Simultaneous degradation of mixed insecticides by mixed fungal culture isolated from sewage sludge

The degradation of mixed (DDT and chlorpyrifos) insecticides by mixed insecticide enriched cultures was investigated. The mixed fungal population was isolated from mixed insecticide acclimatized sewage sludge over a period of 90 days. Gas chromatography was used to detect the concentration of mixed insecticides and calculate the degradation efficiency. The results showed that the degradation capability of the mixed microbial culture was higher in low concentrations than in high concentrations of the mixed insecticides. After 12 weeks of incubation, mixed pesticide enriched cultures were able to degrade 79.5-94.4% of DDT and 73.6-85.9% of chlorpyrifos in facultative cometabolic conditions. The fungal strains isolated from the mixed microbial consortium were identified as Fusarium sp. isolates GFSM-4 (ITCC 6841) and GFSM-5 (ITCC 6842). The fungal culture GFSM-4 could not utilize mixed insecticides as source of carbon and nitrogen, probably due to high combined toxicity of the mixed insecticides. Liquid media deficient in carbon (1% mannitol) and nitrogen (0.1% sodium nitrate) source increased the degradation efficiency of DDT and chlorpyrifos to 69 and 45%, respectively. The media with normal carbon and deficient nitrogen (0.1% sodium nitrate) sources extensively increased the degradation efficiencies of DDT (94%) and chlorpyrifos (69.2%). Traces of p,p'-dichlorobenzophenone and desdiethylchlorpyrifos were observed in the liquid medium, which did not accumulate probably due to further rapid degradation. This fungal isolate (GFSM-4) was able to degrade simultaneously DDT (26.94%) and chlorpyrifos (24.94%) in sterile contaminated (50 mg of each insecticide kg(-1)) soil in aerobic conditions.     

Dietary beta-1,3 glucan potentiates innate immunity and disease resistance of Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus (L.)

This study investigated the effects of short and prolonged administration of a yeast beta-glucan on non-specific immune parameters, growth rate and the disease resistance of Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus. Fish fed with a basal diet (control) and test diet (basal diet supplemented with 0.1% glucan) for 1, 2 and 3 weeks were assayed for superoxide production, serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) content, natural haemagglutinin level, complement and lysozyme activities. Fish were weighed at weekly intervals and specific growth rate (SGR, % increase in body weight per day) was determined. After each week, fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila to measure the level of protection. Results showed that glucan administration at 0.1% in feed, significantly (P<0.05) enhanced MPO and lysozyme levels, superoxide production, haemagglutination titre and level of protection against A. hydrophila challenge, irrespective of length of exposure. The alternative complement activity and SGR were not affected by the dietary supplementation of yeast glucan. As glucan feeding at 0.1% for 1 week is able to enhance the non-specific immunity and disease resistance of catfish efficiently, short-term feeding might be used in farmed catfish diets to enhance disease resistance.     

Morphological and Functional Parameters in Calves with Intestinal Diseases

The survey focused on studying the dynamics of the morphological and functional parameters for calves with the intestinal diseases. The data on the quantity and species composition of the intestinal microbiota were compiled; the haematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters were measured. In case of domination of the pathogenic microorganisms in the intestinal microbiocenoses, the serous edema and the leukocyte infiltration into the epithelial layer and the lamina propria of intestinal mucosa could be observed; multiple embolizations caused by bacteria in the blood vessels were revealed. Multiple small necrotic foci infiltrated with leukocytes in the liver were recorded. Extensive haemorrhage of blood vessels, cyanosis, hyperaemia, multiple blot haemorrhages, and dystrophic and necrotic processes were found in all the segments of the intestine. Therefore, the above-listed symptoms represent the risk factors for toxemia and bacteremia.     

3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Isolated from Polysiphonia morrowii Suppresses TNF-α/IFN-γ-Stimulated Inflammation and Deterioration of Skin Barrier in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Polysiphonia morrowii is a well-known red alga that has promising pharmacological characteristics. The current study evaluates the protective effect of 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) isolated from P. morrowii on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated inflammation and skin barrier deterioration in HaCaT keratinocytes. The anti-inflammatory effect of BDB in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes is evaluated by investigating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Further, the interaction between BDB and the skin barrier functions in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes is investigated. The findings of the study reveal that BDB dose-dependently increases cell viability while decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. BDB downregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, -8, -13, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and chemokines, Eotaxin, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) by modulating the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, BDB increases the production of skin hydration proteins and tight junction proteins in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes by preserving skin moisturization and tight junction stability. These findings imply that BDB exhibits a protective ability against inflammation and deterioration of skin barrier via suppressing the expression of inflammatory signaling in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes.     

Nitrogen recovery in reclaimed mine soil under different amendment practices in tandem with legume and non-legume revegetation: A review

Nitrogen (N) supply is the major limiting nutrient in most reclamation schemes. In reclaimed mine soil (RMS), examining the N dynamics can be especially informative for understanding constraints on recovery that restrict revegetation success. Scholarly studies worldwide have focused on exogenous N incorporation to alleviate N shortages in the agriculture, and forestry sectors. Currently, growing concerns for the negative consequences of mining have highlighted N deficiency as one of the most significantly identified abiotic limits. Only a few researchers have focused on the N transformation mechanisms in drastically altered mine soils. The review comprises the last 10 years’ research on mine reclamation approaches using legume and non-legume plant communities. Also the capacity of different amendments to alleviate N shortages in mine soils is emphasized. The major findings of the present review suggest: (i) Revegetation using legume and non-legume species is a self-sustaining and economical alternative to mineral N fertilizer application; however, they cannot fully activate the biological N cycle in RMS. (ii) A more biological amendment-assisted revegetation would enhance the key concepts of “soil-biomass N balance” and would be ideal for N recovery in imbalanced mine soil. Altogether, grass-legume seeding offers a potentially valuable mine reclamation tool for managing N and addressing the challenges of sustainable development.