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Gellan gum incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles biofilm as wound dressing: Physicochemical, mechanical, antibacterial properties and wound healing studies

Ismail NA, Amin KAM, Majid FAA, Razali MH

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2019 Oct;103:109770.
PMID: 31349525 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.109770

In this work, the potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles incorporated gellan gum (GG + TiO2-NPs) biofilm as wound dressing material was investigated. The GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm was prepared via evaporative casting technique and was characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to study their physiochemical properties. The mechanical properties, swelling and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of biofilm was determined to comply with an ideal wound dressing material. In vitro and in vivo wound healing studies was carried out to evaluate the performance of GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm. In vitro wound healing was studied on 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cells for cell viability, cell proliferation, and scratch assay. The acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were used to evaluate the viability of cell and cell proliferation. Cell migration assay was analyzed using Essen BioScience IncuCyteTM Zoom system. In vivo wound healing via open excision wounds model on Sprague Dawley rat was studied within 14 days. The FT-IR spectra of GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm show main bands assigned to OH stretching, OH deformation, and TiO stretching modes. XRD pattern of GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm suggesting that TiO2-NPs was successfully incorporated in biofilm and well distributed on the surface as proved by SEM analysis. The GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm shows higher mechanical strength and swelling (3.76 ± 0.11 MPa and 1061 ± 6%) as compared to pure GG film (3.32 ± 0.08 Mpa and 902 ± 6%), respectively. GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm shows good antibacterial properties as 9 ± 0.25 mm and 11 ± 0.06 mm exhibition zone was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, respectively. While no exhibition zone was obtained for pure GG biofilm. GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm also demonstrated better cell-to-cell interaction properties, as it's promoted cell proliferation and cell migration to accelerate open excision wound healing on Sprague Dawley rat. The wound treated with GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm was healed within 14 days, on the other hand, the wound is still can be seen when it was treated with GG. However, GG and GG + TiO2-NPs biofilm show no cytotoxicity effects on mouse fibroblast cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Escherichia coli/growth & development*; Staphylococcus aureus/growth & development*
Fulltext Variation in the metabolites and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Cosmos caudatus at different growth stages

Wan-Nadilah WA, Akhtar MT, Shaari K, Khatib A, Hamid AA, Hamid M

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Sep 05;19(1):245.
PMID: 31488132 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2655-9

BACKGROUND: Cosmos caudatus is an annual plant known for its medicinal value in treating several health conditions, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes mellitus. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and total phenolic content of the leaf aqueous ethanolic extracts of the plant at different growth stages (6, 8. 10, 12 and 14 weeks) were determined in an effort to ascertain the best time to harvest the plant for maximum medicinal quality with respect to its glucose-lowering effects.
METHODS: The aqueous ethanolic leaf extracts of C. caudatus were characterized by NMR and LC-MS/MS. The total phenolic content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, respectively. The statistical significance of the results was evaluated using one-way ANOVA with Duncan's post hoc test, and correlation among the different activities was performed by Pearson's correlation test. NMR spectroscopy along with multivariate data analysis was used to identify the metabolites correlated with total phenolic content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the C. caudatus leaf extracts.
RESULTS: It was found that the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and total phenolic content of the optimized ethanol:water (80:20) leaf extract of the plant increased significantly as the plant matured, reaching a maximum at the 10th week. The IC50 value for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (39.18 μg mL- 1) at the 10th week showed greater potency than the positive standard, quercetin (110.50 μg mL- 1). Through an 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach, the 10-week-old samples were shown to be correlated with a high total phenolic content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. From the partial least squares biplot, rutin and flavonoid glycosides, consisting of quercetin 3-O-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-O-xyloside, were identified as the major bioactive metabolites. The metabolites were identified by NMR spectroscopy (J-resolve, HSQC and HMBC experiments) and further supported by dereplication via LC-MS/MS.
CONCLUSION: For high phytomedicinal quality, the 10th week is recommended as the best time to harvest C. caudatus leaves with respect to its glucose lowering potential.

Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/growth & development*; Asteraceae/growth & development
Fulltext Impact of magnetic immobilization on the cell physiology of green unicellular algae Chlorella vulgaris

Taghizadeh SM, Berenjian A, Chew KW, Show PL, Mohd Zaid HF, Ramezani H, et al.

Bioengineered, 2020 12;11(1):141-153.
PMID: 31994978 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2020.1718477

Cell immobilization on the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic harvesting is a novel approach for microalgal cells separation. To date, the effect of these nanoparticles on microalgal cells was only studied over a short period of time. More studies are hence needed for a better understanding of the magnetic harvesting proposes or environmental concerns relating to long-term exposure to nanoparticles. In this study, the impact of various concentrations of MNPs on the microalgal cells growth and their metabolic status was investigated over 12 days. More than 60% reduction in mitochondrial activity and pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) content occurred during the first 6 days of exposure to ≥50 µg/mL nanoparticles. However, more than 50% growth inhibitory effect was seen at concentrations higher than 400 µg/mL. Exposure to MNPs gradually induced cellular adaptation and after about 6 days of exposure to stress generating concentrations (˂400 µg/mL) of IONs, microalgae could overcome the imposed damages. This work provides a better understanding regarding the environmental impact of MNPs and appropriate concentrations of these particles for future algal cells magnetic immobilization and harvesting.

Matched MeSH terms: Chlorella vulgaris/growth & development; Microalgae/growth & development
Effects of Soil Amendments on Microbial Activities in a Typical Cd-Contaminated Purple Field Soil, Southwestern China

Wang W, Zhou F, Chang Y, Cui J, He D, Du J, et al.

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2020 Mar;104(3):380-385.
PMID: 31932904 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02786-0

In this study, three soil amendments (inorganic, liming, or organic-inorganic materials) were used in a Cd-contaminated purple field soil to investigate their impacts on soil Cd availability, enzyme (urease, catalase, sucrase, and acid phosphatase) activities, microbial biomass (carbon/nitrogen) and type (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) in mustard and corn trials. Results showed that soil amendments generally decreased soil exchangeable Cd, fungi and bacterial populations while increasing the activities of all the four soil enzymes tested, microbial biomass carbon and populations of actinomycetes (p 0.05) whereas stronger effects appeared in soil organic matter and available nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium; p

Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria/growth & development; Fungi/growth & development
Biochemical events leading to the diversion of carbon into storage lipids in the oleaginous fungi Mucor circinelloides and Mortierella alpina

Wynn JP, Hamid AA, Li Y, Ratledge C

Microbiology (Reading), 2001 Oct;147(Pt 10):2857-2864.
PMID: 11577164 DOI: 10.1099/00221287-147-10-2857

The biochemical events associated with the onset of lipid accumulation in Mucor circinelloides and Mortierella alpina, under conditions of nitrogen-limited growth, have been elucidated; they differ in key aspects from those described in oleaginous yeasts. The NAD+:isocitrate dehydrogenases of Mc. circinelloides and Mort. alpina were not absolutely dependent on AMP for activity. Furthermore, changes in the cellular adenine nucleotide pools and energy charge were different from those reported for oleaginous yeasts. In Mc. circinelloides ATP, ADP and AMP concentrations all decreased by 50% after nitrogen limitation, leading to a constant energy charge at the expense of the size of the total adenylate pool. Pyruvate carboxylase in Mc. circinelloides was cytosolic, having implications for the organization of lipid synthesis in filamentous fungi. As a result of the data obtained, a revised and more concerted mechanism for the initiation of storage lipid accumulation is put forward for filamentous fungi.

Matched MeSH terms: Mucor/growth & development; Mortierella/growth & development
Fulltext Enhancing microalga Chlorella sorokiniana CY-1 biomass and lipid production in palm oil mill effluent (POME) using novel-designed photobioreactor

Cheah WY, Show PL, Yap YJ, Mohd Zaid HF, Lam MK, Lim JW, et al.

Bioengineered, 2020 12;11(1):61-69.
PMID: 31884878 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2019.1704536

Chlorella sorokiniana CY-1 was cultivated using palm oil mill effluent (POME) in a novel-designed photobioreactor (NPBR) and glass-made vessel photobioreactor (PBR). The comparison was made on biomass and lipid productions, as well as its pollutants removal efficiencies. NPBR is transparent and is developed in thin flat panels with a high surface area per volume ratio. It is equipped with microbubbling and baffles retention, ensuring effective light and CO2 utilization. The triangular shape of this reactor at the bottom serves to ease microalgae cell harvesting by sedimentation. Both biomass and lipid yields attained in NPBR were 2.3-2.9 folds higher than cultivated in PBR. The pollutants removal efficiencies achieved were 93.7% of chemical oxygen demand, 98.6% of total nitrogen and 96.0% of total phosphorus. Mathematical model revealed that effective light received and initial mass contributes toward successful microalgae cultivation. Overall, the results revealed the potential of NPBR integration in Chlorella sorokiniana CY-1 cultivation, with an aim to achieve greater feasibility in microalgal-based biofuel real application and for environmental sustainability.

Matched MeSH terms: Chlorella/growth & development; Microalgae/growth & development
Fulltext The effect of tillage systems on phosphorus distribution and forms in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil under maize (Zea mays L.) in Northeast China

Xomphoutheb T, Jiao S, Guo X, Mabagala FS, Sui B, Wang H, et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 04 20;10(1):6574.
PMID: 32313140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63567-7

An appropriate tillage method must be implemented by maize growers to improve phosphorus dynamics in the soil in order to increase phosphorus uptake by plant. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tillage systems on phosphorus and its fractions in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils under maize. An experimental field was established, with phosphate fertilizers applied to four treatment plots: continuous rotary tillage (CR), continuous no-tillage (CN), plowing-rotary tillage (PR), and plowing-no tillage (PN). Under the different tillage methods, the available P was increased in the non-rhizosphere region. However, the concentration of available P was reduced in the rhizosphere soil region. The soil available P decreased with the age of the crop until the maize reached physiological maturity. The non-rhizosphere region had 132.9%, 82.5%, 259.8%, and 148.4% more available P than the rhizosphere region under the CR, PR, CN, and PN treatments, respectively. The continuous no-tillage method (CN) improved the uptake of soil phosphate by maize. The concentrations of Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Fe-P, Al-P and O-P at the maturity stage were significantly lower than other seedling stages. However, there was no significant relationship between total P and the P fractions. Therefore, a continuous no-tillage method (CN) can be used by farmers to improve phosphorus availability for spring maize. Soil management practices minimizing soil disturbance can be used to impove phosphorus availability for maize roots, increase alkaline phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil and increase the abundance of different phosphorus fractions.

Matched MeSH terms: Zea mays/growth & development; Plant Roots/growth & development
Fulltext Late-spring frost risk between 1959 and 2017 decreased in North America but increased in Europe and Asia

Zohner CM, Mo L, Renner SS, Svenning JC, Vitasse Y, Benito BM, et al.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2020 06 02;117(22):12192-12200.
PMID: 32393624 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920816117

Late-spring frosts (LSFs) affect the performance of plants and animals across the world's temperate and boreal zones, but despite their ecological and economic impact on agriculture and forestry, the geographic distribution and evolutionary impact of these frost events are poorly understood. Here, we analyze LSFs between 1959 and 2017 and the resistance strategies of Northern Hemisphere woody species to infer trees' adaptations for minimizing frost damage to their leaves and to forecast forest vulnerability under the ongoing changes in frost frequencies. Trait values on leaf-out and leaf-freezing resistance come from up to 1,500 temperate and boreal woody species cultivated in common gardens. We find that areas in which LSFs are common, such as eastern North America, harbor tree species with cautious (late-leafing) leaf-out strategies. Areas in which LSFs used to be unlikely, such as broad-leaved forests and shrublands in Europe and Asia, instead harbor opportunistic tree species (quickly reacting to warming air temperatures). LSFs in the latter regions are currently increasing, and given species' innate resistance strategies, we estimate that ∼35% of the European and ∼26% of the Asian temperate forest area, but only ∼10% of the North American, will experience increasing late-frost damage in the future. Our findings reveal region-specific changes in the spring-frost risk that can inform decision-making in land management, forestry, agriculture, and insurance policy.

Matched MeSH terms: Trees/growth & development*; Plant Leaves/growth & development*
Fulltext Utilization of magnesium-rich synthetic gypsum as magnesium fertilizer for oil palm grown on acidic soil

Ayanda AF, Jusop S, Ishak CF, Othman R

PLoS One, 2020;15(6):e0234045.
PMID: 32544208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234045

A study was conducted to determine the impact of applying different sources of Mg, namely kieserite, ground magnesium limestone (GML) and Mg-rich synthetic gypsum (MRSG) on an acid tropical soil, oil palm growth and production. Besides high amount of Mg and Ca, MRSG contains S. Exchangeable Ca in the untreated soil of the plantation was 0.64 cmolc kg-1, but its critical level to sustain oil palm growth was 0.9 cmolc kg-1. MRSG was applied in the plantation as Mg-fertilizer; however, since Ca is also a limiting nutrient, oil palm growth was correlated (r = 0.69) with Ca supplied by the MRSG. Mg needed to sustain oil palm production is normally supplied by kieserite. Its requirement can be met at a lower cost compared to that of the kieserite by using MRSG. Due to MRSG treatment, exchangeable Ca in the soil increased steadily to satisfy the requirement of oil palm for fruit bunches production. From the glasshouse and field study, it was observed that MRSG applied at 1.5 times the recommended rate gave results comparable to that of the kieserite. MRSG treatment resulted in the increase of soil pH to >5 that precipitated Al3+ as inert Al-hydroxides, which eventually enhanced oil palm seedlings growth. Thus, MRSG can also replace GML to increase soil pH and satisfy the Ca and Mg requirement of oil palm. It can be concluded that MRSG has the potential to be used as a source of Mg as well as Ca for oil palm grown on acidic soil.

Matched MeSH terms: Angiosperms/growth & development*; Seedlings/growth & development
Fulltext Characterization of salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and the effect on growth and yield of saline-affected rice

Shultana R, Kee Zuan AT, Yusop MR, Saud HM

PLoS One, 2020;15(9):e0238537.
PMID: 32886707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238537

In this study, we characterized, identified, and determined the effect of salt-tolerant PGPR isolated from coastal saline areas on rice growth and yield. A total of 44 bacterial strains were isolated, and 5 were found to be tolerant at high salt concentration. These isolates were further characterized for salinity tolerance and beneficial traits through a series of quantitative tests. Biochemical characterization showed that bacterial survivability decreases gradually with the increase of salt concentration. One of the strains, UPMRB9, produced the highest amount of exopolysaccharides when exposed to 1.5M of NaCl. Moreover, UPMRB9 absorbed the highest amount of sodium from the 1.5M of NaCl-amended media. The highest floc yield and biofilm were produced by UPMRE6 and UPMRB9 respectively, at 1M of NaCl concentration. The SEM observation confirmed the EPS production of UPMRB9 and UPMRE6 at 1.5M of NaCl concentration. These two isolates were identified as Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus aryabhattai based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The functional group characterization of EPS showed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups. This corresponded to the presence of carbohydrates and proteins in the EPS and glucose was identified as the major type of carbohydrate. The functional groups of EPS can help to bind and chelate Na+ in the soil and thereby reduces the plant's exposure to the ion under saline conditions. The plant inoculation study revealed significant beneficial effects of bacterial inoculation on photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance of the plant which leads to a higher yield. The Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus aryabhattai strains showed good potential as PGPR for salinity mitigation practice for coastal rice cultivation.

Matched MeSH terms: Oryza/growth & development*; Salt-Tolerant Plants/growth & development
Murine in vitro cellular models to better understand adipogenesis and its potential applications

Vohra MS, Ahmad B, Serpell CJ, Parhar IS, Wong EH

Differentiation, 2020 08 23;115:62-84.
PMID: 32891960 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.08.003

Adipogenesis has been extensively studied using in vitro models of cellular differentiation, enabling long-term regulation of fat cell metabolism in human adipose tissue (AT) material. Many studies promote the idea that manipulation of this process could potentially reduce the prevalence of obesity and its related diseases. It has now become essential to understand the molecular basis of fat cell development to tackle this pandemic disease, by identifying therapeutic targets and new biomarkers. This review explores murine cell models and their applications for study of the adipogenic differentiation process in vitro. We focus on the benefits and limitations of different cell line models to aid in interpreting data and selecting a good cell line model for successful understanding of adipose biology.

Matched MeSH terms: Adipose Tissue/growth & development*; Adipose Tissue, Brown/growth & development
The environmental impacts of palm oil in context

Meijaard E, Brooks TM, Carlson KM, Slade EM, Garcia-Ulloa J, Gaveau DLA, et al.

Nat Plants, 2020 12;6(12):1418-1426.
PMID: 33299148 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-020-00813-w

Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires balancing demands on land between agriculture (SDG 2) and biodiversity (SDG 15). The production of vegetable oils and, in particular, palm oil, illustrates these competing demands and trade-offs. Palm oil accounts for ~40% of the current global annual demand for vegetable oil as food, animal feed and fuel (210 Mt), but planted oil palm covers less than 5-5.5% of the total global oil crop area (approximately 425 Mha) due to oil palm's relatively high yields. Recent oil palm expansion in forested regions of Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, where >90% of global palm oil is produced, has led to substantial concern around oil palm's role in deforestation. Oil palm expansion's direct contribution to regional tropical deforestation varies widely, ranging from an estimated 3% in West Africa to 50% in Malaysian Borneo. Oil palm is also implicated in peatland draining and burning in Southeast Asia. Documented negative environmental impacts from such expansion include biodiversity declines, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, oil palm generally produces more oil per area than other oil crops, is often economically viable in sites unsuitable for most other crops and generates considerable wealth for at least some actors. Global demand for vegetable oils is projected to increase by 46% by 2050. Meeting this demand through additional expansion of oil palm versus other vegetable oil crops will lead to substantial differential effects on biodiversity, food security, climate change, land degradation and livelihoods. Our Review highlights that although substantial gaps remain in our understanding of the relationship between the environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of oil palm, and the scope, stringency and effectiveness of initiatives to address these, there has been little research into the impacts and trade-offs of other vegetable oil crops. Greater research attention needs to be given to investigating the impacts of palm oil production compared to alternatives for the trade-offs to be assessed at a global scale.

Matched MeSH terms: Crops, Agricultural/growth & development*; Arecaceae/growth & development*
Fulltext Intraspecific macroscopic digestive anatomy of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), including a comparison of frozen and formalin-stored specimens

Clauss M, Trümpler J, Ackermans NL, Kitchener AC, Hantke G, Stagegaard J, et al.

Primates, 2021 Mar;62(2):431-441.
PMID: 33180215 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-020-00873-8

Digestive tract measurements are often considered species specific, but little information exists on the degree to which they change during ontogeny within a species. Additionally, access to anatomical material from nondomestic species is often limited, with fixed tissues possibly representing the only available source, though the degree to which this material is representative in terms of dimensions and weight is debatable. In the present study, the macroscopic anatomy of the digestive tract (length of intestinal sections, and tissue weights of stomach and intestines) of 58 Lemur catta [ranging in age from 1 month (neonates) to 25 years], which had been stored frozen (n = 27) or fixed in formalin (n = 31), was quantified. Particular attention was paid to the caecum and the possible presence of an appendix. The intraspecific allometric scaling of body mass (BM)0.46[0.40;0.51] for total intestine length and BM0.48[0.41;0.54] for small intestine length was higher than the expected geometric scaling of BM0.33, and similar to that reported in the literature for interspecific scaling. This difference in scaling is usually explained by the hypothesis that, to maintain optimal absorption, the diameter of the intestinal tube cannot increase geometrically. Therefore, geometric volume gain of increasing body mass is accommodated for by more-than-geometric length scaling. According to the literature, not all L. catta have an appendix. No appendix was found in the specimens in the present study. The proportions of length measurements did not change markedly during ontogeny, indicating that the proportions of the foetus are representative of those of the adult animal. By contrast, width and tissue-mass scaling of the caecum indicated disproportionate growth of this organ during ontogeny that was not reflected in its length. Compared to overall intraspecific variation, the method of storage (frozen vs. formalin) had no relevant impact on length or weight measurements.

Matched MeSH terms: Lemur/growth & development; Gastrointestinal Tract/growth & development
Fulltext Kinetics Growth and Recovery of Valuable Nutrients from Selangor Peat Swamp and Pristine Forest Soils Using Different Extraction Methods as Potential Microalgae Growth Enhancers

Yaacob NS, Ahmad MF, Kawasaki N, Maniyam MN, Abdullah H, Hashim EF, et al.

Molecules, 2021 Jan 27;26(3).
PMID: 33513787 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030653

Soil extracts are useful nutrients to enhance the growth of microalgae. Therefore, the present study attempts for the use of virgin soils from Peninsular Malaysia as growth enhancer. Soils collected from Raja Musa Forest Reserve (RMFR) and Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve (AHFR) were treated using different extraction methods. The total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the autoclave methods were relatively higher than natural extraction with up to 132.0 mg N/L, 10.7 mg P/L, and 2629 mg C/L, respectively for RMFR. The results of TDN, TDP, and DOC suggested that the best extraction methods are autoclaved at 121 °C twice with increasing 87%, 84%, and 95%, respectively. Chlorella vulgaris TRG 4C dominated the growth at 121 °C twice extraction method in the RMRF and AHRF samples, with increasing 54.3% and 14%, respectively. The specific growth rate (µ) of both microalgae were relatively higher, 0.23 d-1 in the Ayer Hitam Soil. This extract served well as a microalgal growth promoter, reducing the cost and the needs for synthetic medium. Mass production of microalgae as aquatic feed will be attempted eventually. The high recovery rate of nutrients has a huge potential to serve as a growth promoter for microalgae.

Matched MeSH terms: Chlorella vulgaris/growth & development; Microalgae/growth & development*
Domestic wastewater biosolids accumulation by liquid state bioconversion process for rapid composting

Fakhru'l-Razi A, Alam MZ, Idris A, Abd-Aziz S, Molla AH

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2002 Sep;37(8):1533-43.
PMID: 12369644

Bioconversion of higher strength of domestic wastewater biosolids (sludge) (4% w/w of TSS) by mixed fungal culture of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum was studied in a laboratory. The effect of potential mixed fungi on domestic wastewater sludge accelerated the liquid state bioconversion (LSB) process. The highest production of dry sludge cake (biosolids) was enriched with fungal biomass to about 85.66 g/kg containing 25.23 g/kg of protein after 8 days of treatment. The results presented in this study revealed that the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS), and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) of treated sludge were highly influenced by the fungal culture as compared to control (uninnoculated). The maximum removal rates in treated sludge (biosolids) supernatant recorded were 92% of COD and 98.8% of TSS. Lower SRF (1.08 x 10(12) m/kg) was perceived in microbially treated sludge after 6 days of fermentation. The observed parameters were highly influenced after 8 days of treatment. The influence of pH was also studied and presented in the paper.

Matched MeSH terms: Aspergillus niger/growth & development*; Penicillium/growth & development*
A feline kidney cell line-based plaque assay for feline calicivirus, a surrogate for Norwalk virus

Bidawid S, Malik N, Adegbunrin O, Sattar SA, Farber JM

J Virol Methods, 2003 Feb;107(2):163-7.
PMID: 12505630

Feline calicivirus (FCV) has been used by researchers as a surrogate for Norwalk virus (NV), since they share a similar genomic organization, physicochemical characteristics, and are grouped in the same family, Caliciviridae. Unlike NV, however, FCV can grow in established cell lines and produce a syncytial form of cytopathic effect. In this report, we describe the development and standardization of a plaque assay for FCV using monolayers of an established line of feline kidney (CrFK) cells in 12-well cell culture plates. The assay method has demonstrated reproducibility, ease of performance and resulted in clear plaque zones, readable in 24 h after virus inoculation. The infectivity titre of the virus by this plaque assay agreed well with tissue culture infectious dose(50) (TCID(50)) determinations. The described plaque assay would be a valuable tool in conducting various quantitative investigations using FCV as a model for NV and Norwalk-like viruses (NLV).

Matched MeSH terms: Norwalk virus/growth & development*; Calicivirus, Feline/growth & development*
The fate of Brugia pahangi microfilariae in Armigeres subalbatus during the first 48 hours post ingestion

Zahedi M

Trop. Med. Parasitol., 1994 Mar;45(1):33-5.
PMID: 7915044

In Armigeres subalbatus, 60% and 3% of the ingested Brugia pahangi microfilariae (mf) respectively migrated into the haemocoel and the thorax within 5 minutes post ingestion (p.i.). Most of the mf had migrated from the gut into the haemocoel within the first 10 minutes p.i. There was no correlation between the number of mf ingested and the migration rate though those in mosquitoes with a low mf burden tend to migrate earlier. At 24 hours p.i., 5-30% of the mf were still in the gut; 19% of these mf were immobile. At 48 hours p.i. only 2% of the mf were mobile. B. pahangi mf isolated from blood meals at 24 hours p.i., failed to develop when inoculated into Armigeres subalbatus. 54% and 73% of the mf isolated from a 24 hour old clotted blood of a B. pahangi-infected cat and fresh peripheral cat blood respectively developed into stage-1 larva. Probably mf left in the midgut at 24 hours p.i. are the young and immature worms and are physiologically incapable of penetrating the gut.

Matched MeSH terms: Microfilaria/growth & development; Brugia pahangi/growth & development*
Potential of palm oil utilisation in aquaculture feeds

Ng WK

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2002;11 Suppl 7:S473-6.
PMID: 12492637

One key ingredient used in the formulation of aquafeed is fish oil, which is produced from small marine pelagic fish and represents a finite fishery resource. At the present time, global fish oil production has reached a plateau and is not expected to increase beyond current levels. Recent estimates suggest that fish oils may be unable to meet demands from the rapidly growing aquaculture industry by as early as 2005. Therefore, there is currently great interest within the aquafeed industry in evaluating alternatives to fish oils. The ever-expanding oil palm cultivation in Malaysia and other tropical countries offers the possibility of an increased and constant availability of palm oil products for aquafeed formulation. Research into the use of palm oil in aquafeed begun around the mid-1990s and this review examines some of the findings from these studies. The use of palm oil in fish diets has generally shown encouraging results. Improved growth, feed efficiency, protein utilisation, reproductive performance and higher concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in fish fillets have been reported. Recent evidence for the ability of palm oil to substitute for fish oil in catfish diets is reviewed. The potential of palm oil use in aquafeed and future experimental directions are suggested. The aquaculture feed industry offers a great avenue to increase and diversify the use of palm oil-based products.

Matched MeSH terms: Catfishes/growth & development; Fishes/growth & development*
Bioconversion of domestic wastewater sludge by immobilized mixed culture of penicillum Corylophilum WWZA1003 and Aspergillus niger SCahmA103

Alam MZ, Fakhru'l-Razi A, Idris A, Abd-Aziz S

Artif Cells Blood Substit Immobil Biotechnol, 2002 Jul;30(4):307-18.
PMID: 12227649

The bioconversion of domestic wastewater sludge by immobilized mixed culture of filamentous fungi was investigated in a laboratory. The potential mixed culture of Penicillium corylophilum WWZA1003 and Aspergillus niger SCahmA103 was isolated from its local habitats (wastewater and sludge cake) and optimized on the basis of biodegradability and dewaterability of treated sludge. The observed results in this study showed that the sludge treatment was highly influenced by the effect of immobilized mixed fungi using liquid state bioconversion (LSB) process. The maximum production of dry filter cake (DFC) was enriched with fungal biomass to about 20.05 g/kg containing 23.47 g/kg of soluble protein after 4 days of fungal treatment. The reduction of COD, TSS, turbidity (optical density against distilled water, 660 nm), reducing sugar and protein in supernatant and filtration rate of treated sludge were influenced by the fungal mixed culture as compared to control (uninnoculated). After these processes, 99.4% of TSS, 98.05% of turbidity, 76.2% of soluble protein, 98% of reducing sugar and 92.4% of COD in supernatant of treated sludge were removed. Filtration time was decreased tremendously by the microbial treatment after 2 days of incubation. The effect of fungal strain on pH was also studied and presented. Effective bioconversion was observed after 4 days of fungal treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Aspergillus niger/growth & development*; Penicillium/growth & development*
Revision and phylogenetic analysis of the orb-weaving spider genus Glenognatha Simon, 1887 (Araneae, Tetragnathidae)

Cabra-García J, Brescovit AD

Zootaxa, 2016 Jan 27;4069(1):1-183.
PMID: 27395905 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4069.1.1

A taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of the spider genus Glenognatha Simon, 1887 is presented. This analysis is based on a data set including 24 Glenognatha species plus eight outgroups representing three related tetragnathine genera and one metaine as the root. These taxa were scored for 78 morphological characters. Parsimony was used as the optimality criterion and a sensitivity analysis was performed using different character weighting concavities. Seven unambiguous synapomorphies support the monophyly of Glenognatha. Some internal clades within the genus are well-supported and its relationships are discussed. Glenognatha as recovered includes 27 species, four of them only known from males. A species identification key and distribution maps are provided for all. New morphological data are also presented for thirteen previously described species. Glenognatha has a broad distribution occupying the Neartic, Afrotropic, Indo-Malaya, Oceania and Paleartic regions, but is more diverse in the Neotropics. The following eleven new species are described: G. vivianae n. sp., G. caaguara n. sp., G. boraceia n. sp. and G. timbira n. sp. from southeast Brazil, G. caparu n. sp., G. januari n. sp. and G. camisea n. sp. from the Amazonian region, G. mendezi n. sp., G. florezi n. sp. and G. patriceae n. sp. from northern Andes and G. gouldi n. sp. from Southern United States and central Mexico. Females of G. minuta Banks, 1898, G. gaujoni Simon, 1895 and G. gloriae (Petrunkevitch, 1930) and males of G. globosa (Petrunkevitch, 1925) and G. hirsutissima (Berland, 1935) are described for the first time. Three new combinations are proposed in congruence with the phylogenetic results: G. argyrostilba (O. P.-Cambridge, 1876) n. comb., G. dentata (Zhu & Wen, 1978) n. comb. and G. tangi (Zhu, Song & Zhang, 2003) n. comb., all previously included in Dyschiriognatha Simon, 1893. The following taxa are newly synonymized: Dyschiriognatha montana Simon, 1897, Glenognatha mira Bryant, 1945 and Glenognatha maelfaiti Baert, 1987 with Glenognatha argyrostilba (Pickard-Cambridge, 1876) and Glenognatha centralis Chamberlin, 1925 with Glenognatha minuta Banks, 1898.

Matched MeSH terms: Animal Structures/growth & development; Spiders/growth & development

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