Adhesive properties of food and faecal potential probiotic lactobacilli

In the present investigation, total four isolates of Lactobacillus species i.e. L. casei, L. helveticus, L. brevis and L. fermentum were examined for the cell surface hydrophobicity by bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons assay in LAPTg broth and hydrophobicity was calculated as percentage decrease in Optical Density at 600 nm. The general range of hydrophobicity in Lactobacilli was found in between 6-73%. Remarkably, L. helveticus and L . fermentum showed 73% hydrophobicity in xylene. Higher value of hydrophobicity could point toward a better ability of lactobacilli to adhere to epithelium cells. The outcome of present study concludes that L. helveticus and L. fermentum have good adhesive properties which may help them to adhere to surface epithelium of host cell and further screening with other probiotic attributes could be designated as probiotics

An update on the future prospects of Glycerol Polymers

Glycerol, a water‐soluble polyol, is currently used in a wide variety of markets, e.g., as a sweetener in drinks, as an additive in the food and cosmetic industry, or as an antifreeze agent, to name a few. The blooming biodiesel production has created an excess supply of glycerol by‐product. Researchers all around the world are actively exploring strategies to utilize this cheap and abundantly available biobased molecule. To date, glycerol‐based polymers have only been examined extensively for use in biomedical applications, however, the use of biobased crude glycerol is nonviable for such applications due to the presence of impurities such as methanol and residual fatty acids from the biodiesel production process. Thankfully, the increased volumes of glycerol generated from biodiesel production have stimulated the research on its use in various other industrial applications such as the production of commodity chemicals, polymers, etc. In this article, we summarize some of the efforts to valorize glycerol for polymeric applications such as polyurethanes, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and adhesives

Easy-Processable and Aging-Free All-Polymer Polysiloxane Composites

Here, we report all-polymer polysiloxane composites that overcome the long-standing processing problems of silica-reinforced silicone rubbers. Polystyrene fillers are dispersed with styrene/dimethylsiloxane symmetric diblock and triblock copolymers that control the filler morphology, filler–matrix interactions, and filler–filler interactions. Surprisingly, the composites not only rival the traditional silica-reinforced polysiloxane in mechanical properties of cured materials but also have better processability and stability than the silica-filled compound before curing. Large amplitude oscillatory shear experiments demonstrate that the triblock copolymer addition strongly affects the rheological properties. We hypothesize that the bridges and entangled loops that were formed by the triblock copolymer can connect different PS domains to provide additional reinforcement. The aging effect that originates from PDMS chain adsorption on the filler particle surface is also avoided because of the thermodynamic repulsion between PS and PDMS phases

Self-assembly of Janus Dumbbell Nanocrystals and Their Enhanced 2 Surface Plasmon Resonance

Self-assembly is a critical process that can greatly expand the existing structures and lead to new functionality of nanoparticle systems. Multicomponent superstructures self-assembled from nanocrystals have shown promise as multifunctional materials for various applications. Despite recent progress in assembly of homogeneous nanocrystals, synthesis and self-assembly of Janus nanocrystals with contrasting surface chemistry remains a significant challenge. Herein, we designed a novel Janus nanocrystal platform to control the self-assembly of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions by balancing the hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties. A series of superstructures have been assembled by systematically varying the Janus balance and assembly conditions. Janus Au–Fe3O4 dumbbell nanocrystals (\u3c20 nm) were synthesized with the hydrophobic ligands coated on the Au lobe and negatively charged hydrophilic ligands coated on the Fe3O4 lobe. We systematically fine-tune the lobe size ratio, surface coating, external conditions, and even additional growth of Au nanocrystal domains on the Au lobe of dumbbell nanoparticles (Au–Au–Fe3O4) to harvest self-assembly structures including clusters, chains, vesicles, and capsules. It was discovered that in all these assemblies the hydrophobic Au lobes preferred to stay together. In addition, these superstructures clearly demonstrated different levels of enhanced surface plasmon resonance that is directly correlated with the Au coupling in the assembly structure. The strong interparticle plasmonic coupling displayed a red-shift in surface plasmon resonance, with larger structures formed by Au–Au–Fe3O4 assembly extending into the near-infrared region. Self-assembly of Janus dumbbell nanocrystals can also be reversible under different pH values. The biphasic Janus dumbbell nanocrystals offer a platform for studying the novel interparticle coupling and open up opportunities in applications including sensing, disease diagnoses, and therapy

Development of polymer composites for advanced applications

Here we discuss two projects pertaining to the thermoplastic and thermoset class of polymers. In the first project, we demonstrate a mechanism to synthesis a family of biobased (meth)acrylate polymers from crude glycerol ) obtained as biodiesel production byproduct) and ketones (obtained from ketonization process of bio-oil). The thermoplastic polymers were synthesized using RAFT process and their thermal and mechanical properties were studied to find potential applications. Further, in second project we worked with boron fillers called carboranes to improve the thermal stability of a high temperature thermoset material, cyanate ester. The thermal properties of the composites were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, thermomechanical analysis, FTIR, TGA evolved gas MS and FTIR

Development of polymer composites for advanced applications

Here we discuss two projects pertaining to the thermoplastic and thermoset class of polymers. In the first project, we demonstrate a mechanism to synthesis a family of biobased (meth)acrylate polymers from crude glycerol ) obtained as biodiesel production byproduct) and ketones (obtained from ketonization process of bio-oil). The thermoplastic polymers were synthesized using RAFT process and their thermal and mechanical properties were studied to find potential applications. Further, in second project we worked with boron fillers called carboranes to improve the thermal stability of a high temperature thermoset material, cyanate ester. The thermal properties of the composites were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, thermomechanical analysis, FTIR, TGA evolved gas MS and FTIR

Cyanate ester composites to improve thermal performance: A review

The advent of space exploration, and high-speed civil transport has prompted the development of polymeric materials that can endure extreme environments. Cyanate ester (CE) is a commonly used thermoset matrix for high temperature applications in aerospace and defense applications. CE has high glass transition temperature (> 200°C), low moisture absorption, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and is extremely thermally stable. Various additives have been reported in the literature to improve thermal stability of the matrix further to prolong the life of parts manufactured from CE. In this review, we will survey various inorganic additives based on silica, clay, boron and phosphorous reported in the literature to improve thermal properties of cyanate ester. We will also discuss the thermal stability improvement mechanisms for these CE-inorganic hybrids.This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article: Goyal, Shailja, and Eric W. Cochran. "Cyanate ester composites to improve thermal performance: A review." Polymer International (2022), which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1002/pi.6373. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. Copyright 2021 John Wiley and Sons. Posted with permission

An update on the future prospects of Glycerol Polymers

Glycerol, a water‐soluble polyol, is currently used in a wide variety of markets, e.g., as a sweetener in drinks, as an additive in the food and cosmetic industry, or as an antifreeze agent, to name a few. The blooming biodiesel production has created an excess supply of glycerol by‐product. Researchers all around the world are actively exploring strategies to utilize this cheap and abundantly available biobased molecule. To date, glycerol‐based polymers have only been examined extensively for use in biomedical applications, however, the use of biobased crude glycerol is nonviable for such applications due to the presence of impurities such as methanol and residual fatty acids from the biodiesel production process. Thankfully, the increased volumes of glycerol generated from biodiesel production have stimulated the research on its use in various other industrial applications such as the production of commodity chemicals, polymers, etc. In this article, we summarize some of the efforts to valorize glycerol for polymeric applications such as polyurethanes, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and adhesives.This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article: Goyal, Shailja, Nacú B. Hernández, and Eric Cochran. "An update on the future prospects of Glycerol Polymers." Polymer International, which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1002/pi.6209. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. Posted with permission.</p

Quality of Life of Ostomates with the Selected Factors in a Selected Hospital of Delhi with a View to Develop Guidelines for the Health Professionals

Background: A correlational survey to assess the quality of life (QoL) of ostomates with selected factors in a selected hospital of Delhi and to develop guidelines for the health professionals to improve QoL of ostomates was undertaken during the year 2005-2007. The objectives of the study were as follows: (1) To assess QoL of ostomates (2) To identify the factors associated with QoL of ostomates (3) To seek relationship between selected factors and QoL of ostomates (4) To develop guidelines for the health professionals to improve QoL of ostomates. Materials and Methods: The corelational survey was conducted on 50 ostomates from Surgical Oncology OPD of B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, Delhi. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the sample subjects. Structured interview schedule was prepared. Guidelines were prepared for health professionals to improve the quality of life of ostomates. Result: Majority of the ostomates possessed best quality of life. There was a significant association between QoL score of ostomates with age, sex, duration of surgery, education, income, and occupation. There was no significant association between QoL scores of ostomates and marital status and type of ostomy. Conclusion: This study conclude that nurses have a great role to play in the physical, psychological, economical, social, familial, and sexual aspects in the care of ostomates and to offer psychological support and empathy, to reinforce coping skills to promote an optimal QoL.also she has a great role to influence and educate all the aspects of care to the patients and their relatives. Their is a need to develop staff development program for nursing personnel in the clinical area in healthcare system

Table3_Molecular diagnosis of autosomal dominant congenital cataract in two families from North India reveals a novel and a known variant in GJA8 and GJA3.docx

AimsThe study aims to detect the underlying genetic defect in two autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) families.MethodsA detailed family history was collected, pedigrees were drawn, and slit-lamp examination and lens photography were performed. Mutation screening was carried out in the genes for crystallins and connexins by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Ethnically matched controls were tested for the identified variants. Different bioinformatics tools were used to assess the pathogenicity of the observed variants.ResultsIn an ADCC family with total cataract, a novel change (c.166A > G) (p.Thr56Ala) in GJA8 was identified. In another ADCC family with nuclear cataract, c.134G > C (p.Trp45Ser) in GJA3 has been detected. These variants co-segregated completely in patients in their respective families and were neither observed in unaffected family members nor in ethnically matched 100 controls, excluding them as polymorphisms.ConclusionsThe present study identifies a novel variant c.166A > G (p.Thr56Ala) in GJA8 in an ADCC family having total cataract and a previously known mutation c.134G > C (p.Trp45Ser) in GJA3 in another ADCC family. Thr56 in GJA8 seems to be a mutation hotspot, as previously an ADCC Mauritanian family harbored a different substitution (p.Thr56Pro) at the same codon, although for a different phenotype (nuclear cataract). Similarly, Trp45 in GJA3 appears as a mutation hotspot, as p.Trp45Ser has previously been reported for nuclear cataract in a Chinese ADCC family. p.Thr56 (GJA8) and p.Trp45 (GJA3) are in the extracellular loop 1 (EL1) in their respective connexin proteins, which, along with EL2, are essential for gap junction formation, hemichannel docking, and regulating the voltage gating of the channels. Hence, residues in these regions seem crucial for maintaining eye lens transparency.</p