Overview of the rules of the microbial engagement in the gut microbiome: a step towards microbiome therapeutics.

Human gut microbiome is a diversified, resilient, immuno-stabilized, metabolically active and physiologically essential component of the human body. Scientific explorations have been made to seek in-depth information about human gut microbiome establishment, microbiome functioning, microbiome succession, factors influencing microbial community dynamics and the role of gut microbiome in health and diseases. Extensive investigations have proposed the microbiome therapeutics as a futuristic medicine for various physiological and metabolic disorders. A comprehensive outlook of microbial colonization, host-microbe interactions, microbial adaptation, commensal selection and immuno-survivability is still required to catalogue the essential genetic and physiological features for the commensal engagement. Evolution of a structured human gut microbiome relies on the microbial flexibility towards genetic, immunological and physiological adaptation in the human gut. Key features for commensalism could be utilized in developing tailor-made microbiome-based therapy to overcome various physiological and metabolic disorders. This review describes the key genetics and physiological traits required for host-microbe interaction and successful commensalism to institute a human gut microbiome.

Tuning the carrier concentration using Zintl chemistry in Mg3Sb2, and its implications for thermoelectric figure-of-merit.

Zintl compounds are potential candidates for efficient thermoelectric materials, because typically they are small band gap semiconductors. In addition, such compounds allow fine tuning of the carrier concentration by chemical doping for the optimization of thermoelectric performance. Herein, such tunability is demonstrated in Mg3Sb2-based Zintl compounds via Zn(2+) doping at the Mg(2+) site of the anionic framework (Mg2Sb2)(2-), in the series Mg3-xZnxSb2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1). The materials have been successfully synthesized using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms a single solid solution phase of Mg3-xZnxSb2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1). The thermoelectric properties are characterized by the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity measurements from 323 K to 773 K. Isoelectronic Zn substitution at the Mg site presents the controlled variation in the carrier concentration for optimizing the high power factor and reduced thermal conductivity. These results lead to a substantial increase in ZT of 0.37 at 773 K for a composition with x = 0.10 which is ∼42% higher than undoped Mg3Sb2. The electronic transport data for the Mg3-xZnxSb2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) compound are analyzed using a single parabolic band model predicting that Mg2.9Zn0.1Sb2 exhibits a near-optimal carrier concentration for high ZT. The electronic structure of transport properties of these disordered Mg3-xZnxSb2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) is also studied using density functional theory and the results obtained are in good agreement with experimental results. The low cost, lightness and non-toxicity of the constituent elements make these materials ideal for mid-temperature thermoelectric applications.

Panoscopically optimized thermoelectric performance of a half-Heusler/full-Heusler based in situ bulk composite Zr(0.7)Hf(0.3)Ni(1+x)Sn: an energy and time efficient way.

All scale hierarchical architecturing, matrix/inclusion band alignment and intra-matrix electronic structure engineering, the so called panoscopic approach for thermoelectric materials has been demonstrated to be an effective paradigm for optimizing high ZT. To achieve such hierarchically organized microstructures, composition engineering has been considered to be an efficient strategy. In this work, such a panoscopic concept has been extended to demonstrate for the first time in the case of half-Heusler based thermoelectric materials via a composition engineering route. A series of new off-stoichiometric n-type Zr0.7Hf0.3Ni1+xSn (0 ≤x≤ 0.10) HH compositions have been modified to derive HH(1 -x)/full-Heusler (FH)(x) composite with an all scale hierarchically modified microstructure with FH inclusions within the matrix to study the temperature dependent thermoelectric properties. The structural analysis employing XRD, FE-SEM and HR-TEM of these materials reveal a composite of HH and FH, with hierarchically organized microstructures. In such a submicron/nano-composite, the electronic properties are observed to be well optimized yielding a large power factor; α(2)σ (∼30.7 × 10(-4) W m(-1) K(-2) for Zr0.7Hf0.3Ni1.03Sn) and reduced thermal conductivity (∼2.4 W m(-1) K(-1) for Zr0.7Hf0.3Ni1.03Sn) yielding a high ZT∼ 0.96 at 773 K for composition Zr0.7Hf0.3Ni1.03Sn which is ∼250% larger than the normal HH Zr0.7Hf0.3NiSn (ZT∼ 0.27 at 773 K). The enhancement in ZT of these composites has been discussed in terms of primary electron filtering, electron injection and several phonon scattering mechanisms such as alloy scattering, point defect scattering, and grain boundary scattering. The Bergman and Fel model is used to calculate effective thermoelectric parameters of these composites for comparing the experimental results.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Abutilon indicum extract.

Abutilon indicum Linn. had been broadly used for its reported biological activities in indigenous system of medicine. The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of A. indicum Linn. was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity at doses 250, 500 and 750 mg kg⁻¹ using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in healthy Wistar albino rats. Results of in vivo activity led to the conclusion that the ethanolic extract of A. indicum showed predominantly significant activity in a dose-dependent manner, which is comparable to the reference standard ibuprofen. The results prove the traditional use of plant in the treatment of inflammation.

Effect of Curculigo orchioides on hyperglycemia-induced oligospermia and sexual dysfunction in male rats.

Sustained hyperglycemia is considered as a major cause of sexual and erectile dysfunction in human population. Curculigo orchioides (CO) is considered as a sexual tonic in Ayurvedic system of medicine with potent antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. The aqueous extract of the herb was evaluated for its effectiveness against streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic stress and subsequent sexual dysfunction due to hyperglycemia in male rats. Six groups with eight male rats in each group were used for this study and the study was carried out for 28 days. The body and organ weights of the animals were recorded. Behavioral analysis of rats was undertaken to observe the effect on mount, ejaculation and intromission (latencies and frequencies) and hesitation time. Blood glucose and serum testosterone levels were determined 28 days past treatment with CO at 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) doses. Glibenclamide and sildenafil citrate were used as positive controls. This deleterious effect of sustained hyperglycemia and associated stress was prominently ameliorated in animals treated with aqueous extract of CO. CO treatment was helpful in ameliorating the damage caused by sustained hyperglycemia evidenced in the principle parameters viz. male sexual behavior, sperm count, penile erection index and seminal fructose content Antioxidant and anabolic activities of the extract under investigation could be a major attribute in preserving the sexual functions in hyperglycemic male rats. The study validates the use of CO in traditional medicine for curing diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction and compromised sexual potency.

Effects of Bryonia laciniosa seeds on sexual behaviour of male rats.

Ethanolic extract of seeds of Bryonia laciniosa Linn was administered orally to groups of male albino rats at the dose levels of 50, 100, and 150 mg kg(-1) body weight per day for 28 days. The changes in sexual behaviour, reproductive organ weights, histology of testis and epididymis, epididymal sperm density, and androgenic hormone levels were evaluated. The sexual behaviour parameters studied such as mount frequency, intromission frequency, mount latency, intromission latency were significantly affected. Increase in body weight as well as weight of testis, prostate, seminal vesicle, and epididymis was noticed. Transverse sections of testis exhibited increased spermatogenesis and a significant increase in sperm count in epididymis. The fructose content of seminal vesicle was also increased. The extract treatment also brought a significant increase in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. The studies clearly reflect androgenic activity of the extract and its effects on hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis.

Effect of Curculigo orchioides rhizomes on sexual behaviour of male rats.

The rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides have been traditionally used as aphrodisiac. In the present study ethanolic extract of rhizomes was evaluated for its effect on sexual behavior in rats. Administration of 100 mg/kg of extract change significantly the sexual behavior as assessed by determining parameters such as penile erection, mating performance, mount frequency and mount latency. Moreover a pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect was evidenced by weight gains of reproductive organs. The treatment also markedly affected sexual behavior of animals as reflected in reduction of mount latency, an increase in mount frequency and enhanced attractability towards female. Penile erection index was also incremented in treated group.

Observations on the traditional phytotherapy among the inhabitants of Parvati valley in western Himalaya, India.

The present paper deals with the field observations recorded on the traditional indigenous therapeutic applications of the plants used by the inhabitants of the Parvati valley of Kullu district in western Himalaya of India. The Parvati valley is inhabited by different ethnic groups like Gujjars, Gaddis, Malanis, Kulluvis and others. These inhabitants have been dependent on the ambient plant resources for food, fuel, fiber, timber, household articles and medicines to a great extent for ages. Even today a number of plants of the local flora are used for curing various ailments and diseases. First-hand information about 50 plant species belonging to 45 genera and 28 families were recorded during extensive field surveys carried in Parvati valley during 2000-2002. The information is given in a tabular form as scientific names of plants in alphabetic order followed by family and field numbers of the voucher specimens collected. Information on local/vernacular names of plants, uses, parts used, names of ailments and modes of usage are given in detail. Information on traditional uses and commercial uses as well as biological activities of the related species is included on the basis of the existing relevant literature so as to present a comprehensive account.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Arnebia euchroma root extracts in rats.

The petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Arnebia euchroma roots (500 mg/kg, orally each) were found to exhibit maximal edema inhibition (61.2%, 45%, 27.5% and 60%, respectively) against carrageenin-induced rat-paw edema at 300 min interval. The activity shown by different extracts was comparable to that shown by the reference drug, ibuprofen (50 mg/kg, p.o., 61.6% inhibition, 200 min).

An investigation of the 5-HT1D receptor binding affinity of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine and sumatriptan in the central nervous system of seven species.

The ability of three 5-HT1 receptor agonists, 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), 5-CT (5-carboxyamidotryptamine) and sumatriptan to inhibit the binding of [3H]5-HT, in the presence of cyanopindolol and mesulergine, from cerebral cortical and/or caudate membranes in seven species (dog, guinea-pig, rabbit, pig, human, hamster and calf) has been investigated. Under the experimental conditions used, 5-CT and sumatriptan consistently yielded displacement curves best fit to a two-site model whereas 5-HT always gave a monophasic displacement curve. The pIC50 values obtained with 5-HT displacement gave a mean of 8.1 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- S.E.M.). In contrast the biphasic displacement curves for 5-CT and sumatriptan yielded high and low affinity pIC50 values of 8.3 +/- 0.1, 5.5 +/- 0.1 and 7.6 +/- 0.1, 5.0 +/- 0.1, respectively. These data indicate that under these experimental conditions the high affinity component labelled by [3H]5-HT is the same receptor subtype, previously denoted the 5-HT1D receptor, in all seven species.

Experiences of identification and differentiation as functions of leprosy, personality and age.

It is a study of sociogenic need satisfactions that determines the homeostasis of 'being' by remaining contingent conditions of perpetuation or debasement of the social 'self'. The paper has a focus on identification satisfaction and differentiation experience of patients of the highly stigmatized leprosy. The study proceeds with an 'Experimental Group--Control-Group' randomized design. Experimental Groups are two, viz., those of Lepromatous and Non-lepromatous patients. 'Control Group' consists of 'disease-free' normal people. The three independent variables are disease types, age, personality factors. The dependent variables are two, viz., score of identification satisfaction and differentiation experience, measured by standardized tools. Each dependent variable has four '3 X 3 X 2' factorial experiments to test 56 'Null Hypotheses'. The sample consists of 360 elements for each one of the eight experiments. Leprosy elements are drawn from the Central JALMA Institute for Leprosy and the 'Kushta Seva Sadan' (Agra). The 'F' test is run for statistical verification of 'Null hypotheses'. Results show presence of 'role-reversion' and 'role negation' of age and personality factors. The disease possesses 'anti-roles'. It does not allow age and personality factors to promote identification satisfaction and to demote differentiation and experience. The disease actively promotes differentiation and demotes identification through its own 'alien system'. The senescents are the greatest sufferers. 'Social Stigma' works a 'social thanatos' and exposes senescents to substantial 'self-erosion'.

'Frustration--anxiety behaviour as a function of leprosy patients age and personality'.

The paper incorporates five studies (i.e., four of frustration and one of anxiety). The design is 'Multi-group-Control-group'. Each one of the five studies has four '3 X 3 X 2' factorial experiments. Each experiment has 360 elements. These are three groups (of lepromatous, non-lepromatous and of disease-free normals). Each group consists of 120 elements (equally distributed among adolescents, adults and senescents). The particulars of the patients have been obtained from the Central JALMA Institute for Leprosy and the Kushta Seva Sadan (Agra). The disease-free normal elements are drawn freely from the population of the Agra town. The sample possesses statistical justification for size and representativeness. Data are collected with the help of reliable tools and the 'F' test is run for verification of the 'null hypotheses'. Results show that experiences of 'fixation-regression' frustration, atypically belong to normal senescence. Resignation and anxiety experiences, as growing hazards, specifically relate to leprosy patients. Personality factors that normally demote 'frustration-anxiety' behaviour exhibit 'role-negation' in the leprosy patients. Age shows 'role-reversion'. Implications of such 'role' changes relate to the 'self-eroding' process of personality in the patients.

The psychodynamic side of leprosy - a Children's Apperception Test (CAT) study.

The present investigation attempts to study the personality characteristics of children suffering from leprosy. A group of eleven children was selected from the Central Jalma Institute for Leprosy and Kusht Seva Sadan at Tajganj, Agra. Indian adaptation of Leopold Bellak's Children's Apperception Test (CAT) was employed for collecting the data. The most salient features which were charted out are that they have a general craving for sociogenic needs like love and affection, security, affiliation, cooperation etc. Their anxiety level tends to be high due to certain conflicts. The obvious fact has been that leprosy appears as a somatic devastation in the presence of highly active psychogenic starvation of personality.