Nano-compositional imaging of the lanthanum silicide system at THz wavelengths.

Terahertz scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (THz-sSNOM) provides a noninvasive way to probe the low frequency conductivity of materials and to characterize material compositions at the nanoscale. However, the potential capability of atomic compositional analysis with THz nanoscopy remains largely unexplored. Here, we perform THz near-field imaging and spectroscopy on a model rare-earth alloy of lanthanum silicide (La-Si) which is known to exhibit diverse compositional and structural phases. We identify subwavelength spatial variations in conductivity that is manifested as alloy microstructures down to much less than 1 µm in size and is remarkably distinct from the surface topography of the material. Signal contrasts from the near-field scattering responses enable mapping the local silicon/lanthanum content differences. These observations demonstrate that THz-sSNOM offers a new avenue to investigate the compositional heterogeneity of material phases and their related nanoscale electrical as well as optical properties.

Comparative evaluation of native top feeds of western Himalayas for utilization as goat's ration in mash and block form.

The current research was undertaken to scrutinize the effect of leaf meal mixture as concentrate mixture in the ration of goats. Leaf meal mixture (LMM) was prepared using equal quantities of ten top-foliages namely Acacia nilotica, Celtis australis, Ficus palmata, Ficus religiosa, Grewia optiva, Melia azadarach, Morus alba, Quercus incana, Salix alba and Zizyphus jujube obtained from district Poonch of Jammu region in western Himalayas. The LMM prepared was substituted for 15% in the concentrate mixture being fed to the goats. The study constituted of two trials. Concentrate mixture offered to the animals was in mash and multi-nutrient block in first and second trial respectively. A total of twelve non-descript, adult male goats were selected for each trial. Goats of 0-14 months age (27.71 ± 2.96 kg live body weight) of for first trial while goats of 12-16 months age (27.02 ± 2.93 kg live weight) for second trial were divided into control and treatment groups as per randomized block design and fed ad-lib wheat straw and concentrate mixture @ (20 g/kgW0.75). No significant variation was observed (p > 0.05) in body weight, feed and DM intake among all groups in both trials. Comparable intake as well as digestibility of various nutrients like DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF and TDN were found between the two groups during individual trials. There was a positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance among all experimental animals in both the trials. Serum enzymes ALT, AST and haemato-biochemical parameters like total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) showed no significant differences during both trials in all groups, being within normal physiological levels. However, haemoglobin concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treatment group with respect to the control group in first trial. On the basis of current results, it can be established that leaf meal mixture can successfully be used to replace concentrate mixture up to 15% in the ration of goats without expecting any adverse impacts on their growth and overall health.

Spent marigold flower meal as an alternate feed for goats.

This research trial is aimed to study the nutritional qualities and significance of feeding spent marigold flower meal (SMFM) in goats. SMFM and diet containing iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixture with different levels of spent marigold flower meal (0-30%) were studied for in vitro degradation. Depending upon the in vitro results, concentrate mixture containing 15% level of SMFM was selected for in vivo trial. In vivo studies were conducted for a period of 60 days, and 12 local, non-descript, adult male goats (10-14 months age; 31.09 ± 2.91 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to two groups and were fed on ad libitum wheat straw with either conventional (control) or SMFM containing concentrate mixture (treatment). Results of the study showed that there was no variation in body weight of the goats between periods and between groups. DM and OM intake along with their digestibility were similar among the two groups. The digestibility of all other nutrients was comparable between the two groups. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance were positive in both the groups without any significant disparity. Moreover, experimental goats did not differ in biochemical parameters, without any significant difference between periods and dietary treatments except AST level which was significantly higher (P > 0.05) in treatment group. So, this study successfully demonstrates that SMFM could be incorporated in the concentrate mixture, up to 15% without any discernable difference in the performance of goats.

Sensitivity Enhancement of a Concave Shaped Optical Fiber Refractive Index Sensor Covered with Multiple Au Nanowires.

In the present paper, a new kind of concave shaped refractive index sensor (CSRIS) exploiting localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is proposed and numerically optimized. The LSPR effect between polaritons and the core guided mode of designed CSRIS is used to enhance the sensing performance. The sensor is characterized for two types of sensing structures coated with gold (Au) film and Au nanowires (AuNWs), respectively. The influence of structural parameters such as the distance (D) of the concave shaped channel (CSC) from the core, the diameter of the nanowire (dn) and the size (s) of the CSC are investigated here. In comparison to Au film, the AuNWs are shown to significantly enhance the sensitivity and the performance of the designed sensor. An enhanced sensitivity of 4471 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) is obtained with AuNWs, for a wide range of analytes refractive index (na) varying between 1.33 to 1.38. However, for conventional Au film; the sensitivity of 808.57 nm/RIU is obtained for the same range of analytes.

Effect of condensed tannins from Ficus infectoria and Psidium guajava leaf meal mixture on nutrient metabolism, methane emission and performance of lambs.

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the effect of condensed tannins (CT) containing Ficus infectoria and Psidium guajava leaf meal mixture (LMM) supplementation on nutrient metabolism, methane emission and performance of lambs. METHODS: Twenty four lambs of ~6 months age (average body weight 10.1±0.60 kg) were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments (CT-0, CT-1, CT-1.5, and CT-2 containing 0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 percent CT through LMM, respectively) consisting of 6 lambs each in a completely randomized design. All the lambs were offered a basal diet of wheat straw ad libitum, oat hay (100 g/d) along with required amount of concentrate mixture to meet their nutrient requirements for a period of 6 months. After 3 months of experimental feeding, a metabolism trial of 6 days duration was conducted on all 24 lambs to determine nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Respiration chamber study was started at the mid of 5th month of experimental feeding trial. Whole energy balance trials were conducted on individual lamb one after the other, in an open circuit respiration calorimeter. RESULTS: Intake of dry matter and organic matter (g/d) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CT-1.5 than control. Digestibility of various nutrients did not differ irrespective of treatments. Nitrogen retention and microbial nitrogen synthesis (g/d) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in CT-1.5 and CT-2 groups relative to CT-0. Total body weight gain (kg) and average daily gain (g) were significantly (linear, p<0.01) higher in CT-1.5 followed by CT-1 and CT-0, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) by lambs was significantly (linear, p<0.01) better in CT-1.5 followed by CT-2 and CT-0, respectively. Total wool yield (g; g/d) was linearly (p<0.05) higher for CT-1.5 than CT-0. Methane emission was linearly decreased (p<0.05) in CT groups and reduction was highest (p<0.01) in CT-2 followed by CT-1.5 and CT-1. Methane energy (kcal/d) was linearly decreased (p<0.05) in CT groups. CONCLUSION: The CT supplementation at 1% to 2% of the diet through Ficus infectoria and Psidium guajava LMM significantly improved nitrogen metabolism, growth performance, wool yield, FCR and reduced methane emission by lambs.

Microfilarial periodicity of Wuchereria bancrofti in Assam, Northeast India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Wuchereria bancrofti has shown nocturnal periodicity in India and other endemic countries of the world except pacific regions where non-periodic or diurnal sub-periodic forms have been reported. Presence of sub-periodic form of W. bancrofti in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India and a case report of sub- periodic form of W. bancrofti from Mysore, India provide basis for exploring the periodicity pattern of microfilaria of W. bancrofti prevalent in Assam, Northeastern region of India. State of Assam has unique geographical location as its Northeastern region shares international boundaries with Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Evolutionary association of W. bancrofti found in Assam is not known and possibility of its link with W. bancrofti form, prevalent in neighbouring countries may not be ruled out. Hence, this study was undertaken to know the microfilarial periodicity of W. bancrofti in Assam. METHODS: Ten microfilaria positive adult male individuals having moderate to high microfilaraemia were selected. Informed written consent from each participant was obtained. The presence of microfilaria was observed at two hourly intervals over a period of 24 h using 50 µl of finger prick peripheral blood samples. Peripheral blood smears were processed, stained and examined under microscope and microfilaria counts were recorded. RESULTS: Data collected were calculated and analyzed using modified statistical method, and the periodicity curve was prepared. Typical nocturnal periodicity was observed at a peak time of 0003 hrs with a periodicity index of 136.2. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Analysis of the data revealed nocturnal periodicity of the W. bancrofti prevalent in the Assam with peak periodicity about one hour ahead of the other states in India. Findings will be helpful in evaluation and monitoring of ongoing MDA programme for elimination of LF in Assam.

Prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in a tea garden worker population of Dibrugarh (Assam), India after six rounds of mass drug administration.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in the state of Assam and mass drug administration (MDA) programme for LF elimination is being implemented in the state since 2004. A study on prevalence of microfilaria (mf), disease endemicity and vector infection was carried out in a tea garden population of Dibrugarh, Assam (India) to assess the effect of ongoing MDA programme on elimination of LF. METHODS: Finger prick thick blood smears (20 mm3) were made from individuals aged ≥2 yr old during night blood survey in between 2000-0000 hrs during the period of November 2012 to February 2013. Blood smears were dehaemoglobinised, stained with Giemsa and examined under microscope for presence of mf. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected during 0600-1000 hrs and female Culex quinquefasciatus were dissected and examined under microscope for larval forms of the parasite. RESULTS: A total of 634 blood smears were collected and screened for mf and 47 (7.41%) individuals were found microfilaraemic, with predominance of males (74.5%). Highest mf rate (20.0%) was seen in the males of 30-39 yr age group while in females, age group of 10-19 yr recorded maximum mf rate (5.48%). Entomological collection and dissection of Cx. quinquefasciatus revealed presence of larval stages of the parasite and infection and infectivity rates recorded were 13.20 and 3.70%, respectively. Chronic clinical manifestations in the form of elephantiasis and hydrocele were recorded in 33 (5.73%) subjects of the 575 examined. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Mass drug administration data showed six rounds of MDA with drug distribution coverage in between 63.42 and 95.93% in the study population. Out of 634 individuals examined 47 were found microfilaraemic giving an overall infection rate of 7.41%. Mosquito vector infection and infectivity rates were 13.20 and 3.70%, respectively. Presence of high mf rate, vector infectivity rate and clinical cases in the study population after six rounds of MDA warrants concerted efforts to be made for effective implementation and monitoring of MDA for success of LF elimination programme.

Does host immunity influence helminth egg hatchability in the environment?

Transmission success for helminths with free-living stages depends on the ability of eggs and larvae to develop and survive once in the environment. While environmental conditions are often suggested to influence egg phenology and hatching rate, immunity against parasite eggs might also play a role. We examined this hypothesis using the gastrointestinal helminths Trichostrongylus retortaeformis and Graphidium strigosum, two common infections of the European rabbit. Changes in egg hatching rate and volume were examined in relation to specific antibodies in the serum and bound to eggshells, using eggs shed in host faeces over a 15-week period. Hatching rate was consistently higher for T. retortaeformis than G. strigosum and no changes were observed between weeks. Egg volume increased for G. strigosum but decreased for T. retortaeformis. We did find evidence of egg-specific antibody responses and fewer antibodies were bound to eggs of T. retortaeformis compared to G. strigosum. Little to no association was found between antibodies and hatchability, or volume, for both helminths. We suggest that host antibodies play a relatively minor role in the egg hatching rate of these gastrointestinal helminths.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Pastes Against E Faecalis in Primary Root Dentin: A Confocal Microscope Study.

OBJECTIVES: Management of abscessed primary teeth often present endodontic failure owing to questioned efficiency of dressings or obturating pastes to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis, a resistant bacterium, residing in depth of dentinal tubules. The present study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of two antibacterial and two obturating pastes in dentinal tubules of primary teeth infected with Enterococcus faecalis using viability stain and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). STUDY DESIGN: Total 28 samples were prepared.Four groups with 6 samples each were made according to antibacterial pastes i.e. 1% or 2%Chlorhexidine (CHX) + calcium hydroxide (CH), CH + iodoform (Metapex) and Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE). Dentinal tubules from the root canal side were infected with E. faecalis by centrifugation of the bacterial suspension. Two specimens from each group were subjected to 1, 7 and 15 days antibacterial pastes exposure. Viability staining followed by CLSM were used to quantitatively analyze the dead cell count directly inside dentin. RESULT: Univariate analysis showed that all medicaments were significantly effective (p<.05). Kruskal wallis ANOVA test did not show significant difference among four medicaments at day 1 while it was significantly different at day 7 & 15. Paired sample student's t-test revealed significant difference in efficacy between 1& 15 days for 1%CHX+CH; between 1&15,and 7&15 days; between all days for ZOE. Ranking of antimicrobial efficacy of tested medicament was (most effective to the least): 1%CHX+CH(15)> ZOE(15)> Metapex(15)> 2%CHX+CH(15)> 2%CHX+CH(7)> 2%CHX+CH(1)> 1%CHX+CH(7)> 2%CHX+CH(15)> Metapex(1)> ZOE(1)> ZOE(7). CONCLUSIONS: All medicaments were effective against E. faecalis in dentine of primary teeth and their efficacy increased with longer contact with 1%CHX+CH being most effective at day 15. Inclusion of 1% CHX in dressings or obturating pastes might minimize the endodontic relapse and maximize the tooth retention in functional state in pediatric dentistry.

A co-infection with two gastrointestinal nematodes alters host immune responses and only partially parasite dynamics.

Given their global distribution and abilities to persist in the host, helminths can play a crucial role in affecting risk of infections by increasing individual variation in infection. Helminth co-infections are of particular interest because by altering host immune responses, they can modify host susceptibility and thus intensity and transmission of other parasites/pathogens. The dynamics of co-infection were examined using two helminths of the European rabbit. Individuals were simultaneously challenged with a primary dose of both parasites, and changes in intensity were examined in relation to local and systemic immune responses. Both helminths persisted in co-infected rabbits; however, contrasting dynamics and immune responses were observed. Graphidium strigosum intensity was high throughout the co-infection, while Trichostrongylus retortaeformis intensity decreased but was not completely cleared. A Th2 response was observed against G. strigosum, while a mixed Th1/Th2 profile was found to T. retortaeformis. A comparison with our previous work on single infections showed that G. strigosum intensity was higher in co-infected than single infected hosts, while T. retortaeformis showed no significant changes. Differences were also observed in the cytokine profiles, blood cell concentrations and antibody trends. Overall, host variability during helminth co-infections can be generated by significant differences in immune responses and/or parasite dynamics.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Condensed Tannins through Leaf Meal Mixture on Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Performance of Haemonchus contortus Infected Sheep.

The study assessed the effect of dietary supplementation of leaf meal mixture (LMM) containing condensed tannins (CT) on feed intake, nutrient utilization and performance of sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus. Eighteen adult sheep of similar age and body weight (25.03±1.52) were included in this study and out of these, 12 sheep were infected with single dose of infective third stage larvae of H. contortus at 2,000 larvae per sheep. The experimental sheep were allocated in three different groups' i.e. negative control (NC; no infection), control (C; H. contortus infected) and treatment (T; H. contortus infected+CT at 1.5% of the DM through LMM) and the experiment was conducted for a period of 90 d. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and digestibility of DM, OM, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were comparable among three animal groups. However, digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in NC group as compared to both C and T groups. Nitrogen (N) retention (g/d or % of N intake) was significantly (p = 0.038) lower in C group as compared to T and NC groups. Daily intake (g/kg W(0.75)) of digestible crude protein (DCP), digestible organic matter (DOM) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) did not differ significantly (p<0.05) in the three groups. Haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (p<0.001) higher in treatment group as compared to control. The level of Hb and PCV reduced (p<0.001) after 30 days of experimental feeding. CT significantly (p<0.001) reduced serum urea in T group as compared to NC and C groups. Serum proteins differed significantly (p<0.01) among the three groups. The activity of serum enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and LDH were also statistically non significant (p<0.05) among treatments. The weight of abomasal lymph nodes (ALN) in T group was higher (p<0.05) than in C group. Treatment group had lower (p<0.05) total worms and fecal egg count compared to control group. It may be concluded that dietary supplementation of CT through LMM significantly improved the N retention, and inhibited the different developmental stages of Haemonchus contortus in experimental sheep.

Biofilm associated microorganisms on removable oral orthodontic appliances in children in the mixed dentition.

OBJECTIVE: Biofilms on removable orthodontic appliances act as reservoir of microorganisms, capable of modifying the environmental condition of oral cavity and are difficult to be removed with routine hygiene measures. The present investigation includes enumeration, identification and numerical analysis of different types of cultivable bacteria associated with the biofilms on removable orthodontic appliances. STUDY DESIGN: Removable appliances of 25 healthy children among the ages of 10 to 14 years were taken to measure the prevalence of biofilms and type of microorganisms. For isolation of microorganism from biofilms different types of selective and non-selective medium based on standard methods were used. The data were further analysed by using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, one-sample t-test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The percentage frequencies of isolates were also calculated RESULTS: The survey revealed the presence of both multi-species and mono species biofilms on appliances, with Non-Streptococci, anaerobic bacteria, Streptococcus spp., members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus spp. as a dominant microbial flora of biofilms. Bacillus sp. and Candida sp. were isolated from one sample each. Significant positive and negative correlations were established among the species isolated from biofilms. CONCLUSION: Higher prevalence of the members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were reported during this study, advocating an extra hygienic measure is essential for this age group while wearing acrylic orthodontic appliances in oral cavity.

Length weight relationship and condition factor of selected freshwater fish species found in river Ganga, Gomti and Rapti, India.

This study is based on the length-weight relationships (LWRs) of 2148 fishes, belonging to 8 families, 12 genera and 15 freshwater fish species (Wallago attu, Rite rita, Sperato seenghala, Sperota aor, Mostacembalus armatus, Macrognathus puncolus, Gudusia chopra, Clupisoma garua, Puntius sophore, Puntius ticto, Rasbora daniconius, Amblypharyngodon mole, Chanda noma, Colisa fociatus and Colisa sota) captured from river Ganga, Gomti and Rapti during May 2011 to March 2012. The growth coefficient (b) values varied between 1.30 and 3.07, with the mean b = 2.03 at p< 0.001. The condition factor (K) varied considerably from 0.76 and 2.95, with a mean K = 1.43 which may be attributed to different environmental conditions of the river basin. The objective was to evaluate the pattern of LWRs and condition factors of the freshwater fish species of the main Ganga and tributaries which serves as baseline for other tropical Indian rivers and tributaries.

Seasonal breeding drives the incidence of a chronic bacterial infection in a free-living herbivore population.

Understanding seasonal changes in age-related incidence of infections can be revealing for disentangling how host heterogeneities affect transmission and how to control the spread of infections between social groups. Seasonal forcing has been well documented in human childhood diseases but the mechanisms responsible for age-related transmission in free-living and socially structured animal populations are still poorly known. Here we studied the seasonal dynamics of Bordetella bronchiseptica in a free-living rabbit population over 5 years and discuss the possible mechanisms of infection. This bacterium has been isolated in livestock and wildlife where it causes respiratory infections that rapidly spread between individuals and persist as subclinical infections. Sera were collected from rabbits sampled monthly and examined using an ELISA. Findings revealed that B. bronchiseptica circulates in the rabbit population with annual prevalence ranging between 88% and 97%. Both seroprevalence and antibody optical density index exhibited 1-year cycles, indicating that disease outbreaks were seasonal and suggesting that long-lasting antibody protection was transient. Intra-annual dynamics showed a strong seasonal signature associated with the recruitment of naive offspring during the breeding period. Infection appeared to be mainly driven by mother-to-litter contacts rather than by interactions with other members of the community. By age 2 months, 65% of the kittens were seropositive.

Structure and IR spectra of microhydrated Cl2 with an excess electron: experiment versus theory.

A working methodology to generate theoretical IR spectra following ab initio electronic structure methods is reported. Theoretical IR spectra of Cl(2)(•-)·nH(2)O clusters (n = 1-5) are generated as a case study. Excellent agreement between the calculated and the reported experimental IR spectra based on size-selected spectroscopy is observed. It is shown that uniform scaling of calculated harmonic frequencies of these hydrated clusters fail to produce accurate IR spectra. Two different scaling factors in two different regions of O-H stretching of solvent water molecules are needed to account for the anharmonic contribution. This observation is also true for Br(2)(•-)·nH(2)O and I(2)(•-)·nH(2)O systems.

Magnetic ground states of Ce3TiSb5, Pr3TiSb5and Nd3TiSb5determined by neutron powder diffraction and magnetic measurements.

TheR3TiSb5ternary compounds, withRa light rare earth (La to Sm) have been reported to crystallize with the anti-Hf5CuSn3-type hexagonal structure (Pearson's symbolhP18; space-groupP63/mcm, N. 193). An early article that reported possible superconductivity in some of these intermetallic phases (namely those withR= La, Ce, and Nd) caught our attention. In this work, we have now refined the crystal structure of theR3TiSb5compounds withR= Ce, Pr and Nd by Rietveld methods using high-resolution neutron powder diffraction data. The magnetic ground states of these intermetallics have been investigated by low-temperature magnetization and high-intensity neutron diffraction. We find two different magnetic transitions corresponding to two related magnetic structures atTN1= 4.8 K (k1= [0, 1/2, 1/8]) andTN2= 3.4 K (k2= [0, 0, 1/8]), respectively for Ce3TiSb5. However, the magnetic ordering appears to occur following a peculiar hysteresis: thek2-type magnetic structure develops only after thek1-type phase fraction has first slowly ordered with time and the size of the ordered Ce3+magnetic moment has become large enough to induce the second magnetic transition. AtT= 1.5 K the maximum amplitude of the Ce moment in the coexisting phases amounts toµCe= 2.15 µB. For Nd3TiSb5an antiferromagnetic ordering belowTN= 5.2 K into a relatively simpler commensurate magnetic structure with a magnetic moment ofµNd= 2.14(3)µBand magnetic propagation vector ofk= [0, 0, 0], was determined. No evidence of superconductivity has been found in Nd3TiSb5. Finally, Pr3TiSb5does not show any ordering down to 1.5 K in neutron diffraction while an antiferromagnetic ground state is detected in magnetization measurements. There is no sign of magnetic contribution from Ti atoms found in any of the studied compounds.

Quantum chemical study on UV-vis spectra of microhydrated iodine dimer radical anion.

UV-vis spectral properties of I(2)(*-).nH(2)O systems are reported based on ab initio quantum chemical calculations. Second order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory is applied for geometry search and time dependent density functional theory is applied to study excited state properties. Relativistic corrections are considered for all the calculations. Geometry search is carried out applying simulated annealing combined with Monte Carlo sampling method. Strong optical absorption band of these hydrated clusters, I(2)(*-).nH(2)O in the UV-vis region is assigned to sigma(g) --> sigma(u)* type valence electron transition in contrast to charge transfer to solvent spectra in I(-).nH(2)O systems. Simulated optical absorption profile of I(2)(*-).8H(2)O system is in excellent agreement with the reported aqueous phase spectrum of iodine dimer radical anion.

Influence of an enzyme cocktail and phytase individually or in combination in Ven Cobb broiler chickens.

1. An experiment (21 d) was conducted to determine if the response of chicks to a cocktail of xylanase, amylase, and protease (XAP) or Escherichia coli-derived phytase individually or in combination when fed a nutritionally marginal maize-soybean meal diet is age-dependent. 2. A total of 250 one-day-old Ven Cobb broiler chicks were allocated to 5 dietary treatments in a randomised complete block design. The treatments were as follows: (1) positive control with supplemental inorganic P; (2) negative control (NC) marginal in P and ME; (3) NC plus XAP to provide (per kg of diet) 650, 1650 and 4000 U of xylanase, amylase, and protease, respectively; (4) NC plus phytase added to provide 1000 phytase units/kg; and (5) NC plus a combination of XAP and phytase. 3. Low ME and P in the NC diet depressed weight gain and gain:feed. A cocktail of XAP alone did not improve performance, but phytase supplementation improved weight gain. The enzymes were additive in their effects on growth performance. 4. The enzymes had no effect on ileal digestible energy. Ileal N digestibility was higher in diets with XAP or phytase individually compared with NC. Both phytase and XAP individually and in combination improved ileal P digestibility compared with NC. 5. Total tract nutrient retention and ME increased as the birds grew older. There were age x diet interactions in total tract retention of P and Ca; improvement in P retention due to phytase use decreased by 50% as the chicks matured. 6. The current study shows that a combination of XAP and phytase improved performance, but the enhancement in performance appears to be due mainly to phytase. Both XAP and phytase were effective in improving P digestibility and retention of chicks receiving nutritionally marginal maize-soybean meal. 7. The data also showed that the chicks benefited more from the enzyme addition at a younger age and that the contribution of the enzymes to nutrient retention decreased with age in chickens.

Distinctive IR signature of CO(3)(*-) and CO(3)(2-) hydrated clusters: a theoretical study.

Weighted average IR spectra of CO(3)(*-).nH(2)O (n = 1-6) clusters are reported and compared with those of CO(3)(2-).nH(2)O (n = 1-6) clusters based on quantum chemical calculations. Simulated annealing combined with the Monte Carlo sampling method is also applied to locate the global minimum energy structure. It is observed that hydrated clusters of CO(3)(*-) ion having cyclic water networks are the most stable structure in each size of hydrated cluster. IR bands at the lower side of the O-H stretching region of water correspond to single/double hydrogen bonding interaction, and those in the higher side correspond to inter water hydrogen bonding for the lower clusters (n = 2-3). For the tetrahydrated cluster of CO(3)(*-) ion, a complete crossover of the IR spectra in the O-H stretching region occurred. Cyclic water networks having three or four solvent water molecules are characterized by strong peaks at 3550 and 3450 cm(-1). In the case of CO(3)(*-).nH(2)O clusters, O-H stretching bands of all of the solvent water molecules are above 3100 cm(-1) in contrast to that of CO(3)(2-).nH(2)O clusters showing distinctive IR signature. This suggests that size selected hydrated clusters of CO(3)(*-) and CO(3)(2-) ions can easily be distinguished on the basis of their IR spectra.

Phytochemical evaluation and anti-hemorrhoidal activity of bark of Acacia ferruginea DC.

The present study has been carried out to evaluate antihemorrhoidal activity of bark of Acacia ferruginea DC. The total phenolic, total flavonoid and saponins were determined. Anti-hemorrhoidal potential of bark extract was determined by levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2 and recto-anal coefficient (RAC). The histopathological examination was done to evaluate the severity score in the treated and untreated groups. The results of phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. ferruginea revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoid, saponins, tannins and phenolic compounds The total phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents were found to be 438.8mg/g GAE, 66.6mg/gRE and 34%w/w respectively. Hydroalcoholic extract of bark of A. ferruginea significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokines {TNF-α(8.40±0.188), IL-6(3.95±0.181), PGE2(53.27±2.956) and RAC(0.998±0.094)}as compared to positive control group{TNF-α(13.36±0.141), IL-6(7.25±0.161), PGE2(82.34±3.395) and RAC(1.131 ± 0.008)}. Noticeably the results were comparable to that of standard pilex granules {TNF-α (7.12±0.166), IL-6(3.01±0.156), PGE2(42.51±2.157) and RAC (0.968±0.084)}. Molecular docking and structure based pharmacophore mapping further confirmed the anti-inflammatory mediated antihemorrhoidal activity of the hydroalcoholic extract. The antihemorrhoidal activity of hydroalcoholic extract of A. ferruginea may attribute to the flavonoids.