9 research outputs found
TSH Receptor Gene and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
The primary regulators of thyroid activity are the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and its receptor (TSH-R). Studies have shown that genetic variants in the TSHR gene can increase susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The TSHR gene is located on chromosome 14q31 and encodes a membrane-bound receptor that interacts with TSH to regulate thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. AITD including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), are the most common thyroid disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. In AITD, autoantibodies can bind to and activate the TSHR, leading to increased thyroid hormone production and secretion in GD, or thyroid destruction and hypothyroidism in HT. In addition to its role in thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion, some studies also revealed that the TSHR has also been implicated in a variety of other physiological processes, including bone metabolism, reproduction, and immune regulation. Genetic variation in the TSHR region may affect the expression, post-translational processing, and/or protein structure, which in turn may cause or worsen the autoimmune response. The TSHR gene and its products are widely used in diagnostic testing for AITD. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between the TSHR and autoantibodies is critical for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AITD
Turning waste plant fibers into advanced plant fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comprehensive review
Plant fibers are increasingly used in fabricating polymer composite components useful in the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries. This surge in the usage of plant fibers in different industries is owing to the improved understanding of the toxicity of synthetic fibers. It is essential to point out that “Humans need earth, not earth needs humans” therefore policymakers and researchers are working on replacing traditional materials with green materials. Plant fibers are green materials with many advantages over synthetic materials, such as easy processing, reduction of CO2 emissions, biodegradable, recyclable, good thermomechanical properties, and better compatibility with human health. Therefore, plant fibers are extensively used as a modifier for polymers. The drawbacks of plant fibers are the presence of OH groups in their basic structure and the presence of amorphous components. Both these drawbacks can be reduced by chemically treating the fibers. Further coupling agents can be used to increase the compatibility between the fiber and polymer. It is reported that incorporating fibers (non-continuous or continuous), and fiber mats as a reinforcement for polymers improve the mechanical, thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, and surface properties. Accelerated aging studies also reported favourable results for the use of plant fiber-based composites for long-term outdoor applications. However, plant fibers have lower strength and are hydrophilic compared to synthetic fibers, more research is required to overcome fully these drawbacks. This review examines and discusses the fundamentals of plant fiber, its processing, drawbacks, recent research trends, composites properties, prospects, and potential applications
Nanocellulose: A Fundamental Material for Science and Technology Applications
Recently, considerable interest has been focused on developing greener and biodegradable materials due to growing environmental concerns. Owing to their low cost, biodegradability, and good mechanical properties, plant fibers have substituted synthetic fibers in the preparation of composites. However, the poor interfacial adhesion due to the hydrophilic nature and high-water absorption limits the use of plant fibers as a reinforcing agent in polymer matrices. The hydrophilic nature of the plant fibers can be overcome by chemical treatments. Cellulose the most abundant natural polymer obtained from sources such as plants, wood, and bacteria has gained wider attention these days. Different methods, such as mechanical, chemical, and chemical treatments in combination with mechanical treatments, have been adopted by researchers for the extraction of cellulose from plants, bacteria, algae, etc. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) have been extracted and used for different applications such as food packaging, water purification, drug delivery, and in composites. In this review, updated information on the methods of isolation of nanocellulose, classification, characterization, and application of nanocellulose has been highlighted. The characteristics and the current status of cellulose-based fiber-reinforced polymer composites in the industry have also been discussed in detail
Differential bleaching of corals based on El Niño type and intensity in the Andaman Sea, southeast Bay of Bengal
The Andaman coral reef region experienced
mass bleaching events during 1998 and 2010. The purpose
of this study is to investigate the role of the El Niño
in the coral reef bleaching events of the Andaman region.
Both Niño 3.4 and 3 indices were examined to find
out the relationship between the mass bleaching events
and El Niño, and correlated with sea surface temperature
(SST) anomalies in the Andaman Sea. The result shows
that abnormal warming and mass bleaching events in
the Andaman Sea were seen only during strong El Niño
years of 1997–1998 and 2009–2010. The Andaman Sea
SST was more elevated and associated with El Niño
Modoki (central Pacific El Niño) than conventional El
Niño (eastern Pacific El Niño) occurrences. It is suggested
that the development of hot spot patterns around
the Andaman Islands during May 1998 and April–May
2010 may be attributed to zonal shifts in the Walker
circulation driven by El Niño during the corresponding
period