Competence of algal consortia under municipal wastewater: remediation efficiency, photosynthetic performance, antioxidant defense mechanisms and biofuel production.

Utilizing monoalgal species for wastewater treatment is facing tremendous challenges owing to changing wastewater complexity in terms of physico-chemical characteristic, nutrient and metal concentration. The environmental conditions are also fluctuating therefore, the formation of robust system is of utmost importance for concomitant sustainable wastewater treatment and bioenergy production. In the present study, the tolerance and adaptability potential of algal consortia-1 (Chlorococcum humicola and Tetradesmus sp.) and consortia-2 (Chlorococcum humicola, Scenedesmus vacuolatus and Tetradesmus sp.) treated with municipal wastewater were examined under natural environmental conditions. The results exhibited that consortia-2 was more competent in recovering nitrate-nitrogen (82.92%), phosphorus (70.47%), and heavy metals (31-73.70%) from municipal wastewater (100%) than consortia-1. The results further depicted that total chlorophyll, carbohydrate, and protein content decreased significantly in wastewater-treated consortia-1 as compared to consortia-2. However, lipid content was increased by 4.01 and 1.17 folds in algal consortia-1 and consortia-2 compared to their respective controls. Moreover, absorption peak at 1740.6 cm-1 reflected higher biofuel-producing potential of consortia-1 as compared to consortia-2 as confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. The results also revealed that consortia-2 showed the highest photosynthetic performance which was evident from the increment in the active photosystem-II reaction center (1.724 ± 0.068), quantum efficiency (0.633 ± 0.038), and performance index (3.752 ± 0.356). Further, a significant increase in photosynthetic parameters was observed in selected consortia at lag phase, while a noteworthy decline was observed at exponential and stationary phases in consortia-1 than consortia-2. The results also showed the maximum enhancement in ascorbic acid (2.43 folds), proline (3.34 folds), and cysteine (1.29 folds) in consortia-2, while SOD (1.75 folds), catalase (2.64 folds), and GR (1.19 folds) activity in consortia-1. Therefore, it can be concluded that due to remarkable flexibility and photosynthetic performance, consortia-2 could serve as a potential candidate for sustainable nutrient resource recovery and wastewater treatment, while consortia-1 for bio-fuel production in a natural environment. Thus, formation of algal consortia as the robust biosystem tolerates diverse environmental fluctuations together with wastewater complexity and ultimately can serve appropriate approach for environmental-friendly wastewater treatment and bioenergy production.

Assessment of different carrier materials for the preparation of microbial formulations to enhance the shelf life and its efficacy on the growth of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.).

The current study was undertaken to determine the ability of different carrier materials for sustaining the viability of microbial consortium during storage. Different bioformulations consisting of carrier material and microbial consortium were prepared and examined for viability and stability for one year stored at 4 °C and ambient temperature. Total 8 bio-formulations were prepared consisting five economically viable carriers (gluten, talc, charcoal, bentonite, broth medium) and a microbial consortium. In present study, maximum enhanced shelf-life of consortium based on colony forming unit count were recorded for talc + gluten based (B4) bioformulation (9.03 log10 cfu/g) over other bio-formulations stored for 360 days. Furthermore, the pot experiments was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of B4 formulation on growth of spinach in comparison with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer, uninoculated and no amendment control. The results depicted that B4 formulation increased biomass (176-666%), leaf area (33-123%), chlorophyll content (131-789%) and protein content (68.4-94.4%) of spinach over controls. Further B4 application significantly increased the nutrients like available nitrogen (131-475%), phosphorus (75-178%) and potassium (31-191%) of pot soil along with noteworthy improvement in root colonization as evident from scanning electron microscope analysis in comparison to controls at 60 days after sowing. Therefore, exploiting B4 formulation can serve as the environmentally sound approach to enhance the productivity, biomass and nutritional value of spinach. Thus, Plant growth promoting microbes-based formulation can be the novel paradigm to improve the soil health and eventually the crop productivity in economical and sustainable manner.

Assessment of Edaphic pollution indices and bioaccumulation of trace metals in Solanum lycopersicum, Spinacia oleracea and Triticum aestivum: an associated health risk evaluation.

The present study investigates bioaccumulation factor (Bfc), Edaphic pollution indices and associated health risk assessment of trace metals (TMs) i.e., Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Co in the crops, agricultural soil (AgS), and irrigation water (IgW) collected from various peri-urban area of metropolitan city of India, Lucknow. Though the level of these TMs was within the permissible limits (PL) (FAO/WHO, 2011) in AgS and IgW however it was higher than PL in tomato, spinach and wheat cultivated in the fields. The bioaccumulation factor of Cu, Fe and Mn in edible parts of tomato, spinach and wheat was 8 to 25 times higher through the AgS and 10 to 300 times higher through the IgW in the tomato, spinach and wheat samples. The enrichment factor (Efc), contamination factor (Cfc), contamination degree (Cdg) and modified contamination degree (mCdg) values of Co, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn ranged from low to high levels of contamination, whereas the geo-accumulation index reflected low contamination in agricultural soil. on the other hand, the metal pollution load index (Mpi) was found strongly contaminated in most of the study areas. Due to the consumption of these contaminated vegetables and cereal (VCs) by human consumers, the hazard quotient (HQ), total hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were found to be more than the requisite value of 1, which indicates a far-long health risk in this crowded city and its surrounding regions.

Thespesia lampas mediated green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles for enhanced biological applications

The present study investigated the synthesis and biological applications of green, economical, and multifunctional silver and gold nanoparticles (TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs) using the ethnomedical important medicinal plant Thespesia lampas for biological activities. Relatively higher levels of antioxidant components were measured in T. lampas compared to the well-known Adhatoda vasica, and Diplocyclos palmatus suggested the potential of T. lampas for the study. Synthesized TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were characterized through UV-Vis, XRD, SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, SAED, and FTIR techniques. SEM revealed that TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were predominantly spherical in shape with 19 ± 7.3 and 43 ± 6.3 nm crystal sizes. The sizes of TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were found to be12 ± 4.8 and 45 ± 2.9 nm, respectively, according to TEM measurements. The FTIR and phytochemical analyses revealed that the polyphenols and proteins present in T. lampas may act as bio-reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis. Synthesized NPs exhibited enhanced scavenging properties for ABTS and DPPH radicals. TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were able to protect DNA nicking up to 13.48% and 15.38%, respectively, from oxidative stress. TSAgNPs possessed efficient antibacterial activities in a concentration-dependent manner against human pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, B. subtilis, P. vulgaris, and S. typhi. Furthermore, TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs showed significant cytotoxicity against FaDu HNSCC grown in 2D at 50 and 100 µg mL-1. Tumor inhibitory effects on FaDu-derived spheroid were significant for TSAgNPs > TSAuNPs at 100 µg mL-1 in 3D conditions. Dead cells were highest largely for TSAgNPs (76.65% ± 1.76%), while TSAuNPs were non-significant, and Saq was ineffectively compared with the control. However, the diameter of the spheroid drastically reduced for TSAgNPs (3.94 folds) followed by TSAuNPs (2.58 folds), Saq (1.94 folds), and cisplatin (1.83 folds) at 100 µg mL-1. The findings of the study suggested the bio-competence of TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs as multi-responsive agents for antioxidants, DNA protection, antibacterial, and anti-tumor activities to provide a better comprehension of the role of phytogenic nanoparticles in healthcare systems.

Severe contamination of carcinogenic heavy metals and metalloid in agroecosystems and their associated health risk assessment.

The contamination of toxic heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni) and metalloid (i.e., As) (TMMs) is considered as a major cause of increasing incidences of human and livestock cancers, gastrointestinal disorders and neurological problems. The levels of these TMMS in soil, irrigation water, and plants like Salanum lycopersicum (tomato), Spinacia oleracea (Spinach), and Triticum aestivum (Wheat) samples were detected which were collected from various localities across 100 km around the city of Lucknow, India. This study reported that the concentration of TMMs was within the range of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) (FAO/WHO, 2011) in most of the agricultural soil, whereas, it was higher in irrigation water. The TMMs levels in the edible parts of vegetables and cereal were in the range 1.91-53.94 µg/g, 5.06-40.49 µg/g, 4.08-2312-29 µg/g, 0.43-51.48 µg/g, and 0.01-1.65 µg/g, respectively which was significantly higher than the MAC. The BAF of Cd and Ni was very high in the edible parts of the vegetables and cereal samples indicating an entry of TMMs in food chain through the metal-contaminated irrigation water, even if TMMs are low in the field soil. The contamination coefficient (Cfi) and Ecological risk factors (Efi) of the TMMs were detected in the range of low risk in all agricultural soil. The Ecological risk index (ERI) of TMMs was at moderate risk, indicating a mild impact of the metal toxicity in the agro-ecosystems but the high risk on the consumers. The daily intake (DI) of TMMs through vegetables and cereal was below the maximum allowable daily intake (MTDI) but the carcinogenic risk factor (CRs) potential of Cr, Cd, Ni, and As was observed significantly higher for these vegetables and cereal, which indicated a complex scenario of a far-future carcinogenic health hazard on consumers in densely populated city of Lucknow, India and its surrounding regions.

Algal consortia based metal detoxification of municipal wastewater: Implication on photosynthetic performance, lipid production, and defense responses.

The present investigation was carried out to assess the competence of artificially engineered microalgal consortia i.e. consortia 1 (Scenedesmus vacuolatus + Chlorococcum humicola), consortia 2 (Tetradesmus sp. + Scenedesmus vacuolatus), and consortia 3 (Chlorococcum humicola + Scenedesmus vacuolatus + Tetradesmus sp.) for municipal wastewater treatment and lipid production under laboratory conditions. The purpose of the present study was to screen the competent microalgae consortia based on wastewater remediation, photosynthetic performance, and antioxidant defense responses. The outcome based on nutrient reutilization (78.98-98%), metal detoxification (50-94%), and biomass production (1.43-1.65 folds) reflected greater adaptability and tolerance of consortia 2 against different concentrations of wastewater. The photosynthetic performance parameters such as active photosystem II reaction centre, the quantum yield, and photosynthetic performance index were increased by 1.20-2.35 folds in consortia 2 after treatment with different concentrations of wastewater. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peak showed at 1750 cm-1 confirmed neutral lipid accumulation in consortia 2 at 100% concentration of wastewater. The measurement of oxidative stress markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive species and hydrogen peroxide showed considerable decline in consortia 2 as compared to consortia 1 and 3. Interestingly, increased non-enzymatic (1.02-2.44 folds) and enzymatic antioxidant (1.05-4.14 folds) activity in consortia 2 reflected that oxidative stress was attenuated by the amplified activity of ascorbic acid, proline, cysteine, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. Overall, photosynthetic performance, lipid production, and antioxidants activity represented that the consortia 2 can be effectively used for sustainable wastewater treatment and lipid production. Thus, the synergistic association of two microalgae may be the superior and neoteric paradigm with multilevel benefits such as sustainable nutrient resource utilization, metal detoxification, and lipid production.

PARP-1 induces EMT in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells via modulating the transcription factors Smad4, p65 and ZEB1.

AIM: To study the role of PARP-1 in EMT of non-small cell lung carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used H1299 and H460 lung cancer cells for knockdown study of PARP-1 using shPARP-1 lentiviral particle. We performed western blotting, confocal microscopy, semi-quantitative PCR, wound healing and colony formation assays. BACKGROUND AND KEY FINDINGS: PARP-1 (poly-ADP ribose polymerase-1) is a multi-domain protein having DNA binding, auto-modification and catalytic domain, that participates in many biological processes including DNA damage detection and repair, transcription regulation, apoptosis, necrosis, cancer progression and metastasis. Metastasis is a leading cause of death in cancer patients, which starts in epithelial tumors via initiating epithelial to mesenchymal transition. There are various transcription factors involved in EMT including Snail-1, Smads, p65, ZEB1 and Twist1. We studied the effect of PARP-1 knockdown on EMT in non-small cell lung cancer cell line H1299. We found a significant increase in epithelial marker including ZO1 and ß-catenin, while prominent decrease in the mesenchymal marker vimentin after PARP-1 knockdown in H1299 cells. Transcription factors including p65, Smad4 and ZEB1 showed significant decrease with concurrent expression of EMT markers. Cell migration and colony formation decreased after PARP-1 knockdown in H1299 cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, the shRNA mediated knockdown of PARP-1 in H1299 cells resulted in reversal of EMT or mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) characterized by an increase in epithelial markers and a decrease in mesenchymal markers, via down-regulating transcription factors including Smad4, p65 and ZEB1. Thus PARP-1 has a role in EMT in lung cancer.

Optimization of culture conditions for mass production and bio-formulation of Trichoderma using response surface methodology.

Use of agro-waste for production of value added products is a good alternative for developing low-cost carriers for formulation of Trichoderma-based bio-products. It provides avenues for safe utilization of wastes, while reducing cost and environment pollution load of waste disposal. The present study was undertaken to find suitable agro-waste for economical and higher mass production of Trichoderma lixii TvR1 under solid-state fermentation, optimizing culture conditions using mathematical model and assessing effect of formulated bio-product on growth of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Among various agro-wastes screened, sugarcane bagasse was observed to support maximum growth (20.08 × 107 spores/g) of T. lixii TvR1 which was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than the others. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize culture conditions using optimal point prediction analysis which predicted that maximum spore production of T. lixii TvR1 (19.1245 × 107 spores/g) will be obtained at 30 °C and 68.87% of moisture content after 31 days of incubation. Amendment of formulated bio-product of T. lixii TvR1 in soil at concentration 15% w/w promoted biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and protein content of spinach (significant at p ≤ 0.05). After 6 weeks of sowing the shoot length, root length, and photosynthetic pigments of plants irrigated daily and on alternate days were reported to be increased by 66.97, 185.03, and 82.80%; and 56.56, 71.36, and 74.64%, respectively; over the no amendment.

Protective and recuperative effects of 3-bromopyruvate on immunological, hepatic and renal homeostasis in a murine host bearing ascitic lymphoma: Implication of niche dependent differential roles of macrophages.

3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) possesses promising antineoplastic potential, however, its effects on immunological homeostasis vis a vis hepatic and renal functions in a tumor bearing host remain unclear. Therefore, the effect of 3-BP administration to a murine host bearing a progressively growing tumor of thymoma origin, designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL), on immunological, renal and hepatic homeostasis was investigated. Administration of 3-BP (4 mg/kg) to the tumor bearing host reversed tumor growth associated thymic atrophy and splenomegaly, accompanied by altered cell survival and repertoire of splenic, bone marrow and tumor associated macrophages (TAM). TAM displayed augmented phagocytic, tumoricidal activities and production of IL-1 and TNF-α. 3-BP-induced activation of TAM was of indirect nature, mediated by IFN-γ. Blood count of T lymphocytes (CD4+ & CD8+) and NK cells showed a rise in 3-BP administered tumor bearing mice. Moreover, 3-BP administration triggered modulation of immunomodulatory cytokines in serum along with refurbished hepatic and renal functions. The study indicates the role of altered cytokines balance, site specific differential macrophage functions and myelopoiesis in restoration of lymphoid organ homeostasis in 3-BP administered tumor bearing host. These observations will have long lasting impact in understanding of alternate mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of 3-BP accompanying appraisal of safety issues for optimizing its antineoplastic actions.

Antitumor action of 3-bromopyruvate implicates reorganized tumor growth regulatory components of tumor milieu, cell cycle arrest and induction of mitochondria-dependent tumor cell death.

Evidences demonstrate that metabolic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) exerts a potent antitumor action against a wide range of malignancies. However, the effect of 3-BP on progression of the tumors of thymic origin remains unexplored. Although, constituents of tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in regulation of tumor progression, it remains unclear if 3-BP can alter the composition of the crucial tumor growth regulatory components of the external surrounding of tumor cells. Thus, the present investigation attempts to understand the effect of 3-BP administration to a host bearing a progressively growing tumor of thymic origin on tumor growth regulatory soluble, cellular and biophysical components of tumor milieu vis-à-vis understanding its association with tumor progression, accompanying cell cycle events and mode of cell death. Further, the expression of cell survival regulatory molecules and hemodynamic characteristics of the tumor milieu were analysed to decipher mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of 3-BP. Administration of 3-BP to tumor-bearing hosts retarded tumor progression accompanied by induction of tumor cell death, cell cycle arrest, declined metabolism, inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated release of cytochrome c and altered hemodynamics. Moreover, 3-BP reconstituted the external milieu, in concurrence with deregulated glucose and pH homeostasis and increased tumor infiltration by NK cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes. Further, 3-BP administration altered the expression of key regulatory molecules involved in glucose uptake, intracellular pH and tumor cell survival. The outcomes of this study will help in optimizing the therapeutic application of 3-BP by targeting crucial tumor growth regulatory components of tumor milieu.

Environmental impact assessment of a package type IFAS reactor during construction and operational phases: a life cycle approach.

In the present study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used to analyse the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operational phases of an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor treating municipal wastewater. This study was conducted within the boundaries of a research project that aimed to investigate the implementation related challenges of a package type IFAS reactor from an environmental perspective. Along with the LCA results of the construction phase, a comparison of the LCA results of seven operational phases is also presented in this study. The results showed that among all the inputs, the use of stainless steel in the construction phase caused the highest impact on environment, followed by electricity consumption in raw materials production. The impact of the construction phase on toxicity impact indicators was found to be significant compared to all operational phases. Among the seven operational phases of this study, the dissolved oxygen phase III, having a concentration of ∼4.5 mg/L, showed the highest impact on abiotic depletion, acidification, global warming, ozone layer depletion, human toxicity, fresh water eco-toxicity, marine aquatic eco-toxicity, terrestrial eco-toxicity, and photochemical oxidation. However, better effluent quality in this phase reduced the eutrophication load on environment.

Antitumor and chemosensitizing action of 3-bromopyruvate: Implication of deregulated metabolism.

3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP), brominated derivative of pyruvate, possesses strong antitumor potential, owing to its ability to inhibit multiple target molecules crucial for survival of neoplastic cells. Although, 3-BP displays cytotoxicity against a wide variety of tumors, there is no report with respect to malignancies of thymic origin. Therefore, we investigated its antineoplastic action in vitro against tumor cells of a murine transplantable lymphoma of thymoma origin, designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL). 3-BP treatment of tumor cells inhibited metabolism and survival with augmented induction of apoptosis and necrosis. 3-BP treatment suppressed lactate release, glucose uptake, deregulated pH homeostasis and augmented chemosensitization. It also altered expression of metabolism, chemosensitivity and cell survival regulatory molecules including HK 2, GAPDH, LDH, SDH, HIF-1α, MDR-1 & GLUT-1 and cytokine repertoire of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, & VEGF. Pretreatment with MCT-1 inhibitor α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate and siRNA gene silencing of HK 2 implicated the role of MCT-1 and HK 2 in 3-BP cytotoxicity. 3-BP also altered expression of cell death regulatory Bcl-2, Mcl-1, caspase-3 accompanied by increased cytochrome c release, indicating mitochondrial mode of cell death. The study collates possible molecular mechanisms of cytotoxic action of 3-BP, which will help to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of 3-BP against tumors of thymic origin.

Use of Silodosin to Visualize the Posterior Urethra in Pelvic Floor Urethral Distraction Defect Patients.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde urethrogram and voiding cystourethrogram are used to define length and location of urethral stricture prior to surgery. We used a single dose of silodosin prior to VCUG to relax the bladder neck and achieve visualization of posterior urethra. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of silodosin in visualization of posterior urethra during VCUG, and to compare the findings with a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups A and B containing 20 and 15 patients, respectively. Patients in group A were given a single dose of silodosin prior to radiological studies. RESULTS: In group A 19 out of 20 patients were able to achieve satisfactory bladder neck opening while in group B 10 out of 15 patients were able to achieve bladder neck opening. CONCLUSIONS: Silodosin use prior to VCUG confers a statistically significant increase in bladder neck opening and visualization of posterior urethra.

Biliary peritonitis due to gall bladder perforation after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

A 19-year-old male patient underwent right percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for right renal 1.5 × 1.5 cm lower pole stone. The procedure was completed uneventfully with complete stone clearance. The patient developed peritonitis and shock 48 h after the procedure. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large amount of bile in the abdomen along with three small perforations in the gall bladder (GB) and one perforation in the caudate lobe of the liver. Retrograde cholecystectomy was performed but the patient did not recover and expired post-operatively. This case exemplifies the high mortality of GB perforation after PNL and the lack of early clinical signs.

Correlations between some hazardous inorganic pollutants in the Gomti River and their accumulation in selected macrophytes under aquatic ecosystem.

Water quality of the Gomti River and phytoremediation potential of native macrophytes dwelling therein at six different sites were evaluated. River water showed high biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, ammonium and phosphate (12.84, 77.94, 36.88, 6.04 and 2.25 mg L(-1), respectively). Gomti water was found to be contaminated with different metals like Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb (5.54, 1.05, 3.74, 2.57 and 0.73 mg L(-1), respectively). Macrophytes growing in the river accumulated considerable amounts of Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb in different parts. Among the studied plants, Eichhornia crassipes showed maximum remediation potential for Fe, Cd and Pb; Jussiaea repens for Cr; and Pistia stratiotes for Cd. However, in Typha latifolia, Cu accumulation was maximum. Except for Fe, translocation factor of E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, Hydrilla verticellata and T. latifolia was >1 for the studied metals, showing their potential to accumulate multiple metals in different plant parts.

Bilateral Renal Lymphangiectasia in a Thirty-two-Year-Old Woman.

INTRODUCTION: Renal lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder of the lymphatic system that might be confused with various other renal cystic diseases and urinoma. Clinical presentation is non-specific and characteristic findings in radiologic imaging are the mainstay of diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a case of bilateral lymphangiectasia in a 32-year-old woman who presented with flank pain and hypertension. DISCUSSION: Renal lymphangiectasia is an uncommon benign condition. Most of the cases improve with conservative treatment. Surgery is rarely required, except in cases such as those with persistent pain refractory to medication.

Arsenite stress variably stimulates pro-oxidant enzymes, anatomical deformities, photosynthetic pigment reduction, and antioxidants in arsenic-tolerant and sensitive rice seedlings.

Contamination of arsenic (As) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddies and subsequent uptake by rice plants is a serious concern, because rice is a staple crop for millions of people. Identification of As toxicity and detoxification mechanisms in paddy rice cultivars would help to reduce As-associated risk. Arsenic tolerance and susceptibility mechanisms were investigated in 2 differential As-accumulating rice genotypes, Triguna and IET-4786, selected from initial screening of 52 rice cultivars as an As-tolerant and an As-sensitive cultivar, respectively, on the basis of root and shoot length during various arsenite (AsIII) exposures (0-50 µM). Indicators of oxidative stress, such as pro-oxidant enzymes (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NADPH] oxidase and ascorbate oxidase) and nitric oxide, were more numerous in the sensitive cultivar than in the tolerant cultivar. Arsenic-induced anatomical deformities were frequent in the sensitive cultivar, showing more distorted and flaccid root cells than the tolerant cultivar. Chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis were inhibited in both cultivars, although the decline was more prominent in the sensitive cultivar at higher doses of As. Furthermore, the tolerant cultivar tolerated As stress by producing more antioxidants, such as proline, sustaining the ratio of ascorbate, dehydroascorbate, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity as well as As detoxifying enzymes arsenate reductase, whereas these respective metabolic activities declined in sensitive cultivar, resulting in greater susceptibility to As toxicity.

Selenium ameliorates arsenic induced oxidative stress through modulation of antioxidant enzymes and thiols in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Arsenic (As) contamination of rice is a major problem for South-East Asia. In the present study, the effect of selenium (Se) on rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants exposed to As was studied in hydroponic culture. Arsenic accumulation, plant growth, thiolic ligands and antioxidative enzyme activities were assayed after single (As and Se) and simultaneous supplementations (As + Se). The results indicated that the presence of Se (25 µM) decreased As accumulation by threefold in roots and twofold in shoots as compared to single As (25 µM) exposed plants. Arsenic induced oxidative stress in roots and shoots was significantly ameliorated by Se supplementation. The observed positive response was found associated with the increased activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx; EC 1.11.1.9) and induced levels of non-protein thiols (NPTs), glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs) in As + Se exposed plants as compared to single As treatment. Selenium supplementation modulated the thiol metabolism enzymes viz., γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS; EC 6.3.2.2), glutathione-S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) and phytochelatin synthase (PCS; EC 2.3.2.15). Gene expression analysis of several metalloid responsive genes (LOX, SOD and MATE) showed upregulation during As stress, however, significant downregulation during As + Se exposure as compared to single As treatment. Gene expressions of enzymes of antioxidant and GSH and PC biosynthetic systems, such as APX, CAT, GPx, γ-ECS and PCS were found to be significantly positively correlated with their enzyme activities. The findings suggested that Se supplementation could be an effective strategy to reduce As accumulation and toxicity in rice plants.

Genome Sequences of Four Clinical Staphylococcus aureus Strains with Diverse Drug Resistance Profiles Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen associated with diabetic foot ulcer infections. To gain insight into their pathogenicity and virulence potential, we report draft genome sequences of four strains of Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from diabetic foot ulcers, showing profiles with various degrees of resistance to common antibiotics.