In vitro biological activity of extracts from marine bacteria cultures against Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

AIMS: To evaluate the biological activity of extracts from cultures of marine bacteria against Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ethyl acetate extracts obtained from seven marine bacteria were tested against T. gondii GFP-RH and M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The cytotoxicity on HFF-1 cells was measured by a microplate resazurin fluorescent approach, and the haemolytic activity was determined photometrically. The extracts from Bacillus sp. (INV FIR35 and INV FIR48) affected the tachyzoite viability. The extracts from Bacillus, Pseudoalteromonas, Streptomyces and Micromonospora exhibited effects on infection and proliferation processes of parasite. Bacillus sp. INV FIR48 extract showed an minimum inhibitory concentration value of 50 µg ml-1 against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. All the extracts exhibited relatively low toxicity to HFF-1 cells and the primary culture of erythrocytes, except Bacillus sp. INV FIR35, which decreased cell viability under 20%. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis of the most active bacterial extract Bacillus sp. INV FIR48 showed the presence of peptide metabolites related to surfactin. CONCLUSIONS: The extract from culture of deep-sea Bacillus sp. INV FIR48 showed anti-T. gondii and anti-tuberculosis (TB) biological activity with low cytotoxicity. In addition, peptide metabolites were detected in the extract. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Toxoplasmosis and TB are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide, and the current treatment drugs exhibit side effects. This study confirm that marine bacteria are on hand sources of anti-infective natural products.

[Patient- and provider-related factors in the success of multidrug tuberculosis treatment in ColombiaFatores de êxito do tratamento da tuberculose multirresistente relacionados com o paciente e com a equipe de saúde na Colômbia]. / Factores de éxito del tratamiento de la tuberculosis multidrogorresistente relacionados con el paciente y el personal sanitario en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patient- and provider-related factors associated with the success of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment in the six municipalities of Colombia with the highest number of MDR-TB cases. METHODS: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between treatment success (cure or treatment completion) and characteristics of the patients and physicians, nursing professionals, and psychologists involved in their treatment. The importance of knowledge in the management of MDR-TB cases was explored through focus groups with these providers. RESULTS: Of 128 cases of TB-MDR, 63 (49.2%) experienced treatment success. Only 52.9% of the physicians and nursing professionals had satisfactory knowledge about MDR-TB. Logistic regression showed that being HIV negative, being affiliated with the contributory health insurance scheme, being cared for by a male physician, and being cared for by nursing professionals with sufficient knowledge were associated with a successful treatment outcome (p ≤ 0.05). Qualitative analysis showed the need for in-depth, systematic training of health personnel who care for patients with MDR-TB. CONCLUSIONS: Some characteristics of patients and healthcare providers influence treatment success in MDR-TB cases. Physicians' and nurses' knowledge about MDR-TB must be improved, and follow-up of MDR-TB patients who are living with HIV and of those affiliated with the subsidized health insurance scheme in Colombia must be strengthened, as these patients have a lower likelihood of a successful treatment outcome.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores associados ao êxito do tratamento da tuberculose multirresistente (TBMR) relacionados ao paciente e à equipe de saúde nos seis municípios da Colômbia com o maior número de casos. MÉTODOS: Mediante regressão logística bifatorial e multifatorial, analisou-se a associação entre o êxito do tratamento (cura ou completude do tratamento) e as características dos pacientes e dos médicos, profissionais de enfermagem e psicólogos envolvidos neste. Explorou-se a importância do conhecimento no manejo de casos de TBMR mediante grupos focais com os mesmos profissionais. RESULTADOS: Dos 128 casos de TBMR, 63 (49.2%) lograram êxito no tratamento. Somente 52.9% dos médicos e profissionais de enfermagem tinham conhecimentos satisfatórios sobre TBMR. A regressão logística demonstrou que soronegatividade para o HIV, cobertura pelo sistema de saúde sob o regime de contribuinte, atendimento por um médico do sexo masculino e atendimento por profissionais de enfermagem com conhecimento suficiente foram fatores associados ao êxito do tratamento (p ≤ 0,05). A análise qualitativa demonstrou necessidade de aprofundar e sistematizar a capacitação do pessoal de saúde que atende casos de TBMR. CONCLUSÕES: Algumas características do paciente e da equipe de saúde influenciam no êxito do tratamento de casos de TBMR. É preciso fortalecer os conhecimentos dos médicos e profissionais de enfermagem sobre a TBMR e reforçar o seguimento dos pacientes com TBMR que vivem com HIV e os filiados ao sistema de saúde colombiano pelo regime subsidiado, os quais têm menor probabilidade de êxito do tratamento.

Patient- and provider-related factors in the success of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patient- and provider-related factors associated with the success of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment in the six municipalities of Colombia with the highest number of MDR-TB cases. METHODS: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between treatment success (cure or treatment completion) and characteristics of the patients and physicians, nursing professionals, and psychologists involved in their treatment. The importance of knowledge in the management of MDR-TB cases was explored through focus groups with these providers. RESULTS: Of 128 cases of TB-MDR, 63 (49.2%) experienced treatment success. Only 52.9% of the physicians and nursing professionals had satisfactory knowledge about MDR-TB. Logistic regression showed that being HIV negative, being affiliated with the contributory health insurance scheme, being cared for by a male physician, and being cared for by nursing professionals with sufficient knowledge were associated with a successful treatment outcome (p ≤ 0.05). Qualitative analysis showed the need for in-depth, systematic training of health personnel who care for patients with MDR-TB. CONCLUSIONS: Some characteristics of patients and healthcare providers influence treatment success in MDR-TB cases. Physicians' and nurses' knowledge about MDR-TB must be improved, and follow-up of MDR-TB patients who are living with HIV and of those affiliated with the subsidized health insurance scheme in Colombia must be strengthened, as these patients have a lower likelihood of a successful treatment outcome.

Effect of Composting Under Semipermeable Film on the Sewage Sludge Virome.

The addition of compost from sewage sludge to soils represents a sustainable option from an environmental and economic point of view, which involves the valorisation of these wastes. However, before their use as a soil amendment, compost has to reach the quality levels according to the normative, including microbial parameters. Viruses are not included in this regulation and they can produce agricultural problems and human diseases if the compost is not well sanitised. In this study, we carried out the analysis of the viral populations during a composting process with sewage sludge at an industrial scale, using semipermeable cover technology. Viral community was characterised by the presence of plant viruses and bacteriophages of enteric bacteria. The phytopathogen viruses were the group with the highest relative abundance in the sewage sludge sample and at 70 days of the composting process. The diversity of bacterial viruses and their specificity, with respect to the more abundant bacterial taxa throughout the process, highlights the importance of the interrelations between viral and bacterial communities in the control of pathogenic communities. These results suggest the possibility of using them as a tool to predict the effectiveness of the process.

Effect of semi-permeable cover system on the bacterial diversity during sewage sludge composting.

Sewage sludge composting is a profitable process economically viable and environmentally friendly. In despite of there are several kind of composting types, the use of combined system of semipermeable cover film and aeration air-floor is widely developed at industrial scale. However, the knowledge of the linkages between microbial communities structure, enzyme activities and physico-chemical factors under these conditions it has been poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial dynamic and community structure using next generation sequencing coupled to analyses of microbial enzymatic activity and culturable dependent techniques in a full-scale real composting plant. Sewage sludge composting process was conducted using a semi-permeable Gore-tex cover, in combination with an air-insufflation system. The highest values of enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, protease and arylsulphatase were detected in the first 5 days of composting; suggesting that during this period of time a greater degrading activity of organic matter took place. Culturable bacteria identified were in agreement with the bacteria found by massive sequencing technologies. The greatest bacterial diversity was detected between days 15 and 30, with Actinomycetales and Bacillales being the predominant orders at the beginning and end of the process. Bacillus was the most representative genus during all the process. A strong correlation between abiotic factors as total organic content and organic matter and enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and ß-glucosidase activity was found. Bacterial diversity was strongly influenced by the stage of the process, community-structure change was concomitant with a temperature rise, rendering favorable conditions to stimulate microbial activity and facilitate the change in the microbial community linked to the degradation process. Moreover, results obtained confirmed that the use of semipermeable cover in the composting of sewage sludge allow a noticeable reduction in the process-time comparing to conventional open windrows.

Candida species from oral cavity of HIV-infected children exhibit reduced virulence factors in the HAART era.

This study aimed to assess, in vitro, the biofilm viability and the phospholipase and protease production of Candida spp. from the saliva of HIV infected children and healthy controls, and to correlate the results with the use of medical data. A total of 79 isolates were analyzed: 48 Candida albicans isolates (33/15) and 20 Candida parapsilosis sensu lato complex isolates (12/8) (from HIV/control patients, respectively), and 8 Candida krusei, 1 Candida tropicalis, 1 Candida dubliniensis and 1 Candida guilliermondii from HIV patients. The XTT (2, 3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide) reduction assay analyzed the biofilm viability. Phospholipase and protease assays were performed using the egg yolk and Bovine Serum Albumin agar plate methods, respectively. All isolates were able to form biofilm with cell viability. Quantitatively, Candida isolates from both groups presented a similar ability to form biofilm (p > 0.05). The biofilm viability activity was higher in C. albicans isolates than in non-albicans Candida isolates (p < 0.05) for both groups. Phospholipase activity was detected in 32 isolates (40.5%) and it was significantly higher in the HIV group (p = 0.006). Protease activity was detected in 66 isolates (84.8%) and most of them were relatively/very strong producers. No statistical association with medical data was found in the HIV group. Although Candida spp. isolates from HIV-positive children presented higher phospholipase production, in vitro they exhibited reduced virulence factors compared to isolates from healthy individuals. This finding may enlighten the role played by immunosuppression in the modulation of Candida virulence attributes.

Meeting Women Where They Are: Integration of Care As the Foundation of Treatment for At-Risk Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

Purpose In these times of rapidly changing health care policies, those involved in the health care of women, especially during the reproductive years, have a unique and daunting opportunity. There is great potential to positively impact women's health through focus on prevention, attention to addressing disparities, and new focus on the integration of behavioral health care in primary care settings. Description In this report from the field, we suggest that the integration of mental health care into other health services and addressing underlying social needs by partnering with community-based organizations should be a top priority for all settings seeking to provide excellent health care for women. Assessment We describe our experience in a diverse, urban, safety net system to draw attention to four areas of innovation that others might adapt in their own systems: (1) addressing social support and other social determinants of health; (2) tailoring services to the specific needs of a population; (3) developing integrated and intensive cross-disciplinary services for high-risk pregnant women; and (4) bridging the divide between prenatal and postpartum care. Conclusion Women are more likely to be engaged with healthcare during their pregnancy. This engagement, however limited, may be a unique "window of opportunity" to help them address mental health concerns and implement positive behavior change. Future work should include research and program evaluation of innovative programs designed to serve the entire family and meeting at-risk women where they are.

Demineralizing potential of dental biofilm added with Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis isolated from preschool children with and without caries.

This study aimed to investigate the demineralizing potential of dental biofilm added of Candida albicans (CA) and Candida parapsilosis (CP), isolated from preschoolers with and without caries. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 48), with initial hardness = 341.50 ± 21,83 kg/mm2 were fixed in 24 well plates containing culture media. A pool of children saliva (PHS) was the inoculum for biofilm formation in the presence or absence of isolated CA or CP in accordance with each group (G n = 8): G1 - PHS; G2 - PHS + CA isolated from children with caries; G3 - PHS + CP isolated from children with caries; G4 - PHS + CA isolated from children without caries; G5 - PHS + CP isolated from children without caries; and G6 - blank control. The plates were incubated at 37 °C for 5 days, with daily changes of culture media. The microhardness loss percentage (MHL%) of the blocks was calculated, taking in account the hardness values before and after the experiment. Dental biofilm became more cariogenic, independently of the isolated Candida species. The highest MHL% was observed in G4 (85.90 ± 8.72%) and G5 (86.13 ± 6.74%) compared to the others (p < 0.001): G1 (34.30 ± 14,30%) < G2 (59.40 ± 10.56%) and G3 (65.80 ± 6.36%) < G6 (13.68 ± 4.86%) (p < 0.001). C. albicans and C. parapsilosis isolates induced the demineralization of the dental enamel.

A molecular platform for the diagnosis of multidrug-resistant and pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis based on single nucleotide polymorphism mutations present in Colombian isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Developing a fast, inexpensive, and specific test that reflects the mutations present in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates according to geographic region is the main challenge for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) control. The objective of this study was to develop a molecular platform to make a rapid diagnosis of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant TB based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations present in therpoB, katG, inhA,ahpC, and gyrA genes from Colombian M. tuberculosis isolates. The amplification and sequencing of each target gene was performed. Capture oligonucleotides, which were tested before being used with isolates to assess the performance, were designed for wild type and mutated codons, and the platform was standardised based on the reverse hybridisation principle. This method was tested on DNA samples extracted from clinical isolates from 160 Colombian patients who were previously phenotypically and genotypically characterised as having susceptible or MDR M. tuberculosis. For our method, the kappa index of the sequencing results was 0,966, 0,825, 0,766, 0,740, and 0,625 forrpoB, katG, inhA,ahpC, and gyrA, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were ranked between 90-100% compared with those of phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. Our assay helps to pave the way for implementation locally and for specifically adapted methods that can simultaneously detect drug resistance mutations to first and second-line drugs within a few hours.

Response of autochthonous microbiota of diesel polluted soils to land-farming treatments.

This study investigated the response of autochthonous microorganisms of diesel polluted soils to land-farming treatments. Inorganic NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) fertilizer and Ivey surfactant were applied alone or in combination as biostimulating agents. The study was carried out in experimental separated land-farming plots performed with two soils: a sandy clay soil with low biological activity and a sandy clay soil with higher biological activity, contaminated with two concentrations of diesel: 10,000 and 20,000mgkg(-1). Bacterial growth, dehydrogenase activity and CO2 production were the biological parameters evaluated. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis proved that moisture content showed a tendency related to microbial growth and that heterotrophic and degrading microorganisms had the best relationship. Initial biological activity of soil influenced the response with 11.1% of variability attributed to this parameter. Soils with low activity had higher degree of response to nutrient addition.

Is dental caries experience increased in HIV-infected children and adolescents? A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake a systematic review to assess if HIV-infected children and adolescents have an increased dental caries experience. METHODS: A search of MEDLINE, BIREME, EMBASE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SIGLE (Grey Literature) and reference lists of included studies was carried out. To be eligible the studies had to present HIV-infected and non-infected children/adolescents between 0-18 years old. To assess the methodological quality, the studies were categorized in scores from 'A' to 'C'. To perform a meta-analysis a random effect model was used with 95% confidence intervals and two distinct sub-group analyses were carried out in terms of caries progression: data for cavitated and non-cavitated lesions (sub-group 1) and data only for cavitated lesions (sub-group 2). RESULTS: Five studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Four studies (two ranked A and two B in the quality assessment) revealed higher caries scores in primary teeth in the HIV-infected patients with mean dmft/dmfs scores of 3.8-4.1/7.8-11.0 compared to the control group 1.5-2.4/3.4-5.1. No differences in caries index were found for permanent dentition. The meta-analysis excluded caries data of permanent teeth and showed a significant association between caries experience in primary dentition and HIV infection considering cavitated and non-cavitated lesions (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.48-3.68) or only cavitated lesions (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.59-5.59). CONCLUSION: Evidence exists that suggests HIV-infected children/adolescents have an increased caries experience in primary dentition.

Autistic spectrum disorder children and adolescents' oral health characteristics - scoping review.

This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to know children and adolescents' main oral health concerns with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and thus identify any oral characteristic that stands out, aiming at preventive and interceptive clinical conduct. A search was performed in the three electronic databases and the gray literature; in September 2021. A total of 562 studies were identified, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 73 articles were included in the synthesis of this scoping review. The mean decayed, lost, and restored teeth index (DMFT/dfmt) ranged from 0 to 12.37; the mean DMFT index (permanent dentition) from 0.06 to 6.2; and the average dmft index (deciduous dentition) ranged from 0.29 to 9.91. The mean simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS) ranged from 0 to 3.4; gingival index (GI) from 0.29 to 2; and plaque index (PI) from 0.005 to 3.15. Plaque prevalence was 25.9% to 90%; dental calculus from 4.7% to 59.41%; gingivitis from 36.7% to 100%. Bruxism was 10.3% to 73%, and dental trauma was 4.7% to 100%. This disparity in the results shows the heterogeneity of this population, with different degrees of socio-behavioral impairment, which can directly influence oral hygiene and the consequent accumulation of biofilm.

Integrating waste valorization and symbiotic microorganisms for sustainable bioremediation of metal(loid)-polluted soils.

Remediation strategies for metal(loid)-polluted soils vary among the wide range of approaches, including physical, chemical, and biological remediation, or combinations of these. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of a set of soil remediation treatments based on the combined application of inorganic (marble sludge) and organic amendments (vermicompost, and dry olive residue [DOR] biotransformed by the saprobic fungi Coriolopsis rigida and Coprinellus radians) and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) (Rhizophagus irregularis and Rhizoglomus custos). The treatments were applied under greenhouse conditions to soil residually polluted by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Pb, As, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Sb), and wheat was grown in the amended soils to test the effectiveness of the treatments in reducing soil toxicity and improving soil conditions and plant performance. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of the treatments on the main soil properties and microbial activities, as well as on PTE availability and bioaccumulation in wheat plants. Overall, the results showed a positive influence of all treatments on the main soil properties. Treatments consisting of a combination of marble and organic amendments, especially biotransformed DOR amendments, showed the greatest effectiveness in improving the soil biological status, promoting plant growth and survival, and reducing PTE availability and plant uptake. Furthermore, AMF inoculation further enhanced the efficacy of DOR amendments by promoting the immobilization of PTEs in soil and stimulating the phytostabilization mechanisms induced by AMFs, thus playing an important bioprotective role in plants. Therefore, our results highlight that biotransformed DOR may represent an efficient product for use as a soil organic amendment when remediating metal(loid)-polluted soils, and that its application in combination with AMFs may represent a promising sustainable bioremediation strategy for recovering soil functions and reducing toxicity in polluted areas.

Dental findings and oral health status in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To present a mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) case series evaluating oral manifestations (clinical and radiographic), oral health status and discussing its implications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with MPS attending the Genetics clinic/Brazil were evaluated by means of anamnesis, clinical and radiographic examinations. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 12 subjects (nine males and three females), with ages ranging from 3-31 years old. Concerning oral health, it was observed high levels of caries and periodontal problems. About oral manifestations, this study clinically observed more cases of delayed tooth eruption, thickness of alveolar process and thick lips. Radiographically, it was observed alterations on condyle, mandibular ramus and joint fossa. CONCLUSION: The dental changes in MPS population are high and consequently it is important to know them for differential diagnoses, early treatment intervention, prevention and education of both patients and parents/caregivers about oral health.

An unusual dentigerous cyst in a young child.

A dentigerous cyst is an odontogenic developmental cyst associated with the crown of an unerupted tooth. This article describes the case of a 7-year-old girl with painful swelling in the left facial region, prolonged retention of tooth No. 9d, and a displaced tooth No. 9 in eruption. Radiographic examination revealed an extensive radiolucent lesion of approximately 28 mm and displacement of teeth No. 10 and 11. Marsupialization was performed, teeth No. 8d and 9d were removed, and the swelling reduced immediately. At a 2-year follow-up, radiographs revealed that teeth No. 10 and 11 had erupted but were displaced. Routine radiographic examinations are important for children during the eruption phase to prevent and detect any alterations that could damage the permanent dentition and occlusion.

Successful management of oral ranula: a rare case in an infant.

An oral ranula is a retention cyst that arises from the sublingual gland as a result of ductal obstruction and fluid retention. This report describes the successful management of a rare case of oral ranula in an infant. A 4-month-old male infant was referred for emergency treatment due to a 2-month history of a swelling in the right sublingual region. The examination revealed a lesion of approximately 3.5 cm in diameter, which was jeopardizing the infant's breastfeeding. The lesion's dimensions suggested a ranula. Surgical specimens were sent for histopathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Although there are many different ways to treat an oral ranula, the marsupialization method was followed in this case due to the serious consequences of the infant's restricted access to nourishment. The treatment proved to be successful and after 18 months of follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.

Oral Health and Behavioral Management of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A 30-year Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: This article aims to determine the oral health status, the dental treatment, the behavioral management techniques, and the follow-up of pediatric autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) patients treated at the Clinic for Pediatric Patients with Disabilities (CPPD) at a public university in Brazil. METHODS: The medical records of all the patients seen between 1990 and 2020 were evaluated. Data were collected on the autistic patients' medical and dental conditions, treatments, behavior during dental visits, behavioral management techniques used, and the entire follow-up period at the clinic. The Student's t-test and chi-square tests were used to perform the statistical analysis (α = 0.05%). RESULTS: Sixty-six records of ASD children were analyzed from a total of 656 dental records. The majority were male (80.3%). The mean age was 7.39 ± 2.75 years. All the children had a cognitive deficit, and 62.5% used medication. Most of the children arrived with caries lesions (56.1%), and the mean number of decayed, missed and filled teeth in both the deciduous (dmft-d) and permanent dentition (DMFT) was 2.45 ± 3.13 and 0.87 ± 1.51, respectively. The restorative technique was the most commonly used procedure (54.5%), and protective stabilization was the most frequently used behavioral management technique (18.2%). Of the children who sought treatment, 86.4% were discharged, and 15.2% abandoned the procedure. The majority (those discharged) continued to undergo regular follow-up at the clinic (86%), and the incidence of new caries lesions observed was 33.33% Conclusions: Although our ASD patients had a high frequency of caries and dental treatment needs, we observed good adherence to the treatment, with a low dropout rate, and high discharge rate.

Fungal Endophytes Enhance Wheat and Tomato Drought Tolerance in Terms of Plant Growth and Biochemical Parameters.

Drought is a major threat to plant growth in many parts of the world. During periods of drought, multiple aspects of plant physiology are negatively affected. For instance, water shortages induce osmotic imbalance, inhibit photosynthesis, decrease nutrient uptake, and increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this context, it is necessary to develop sustainable strategies for crops that would help mitigate these conditions. In previous studies, endophytic Zopfiella erostrata strains were found to extensively colonize plant roots, forming a profuse melanized mycelium in the rhizosphere, which could be involved in improving water uptake and nutrient mineralization in plants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different strains of Z. erostrata on stress mitigation in wheat and tomato plants grown under water deficit conditions. General plant growth variables, as well as physiological and biochemical parameters, related to oxidative status were determined. Our data demonstrate that inoculation with both Zopfiella strains had a very significant effect on plant growth, even under water deficit conditions. However, we observed an even more pronounced impact, depending on the plant and strain involved, suggesting a certain degree of plant/strain compatibility. The biochemical aspects, the accumulation of proline, the oxidative damage to lipids, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes varied considerably depending on the endophyte and the plant evaluated.

Inoculation of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as a Strategy for the Recovery of Long-Term Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils in a Mine-Spill Area.

Symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offer an effective indirect mechanism to reduce heavy metal (HM) stress; however, it is still not clear which AMF species are more efficient as bioremediating agents. We selected different species of AMF: Rhizoglomus custos (Custos); Rhizoglomus sp. (Aznalcollar); and Rhizophagus irregularis (Intraradices), in order to study their inoculation in wheat grown in two soils contaminated with two levels of HMs; we tested the phytoprotection potential of the different AMF symbioses, as well as the physiological responses of the plants to HM stress. Plants inoculated with indigenous Aznalcollar fungus exhibited higher levels of accumulation, mainly in the shoots of most of the HM analyzed in heavily contaminated soil. However, the plants inoculated with the non-indigenous Custos and Intraradices showed depletion of some of the HM. In the less-contaminated soil, the Custos and Intraradices fungi exhibited the greatest bioaccumulation capacity. Interestingly, soil enzymatic activity and the enzymatic antioxidant systems of the plant increased in all AMF treatments tested in the soils with both degrees of contamination. Our results highlight the different AMF strategies with similar effectiveness, whereby Aznalcollar improves phytoremediation, while both Custos and Intraradices enhance the bioprotection of wheat in HM-contaminated environments.