Decrease In Protein Content Research Articles

Studies on the effect of sodium arsenate & cadmium chloride on Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittrock 1877

Cadmium and Arsenic are heavy metals although not common in our environment, its threat in certain places are aggravated due to anthropogenic factors. To know its critical role on plants the investigation was made using Na2HAsO4 and CdCl2 treatment on Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittrock 1877. The observations were made after 14 days of treatment. The changes were noted. In both cases, the treated cells exhibited gradual disruption of cell wall and cell membrane. The chlorophyll content initially increased and finally decreased due to the notable destruction of chloroplasts in both treated cells. A profuse number of akinetes were observed at 100 ppm and 150 ppm of Na2HAsO4 and CdCl2 treated media. Decrease in protein content was started at 100 ppm in both cases. The lipid content initially decreased at 50 ppm and at 100 ppm lipid profile increased in terms of toleration to the Na2HAsO4 and CdCl2 stress. Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittrock 1877 exhibited more sensitivity to CdCl2 stress & showing abrupt changes in chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b production. The carotenoid production shown more sensitivity in Na2HAsO4 stress. Total phenol production was decreased initially and at 200 ppm CdCl2 stress had shown significant enhancement than the control set but at the 200 ppm of Na2HAsO4 shown inhibitory effect.

Inhalable Jojoba Oil Dry Nanoemulsion Powders for the Treatment of Lipopolysaccharide- or H2O2-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid) is a dioecious plant in desert and semi-desert areas, e.g., the Ismailia Desert in Egypt. Jojoba oil (JJBO) is a natural slight yellow oil with the functions of skin barrier repairing and wound healing, which is dermally applied as a traditional medication or cosmetic in the Middle East. The objective of this study was to prepare JJBO dry nanoemulsion powders (JNDs) and investigate their anti-acute lung injury effects. JJBO nanoemulsions (JNEs) were prepared and then lyophilized to JNDs and the properties and simulated lung deposition were measured. Rat acute lung injury (ALI) models were established after intratracheal (i.t.) administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). JNDs and dexamethasone (DXM) solutions were also i.t. administered to the rats. The pathological states of lung tissues were checked. Inflammatory and oxidative factors in the lung tissues were determined using ELISA methods. NF-κB p65 and caspase-3 were measured with a Western blotting method and an immunohistochemical method, respectively. JNDs had an appropriate mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.17 µm and a fine particle fraction (FPF) of 39.11%. JNDs showed higher anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced ALI than DXM with a decrease in total protein content and down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and NF-κB p65. JNDs also showed higher anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effect on H2O2-induced ALI than DXM with elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing of superoxide dismutase (SOD), decrease in of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and inhibition of caspase-3 expression. Moreover, i.t. JNDs attenuated bleeding and infiltrations of the inflammatory cells in the two ALI models. JNDs are a promising natural oil-contained inhalable medication for the treatment of LPS- or H2O2-induced ALI.

Impact of elevated air temperature and drought on pollen characteristics of major agricultural grass species.

Grass pollen allergens are known to be one of the major triggers of hay fever with an increasing number of humans affected by pollen associated health impacts. Climate change characterized by increasing air temperature and more frequent drought periods might affect plant development and pollen characteristics. In this study a one-year (2017) field experiment was conducted in Bavaria, Germany, simulating drought by excluding rain and elevated air temperature by installing a heating system to investigate their effects primarily on the allergenic potential of eight selected cultivars of the two grass species timothy and perennial ryegrass. It could be shown for timothy that especially under drought and heat conditions the allergen content is significantly lower accompanied by a decrease in pollen weight and protein content. In perennial ryegrass the response to drought and heat conditions in terms of allergen content, pollen weight, and protein content was more dependent on the respective cultivar probably due to varying requirements for their growth conditions and tolerance to drought and heat. Results support recommendations which cultivars should be grown preferentially. The optimal choice of grass species and respective cultivars under changing climate conditions should be a major key aspect for the public health sector in the future.

Antibiotic pollution promotes dominance by harmful cyanobacteria: A case study examining norfloxacin exposure in competition experiments.

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in freshwater lakes across the globe are often combined with other stressors. Pharmaceutical pollution, especially antibiotics in water bodies, poses a potential hazard in aquatic ecosystems. However, how antibiotics influence the risk of cyanoHABs remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects ofnorfloxacin (NOR), one of the most widely usedantibiotics globally, to a bloom-forming cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) and a common green alga (Scenedesmus quadricauda), under both mono- and coculture conditions. Taxon-specific responses to NOR were evaluated in monoculture. In addition, the growth rate and change in ratio of cyanobacteria to green algae when cocultured with exposure to NOR were determined. In monocultures of Microcystis, exposure to low concentrations of NOR resulted in decreases in biomass, chlorophyll a and soluble protein content, while superoxide anion content and superoxide dismutase activity increased. However, NOR at high concentration only slightly affected Scenedesmus. During the co-culture trials of Microcystis and Scenedesmus, the 5μg·L-1 NOR treatment increased the ratio of Microcystis to co-cultured Scenedesmus by 47.2%. Meanwhile, although Scenedesmus growth was enhanced by 4.2% under NOR treatment in monoculture, it was conversely inhibited by 63.4% and 38.2% when co-cultured with Microcystis with and without NOR, respectively. Our results indicate that antibiotic pollution has a potential risk to enhance the perniciousness of cyanoHABs by disturbing interspecific interaction between cyanobacteria and green algae. These results reinforce the need for scientists and managers to consider the influence of xenobiotics in shaping the outcome of interactions among multiple species in aquatic ecosystems.

Efficacy of ozone for Callosobruchus maculatus and Callosobruchus chinensis control in cowpea seeds and its impact on seed quality

The insecticidal efficacy of ozone was evaluated against the adults of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and C. chinensis L. on stored cowpea seeds under laboratory conditions. Ozone was assessed at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/m3. The effect of ozone treatments on the adult mortality after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment, progeny production after 45 days, cowpea seed weight loss, seed germination and chemical constituents of cowpea seeds were determined. Adult mortality of C. maculatus and C. chinensis was improved with the increase in ozone concentration. Thus, all tested concentrations caused complete adult mortality of C. chinensis after 7 days of treatment, while the concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/m3 caused complete adult mortality of C. maculatus after the same periods. Progeny of both species was significantly decreased in all ozone concentrations after 45 days of treatment. Nevertheless, strong suppression in progeny production was achieved at the highest concentration of ozone (2.0 g/m3). Also, the ozone treatment at the highest concentration protected the cowpea seeds from damage caused by C. maculatus and C. chinensis for 45 days. In addition, there was no significant effect of ozone treatments on the cowpea seed germination compared with untreated seeds. Moreover, the chemical analysis of treated cowpea seeds showed a slight decrease in protein, fat, carbohydrate, moisture, total phenolics, total flavonoids and tannins contents, and a slight increase in fiber and ash contents compared with untreated cowpea seeds. Our findings suggest the ozone can be effectively used for the control C. maculatus and C. chinensis and can provide sufficient protection of stored cowpea seeds.

Systematic review of randomized controlled trial of Maxing Shigan Decoction in treatment of community acquired pneumonia

To systemically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Maxing Shigan Decoction in the treatment of community acquired pneumonia(CAP) and provide a reference for the treatment of CAP. Databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PubMed were searched(from inception to May 30, 2020) to screen the randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Maxing Shigan Decoction in treating CAP. Two authors independently screened and selected relevant literature and extracted data based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Any disagreement or differences was resolved through discussion. The bias risk assessment tool recommended by Cochrane handbook was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis. Seventeen RCTs were finally included, involving 1 309 patients. Meta-analysis showed that Maxing Shigan Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment could improve clinical efficacy in patients with CAP more effectively as compared with conventional Western medicine treatment alone, mainly in terms of anti-inflammatory effects, a decrease in C-reactive protein(CRP) content(MD=-6.01, 95%CI[-10.95,-1.06], P=0.02)and white blood cell(WBC) count, a decrease in procalcitonin(PCT) level(MD=-0.74, 95%CI[-0.77,-0.71], P<0.000 1), and shortened recovery time of cough and fever. Maxing Shigan Decoction has certain curative effect on CAP, but there are problems in the methodology of included studies. High-quality stu-dies are still needed for further verification.

Physiological responses of Vicia faba to copper toxicity

Abstract. Copper plays an important role in multiple plant physiological processes including photosynthesis and protein synthesis. Excess copper in tissues leads to physiological and biochemical disturbances. In order to determine the physiological response of Vicia faba L. to copper toxicity, two varieties (Sidi Aïch and Super Aguadulce) were grown in a substrate of sand and compost (3V/V) and contaminated by different doses of Cu (0, 80, 160, 240, 320, 400 mg kg-1). Dose rates ≥160 mg kg-1 led to the accumulation of copper in roots and shoots, in turn leading to decreases in photosynthetic activity and protein content and to the accumulation of proline, a stress indicator, and soluble sugars.

Variations in response of CaPAO and CaATG8c genes, hormone, photosynthesis and antioxidative system in pepper genotypes under salinity stress

The present study aimed to explore the effect of salinity on the expression of CaPAO and CaATG8c genes as well as the tolerance mechanism in pepper genotypes (Dolmalik, Carliston, and Maras). Salt-stress resulted in a considerable decrease in plant growth, photosynthetic activity, carboxylation efficiency, and cytokinin, in addition to SOD, APX, GR, GSH and GSH/GSSG in Dolmalik and Carliston genotypes. In this respect, plant growth, carboxylation efficiency and phtosythesis activity markedly were decreased in Carliston and Dolmalik genotypes by salinity stress. In contrast, a slight decreases was found in Maras genotype. Furthermore, the lowest Na+ and Cl− ion concentration was detected in the leaves of Maras genotype as compared to Dolmalik and Carliston genotypes. Therfore, salinity had a slight impact on Maras indicating greater tolerance to salinity, and salt-tolerant genotype neutralized the over-accumulation of sodium by a reduction in Cl- uptake. In peppers, CaPAO and CaATG8c genes are responsible for pheophorbide a oxygenase and autophagy activities, respectively. Based on the results, salinity caused the up-regulation of CaPAO, and this coincided with a marked decrease in chlorophyll, and a significant increase in cytokinin oxidase content in salt-sensitive genotypes. In contrast, in salt-tolerant genotype, CaPAO was down-regulated and accompanied by a reduction in cytokinin oxidase and a slight decrease in chlorophyll content. The CaATG8c expression was upregulated in salt-tolerant genotype, accompanied by the highest soluble protein content. In contrast, a slight increase in CaATG8c expression and a decrease in soluble protein content were detected in salt-sensitive genotypes. These results suggest that the expression of CaATG8c and CaPAO genes in pepper genotypes can be important for their adaption to salinity stress.

Bisphenol A-induced Alterations in Different Stages of Spermatogenesis and Systemic Toxicity in Albino Mice (Mus musculus).

Background.Bisphenol A (BPA) is known to alter sperm morphology, but information is limited on the most susceptible stage(s) of spermatogenesis, especially in mice.Objectives.This study investigated the reproductive, biochemical, and hematological changes caused by exposure to BPA in male albino mice. The genotoxicity of BPA to the six stages of spermatogenesis in mice was determined.Methods.Mice were exposed orally to BPA at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mg/kg bw doses for 5 days and assessed for sperm morphology after 35 days. Based on the result, the second group of mice was exposed to BPA at 1.0 mg/kg bw dose for 5 days, their spermatozoa were assessed for sperm morphology based on BPA exposure at the 6 maturation stages of spermatogenesis: spermatozoa, elongating spermatids, round spermatids, secondary spermatocytes, primary spermatocytes, and spermatogonia. Biochemical and hematological analyses of the blood of exposed mice were also carried out.Results.The results showed that BPA induced concentration-dependent, significantly (p<0.05) increased sperm cell abnormalities at three of the four concentrations tested, with the exception of 0.5 mg/kg bw, in comparison with the negative control. The highest frequency of sperm aberrations was induced in spermatozoa exposed to BPA while at the primary spermatocytes. The order of induced sperm abnormality at the different stages of exposure was: primary spermatocytes > elongating spermatids > spermatozoa > spermatogonia > round spermatids > secondary spermatocytes. The results of the biochemical analysis showed significantly (p<0.05) increased serum urea, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities with a concomitant decrease in total protein content at the various stages of spermatogenesis. In addition, the results for hematological parameters showed several significant (p<0.05) modulations in mice exposed to BPA.Conclusions.These data showed that BPA is most toxic to primary spermatocytes and alterations of biochemical and hematological parameters might be the mechanisms of induced toxicity.Ethics Approval.The Research Ethics Committee, Federal University of Technology, Akure approved the study protocols.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests

EFFECT OF FEEDING OAK (Quercus aegilops) ACORNS ON MILK PRODUCTION, MILK COMPOSITION AND SOME BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLACK GOATS

Twenty four Black goat does at 1st week post kidding were adapted to control diet for 2 weeks and then blocked into 4 groups (6 does/group) to be fed on one of the experimental diets (0, 5, 10 and 15% oak acorns) to study the effect of different levels of oak acorns on milk yield, milk composition and some serum biochemical traits. Results revealed that at 10th week of lactation, there was a significant increase in daily milk yield in does fed on 15% oak acorns. In contrast the group fed on 15% oak acorns exhibited a significant decrease in milk protein and solid non-fat contents at 10th week of lactation. The milk lactose yield was significantly higher in group fed on 15% oak acorns at 10th week of lactation. The serum glucose concentration at 8th week of lactation was significantly higher in does fed on 10% oak acorns while at 10th week; it was significantly higher in does fed 5% oak acorns. It could be concluded that feeding does on diets containing 15% oak acorns caused a significant increase in daily milk yield of Black goats and a significant decrease in milk protein content.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Water-Soluble Peptides Extracted from Iranian Traditional Kefir

Kefir, a traditional fermented milk product, is considered as a rich source of biofunctional compounds like peptides that are beneficial to human health. The objective of this study was to extract water-soluble peptides from cow and ewe milk kefir (produced by local kefir grains of Semnan, Iran) and investigate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Evaluation of the chemical composition of the cow and ewe pasteurized milk and kefir showed a decrease in protein, total carbohydrate, and lactose content. There was no difference between the mineral profile of fresh milk and kefir. The count of lactic acid bacteria was almost stable during the 28 days of storage period. From the 1st to the 28th day of storage, the population of Lactococci (LC) was 11.5–12.1 and 11.4–12.2 log10 CFU/mL for cow and ewe milk kefir, respectively. A great antioxidant potential (DPPH and ABTS assay) was observed for the peptides extracted from cow and ewe kefir (at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL) on day 28 storage. Also, ewe kefir peptides had higher antioxidant activity than peptides of cow kefir. The antimicrobial activity of water-soluble peptides of ewe milk kefir was superior to those of cow milk kefir (at the same concentration of 20 mg/mL). The results of this work expressed great functional properties of peptides derived from ewe milk produced by local kefir grains of Semnan.

Possible fungicidal effect of citral on kiwifruit pathogens and their mechanisms of actions

The current study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of citral against various fungal pathogens viz: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phomopsis macrospore, and Botrytis cinerea. The present study aimed to describe the antifungal mechanism of citral against B. dothidea, which is not fully elucidated yet. According to the results, citral showed potent inhibition on the hyphal growth of the three studied fungi with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.4 μL/mL. Citral changed the morphological characteristics of fungal hyphae of B. dothidea by resulting in the loss of cellular content and distortion of mycelia. Membrane permeability was increased by citral, as evidenced by increases in extracellular electrical conductivity and optical density (OD260) and a decrease in soluble protein content in B. dothidea. A decline in the range of ergosterol levels proved that citral impaired the physiology of the cell membrane. Furthermore, the higher citral concentrations decrease the level of respiration-associated enzymes resulting in the disruption of energy metabolism. Importantly, citral also showed positive effects on fruit quality and reduced the decay rate of kiwifruit. These findings suggest that the antifungal activity of citral could be attributed to the increase in membrane permeability and the damage in the cell membrane. Citral can potentially be used as an alternative for kiwifruit storage.

Apparent fertilizer N recovery and the relationship between grain yield and grain protein concentration of different winter wheat varieties in a long-term field trial

A high recovery of applied fertilizer nitrogen (N) is required to minimize the environmental impact and to achieve high grain protein concentrations (GPC). Based on a long-term field trial (1976–2018) with winter wheat in northern Germany with 64 N fertilizer treatments differing in amount (0–360 kg N ha−1) and distribution, the effects of N fertilizer amount and variety on the apparent fertilizer N recovery (AFR) of three application dates were determined. In addition, the relationship between grain yield (GY) and GPC was analyzed.Apparent fertilizer N recovery was lowest for N applied at the beginning of spring growth (N1), but highest if applied at ear emergence (N3). It decreased with increasing N amounts. Newer varieties, cvs. Tommi and Julius (released in 2002 or 2008), achieved higher AFR than those released in 1993 and earlier (cvs. Diplomat, Kanzler, Orestis, Ritmo), especially that of late-season N due to both increased GY and GPC.When estimating the correlation between GY and GPC and the effect of N3 on it, the amount of N fertilization applied before ear emergence (sum of N applied at the beginning of spring growth (N1) and N applied at the beginning of stem elongation (N2)) has to be taken into account, because N1 + N2 affects the source size of N which can remobilized and translocated into the grain. For the older varieties, a negative linear correlation between GY and GPC was found; however, in the treatments with N1 + N2 = 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha−1, the newer varieties responded differently with firstly a decrease in grain protein concentration with increasing grain yield, but then achieving a plateau, namely GPC remained stable with rising GY. Probably, this was due to a more pronounced post-anthesis N uptake.

Biocontrol efficacy and possible mechanism of Streptomyces sp. H4 against postharvest anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum fragariae on strawberry fruit

Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum species, which is detrimental to numerous fruits, including strawberry. Use of fungicides to maintain fruit quality leads to potential environmental pollution and health risk. Biocontrol using beneficial microorganisms such as Streptomyces has been applied successfully for controlling postharvest diseases of fruit. In this study, strain H4 with a high antifungal activity against C. fragariae was isolated from Dichotella gemmacea in Xisha islands of South China Sea. Combining the morphological and biochemical characteristics with the 16S rRNA sequence analysis, this strain was assigned as Streptomyces sp. A preventive treatment using strain H4 extracts significantly reduced severity and incidence of anthracnose disease and maintained fruit hardness and color on harvested strawberry fruits. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were 1.563 × 10−3 g L-1 and 3.125 × 10−3 g L-1, respectively. Extracts could effectively inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of C. fragariae in vitro. The mycelial structure of pathogenic fungi showed deformation, shrinkage, collapse and tortuosity. A significant decrease in sugar and protein contents was also observed in treated C. fragariae mycelia. Fourteen chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC–MS). Dibutyl phthalate was the major constituent. Notably, strain H4 and its extracts exhibited a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against seven selected plant pathogenic fungi. Hence, Streptomyces sp. H4 and its metabolites have a high efficiency of antagonistic roles against phytopathogenic fungi diseases. It provides a promising biological agent to control anthracnose of strawberry fruit.

Effect of storage conditions on nutritional quality and color characteristics of quinoa varieties

To maintain grain quality and prevent loss, effective storage systems are required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage duration (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360 days) and temperature (4, 10, and 25 °C) on proximate and nutritional components, and color properties of Mint Vanilla and Titicaca quinoa varieties. The results showed that the increase in storage duration and temperature leads to changes in the grain moisture, protein and ash contents, nutritional component and color properties. There was an increase in ash content at 25 °C, moisture content at 10 and 25 °C, and protein content at 4 °C in the stored grains compared with the grains on the initial of storage for Mint vailla variety. Whereas, there was an decrease in ash and protein content for all the temperature at the end of 360 days storage for Titicaca variety. Overall, there was a decrease (except Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Cd and Pb) in the nutritional component of both quinoa varieties. L∗, H° and WI values decreased, and a∗, b∗ and C∗ values increased as a function of storage duration and temperature and showed some temperature-dependent degradation for both quinoa varieties.

Protein quality and quantity of quality protein maize (QPM) and non‐QPM hybrids under optimal and low nitrogen conditions

AbstractBackground and objectivesQuality protein maize (QPM) nutritional quality involves high total protein content but reduced zein accumulation in maize endosperm, leading to increased non‐zein proteins, hence higher levels of essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low nitrogen (N) conditions in one location, and optimum conditions in three locations, on zein proteins in 10 QPM hybrids developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) compared to two non‐QPM checks.FindingsWith a few exceptions, total protein content, and γ‐ and α‐zein peak areas were significantly reduced under low N compared to optimal conditions, while β‐zein increased. Non‐QPM hybrids had higher protein content than QPM hybrids, and QPM hybrids had higher γ‐zein than non‐QPM in all environments. Higher α‐zein values than other zein types were observed in non‐QPM than in QPM genotypes in all environments.Significance and noveltyLow N significantly reduced protein content and all the zein fractions except for β‐zeins, which were increased. The advantages of a decrease in zein fractions in QPM under low N conditions were offset by a large decrease in grain protein content.

&lt;p class="Body"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The response of common bean (&lt;em&gt;Phaseolus vulgaris&lt;/em&gt; L.) to salinity and drought stresses and life table parameters of &lt;em&gt;Tetranychus urticae&lt;/em&gt; Koch reared on it&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Plants in nature are constantly exposed to various stresses resulting from fluctuating environmental conditions which adversely affect their growth and development and may affect the performance of herbivores feeding on them. Drought and salinity are the most serious problems of agriculture due to climatic changes. According to global warming and drying of Urmia salty lake in Northwestern Iran which could result in salinization of agricultural lands nearby, the focus of this study was to examine the effect of two above mentioned stresses on a host plant and its pest population. Three levels of salinity (50 (low), 100 (intermediate) and 150 (high) mM NaCl) and water deficit (40–50% the amount of water given to control plants) were induced to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as stress factors and the following characteristics were measured: fresh and dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline and protein contents and CAT, APX and GPX enzyme activities. The life table parameters of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, reared on stress-induced plants were measured and compared with control. The high saline condition caused plant defoliation and was deleted from results. The low saline condition caused an increase in fresh weight and decrease in chlorophyll and protein contents of plant. Intermediate saline condition caused an increase in APX and CAT enzyme activities and decrease of dry weight, chlorophyll, protein and proline contents. Drought condition caused an increase of APX and GPX enzyme activities and proline content and decrease of dry weight and chlorophyll content. Analysis of life table data of T. urticae showed a significant decrease of net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T) and gross reproductive rate (GRR) of mites reared on plants under both of stresses. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) decreased significantly only for mites reared on plants under intermediate saline condition.

Cytotoxic effects ofSatureja montanaL. essential oil on oocytes of engorgedRhipicephalus microplusfemale ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

In addition to pesticidal activity, the capacity of natural compounds to inhibit the reproduction of parasites emerge as an important alternative tick control method. In this context, Satureja spp. stand out due to their recognized pesticidal properties. Among parasites of veterinary importance, the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, is responsible for great economic losses in livestock and transmission of relevant pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of the essential oil of Satureja montana L. on the ovary morphology of R. microplus engorged females through histological and histochemical techniques. The most remarkable morphological changes found were: cytoplasmic vacuolation of germ cells, irregular and thicker chorion, irregular oocyte shape, ring-shaped nucleolus, decrease in protein and carbohydrate content in oocytes, in addition to cellular changes in the oviduct and pedicel. All morphological changes were assessed using a semiquantitative method already established in the literature. Ticks exposed to 5.0 μl/ml of essential oil showed the most significant changes when compared to control groups. Thus, the essential oil of S. montana L. damaged the reproductive system of R. microplus, which may impair ticks' offspring production and promote a long-term control of this species.

Toxicity Evaluation of Six Textile Dyes on Growth, Metabolism and Elemental Composition (C, H, N, S) of Microalgae Spirulina platensis: The Environmental Consequences.

A concentration-dependent decrease in growth rate and pigment concentration of the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis was recorded after the exposure to graded (5-40ppm) concentration of six textile dyes. The profile of vital elements (C, H, N, S) also showed a significant variation due to dye toxicity. The algal population showed up to 50% decrease in protein content after exposure to the dyes. Among the pigments, the dye exposure resulted in > 90% decreases in phycocyanin however, total chlorophyll and carotenoids exhibited up to a 50% decrease compared to control. The findings indicate that the unregulated discharge of textile dyes will directly impact the photoautotrophic organisms leading to ecological imbalance in aquatic ecosystems. Overall observations of the report provide baseline information about the toxicity of textile dyes and giving a better insight into the little-understood mechanisms of dye toxicity.

Impact of Paper Mill effluent on Protein Metabolism of Snake headed fish, Channa punctatus

The present investigation was designed to study the effect of sublethal concentration of paper mill effluent on the total protein and amino acid contents in muscles, liver and gill of Channa punctatus after exposure to 96 hours. A significant decrease in protein content with increase in amino acids content in muscles, liver and gill of effluent exposed fishes was observed. A reduction in the protein content and enhancement of free amino acids in the muscles, liver and gill of experimental fish suggests that the tissue protein might have undergone proteolysis, during the stressful situation. Thus, the present study concludes that the protein metabolism of fish Channa punctatus affected during effluent exposure and reduces the nutritive value of fish.