Suspension In Distilled Water Research Articles

Effect of carrot residue on the desiccation and disinfectant resistances of food related pathogens adhered to a stainless steel surfaces

To clarify the effects of vegetable residues on the resistances of food-related pathogens to drying and disinfectants, Salmonella Thyphimurium was dried with 50% w/w aqueous solutions of seven vegetables and cell survival was assessed. Bacterial suspensions in distilled water or aqueous solutions (0.1 ml of 8 log CFU/ml) were placed on 50 mmφ stainless dishes and dried at room temperature for 120 min. In the absence of aqueous solution, cell numbers decreased from 6.9 to 3.6 log CFU/dish. The solutions of carrot (CR) and green bell pepper (GB) clearly protected the cells. CR and GB also tended to protect the dried Staphylococcus aureus cells. The adhered and dried pathogens with CR were treated with 0.1 ml of 0.01% w/v hypochlorous acid (HC), 70% v/v ethanol (ET), 0.2% w/v alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride (AH) or 0.2% w/v benzalkonium chloride (BC) for 10 min. Adhered S. Typhimurium cells were protected from HC and ET treatments by the carrot solution. S. aureus was protected from HC, ET, and AH. BC showed clear disinfectant activity under all conditions. These results suggest that trace amounts of carrot sediment protect the bacteria on surfaces from the desiccation and disinfectant treatments, and might also contribute to cross contamination.

Synthesis of the RGO/Al2O3 core–shell nanocomposite flakes and characterization of their unique electrostatic properties using zeta potential measurements

The aim of this study was to describe the influence of the modification of electrostatic properties of RGO/Al2O3 core–shell nanocomposite flakes. The amount of crystalline form of aluminum oxide was very small. It existed mostly in amorphous phase in the form of covalently bonded to GO surface. The morphological, structural and physicochemical investigations results showed that spherical Al2O3 nanoparticles (ca. 41nm) in gamma phase completely covered the surface of curly-shaped RGO flakes and acted as a spreader between individual flakes. The high BET specific surface area of the analyzed composite (119.71m2/g) together with very low open porosity (0.479cm3/g) indicated that RGO/Al2O3 nanocomposite flakes showed low tendency to agglomeration. The zeta potential curves obtained for RGO/Al2O3 core–shell nanocomposite flakes were differing from curves obtained for GO and Al2O3 suspensions in distilled water and neutral environment. The specific electrostatic properties of the core–shell system of RGO/Al2O3 flakes had an influence on its surface charge (zeta potential) which was measured by applying an external electric field. The FTIR and Raman investigations results also confirmed that the CO species were not taking part in the surface amphoteric reactions resulting in the formation of electrostatic surface charge.

Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes of multifunctional, magnetic, and luminescent nanocrystalline rare earth fluorides.

Multifunctional nanoparticles exhibiting red or green luminescence properties and magnetism were synthesized and thoroughly analyzed. The hydrothermal method was used for the synthesis of Eu3+- or Tb3+-doped GdF3-, NaGdF4-, and BaGdF5-based nanocrystalline materials. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples confirmed the desired compositions of the materials. Transmission electron microscope images revealed the different morphologies of the products, including the nanocrystal sizes, which varied from 12 nm in the case of BaGdF5-based nanoparticles to larger structures with dimensions exceeding 300 nm. All of the samples presented luminescence under ultraviolet irradiation, as well as when the samples were in the form of water colloids. The highest luminescence was observed for BaGdF5-based materials. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited paramagnetism along with probable evidence of superparamagnetic behavior at low temperatures. The particles’ magnetic characteristics were also preserved for samples in the form of a suspension in distilled water. The cytotoxicity studies against the human erythrocytes indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles are non-toxic because they did not cause the red blood cells shape changes nor did they alter their membrane structure and permeabilization.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11051-015-3191-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Production and Testing of Biopesticide for Control of Postharvest Mold Infections on Fresh Fruits of Apple and Pear

The present research aimed at producing a biopesticide with proper formulation of invert emulsion (water-in-oil type) and effective strain of Trichoderma harzianum then, testing it against pathogens of postharvest mold infections(Botrytis cinerea & Penicillium expansum) on fresh fruits of apple and pear. The proper formulation of invert emulsion (IE#3) used for biopesticide production has the following ingredients (100% w/w): soybean oil (28.50%), coconut oil (19.50%), oil-soluble emulsifier: Tween 20 (2.0%), glycerine (4.25%), water-soluble emulsifier: dehymuls k (0.75%), sterile distilled water (22.5%) and conidial suspension of the effective strain ofT. harzianum “TrichoPAL1” in water (22.5%, concentration 1 × 107 conidia/ml). Testing efficacy of the produced biopesticide has indicated a significant reduction in the disease lesion diameter of mold infections on wounded apple and pear fruits stored at 20℃ ± 1℃ compared to the untreated fruits or control (reduction from up to 38.75 to about 7.50 mm, respectively, according to the type of mold infections and fruit type). Also, the treatment with the produced biopesticide has resulted in a long protection period from mold infections on wounded and un-wounded fresh fruits of apple and pear stored under controlled and semi-commercial conditions(up to 2.5 months according to the type of mold infections and fruit type). In conclusion, the overall results have demonstrated the effectiveness of produced biopesticide on stored fruits under controlled and semi-commercial conditions therefore, it is recommended to test this effectiveness on marketed fruits stored under variable conditions before applying it at a large scale.

Influence of intravenous injection of hydroxyapatite on mouse movement ability

Lactic acid is usually formed during strenuous exercise, and a large amount of lactic acid and slow anaerobic glycolysis in muscle lead to limitations of movement ability. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an alkaline inorganic material with a good biocompatibility. It slowly degrades in vivo and releases trace amounts of calcium ions, reducing cell damage by reacting with polylactic acid and neutralizing local acid environment. Whether HAp can reduce the concentration of lactic acid in vivo and improve movement ability is not yet clear. Here, after eight days of training, 40 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, distilled water, sodium bicarbonate and HAp group. After one day of rest, the mice were intravenously injected via the lateral tail veins with 1 ml distilled water, sodium bicarbonate and HAp suspension (2.2 mg/ml), respectively, and subjected to a swimming exhaustive experiment (load 10%). The swimming time of mice in the water, under water and total time were recorded. The exhaustive exercise mice were immediately subject to abdominal cavity anaesthesia. The concentrations of blood, gastrocnemius and myocardial lactic acid as well as serum LDH activity were detected. We demonstrate that HAp can significantly prolong swimming time and improve serum LDH activity, but does not affect lactic acid concentration. In conclusion, intravenous injection of HAp nanoparticles can significantly improve the exhaustive swimming ability of mice mainly because of the elevated blood LDH activity induced by HAp.

New Report of Black Leaf Spot Mold (Pseudocercospora fuligena) on Withania somnifera from India.

Withania somnifera (family solanaceae) commonly known as ashwagandha and Indian ginseng, originated in India is one of the most powerful medicinal plants for more than 3,000 years (1). It is commercially cultivated for its roots, a natural rich source of glycowithanolides, tannins, potassium nitrate, etc., which are an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, and regulator of the nervous system and sleep (2). During the monsoon of July 2011, black spots on the leaves of infected plants were observed in the ashwagandha growing Lucknow, Raibareilly, and adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh province with 10 to 20% disease incidence. Early stage of disease were characterized by the presence of light chlorotic spots on both sides of old leaves that later turned into dark black spots resulting in early defoliation. About 27 samples were collected from different locations of the fields for isolation of the causal organism and microscopic studies. Infected leaves were cut into small pieces, surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, rinsed thrice with sterilized distilled water, and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. After 21 days of dark incubation at 25°C, 8- to 10-mm grayish-brown colonies were observed. Microscopic studies at early and mature stages of infection showed production of conidia in conidiophores. Conidiophores were mostly 5 to 9, few dense pale brown, simple unbranched, septate, geniculate and 14 to 55 × 3 to 5.5 μm. Conidia were subhyline, obclavate to cylindrical, some were straight to slightly curved, multiseptate, base long obconic to long obconically truncate, and 12 to 85 × 3.5 to 5 μm. On the basis of cultural and morphological studies, the pathogen was identified as Pseudocercospora fuligena (3). The pathogen identity was further confirmed at molecular level using universal primers ITS1/ITS4 through PCR (4). An amplification of the expected size (~550 bp) was generated, eluted from agarose gel by QIAquick gel extraction kit (Qiagen), cloned into pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega), sequenced, and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF881898). NCBI BLASTn showed 99% identity with P. fuligena (GU214675) strain CPC 12296, isolated from Lycopersicon sp. Pathogenicity test was carried out on 10 plants of W. somnifera cv. Poshita through two approaches, one using mycelia from culture and another using spore suspension from naturally infected leaves. In the first approach, fungal mycelia were applied onto the healthy ashwagandha leaves, whereas in the second approach, infected leaves were washed with distilled water and spore suspension of 106 spores/ml was sprayed on healthy plants. Plants sprayed with sterilized distilled water served as controls. Inoculated plants were placed in a growth chamber at 28°C under 90% humidity for 3 days. After, pots were placed in the glasshouse at 27 ± 2°C with 70 to 80% humidity for 21 days. Initial symptoms appeared on the 7th day while typical symptoms appeared on all the inoculated plants after 12 to 17 days. Control plants remained free of infection. Re-isolation of the pathogen on PDA fulfilled Koch's postulates. Black leaf mold caused by P. fuligena has been reported on tomato (5). This is the first report of black leaf mould caused by P. fuligena on W. somnifera from India. P. fuligena has the potential to reduce yield of W. somnifera.

First Report of Corynespora Leaf Spot Caused by Corynespora cassiicola on Gynura in China.

Gynura (Gynura bicolor DC.) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Compositae. It is an important Chinese vegetable, and is commonly used as a Chinese herbal medicine. In 2010, a severe leaf spot disease was observed on gynura grown in the main production areas in Tong Nan County, Chongqing City, China. Some farms experienced 60% disease incidence. Symptoms usually began on the lower leaves, as circular to elliptical or irregular spots with concentric rings. Individual spots were dark brown with grayish centers, sometimes coalescing and leading to extensive necrosis. The fungus associated with lesions was characterized as follows: Conidiophores were single or in clusters, straight or flexuous, unbranched, percurrent, cylindrical, pale to dark brown, 87.5 to 375.0 μm long and 5.0 to 10.5 μm wide. Conidia were solitary or catenate, straight to slightly curved, obclavate to cylindrical, 3 to 14 pseudoseptate, 82.8 to 237.5 μm long and 7.0 to 7.8 μm wide, and pale brown. The morphological characteristics of the conidia and conidiophores agreed with the descriptions for Corynespora cassiicola (1). To isolate the causal pathogen, surface-sterilized tissue at the margin of lesions was immersed in 75% ethanol for 30 s, rinsed in sterile water, dried in a laminar flow bench, transferred to PDA, and incubated at 28°C. Four single-spore cultures of the isolates were obtained and named from ZBTK10110637 to ZBTK10110640. All strains were identified as C. cassiicola. The isolate ZBTK10110637 was selected as representative for molecular identification. Genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB (2). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA was amplified using primers with ITS1 (5'-TCCGATGGTGAACCTGCGG-3') and ITS4 (5'-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3'). Amplicons were 433 bp (GenBank Accession No. JX867272) and shared 100% similarity with that of C. cassiicola (NRC2-1 No. AB539285.1). To confirm pathogenicity, four isolates were used to inoculate 12 gynura plants (6 weeks old) by mist spray-inoculation with 108 spores/ml suspension in sterile distilled water on the leaves. Control plants were misted with sterile distilled water. After inoculation, all plants were incubated in a greenhouse maintained at 20 to 28°C with relative humidity of 80 to 85%. Five days after inoculation, dark brown spots with a grayish center typical of field symptoms were observed on all inoculated plants. No symptoms were seen on water-treated control plants. The fungus was re-isolated from inoculated plants. The morphological characteristics of isolates were identical with the pathogen recovered originally. This is the first report of C. cassiicola on gynura.

Tungsten trioxide nanostructured electrodes for organic dye sensitised solar cells

Tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) nanospheres with diameter ranging from 10 nm to 500 nm were synthesised by a facile thermal oxidation process. By resistively heating metallic tungsten in oxygen atmosphere, WO 3 nanoparticles were produced in high yield. Optical, compositional, morphological and structural studies were performed by UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. XPS studies revealed the formation of tungsten trioxide with oxygen deficiency. Analysis of the particle size (diameter) distribution of the as-deposited samples obtained from SEM micrograph exhibited a Gaussian-type distribution centred around 178 nm and characterised by a half width of 98.3 nm. As deduced from XRD analysis, the as-prepared tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) nanoparticles were polycrystalline in nature and crystallised in the monoclinic phase. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was applied in coating the synthesised tungsten oxide nanoparticles onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated quartz substrates for the fabrication of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC), with henna ( Lawsonia inermis ) as the natural organic dye. Nanoparticle suspension in double distilled water was used in the EPD process with an optimal electric field of 20 Vcm –1 at a current density of 1 mA/cm 2 . DSSCs developed using these films were tested through the measurement of their current density–voltage (J–V) and spectral photocurrent characteristics. A maximum IPCE of about 32% was obtained at around 450 nm.

Propolis organogel as a novel topical delivery system for treating wounds

Context: Propolis has traditionally been used in curing infections and healing wounds and burns.Objective: The aim of this study is to formulate pluronic lecithin organogel of propolis to improve its availability and antimicrobial activity.Materials and methods: Different organogels were prepared by using soybean lecithin, isopropyl palmitate, pluronic F127 and water. The effect of quantity of lecithin and pluronic F127 and percentage of oil phase was investigated. The organogels were evaluated for appearance, texture, pH, drug content and viscosity. In vitro release studies were carried out using cellophane membrane. Drug permeation through abdominal rat skin from organogels that showed high % drug release was compared to that from propolis suspension in distilled water. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the selected propolis formulation against different bacterial isolates was compared with that of propolis suspension in water.Results and discussion: Results showed that all organogel formulations except the formula containing 10% pluronic F127, showed acceptable physical properties. Drug content of organogel formulations was in the range of 97.5–100.2%. The pH of the formulations was in the range of 5.5–6.3 that suits the skin pH, indicating skin compatibility. The viscosity was in the range of 5366–8984 cp. A significant decrease in drug release from formulations was observed with increase in concentration of lecithin and pluronic F127. Decreasing oil phase percentage to 20% w/w led to a decrease in drug release from the formulation.Conclusion: The formula containing 3% lecithin and 20% pluronic F127 exhibited superior skin permeation and antimicrobial activity over propolis suspension in water.

Antiviral Efficacy of an Aquatic Disinfectant Tablet Composed of Calcium Hypochlorite Against Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the virucidal efficacy against the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) of an aquatic disinfectant tablet composed of calcium hypochlorite. Methods: Virucidal efficacy was determined through the viability of VHSV contacted with the disinfectant in a viral stock cultured in a fathead minnow cell line. An aquatic disinfectant tablet and VHSV were reacted under distilled water (DW), hard water (HW) or organic matter suspension (OM) conditions. Results: Under DW and HW conditions, VHSV was inactivated with 24,000- and 2000-fold dilutions of the aquatic disinfectant tablet, respectively. With the investigation of the antiviral effect of the disinfectant under OM conditions, VHSV was inactivated with a 16,000-fold dilution of the aquatic disinfectant tablet. Conclusions: The results from this study showed that the aquatic disinfectant tablet was a highly effective disinfectant against VHSV. In the future, a controlled field trial is required to determine whether the use of an aquatic disinfectant tablet will be able to reduce VHSV in a cultured marine fish farm.

First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot Caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. olitorii on Jute Grown for Seed in India.

Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is the second most important fiber crop after cotton in terms of global production (3). In November 2011, symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection were observed on a seed crop of jute at the CRIJAF research farm, Barrackpore, West Bengal, India. The disease appeared as small, brown, circular spots, usually less than 5 mm in diameter on the leaves and some of the spots were surrounded by a yellow halo. The lesions on the stems were elongated and in some cases were found to girdle the stem. In the later stages of disease, brown sunken spots were found on the green capsules. Disease incidence varied from about 20% to 90% of the total plants in different affected fields at the CRIJAF research farm. Bacterial leaf spot of jute with similar symptoms was reported in 1957 from Sudan (4). Five symptomatic and three asymptomatic leaf samples were collected from different jute fields. Bacterial colonies isolated on nutrient agar medium from infected young leaves were Xanthomonas-like and pale yellow cream in color. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic as well as asymptomatic leaf samples by using an improved salt concentration and simple sodium acetate CTAB method (2). Single bacterial colonies were transferred to nutrient agar (NA) medium plates and incubated at 28°C for 48 h. Pure colonies from plates were used directly for DNA extraction using the QIAGEN DNeasy Blood and Tissue kit. PCR was carried out with Xanthomonas campestris specific primers NZ8F3/NZ85R3 (1), which generated an amplicon of 530 bp from all the symptomatic leaf samples as well as pure cultures of the isolated bacteria. No amplification was obtained from asymptomatic leaves. The amplicons from the five symptomatic samples collected from the field were sequenced and showed 100% identity with one another, and one sequence (strain JB-CO-13) was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC342185). The BLASTn analysis revealed that bacterial strain JB-CO-13 had 100% identity with X. campestris pv. olitorii (EU285213). Nucleotide span and ORF finder (NCBI) analysis indicated the 530-bp PCR amplicon coded part of a gyrase B gene that had 100% identity with a translated gene product (Protein ID: ABX84334). Three leaves of five 1-month-old jute plants (cv. JRO 204) in pot culture were infiltrated each with a separate bacterial strain using suspensions (1 × 105 CFU/ml) in distilled water. The negative control consisted of leaves infiltrated with sterile distilled water. The plants were kept in a greenhouse with mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 28.96 and 21.8°C, respectively. The plants were covered with plastic bags to maintain high relative humidity (>80%). Typical bacterial lesions were recorded on all the inoculated plants after 1 week. No lesions were seen on the negative control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial leaf spot on C. olitorius caused by X. campestris pv. olitorii from India.

Lactic acid fermentation as a tool to enhance the functional features of Echinacea spp.

BackgroundExtracts and products (roots and/or aerial parts) from Echinacea ssp. represent a profitable market sector for herbal medicines thanks to different functional features. Alkamides and polyacetylenes, phenols like caffeic acid and its derivatives, polysaccharides and glycoproteins are the main bioactive compounds of Echinacea spp. This study aimed at investigating the capacity of selected lactic acid bacteria to enhance the antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune-modulatory features of E. purpurea with the prospect of its application as functional food, dietary supplement or pharmaceutical preparation.ResultsEchinacea purpurea suspension (5%, wt/vol) in distilled water, containing 0.4% (wt/vol) yeast extract, was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum POM1, 1MR20 or C2, previously selected from plant materials. Chemically acidified suspension, without bacterial inoculum, was used as the control to investigate functional features. Echinacea suspension fermented with Lb. plantarum C2 exhibited a marked antimicrobial activity towards Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Compared to control, the water-soluble extract from Echinacea suspension fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum 1MR20 showed twice time higher radical scavenging activity on DPPH. Almost the same was found for the inhibition of oleic acid peroxidation. The methanol extract from Echinacea suspension had inherent antioxidant features but the activity of extract from the sample fermented with strain 1MR20 was the highest. The antioxidant activities were confirmed on Balb 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Lactobacillus plantarum C2 and 1MR20 were used in association to ferment Echinacea suspension, and the water-soluble extract was subjected to ultra-filtration and purification through RP-FPLC. The antioxidant activity was distributed in a large number of fractions and proportional to the peptide concentration. The antimicrobial activity was detected only in one fraction, further subjected to nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS. A mixture of eight peptides was identified, corresponding to fragments of plantaricins PlnH or PlnG. Treatments with fermented Echinacea suspension exerted immune-modulatory effects on Caco-2 cells. The fermentation with Lb. plantarum 1MR20 or with the association between strains C2 and 1MR20 had the highest effect on the expression of TNF-α gene.ConclusionsE. purpurea subjected to lactic acid fermentation could be suitable for novel applications as functional food dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations.

Studies on colloidal stability of PVP-coated LSMO nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia

La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) nanoparticles with a size of ∼23 nm have been prepared by a combustion method and functionalized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for their possible application in magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). Uncoated and PVP-coated samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer studies. Magnetic measurements of both coated and uncoated particles reveal the superparamagnetic nature at room temperature. Colloidal stability has been measured in terms of zeta potential. The resulting PVP-coated particles form a stable suspension in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and double distilled water (DDW) and possess a narrow hydrodynamic size distribution. The induction heating studies of these nanoparticles at different alternating magnetic fields (167.6, 251.4 and 335.2 Oe) were carried out by dispersing nanoparticles in DDW and PBS. These PVP-coated LSMO NPs exhibit a higher specific absorption rate in PBS than in DDW. The results suggest that combustion-synthesized LSMO nanoparticles coated with PVP can be used as potential heating agents in MFH.

First Report of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Blotch on Mangosteen in Hawaii.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical evergreen tree that produces one of the most prized tropical fruits, commonly known as the "Queen of the Fruits.″ Mangosteen has the potential to occupy a rapidly expanding niche market in Hawaii. In October 2009, a disease was observed that produced brown leaf spots and blotches surrounded by bright yellow halos at a mangosteen orchard located in Hakalau, Hawaii (19° 53' 49″ N, 155° 7' 35″ W). Recently transplanted 10+ year old trees were 95 to 100% infected. Pieces of infected leaves and stems were surface-sterilized, plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 24°C ± 1°C for 21 days. The fungus growing on PDA was pale buff with sparse aerial mycelium and acervuli containing black, slimy spore masses. Single spore isolates were used for the morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. Conidia were 5-celled. Apical and basal cells were hyaline; the three median cells were umber to olivaceous. Conidia (n = 50) were 24.3 ± 0.2 × 7.5 ± 0.1 μm, with apical appendages, typically three, averaging 24.3 ± 0.4 μm long, and a basal appendage averaging 6.7 ± 0.2 μm long. DNA sequences were obtained from the β-tubulin gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) and 5.8S regions of the rDNA to confirm the identification. The morphological descriptions and measurements were similar to P. virgatula (Kleb.) Steyaert (1). Although sequence data of the ITS region (GenBank Accession No. JN542546) supports the identity of the fungus as P. virgatula, the taxonomy of this genus remains confused since there are only a few type cultures, so it is impossible to use sequences in GenBank to reliably clarify species names (2). To confirm pathogenicity, six leaves of two 3-year-old seedlings were inoculated. Seven-day-old cultures grown on 10% V8 agar at 24°C under continuous fluorescent lighting were used for inoculations. The inoculum consisted of spore suspensions in sterile distilled water adjusted to 6 × 105 conidia/ml. Using a fine haired paint brush, the inoculum was brushed onto the youngest leaves, while sterile distilled water was used as the control. The plants were incubated in a clear plastic bag placed on the laboratory bench at 24°C for 48 hours, then placed on a greenhouse bench and observed weekly for symptoms. After 14 days, leaf spots ranging in size from pinpoint to 5.4 mm in diameter with a distinctive yellow halo were present. Within 35 days, the leaf spots enlarged to leaf blotches ranging in size from 11.5 × 13.3 mm up to 28.3 × 34.6 mm with brown centers and a distinctive yellow halo identical to the field symptoms. A Pestalotiopsis sp. identical to that used to inoculate the seedlings was recovered from the leaf spots and blotches, confirming Koch's postulates. The experiment was repeated twice. Pestalotiopsis leaf blight has been reported in other countries growing mangosteen, including Thailand, Malaysia, and North Queensland, Australia (3). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of a Pestalotiopsis sp. causing a disease on mangosteen in Hawaii. Although this disease is considered a minor problem in the literature (3), effective management practices should be established to avoid potential production losses.

First Report of Fire Blight Disease on Blackberry in Turkey.

During 2008 and 2009, a new disease on blackberry (Rubus fruticosus cv. Chester) causing leaf and shoot blight and cankers with brown discoloration of necrotic tissues on mature branches was observed in Isparta and Konya provinces of Turkey. Disease incidence was estimated to be 4% for the two years. Isolations were made from lesions on leaves and shoots on nutrient sucrose agar (NSA) medium. Bacteria consistently isolated from the diseased tissues were identified on the basis of biochemical, physiological (2), and molecular tests (1). Eleven representative bacterial strains were gram-negative, rod-shaped, mucoid, fermentative, yellow-orange on Miller and Scroth (MS) medium, positive for levan formation and acetoin production, no growth at 36°C, positive for gelatin hydrolysis, and negative for esculin hydrolysis, indole, urease, catalase, oxidase, arginine dehydrolase, reduction of nitrate, acid production from lactose, and inositol. Two reference strains of Erwinia amylovora (EaP28 and NCPPB 2791) obtained from the culture collection unit of Selcuk University were used as positive controls. All strains induced a hypersensitive response in tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum cv White Burley) 24 h after inoculation with a 108 CFU/ml bacterial suspension in water. All strains were identified as E. amylovora using the species-specific primers set A/B (1), which amplified a 1-kb DNA fragment in PCR, and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles determined by Sherlock Microbial Identification System software (TSBA 6 v. 6.00; Microbial ID, Newark, DE) with similarity indices ranging from of 79 to 99%. Pathogenicity was confirmed by injecting bacterial suspensions (108 CFU/ml-1) in sterile distilled water into the shoot tips of 2-year-old R. fruticosus cv. Chester and the first blighting symptoms were observed on leaves within 3 days and also 10 days later after inoculation on shoots. Sterile distilled water was used as a negative control. No symptoms were observed on control plants. All tests were repeated three times. The bacterium was reisolated from inoculated plants and identified as. E. amylovora. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. amylovora on blackberry in Turkey. Phytosanitary measures are needed to prevent any further spread of the bacterium to new blackberry areas.

Bactericidal Efficacies of an Aquatic Disinfectant Tablet Composed to Calcium Hypochlorite Against Vibrio anguillarum and Streptococcus iniae

Vibrio spp. and Streptococcus spp. have caused a considerable disease of farmed fish and economic loss in fish farming and seafood industry. In this study, the efficacy of an aquatic disinfectant tablet composed to calcium hypochlorite was evaluated against V. anguillarum and S. iniae. A bactericidal efficacy test by broth dilution method was used to determine the lowest effective dilution of the disinfectant following exposure to test bacteria for 30 min at <TEX>$4^{\circ}C$</TEX>. An aquatic disinfectant tablet and test bacteria were diluted with distilled water (DW), hard water (HW) or organic matter suspension (OM) according to treatment condition. V. anguillarum on the DW, HW and OM condition was completely inactivated with 16,000 15,000 and 13,000 fold dilutions of the disinfectant, respectively. On the DW, HW and OM condition, S. iniae was absolutely inactivated with 17,000 16,000 and 14,000 fold dilutions of the disinfectant, respectively. As an aquatic disinfectant tablet possesses bactericidal efficacy against fish pathogenic bacteria such as V. anguillarum and S. iniae this disinfectant solution can be used to control the spread of fish infective bacterial diseases.

Antiviral Efficacy of an Aquatic Disinfectant Tablet Composed to Calcium Hypochlorite Against Red Sea Bream Iridovirus

In this study, the veridical efficacy of an aquatic disinfectant tablet composed to calcium hypochlorite against red sea bream iridovirus (RBIV). A veridical efficacy was determined with the viability of RBIV contacted with the disinfectant in viral stock cultured in fat head minnow cell line. An aquatic disinfectant tablet and RBIV were reacted on the distilled water (DW), hard water (HW) or organic matter suspension (OM) condition. On DW and HW condition, RBIV was inactivated with 25,000 fold dilutions of an aquatic disinfectant tablet. With the investigation of the antiviral effect of the disinfectant on OM condition, RBIV was inactivated on 22,000 fold dilutions of an aquatic disinfectant tablet. As an aquatic disinfectant tablet possesses veridical efficacy against RBIV, the disinfectant solution can be used to limit the spread of cultured marine fish viral disease.

Volume Fraction of Graphene Platelets in Copper-Graphene Composites

Copper-graphene composite films were deposited on copper foil using electrochemical deposition. Four electrolyte solutions that each consist of 250 mL of graphene oxide suspension in distilled water and increasing volume of 0.2 M solution of CuSO4 in steps of 250 mL were used to deposit the composite films with and without a magnetic stirrer. Graphene oxide in the films was reduced to graphene by hydrogen treatment for 6 hours at 673 K (400 °C). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction for identification of phases, scanning electron microscopy for distribution of graphene, energy dispersive spectrometry for evaluation of elemental composition, electrical resistivity and temperature coefficient of electrical resistance and thermal conductivity. Effective mean field analysis (EMA) was used to determine the volume fraction and electrical conductivity of graphene and interfacial thermal conductance between graphene and copper. The electrical resistivity was reduced from 2.031 to 1.966 μΩ cm and the thermal conductivity was improved from 3.8 to 5.0 W/cm K upon addition of graphene platelets to electrolytic copper. The use of stirrer during deposition of the films increased the average size and the thickness of the graphene platelets and as a result the improvement in electrical conductivity was lower compared to the values obtained without the stirrer. Using the EMA, the volume fraction of graphene platelets that was responsible for the improvement in the electrical conductivity was found to be lower than that for the improvement in the thermal conductivity. The results of the analysis are used to determine the volume fraction of the thinner and the thicker graphene platelets in the composite films.

Culturable halophilic archaea at the initial and crystallization stages of salt production in a natural solar saltern of Goa, India.

BackgroundGoa is a coastal state in India and salt making is being practiced for many years. This investigation aimed in determining the culturable haloarchaeal diversity during two different phases of salt production in a natural solar saltern of Ribandar, Goa. Water and sediment samples were collected from the saltern during pre-salt harvesting phase and salt harvesting phase. Salinity and pH of the sampling site was determined. Isolates were obtained by plating of the samples on complex and synthetic haloarchaeal media. Morphology of the isolates was determined using Gram staining and electron microscopy. Response of cells to distilled water was studied spectrophotometrically at 600nm. Molecular identification of the isolates was performed by sequencing the 16S rRNA.ResultsSalinity of salt pans varied from 3-4% (non-salt production phase) to 30% (salt production phase) and pH varied from 7.0-8.0. Seven haloarchaeal strains were isolated from water and sediment samples during non-salt production phase and seventeen haloarchaeal strains were isolated during the salt production phase. All the strains stained uniformly Gram negative. The orange-red acetone extract of the pigments showed similar spectrophotometric profile with absorption maxima at 393, 474, 501 and 535 nm. All isolates obtained from the salt dilute phase were grouped within the genus Halococcus. This was validated using both total lipid profiling and 16S rRNA data sequencing. The isolates obtained from pre-salt harvesting phase were resistant to lysis. 16S rRNA data showed that organisms belonging to Halorubrum, Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halococcus genera were obtained during the salt concentrated phase. The isolates obtained from salt harvesting phase showed varied lysis on suspension in distilled water and /or 3.5% NaCl.ConclusionSalterns in Goa are transiently operated during post monsoon season from January to May. During the pre-salt harvesting phase, all the isolates obtained belonged to Halococcus sp. During the salt harvesting phase, isolates belonging to Halorubrum, Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halococcus genera were obtained. This study clearly indicates that Halococcus sp. dominates during the low salinity conditions.

Effect of flocculant sonication on floc growth kinetics occurring in an agitated vessel

Flocculation is a key unit operation in many solid–liquid separation processes, especially in wastewater treatment and mineral ore processing. At present, many attempts of flocculation process enhancement may be found in literature. One of them is an ultrasonic conditioning of polymer solution which, among the others, reduces the time needed to achieve the steady state. In this paper a semiempirical model quantifying the effect of flocculant sonication on floc growth kinetics occurring in an agitated vessel is proposed. The model is validated on the basis of experimental research made in a laboratory setup for on-line analysis of particle size distribution. Four different commercially available flocculants were sonicated and used in experiments with a model suspension of commercial chalk dust in distilled water and industrial suspension of ultrafine coal particles. It was proved that the effect of flocculation time and sonication volume energy density on floc size cannot be decomposed into two separated effects. This model may be used for the coarse estimation of other factors’ impact on the course of aggregation and breakage processes.