The aim of this study was to produce single-cell protein by using two yeast strains, KKUY-0084 and KKUY- 0157, from spoiled date fruits. Based on the sequence of the variable D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (26S) ribosomal DNA of these strains, their identity was Hanseniaspora uvarum and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, respectively. The two strains were assessed for their single-cell protein productivity in vitro and in a bioreactor. Both yeasts were able to utilise the juice of spoiled dates in a concentration gradient up to 25 %; however, 20 % juice was the best concentration for production of the maximum amounts of dry biomass by H. uvarum KKUY-0084 and Z. rouxii KKUY-0157 (23.5 and 20.71 g/l, respectively) at 60 h. Biomass productivity reached a maximum when the yeasts were incubated at 25 °C and pH 5.0–6.0. Addition of Mn (0.3 g/l) or Mg (0.5 g/l) had a stimulative effect on biomass production. Addition of 0.6 g/l of Mn resulted in the production of maximum dry biomass by H. uvarum KKUY-0084, while 0.4 g/l of the same metal was more appropriate for Z. rouxii KKUY- 0157. Tryptone (8 g/l) as a nitrogen source increased the yield of the biomass to 34.25 and 30.75 g/l by H. uvarum KKUY- 0084 and Z. rouxiiKKUY-0157, respectively. In a 7-l fermentor, the highest production (48.9 g/l) of the two strains was achieved after 60 h.

Seeking new yeast strains having the ability to protect apple fruits against blue mould for a long time under different storage conditions was the main goal of this work. Based on the in vitro test, yeast strains KKUY0017 and KKUY0051 were selected as the most effective antagonists against Penicillium expansum. Sequencing of 26S rDNA of both yeasts confirmed that the identity of KKUY0017 and KKUY0051 was Cryptococcus albidus and Wickerhamomyces anomalus, respectively. The two strains protected the apple fruits from the blue mould disease under a wide range of temperature (5–30°C); however, W. anomalus KKUY0051 was more effective. At 25°C, W. anomalus KKUY0051 involved in the reduction of disease severity and disease incidence of blue mould by 56.49% and 57.78%, respectively. When either of the two yeasts was applied in concentration of 108 or 109 cells/mL, the maximum reduction in disease severity and disease incidence was achieved. Under cold storage (5°C), both yeast strains succeeded to protect the apple fruits free from the infection up to 24 days. Electron micrograph showed a fit attachment between the cells of C. albidus KKUY0017 and the fungal hyphae leading to the degrading of the hyphae; however, W. anomalus killed the fungal hyphae without direct attachment to them. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the cell-free extract of W. anomalus KKUY0051 revealed the presence of toxic compounds such as the nitrophenol derivatives. The results support the assumption that the main mode of action of this yeast is by killer toxins. We conclude that application of these yeasts under cold storage condition could keep the apple fruits free from blue mould infection for a long time.

The goal of this study was to characterize diversity of fungal biota in soil, roots and green leaves of onion plant. Seventy- nine fungal species belonging to 32 genera were isolated from soil (29 genera and 72 species), rhizosphere (25 and 52), rhizoplane (24 and 38), phyllosphere (17 and 41) and phylloplane (17 and 35) on PDA medium at 19º and 28ºC. The number of fungal genera and species in soil was higher than those on roots and leaves, while those on the surface of roots (rhizosphere) or leaves (phyllosphere) were higher than those adhering to roots (rhizoplane) or leaves (phylloplane). Aspergillus (A. niger and A. terreus), followed by Penicillium (P. funiculosum and P. chrysogenum), Rhizopus (R. stolonifer) and Fusarium (F. oxysporum) were the most common fungi. A new record species is reported for the first time to Egypt namely, Zopfiella latipes (from phylloplane of onion).

Exposure to xenoestrogens like 4-nonylphenol (NP) is recognized by disrupting endocrine functions and causes reproductive dysfunction in male fish. The present study aimed at investigating the 4-nonylphenol propensity to induce oxidative stress and hormonal disturbances in male catfish and at studying the protective role of quince (Cydonia oblonga). To fulfill this aim, catfish Clarias gariepinus were exposed to pure 100 μg/L 4-NP and to quince the leaf extract added to 4-NP, both for 15 days. The 4-NP exposure induced a marked increase in 17ß-estradiol (E2), LH, and cortisol, while thyroid hormone (TSH, T3), testosterone (T), and FSH levels noticeably decreased; however, 4-NP had no effect on T4 level. Moreover, 4-NP exposure was accompanied by histological impairments in testes. Existence of 4-NP was associated with oxidative damage as evidenced by the significant increase (p 0.05) of the enzymes, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Adding quince was effective to neutralize hormonal levels and to repair the testicular histological alterations. In response to quince remedy, the enzymes AchE and MDA reduced significantly (p 0.05), while limited or no response was detected for other tested enzymes. Our results concluded that quince can antagonize 4-NP toxicity in catfish, confirming that quince leaf extract displayed antioxidant activities against the toxicity of hazardous chemicals.

Although there are many applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in human activities,there is still little known about their potential environmental toxicity, particularly to fish. Inthe present study, the effects of Ag-NPs on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were studiedusing melanomacrophage centers as immunohistological biomarkers. Fish were exposed to25 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 75 mg/L 100-nm Ag-NPs. We studied the effects on the size and num-ber of melanomacrophage centers in all target tissues. Many histopathological alterationsin those tissues were observed. The histological changes were represented as dislocationof the epithelium, dilatation of central veins associated with inflammatory leukocytic infil-tration, necrosis, and pyknotic nuclei of hepatocytes. There was shrinkage of Malpighiancorpuscles, dislocation of nuclei of convoluted tubules, cellular degeneration, and dispersedinfiltration of leukocytes in kidney tissue. Examination of spleen sections after exposure toAg-NPs showed rupture within the red pulp and hemorrhage, dislocation of nuclei, accumu-lation of inflammatory leukocytes, and congestion in blood vessels. In conclusion, exposureto Ag-NPs induced alterations in tissues, suggesting a possible increase in oxidative stressin those tissues.

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Transition-metal coordination polymers [M(ndc) (bpy)(H2O)m]xH2O (where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylate, bpy = 4,40-bipyridine; m = 0 or 1; x = 1 or 2) were prepared by reacting the ligands and metal ions at room temperature with the aid of microwave irradiation and sonication methods. The structure of the coordination polymers was assigned based on elemental analysis, FT-IR and electronic spectral studies, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis was also used to follow up the possible thermal decomposition steps and to calculate the thermodynamic parameters of the nano-sized metal complexes. The kinetic parameters were calculated making use of the Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. All obtained results of the different technics used in our study stated the ability to synthesis the metal coordination polymers of our interest using both microwave irradiation and sonication methods.

A series of coordination polymers of the general formula {[M(ndc)(azoles)(H2O)].XH2O}n (where M =Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylate, azoles = 2-aminothiazole and 2- aminobenzothiazole, x=0, 1 or 2) has been prepared and characterized. The coordination polymers have been characterized based on elemental analysis, FT-IR and electronic spectral studies magnetic measurements and thermal analysis. Thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry, and differential thermal analysis were used to study the thermal decomposition of the complexes. Non isothermal kinetic parameters were calculated making use of the Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger equations. Catalytic performances of the two of the complexes for the degradation of methyl orange by sodium persulfate have been investigated.

Type I diabetes (T1D) is a characterized by the inflammation of pancreatic islets and destruction of β cells. Long and persistent uncontrolled diabetes tends to degenerate the immune system and increase the incidence of infections in diabetic individuals. Most serious diabetic complications are mediated by the free radicals, which damage multiple cellular components through direct effects of the cell cycle regulatory proteins. Camel whey protein (CWP) has antioxidant activity and decreases the effects of free radicals. However, the effects of CWP on lymphoid organs have not been studied in the context of diabetes. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the dietary influence of CWP supplementation on the lymphoid organs in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mouse model. Three experimental groups were used: non diabetic control mice, diabetic mice, and diabetic mice treated with CWP. Induction of diabetes was associated with a marked reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels; decreased activities of GSH peroxidase (GSH Px), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase; increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and iNOS activity in plasma and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, diabetic mice exhibited alterations in the expression of Bax and Bcl-XL, and subsequently pathological alterations in the architecture of the bone marrow, pancreas, thymus, and spleen. Interestingly, treatment of diabetic mice with CWP robustly restored glucose, insulin, GSH, and ROS levels and the activities of GSH Px, MnSOD, catalase and iNOS. Additionally, supplementation of diabetic mice with CWP improvement in the architecture of lymphoid tissues and rescued from apoptosis through direct effects on the Bax and Bcl-XL proteins. These data revealed the therapeutic potential of CWP against diabetic complications mediated damages of lymphoid organs.

Multiple mechanisms contribute to impaired diabetic wound healing including impaired neovascularization and deficient endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment. Bee venom (BV) has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of several diseases. Nevertheless, the effect of BV on the healing of diabetic wounds has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of BV on diabetic wound closure in a type I diabetic mouse model. Three experimental groups were used: group 1, non-diabetic control mice; group 2, diabetic mice; and group 3, diabetic mice treated with BV. We found that the diabetic mice exhibited delayed wound closure characterized by a significant decrease in collagen production and prolonged elevation of inflammatory cytokines levels in wounded tissue compared to control non-diabetic mice. Additionally, wounded tissue in diabetic mice revealed aberrantly up-regulated expression of ATF-3 and iNOS followed by a marked elevation in free radical levels. Impaired diabetic wound healing was also characterized by a significant elevation in caspase-3, -8 and -9 activity and a marked reduction in the expression of TGF-β and VEGF, which led to decreased neovascularization and angiogenesis of the injured tissue by impairing EPC mobilization. Interestingly, BV treatment significantly enhanced wound closure in diabetic mice by increasing collagen production and restoring the levels of inflammatory cytokines, free radical, TGF-β and VEGF. Most importantly, BV-treated diabetic mice exhibited mobilized long-lived EPCs by inhibiting caspase activity in the wounded tissue. Our findings reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying improved diabetic wound healing and closure following BV treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.