On the vertical distribution of chemical constituents in the shelf waters off Waltair

The chemical composition of the shelf water has been investigated and examples of the vertical chemical structure are given in the table. From these values and other related hydrographic information the chemical factors controlling the composition of the shelf water may be discussed. The range of salinity between surface and bottom was greater during the period of sinking and lower during upwelling. The high values of salinity, phosphate, silicates and oxygen were influenced by upwelling. The advection of Northern Dilute water and Southern Bay of Bengal water also affect the vertical and horizontal chemical structure of the water. These were further modified by planktonic consumption during periods of accelerated production. A detailed report is under preparation

From gut dysbiosis to altered brain function and mental illness: mechanisms and pathways

The human body hosts an enormous abundance and diversity of microbes, which perform a range of essential and beneficial functions. Our appreciation of the importance of these microbial communities to many aspects of human physiology has grown dramatically in recent years. We know, for example, that animals raised in a germ-free environment exhibit substantially altered immune and metabolic function, while the disruption of commensal microbiota in humans is associated with the development of a growing number of diseases. Evidence is now emerging that, through interactions with the gut-brain axis, the bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, the gut microbiome can also influence neural development, cognition and behaviour, with recent evidence that changes in behaviour alter gut microbiota composition, while modifications of the microbiome can induce depressive-like behaviours. Although an association between enteropathy and certain psychiatric conditions has long been recognized, it now appears that gut microbes represent direct mediators of psychopathology. Here, we examine roles of gut microbiome in shaping brain development and neurological function, and the mechanisms by which it can contribute to mental illness. Further, we discuss how the insight provided by this new and exciting field of research can inform care and provide a basis for the design of novel, microbiota-targeted, therapies.GB Rogers, DJ Keating, RL Young, M-L Wong, J Licinio, and S Wesseling