Understanding how science is created and developed is a very complex problem. Many claim that once in a while the science goes through periods of so-called “revo-lutions” – diametric changes in the perception of the reality, that change the way we see the world. Such a vision of the development of knowledge is particularly evident in the history of physics. Do similar breakthroughs take place in other sciences, such as biology or chemistry, as well? Our main objective is to demonstrate that the scien-tific revolutions in biology can have a specific, local, character and concern only some particular branches of biology. This hypothesis will be discussed by analyzing the impact of microbiomics on the concept of the organism.
Cutaneous fungal infection are a wide-spread public health concern affecting millions of people all across the world. Nearly half of the affected will experience multiple episodes of infection requiring numerous rounds of treatment. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common etiological agent of dermatophytes, and it is emerging as an important and significantly prevalent infection in an increasingly aging population and immune-compromised patients. Development of more effective and less toxic anti-fungal agents is required for the treatment of dermatophytosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-fungal activity of extracts of three plant species used in traditional medicine against Trichophyton rubrum. The ethanol and water extracts of Eucalyptus globules, Croton macrostachyus, and Phytolacca dodecandra leaves were evaluated in vitro for anti-fungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, using the agar well diffusion technique. The mean inhibition zone of both extracts for E. globulus, C. macrostachyus and P. dodecandra were 19.8, 20 and 16.3 mm, respectively, and mean inhibition zone of the ethanol and water extracts were 23 and 14.4 mm, respectively. Generally, mean inhibition zone of plant extracts did not show statistically significant difference among plants and the mean inhibition zone of plant extracts did show statistically significant difference between extracts (P ≤ 0.05). On the basis of the current findings, Eucalyptus globules and Croton macrostachyus could be good candidates in the search for new antifungal agents from natural products against Trichophyton rubrum. Therefore, further studies are needed to study their toxicology and isolate the bio- active components from these plants.
The populations of microorganisms that exist around the roots of plantain in the various farm locations across Toru Orua metropolis of Bayelsa, Nigeria are different due to difference in ecological locations. This paper assessed the different microorganisms in the Rhizosphere region of the sample plantain. Roots samples collected in University of Africa Toru-Orua (UAT) farm, Angalabiri farm and Koroye farm contain high population of bacteria compared to other Area in Toru-orua. In those locations where we have higher population of microorganisms like UAT farm, Angalabirir farm and Koroye farm, there was evidence of good nutrition in those locations. So, microorganisms in essence characteristically enhance the nutrition of plants Nitrobacter winogradkyi was found in roots samples collected in UAT, Angalabiri and Koroye farm due to the presence of cover crops around the plantain. These varieties of fungi were also isolated. The fungal population follows the same trend. They include aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. These are the largest of all microorganisms in the soil. Others were Rhizobium, Nitrobacter, Winogradkyl, Azomona argillis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Practices that would enhance nutrition of the plants and the proliferation of bacteria and fungi around the roots of plantain are recommended such as organic matter accumulation in form of green manuring, zero tillage and non-use of chemicals and burning.
Various types of biological weapons have been known and practiced throughout history, including the use of biological agents such as microbes and plants, as well as biotoxins and the venoms that can be derived from them. In ancient civilisations, the attempt was to infect and kill enemies by throwing cadavers into water wells. Emperor Barbarossa during the battle of the Italian town, Tortona, in 1155, did the same. In modern times, America and the Soviet Union also undertook biological warfare and anti-biological warfare protection activities. This even intensified after WWII. When the Soviet forces captured and interrogated some Japanese scientists in 1945, they utilized the obtained information in their own biowarfare program and their research accelerated in 1946. Following this, a series of new biowarfare study centres and production facilities was constructed in the 1950s. The Soviet biowarfare program included tularemia, anthrax, brucellosis, plague, glanders, marburg virus, smallpox virus, and VEE virus. During the time of the Korean War, it was believed that biowarfare agents were used by America against Soviet Union. The Americans had began their own program in Fort Detrick (former Camp Detrick) in 1943 and a new production facility at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas was constructed. The United States of America started producing tons of Brucella suis in 1954. In the peak year of their program, they involved about 3,400 people and a number of agents: Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella suis, Coxiella burnetti, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, yellow fever, botulin, Staphylococcal enterotoxin, and the anti-crop agents Pyricularia oryzae and Puccinia graminis. Due to public pressure, President Nixon declared a unilateral halt in 1969 to biological weapon projects. The only permitted research was defensive, such as diagnostic, vaccines, and chemotherapies tests – as evidenced in the UK where the base in Porton Down was converted into a defence institution.
This paper is a photographic summary of studies carried out in June 2011 in Kayabi and Apiaká indigenous territories, located on the margin of the Teles Pires River, between the states of Mato Grosso and Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. A scientific expedition was carried out to analyze the environmental impacts of a project in the region and more specifically the possible interferences in the life of the indigenous inhabitants of the region and live in harmony with the environment. The photos show some structures of indigenous villages, the Teles Pires River, the riparian forest where studies were carried out and some of the bird species registered.
The natural occurrence of the shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricius, 1798) and seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata Asch. & Schweinf.) is found in the area of Indian Ocean, Indonesia, for central Pacific. Vibriosis can cause death in larvae, juvenile and adult shrimp almost close to 100%. Antibacterial substances from secondary metabolites are produced by plants and animals to reduce the use of synthetic antibiotics. The purpose of this research was to determine the ability of secondary metabolites contained in the bacterial extract of the association of sea grass Cymodocea rotundata (isolate code BA.1) to treat vibriosis in tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Integrated Biotechnology and Laboratory of Aquaculture, Fisheries and Marine Sciences Faculty, Universitas Padjadajaran, and at the Brackish and Southern Ocean Aquaculture Development Center Pangandaran, from June to September 2018. The research method used was experimental, with completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of five treatments with three replications including; control treatment (concentration of 0 mg·L–1), 150 mg.L–1, 300 mg·L–1, 450 mg·L–1 and 600 mg·L–1. Observations made include clinical symptoms (morphology, behavior) and survival rate. Clinical symptoms of infected tiger shrimp during the in vivo test were red spots on the abdomen and necrosis of some leg and tail segments. The behavior of tiger shrimp mostly shows less responsive movements to fish-feed on the first day, and showing responsive and active behavior on the fifth day. In vivo test results for 14 days showed that the highest survival rate of 51.67% was in case of the addition of antibacterial extracts of BA.1 with a concentration of 300 mg·L–1.
A survey on the cyanobacterial biodiversity of 7 mangrove environments viz. Vallikunnu, Kadalundi, Kallayi, Mangalavanam, Kumbalam, Kumarakom and Mekkara mangroves of Kerala was undertaken during 2014-2016. In total, 31 species of cyanobacteria coming under 10 genera and 4 families were recorded in all mangrove environments. Maximum species (13 species) of cyanobacteria were recorded from Kadalundi, whereas the minimum was recorded from Mangalavanam (2 species). The genus Oscillatoria was observed with maximum distribution (13 species), followed by Nostoc (5 species) and Lyngbya (3 species). The genus Aphanocapsa, Microcoleus and Scytonema (2 species each) and Chroococcus, Aphanothece, Merismopedia, and Phormidium (1 species each) shows equal distribution. As many as three species, namely Oscillatoria salina, Oscillatoria ornata and Oscillatoria vizagapatensis were common in all mangrove environments except Mangalavanam and Mekkara.
Entandrophragma angolense is a tropical tree species with a very slow growth rate. To overcome this barrier, a study on the effect of organic amendment on the growth rate of Entandrophragma angolense seedlings was conducted in the nursery section of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Herein, 2kg polythene pots, each containing top soil were all amended with Poultry droppings (PRD), Cow dung (CWD) and Compost (CPT) at a ratio of 2:1, while top soil alone served as the control. Employing a completely randomized design (CRD), growth variables were recorded on a fortnight basis. The seedlings were assessed for height, number of leaves and collar diameter for a total period of 20 weeks. Fresh weights and total dry weights of the seedlings were also determined at the end of the experiment. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the effect of organic amendments on the plant mean height and number of leaves throughout the study period, however, a significant difference was observed in collar diameter at 2 weeks after treatment and 12 weeks after treatment alone. Organic amendment was found to influence general biomass production in the specie, although there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in stem biomass production. Conclusively, organic amendment can be said not to have significantly (p>0.05) affected the growth of E. angolense, while this cannot be said of the biomass production, albeit at a low level of significance.
This paper presents the development of novel liposomal nanocarriers which can be used in delivery of biologically-active substances, such as proteins. There is a great interest in liposomal carriers, which could be used for medical and pharmacological applications. However, because of low stability of liposomes, such applications are challenging. Certain external factors, such as pH, temperature or the presence of other substances in the environment may have a damaging effect on the lipid vesicles. Proteins are known to play an essential role in the functioning of living organisms. They have mechanical-structural functions, but they can also act as biocatalysts (enzymes), neurotransmitters, or are involved in the transport of small molecules and ions in tissue. The interest in GPI-linked proteins is related to their ability to incorporate in the lipid bilayer. They have a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor with two long alkyl chains. These chains can incorporate in the cell membrane, thus allowing their attachment to the outer surface of vesicles. Coating them with polyelectrolytes can increase the stability of liposomes. It was found that some polymeric films have the ability to stabilize the liposomal nanocarriers of proteins. That can be correlated with the value of the zeta potential of polymer which coats liposomes, as well as with the shape of a polymeric chain. The polymeric coating can be carefully chosen to ensure that the stabilizing effect will be associated with protein protection reflected in its high enzymatic activity.
Introduction: Spa residue is an undehydrated therapeutic peat, which belongs to the group of peloids, a natural organic material widely used in spa therapy. Once used for therapy, it cannot be reused due to the loss of adsorptive properties. The aim of the study was the biological and parasitological assessment of spa residue to view the chances for fertilization of soils. Material and methods: In this study 80 samples of spa residues, from 7 spa resorts in Poland were investigated for Salmonella bacteria, bacteria of the general and faecal coliform group, anaerobic sulphites-reducing bacteria of Clostridium perfringens type and the eggs of intestinal nematodes (Ascaris, Trichuris and Toxocara). Microbiological and parasitological analyses of the residue were conducted based on the Polish Standards: PN-Z-19000-1/2001, PN-Z-19000- 4/2001, and Microbiological and Parasitological Guidelines for Sanitary Evaluation of Soils, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin 1995. Results: In the investigated samples of the residue neither Salmonella bacteria nor the eggs of intestinal nematodes Ascaris, Trichuris or Toxocara were found. The titres of coliform group bacteria, fecal coli bacteria, and Clostridium perfringens bacteria were within the range 1–1012, and did not exceed the limit values set for fertilizers and soils. Conclusions: Therefore, it is suggested to reuse spa residue after therapy for agricultural purposes (e.g. soil fertilization).
PL
Wstęp: Borowina to nieodwodniony torf leczniczy powstały z obumarłej roślinności bagiennej w wilgotnym środowisku, z niewielkim dostępem powietrza i udziałem drobnoustrojów. Należy do grupy peloidów – osadów humusowych powstałych w wyniku działania naturalnych procesów geologicznych. Jest naturalnym materiałem organicznym o szerokim zastosowaniu w lecznictwie uzdrowiskowym. Wykorzystana wcześniej do zabiegu borowina nie może być ponownie przeznaczona do zabiegów, ze względu na utratę właściwości adsorpcyjnch. Celem badania była ocena bakteriologiczno-parazytologiczna borowiny pozabiegowej pod kątem możliwości jej wykorzystania jako materiału do użyźniania gleb. Materiał i metody: Przebadano 80 próbek borowiny pozabiegowej z 7 uzdrowisk w Polsce. Badania prowadzono w kierunku bakterii Salmonella, bakterii ogólnej i fekalnej grupy coli, bakterii beztlenowych redukujących siarczyny typu Clostridium perfringens oraz jaj nicieni jelitowych (Ascaris, Trichuris i Toxocara). Badania (mikrobiologiczno-parazytologiczne) borowiny pozabiegowej przeprowadzono w oparciu o: Polską Normę PN-Z-19000-1/2001 Jakość gleby. Ocena stanu sanitarnego gleby. Wykrywanie bakterii z rodzaju Salmonella, Polską Normę PN-Z-19000-4/2001 Jakość gleby. Ocena stanu sanitarnego gleby. Wykrywanie jaj pasożytów jelitowych (Ascaris lumbricoides i Trichuris trichiura), Wytyczne metodyczne (mikrobiologiczno-parazytologiczne) do oceny sanitarnej gleby, IMW Lublin 1995 r. Wyniki: Wbadanych próbach borowiny pozabiegowej nie stwierdzono bakterii Salmonella i jaj nicieni jelitowych Ascaris, Trichuris i Toxocara. Miana bakterii ogólnej grupy coli, bakterii coli typu fekalnego i Clostridium perfringens zawierały się w granicach od 1 do 1012 i nie przekraczały wartości limitowanych wymaganych dla nawozów i gleby. Wnioski: Wyniki badań stanowią podstawę do ubiegania się o zagospodarowanie borowiny pozabiegowej, w rolnictwie, do użyźniania gleb.
We evaluated the effects of chitosan of different molecular weights on the quality of Kamchatka berries after harvest and storage. Chitosan with lower molecular weights (from 3 to 21 kDa) positively influenced the soluble solid content after harvest. However, chitosan had no significant effect on titratable acidity after harvest. Regardless of the chitosan molecular weight, the berries contained from 7.4% to 30% more total polyphenols compared with the control (162 mg per 100 g) after harvest. After storage, the total phenolic content decreased slightly and depended on the storage conditions. The L-ascorbic acid content was the highest after harvest and storage after treatment with the highest molecular weight of chitosan (950k kDa). Chitosan 50 kDa positively influenced the firmness and puncture resistance of the berries after harvest (146% of control) and storage (135% of control).
The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment and rehabilitation of patients with trigger thumb and finger. In 40 patients, comprising 30 women and 10 men aged 26 to 64, a total of 42 cases of trigger thumb and finger. In the preoperative period, the severity of changes were studied according to the classification developed by Newport et al. Five patients were classified in the first stage, 28 in the second, 6 in the third, and 1 in the fourth. The mean duration of symptoms was five months. The indication for surgery was a lack of improvement following conservative treatment. All of the patients were treated surgically using the open method by cutting the flexor tendon sheath in part A1. The rehabilitation treatment included exercises to improve the range of mobility of the thumb and fingers and to stretch, grelax, and strengthen muscles. Neuromobilisation and automobilisation exercises were conducted. After 5 months, swelling, pain and restricted mobility of the thumb and fingers subsided in all patients. There were no ‘jumping’ symptoms. Apart from a slight transitory inflammatory reaction in 2 patients there were no complications. In patients with trigger finger, open surgery and competent rehabilitation therapy enables the achievement of very good results, with a low complication rate.
Cadmium is one of the non-essential metals that have toxic effects on aquatic organisms, including diatoms. Diatoms play significant important roles in the aquatic environment, hence, the presence of cadmium will have a significance growth inhibition to its abundance. In this paper, we tried to clarify the effects of cadmium on growth, chlorophyll-a and carotenoid contents of the diatom Thalassiosira sp. Growth inhibition of the phytoplankton was determined following exposure for 96h to several different concentrations of cadmium solutions in an experiment adapted from ASEAN-Canada CPMS II. Our work shows that IC50 of growth and chlorophyll-a was around 0.32 mg/L and 0.914 mg/L, respectively. In addition, Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) and No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) were 0.18 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. In conclusion, cadmium inhibits the growth, as well as the photosynthetic pigment contents of Thalassiosira sp.
Plants of the genus Lycoris in Japan are of importance in culture and religion; they are used as ornamental and medicinal plants. Two species are particularly attractive: Lycoris aurea with yellow flowers and Lycoris radiata with red flowers. Both species show a wide biological activity mainly due to the high content of alkaloids. The aim of the study was to compare the mineral composition of Lycoris aurea and Lycoris radiata bulbs. The analyses were carried out on bulbs obtained after the end of flowering. There were significant differences between the tested species in the content of both macronutrients and micronutrients. The bulbs of Lycoris radiata contained significantly more nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and iron compared to Lycoris aurea bulbs. In turn, more boron was found in Lycoris aurea bulbs. There were no differences between species in terms of phosphorus, calcium and copper contents in the bulbs. In summary, both species have different nutritional requirements. Lycoris aurea bulbs have the highest nitrogen and magnesium content, while Lycoris radiata bulbs contain the highest amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Bulbs of both species are a rich source of iron and zinc.
Corrosion of metals is a serious environmental problem and has been given much attention in the oil and gas industries. In several industrial processes (acid cleaning and etching, removal of rust and scale), metal surfaces are often made to come in contact with acids. In the present study, an attempt was made to examine Poupartia birrea (P. birres) back extract as a potential green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 0.5 M H2SO4 medium, using the weight loss determination method. The results of our work indicate that highest inhibition efficiency exhibited by Poupartia birrea is 70%. The inhibiting effect of the studied extract could be attributed to the presence of phytochemical constituents present in the extract that are adsorbed on the surface of the mild steel. The plant extract can, hence, be considered as being eco-friendly and an effective green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel exposed to an acid medium.
Field evaluation of insect pests and pathogens associated with sesame cultivated in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria was conducted to provide baseline information on their status. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. Herein, sesame seeds were obtained from the Jos and Maiduguri main markets. These were sown, then data were collected on insect species beginning three weeks after sowing (WAS) for six weeks and identified to species levels. At 10 WAS, plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) were extracted from both root and soil samples in the rhizosphere of sesame, using the modified Baermann method. Plant parasitic nematodes were identified to generic level. Infected plant parts from field were thoroughly washed, disinfected and plated on PDA, and subsequently incubated at 25 ± 2 °C. Fungal pathogens were isolated, identified and checked for their viability and purity. Data obtained were subjected to both parametric and none parametric analyses. Insect species collected included Leptaulaca fissicolis, Gryllus bimaculatus, Apogonia nitidula, Trilophida conturbata, Elis sp. amongst others. A total of six genera of PPNs, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Scutellonema, Gracilacus, Meloidogyne and Tylenchus were associated with Sesame. Gracilacus and Pratylenchus had the highest population in soil (37.5%) and roots (37.5%). Three fungal isolates, namely, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani and Trichoderma sp, were consistently isolated from the plant parts - with Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani being pathogenic. Knowledge of these insect pests and pathogens will aid in their management.
The state of pregnancy is considered a high-risk factor for acquisition of malaria and hepatitis B infections due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The research was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria, hepatitis B and their co-infection among pregnant women visiting maternity centers in Akure South Local Government. Five hundred pregnant women were examined from Comprehensive Health Centre, Arakale and Mother and Child Hospital, Oke- Aro for malaria and hepatitis B. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared to detect the presence of malaria parasites, hepatitis B virus kit was used to detect hepatitis B virus antigen. The results showed that 65.6% of the pregnant women were infected with malaria parasites, while 3.8% were infected with hepatitis B virus. It was further observed that 2.2% pregnant women who had malaria also had Hepatitis B. Malaria was more prevalent among the age group 21-25years (68.1%), and women in their third trimester (66.7%), while hepatitis B virus was more prevalent among age group 41-45years (14.3%) and women in their second trimester (4.6%). The study therefore revealed high prevalence of malaria and low prevalence of Hepatitis B infections among pregnant women in this study area. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment of the two infections among pregnant women should be intensified to prevent maternal and neonate mortality.
Few studies have shown that Cnestis ferruginea possess some therapeutic properties. The present study was aimed screening the extracts of the fruits and leaves of Cnestis ferruginea for phytochemicals using crude screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) methods, and also antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates. Preparation of the extracts (aqueous and ethanolic), identification of isolates, and antimicrobial sensitivity were done using previously reported standard methodologies. Replicate readings for the antimicrobial sensitivity were analysed using analysis of variance at 95% level of significance. The result of the crude qualitative screening revealed the presence of phenol, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins, tannin and polyphenol in various amounts in both the leaves and fruits. Quantitative analysis using GC-MS revealed a total of 14 similar phytochemicals each in the leaves and fruits of the study plant in varying amounts. In the fruits, phenol had the highest concentration of 15.01%, followed by terpenes (10.64%), alkaloid (5.43%), and tannins (5.16%). Others were anthocyanins, phytate, phytosterol, steroids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, oxalate, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides and coumarin with concentrations that ranged from to 0.01- 4.21%. On the other hand, in the leaves, alkaloids had the highest concentration of 31.62%, followed by phenol (20.59%), phytate (15.18%), and tannin (12.34%). Others include were flavonoid, terpenes, phytosterol, cardiac glycosides, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalate, anthocyanins, steroids and coumarin with concentrations that ranged from 0.16-8.45%. The isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. The results of the antimicrobial sensitivity revealed varying zones of inhibitions; however, it increased as the concentration of the extract increased. The observed highest zones of inhibitions were 33.86 mm for the fruit ethanolic extract and 30.56 mm for the aqueous extract of the leaves against Proteus and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively.
Astaxanthin biosynthesis in Haematococcus pluvialis was enhanced by different monochromatic light patterns. Among the monochromatic light, red light was found most effective for facilitation of astaxanthin - up to 0.055 µg mL-1, followed by blue light, while the biosynthesis of astaxanthin in unfiltered white fluorescent light was found to be 0.04 µg mL-1. Astaxanthin use as drawn from Haematococcus, will expand not only in the consumer market, but also in the worldwide medical market, therefore, an optimal biosynthesis method for astaxanthin production is important.
The seasonal variations and pathological manifestation of the acanthocephala infestation were investigated from southeast coast of India. The adult worms’ proboscis is cylindrical, the length and width ranging between 1.2-7.3 cm and 1.0-1.8 mm respectively. Caranx ignobilis was the major host in terms of prevalence and intensity among the other fish species examined for infestation and seasonal variation of Acanthocephalus ranae over three year period. The higher prevalence of infested fishes Caranx ignobilis (61.8% ±1.8), Seriolina nigrofasciata (48.6% ±1.3) and Dayseiaena albida (38.5% ±1.8) were observed. Mean intensities ranged between 5.8 and 12.6 worms per fish. Grossly, the parasites attached tissues were wounded, reddish, swollen, abraded and thickened. Histologically, the infested intestinal outer wall of the muscularies extema and tip of the proboscis is still inverted; Hyperplasia of the intestinal villi and lamina propria near the site of parasitic attachment were also evidenced. Cellular infiltrated area surrounding the proboscis, aggregation of lymphocytes and fibroblasts at the site of inflammation were observed from the parasitized intestine. The lesions were infiltrating with basophil-like inflammatory cells. The histological findings revealed that the pathological injure was depends on the density of the parasitic burden and depth of the proboscis penetration into the host intestine. Long live parasite increases the cellular infiltration and it may leads to the tumorous conditions of the infested hosts.
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