ions and amino acid l-histidine in a DMSO-H2O solution (1:1 v/v, HEPES 50 mM, pH = 7.4). The detection of Ag+ metal ions occurred in three ways: (i) inhibition of the photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) process, (ii) blueshifted fluorescence enhancement via the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) process, and (iii) restricted rotation of the dangling benzylic scaffold following coordination with a Ag+ metal ion. Job's plot analysis and quantum yields confirm the binding of probes to Ag+ in 1:1, 1:2, and 1:2 ratios with LODs and LOQs found to be 1.3 µM and 3.19 × 10-7 M, 6.40 × 10-7 and 2.44 × 10 -6 M, and 9.76 × 10-7 and 21.01 × 10-7 M, respectively. 1H NMR titration, HRMS, ESI-TOF, IR analysis, and theoretical DFT investigations were also used to establish the binding stoichiometry. Furthermore, the probes were utilized for the detection of Ag+ ions in water samples, food samples, soil analysis, and bacterial imaging in Escherichia coli cells and a molecular logic gate was constructed.

Solid Particle Erosion Studies of Varying Tow-Scale Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites.

Solid particle erosion inevitably occurs if a gas-solid or liquid-solid mixture is in contact with a surface, e.g., in pneumatic conveyors. Nowadays, an erosive failure of the component after the usage of a long period has been gaining the interest of the researchers. In this research work, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are prepared by varying the tow sizes of fibres, such as 5k, 10k, and 15k. The prepared composites are subjected to erosion studies by varying the process parameters, such as the impact angle (30, 60, and 90 degrees) and velocity (72, 100, and 129 m/s). The Taguchi orthogonal array design has been employed for the experimental plan and the erosion rate and surface roughness are observed for each run. The changes in the responses are reported for varying process parameters. The higher erodent velocity of 129m/s leads to higher erosion rates and forms poor surface quality. The minimum impact angle of 30 degrees provides higher erosion rates and higher surface roughness than the other impingement angles. Finally, the eroded surface of each sample is examined through microscopic and 3D profilometer images and the erosion mechanism is analysed at different conditions. The eroded particles supplied at lower speeds do not penetrate the composite surface. However, it is well-known that the lower the collision force, the harder the traces on the surface, yet no sign of fibre breaking or pull-out is observed. The passage of erodent particles on the composite caused surface waviness (flow trace), which prevents the surface from degrading.

Optimisation of Mechanical Properties in Saw-Dust/Woven-Jute Fibre/Polyester Structural Composites under Liquid Nitrogen Environment Using Response Surface Methodology.

Natural fibre-based composites are replacing traditional materials in a wide range of structural applications that are used in different environments. Natural fibres suffer from thermal shocks, which affects the use of these composites in cold environment. Considering these, a goal was set in the present research to investigate the impact of cryogenic conditions on natural fibre composites. Composites were developed using polyester as matrix and jute-fibre and waste Teak saw-dust as reinforcement and filler, respectively. The effects of six parameters, viz., density of saw-dust, weight ratio of saw-dust, grade of woven-jute, number of jute layers, duration of cryogenic treatment of composite and duration of alkaline treatment of fibres on the mechanical properties of the composite was evaluated with an objective to maximise hardness, tensile, impact and flexural strengths. Taguchi method was used to design the experiments and response-surface methodology was used to model, predict and plot interactive surface plots. Results indicated that the duration of cryogenic treatment had a significant effect on mechanical properties, which was better only up to 60 min. The models were found to be statistically significant. The study concluded that saw-dust of density 300 kg/m3 used as a filler with a weight ratio of 13 wt.% and a reinforcement of a single layer of woven-jute-fibre mat of grade 250 gsm subjected to alkaline treatment for 4 h in a composite that has undergone 45 min of cryogenic treatment presented an improvement of 64% in impact strength, ca. 21% in flexural strength, ca. 158% in tensile strength and ca. 28% in hardness.

Biological Activity of Newly Synthesized Benzimidazole and Benzothizole 2,5-Disubstituted Furane Derivatives.

Newly designed and synthesized cyano, amidino and acrylonitrile 2,5-disubstituted furane derivatives with either benzimidazole/benzothiazole nuclei have been evaluated for antitumor and antimicrobial activity. For potential antitumor activity, the compounds were tested in 2D and 3D cell culture methods on three human lung cancer cell lines, A549, HCC827 and NCI-H358, with MTS cytotoxicity and BrdU proliferation assays in vitro. Compounds 5, 6, 8, 9 and 15 have been proven to be compounds with potential antitumor activity with high potential to stop the proliferation of cells. In general, benzothiazole derivatives were more active in comparison to benzimidazole derivatives. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated with Broth microdilution testing (according to CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines) on Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included in testing as a eukaryotic model organism. Compounds 5, 6, 8, 9 and 15 showed the most promising antibacterial activity. In general, the compounds showed antitumor activity, higher in 2D assays in comparison with 3D assays, on all three cell lines in both assays. In natural conditions, compounds with such an activity profile (less toxic but still effective against tumor growth) could be promising new antitumor drugs. Some of the tested compounds showed antimicrobial activity. In contrast to ctDNA, the presence of nitro group or chlorine in selected furane-benzothiazole structures did not influence the binding mode with AT-DNA. All compounds dominantly bound inside the minor groove of AT-DNA either in form of monomers or dimer and higher-order aggregates.

Extricating the Association Between the Prognostic Factors of Colorectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the recurring and lethal gastrointestinal tract disease rankings as the primary cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. In general, the tumour node metastasis (TNM) and Dukes classification assist in diagnosis, prognosis and treatments of CRC along with haematological examinations and tumour demographic characterisations in patients. METHODS: The present investigation is carried out on clinically acknowledged sixty-five CRC patients based on haematological findings and are sorted into stages using TNM and Dukes. The present study is to find the association between haematological findings, demographic characters, differentiation position, lymph node invasion and tumour node metastasis in CRC patients in accordance with their age. RESULTS: We observed significant (p < 0.05) nexus between lymph node metastasis and tumour node metastasis on the basis of tumour's differentiation demographic positioning and age of the individuals. CONCLUSION: Earlier location tracing and medicinal treatment or surgery lessen the chance of CRC morbidity and mortality along with prolonging survival rate via prognostic factors and disease position determination.

Antioxidant Antagonises Chemotherapeutic Drug Effect in Lung Cancer Cell Line A549.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find whether antioxidants increase or decrease the effect of chemotherapeutic drug in the in vitro model. METHODS: Small lung Cancer cell line (A549) was treated with anticancer drug 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) at different concentration viz., 1, 10, 50 and 100µM and the proliferation was measured using MTT assay. The antioxidant N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in different ratios viz., 1mM, 5mM and 10mM were assayed for their effect in proliferation on the A549 cells alone and in combination with 6-TG. RESULTS: Our experiment proves that anticancer drug 6-TG decreases the proliferation and the antioxidant NAC enhances the proliferation of A549 cells. Strikingly when co-treated with 6-TG, the antioxidant NAC diminished the proliferation reduction action of 6-TG on A549 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that antioxidants in fact benefit the tumor cell growth when treated alone and when in combination with anticancer drug, it severely impair the activity of the drug. We propose that extreme care should be taken when prescribing antioxidants alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics.

Preliminary assessment on potentials of probiotic B. subtilis RX7 and B. methylotrophicus C14 strains as an immune modulator in Salmonella-challenged weaned pigs.

A total of 40 crossbred weaned piglets (28 days old; [Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were used for preliminary assessment on potentials of Bacillus-based probiotics as an immune modulator in a Salmonella Typhimurium challenge model in a 3-week experiment. Pigs were randomly allotted to four experimental diets according to their initial body weight (9.21 ± 1.1 kg) and sex (10 pigs per treatment; 5 barrows and 5 gilts). The dietary treatments were basal diet (CON), basal diet + oral administration of Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium at the dosage of 1 mL containing 1 × 1011 cfu/mL of viable cell concentrations at day 21 (SC), SC + Bacillus subtilis (BS), and SC+ Bacillus methylotrophicus (BM). After 12 h of Salmonella challenge, the red blood cell (RBC), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations were reduced (P < 0.05) whereas haptoglobin and cortisol levels were greater (P < 0.05) in SC compared with CON. However, the concentrations of RBC, IgG, and IgM were increased whereas haptoglobin and cortisol levels were reduced in BS and BM compared with SC. The probiotic-treated groups showed reduced (P < 0.05) IgM levels and increased (P < 0.05) WBC and cortisol levels compared with CON. The supplementation of probiotics showed increased (P < 0.05) fecal Lactobacillus counts and reduced Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts in piglets though there was no biological relevance compared with SC. Thus, in our preliminary study, Bacillus-based probiotic has shown some positive immunomodulatory effects in Salmonella-challenged pigs which provided a base for further studies.

Eudragit-coated aceclofenac-loaded pectin microspheres in chronopharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this study was to develop a pectin-based colon-specific multiparticulate delivery system. Aceclofenac was used as a model drug owing to its potential therapeutic efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis. Pectin microspheres were prepared using emulsion dehydration technique. These microspheres were coated with Eudragit S-100 using solvent evaporation method. The effect of different variables (polymer, emulsifier, stirring speed and stirring time) was investigated in terms of size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release and in vivo studies. The size of uncoated microspheres ranged from 30 to 55 µm and exhibited 5-40% of drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract; however, continuous high release of drug was observed at colonic pH. In addition, the release of drug from the microspheres was found to be higher in the presence of rat cecal contents with maximum release at the 8th hour. This is one of the prerequisites for the effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, indicating the effect of colonic enzymes on the pectin microspheres. In vivo studies suggest the maintenance of therapeutic concentration of drug for 24 h with significant anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, these findings clearly suggest that the Eudragit-coated pectin microspheres offer an exciting mode of aceclofenac delivery to colon in the chronopharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A comprehensive analysis of plausible genotoxic covariates among workers of a polyvinyl chloride plant exposed to vinyl chloride monomer.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of chromosomal aberrations-including chromatid type aberrations (CTAs), chromosomal type aberrations, micronucleus (MN) comet assay, and XRCC1 399 Arg/Gln polymorphism-in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). A total of 52 workers and an equal number of controls were recruited into the study to explore the potential cytogenetic risk of occupational exposure to VCM. Questionnaires were administered to obtain details of habitual cigarette-smoking, alcohol-consumption pattern, and occupation, etc. The exposed subjects and controls were classified into two groups based on age (group I <40 years; group II ≥40 years), and exposed subjects were further classified based on exposure duration (>8 and ≥8 years). CTA, MN, and comet assay frequency were significantly greater in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) factory workers (p < 0.05) with long-duration work. CTA, MN, and comet assay values were found to be increased with age in exposed subjects as well as in controls, with exposed subjects showing a statistically greater degree. An extensively greater MN frequency was observed in smokers exposed to VCM than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean tail length of exposed subjects was greater compared with controls. The study on XRCC1 399 Arg/gln polymorphism in PVC factory workers showed less significant difference in allele frequency compared with controls. In conclusion, this results of work provides evidence for an apparent genotoxic effect associated with VCM exposure. Our results reinforce the greater sensitivity of cytogenetic assays for biomonitoring of occupationally exposed populations. Statistics indicate that workers exposed to VCM are at carcinogenic risk and should be monitored for long-term adverse effects from their exposure.

Evaluation of chromosomal alteration in electrical workers occupationally exposed to low frequency of electro magnetic field (EMFs) in Coimbatore population, India.

Extremely low frequency electro magnetic fields (EMFs) have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. An increased number of chromosomal alterations in peripheral lymphocytes are correlated with elevated incidence of cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess occupationally induced chromosomal damage in EMF workers exposed to low levels of radiation. We used conventional metaphase chromosome aberration (CA) analysis and the micronucleus (MN) assay as biological indicators of non ionizing radiation exposure. In the present study totally 70 subjects were selected including 50 exposed and 20 controls. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants and the study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the approval of the local ethical committee. A higher degree of CA and MN was observed in exposed subjects compared to controls, the frequency of CA being significantly enhanced with long years of exposure (P<0.05). Moreover increase in CA and MN with age was noted in both exposed subjects and controls, but was significantly greater in the former. The results of this study demonstrated that a significant induction of cytogenetic damage in peripheral lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to EMFs in electric transformer and distribution stations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EMFs possess genotoxic capability, as measured by CA and MN assays; CA analysis appeared more sensitive than other cytogenetic end-points. It can be concluded that chronic occupational exposure to EMFs may lead to an increased risk of genetic damage among electrical workers.

Formulation and evaluation of chondroitin sulphate tablets of aceclofenac for colon targeted drug delivery.

The aim of the present study was to develop a single unit, site-specific matrix tablets of aceclofenac allowing targeted drug release in the colon with a microbially degradable polymeric carrier, chondroitin suphate (CS) and to coat the optimized batches with a pH dependent polymeric. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method using starch mucilage as a binding agent and HPMC K-100 as a swellable polymer. Chondroitin Sulphate and drug and physical mixture were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tablets were tested for their in-vitro dissolution characteristics in various simulated gastric fluids for their suitability as a colon-specific drug delivery system and also the tablets were evaluated for physicochemical properties, drug content, water percentage swelling and erosion characteristics. The dissolution data demonstrates that the 10% w/w increase in coating level of the pH dependent polymer (Eudragit L-100 and Eudragit S-100 in a ratio of 1 : 4 prevented the drug release in the simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2-SGF) and the simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4-SIF). The dissolution rate of the tablet is dependent upon the concentration of Chondroitin sulphate in the simulated colonic fluid (SCF). The rapid increase in release of aceclofenac in SCF was revealed as due to the degradation of the Chondroitin sulphate membrane by bacterial enzymes. The studies confirmed that, the designed system could be used potentially as a carrier for colon delivery of aceclofenac by regulating drug release in stomach and the small intestine.

Formulation and evaluation of xanthan gum based aceclofenac tablets for colon targeted drug delivery / Formulação e avaliação de goma xantana baseados comprimidos Aceclofenac por câncer de cólon de entrega de drogas alvo

The objective of the present study is to develop a colon targeted drug delivery systems for Aceclofenac using xanthan gum as a carrier. In this study, multilayer coated system that is resistant to gastric and small intestinal conditions but can be easily degraded by colonic bacterial enzymes was designed to achieve effective colon delivery of Aceclofenac. The xanthan gum, the drug and the physical mixture were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All the formulations were evaluated for hardness, drug content uniformity and other physical properties. Release aspects of Aceclofenac in simulated gastrointestinal fluid and colonic fluid with enzymes were investigated. From these results, Eudragit coated system exhibited gastric and small intestinal resistance to the release of Aceclofenac. The rapid increase in release of Aceclofenac in SCF was revealed as due to the degradation of the xanthan gum membrane by bacterial enzymes. The designed system could be used potentially as a carrier for colon delivery of Aceclofenac by regulating drug release in stomach and the small intestine.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de sistema de liberação cólon-alvo de aceclofenaco empregando goma xantana. Nesse trabalho, o revestimento de múltiplas camadas com característica de resistência às condições do intestino delgado além de gastrorresistência oferece como vantagem a rápida degradação desse sistema por enzimas bacterianas colônicas. Dessa forma, o planejamento de tal sistema possibilitou a liberação específica do aceclofenaco no cólon. A goma xantana e o fármaco, além da mistura física desses dois componentes, foram caracterizados por espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e calorimetria diferencial exploratória (DSC). Todas as formulações foram avaliadas no que se refere à dureza, à uniformidade de conteúdo do fármaco além de outras propriedades físicas. Os perfis de liberação do aceclofenaco no fluido gástrico simulado e fluido colônico simulado contendo enzimas foram investigados. Os resultados revelaram que o sistema revestido com Eudragit® exibiu resistência gástrica e intestinal à liberação de aceclofenaco. O rápido aumento na liberação de aceclofenaco no fluido colônico simulado foi atribuido à degradação da goma xantana por enzimas bacterianas. O sistema apresenta aplicação potencial no desenvolvimento de produtos para a liberação cólon-alvo de aceclofenaco.

Cytogenetic methods for assessing human exposure to toluene in Coimbatore, South India.

The aim of the present study was to identify genetic alterations occurring in rotograving workers chronically exposed to toluene. A total of 60 samples from 30 exposed subjects and 30 age-matched controls, selected based on the toluene level present in their urine, were recruited. Exposed subjects were categorized based on their duration of exposure and smoking habitats. Controls were normal and healthy and categorized based on their smoking habits. Cell cultures were established from blood samples collected from the control and experimental subjects after obtaining informed consent. G-banding and comet assays were used to identify genetic alterations. A higher degree of total chromosome aberration was identified in exposed subjects compared to controls. As expected, controls exhibited minimal number of alterations. The overall CA frequency due to toluene exposure was significantly different from that of the controls for both chromatid and chromosome type aberrations (P\0.05 by ANOVA). . The habit of cigarette smoking among the workers had a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage. In conclusion, this work shows a clear genotoxic effect associated with toluene exposure, our results also reinforcing the conclusion of higher sensitivity of cytogenetic assays for the biomonitoring of occupationally exposed populations. There is a strong need to educate those who work with potentially hazardous materials about adverse effects and highlight the importance of using protective measures.