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The present work aims to understand the effect of chemical treatment on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the natural fibers, namely, areca frond fibers, banana, and flax fibers. Chemical reagents viz. sodium bicarbonate, potassium permanganate, and chromium sulfate were used for surface modifications. Tensile strength of the fibers was determined for analyzing the influence of treatments. Scanning electron microscopy was adopted to visualize the surface morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed on the fiber specimen to interpret functional group modifications. The research results indicated a decrease in fiber diameter with increase in density of fibers post treatments. For areca frond and flax fibers, chromium sulfate treatment was the most effective while that for banana fibers sodium bicarbonate based treatment turned out to be most effective over the others. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed clear visibility of fiber inner cell structure, protruding secondary fibrils for treated fibers, reagent coating on the fiber surface was also observed in the case of chromium sulfate-treated samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed distinct bands indicating functional group modifications corresponding to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of three or more metabolic disorders including insulin resistance, obesity and hyperlipidemia. Obesity has become the epidemic of the twenty-first century with more than 1.6 billion overweight adults. Due to the strong connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes, obesity has received wide attention with subsequent coining of the term "diabesity". Recent studies have identified unique contributions of the immensely diverse gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. Several mechanisms have been proposed including altered glucose and fatty acid metabolism, hepatic fatty acid storage, and modulation of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1. Importantly, the relationship between unhealthy diet and a modified gut microbiota composition observed in diabetic or obese subjects has been recognized. Similarly, the role of diet rich in polyphenols and plant polysaccharides in modulating gut bacteria and its impact on diabetes and obesity have been the subject of investigation by several research groups. Gut microbiota are also responsible for the extensive metabolism of polyphenols thus modulating their biological activities. The aim of this review is to shed light on the composition of gut microbes, their health importance and how they can contribute to diseases as well as their modulation by polyphenols and polysaccharides to control obesity and diabetes. In addition, the role of microbiota in improving the oral bioavailability of polyphenols and hence in shaping their antidiabetic and antiobesity activities will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of adducts of arylamines with thymidine are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of adducts of arylamines with adenosine are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study focuses on synthesis and characterization of hexa-substituted coumarin based Schiff base derivative of cyclotriphosphazene (Compound 3). The antibacterial activity of Compound 3 was evaluated against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bacterial strains using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and percentage-killing method. Compound 3 exhibited a lower MIC of 300 μg/mL against S. aureus than 500 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, indicating greater efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria. Percentage-killing data confirmed Compound 3 significant bactericidal activity against S. aureus across concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 μg/mL, comparable to ampicillin. In contrast, its efficacy against Gram-negative strains was lower, suggesting a more selective spectrum of activity. These findings suggest that Compound 3 shows promise as a potential antibacterial agent with preferential activity against Gram-positive bacteria, warranting further investigation into its mechanism of action and therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]