Reduction Test Research Articles

Preparation and Properties of Epoxy Modified Acrylic Polymer

This paper describes the synthesis of a viscosity-reducing agent using butyl acrylate (BA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), acrylic acid (AA) and N-hydroxymethylacrylamide (N-MAM) monomers through emulsion polymerization. A series of viscosity-reducing agents were developed by incorporating varying amounts of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomers. The reaction mechanism of epoxy acrylate viscosity reducer was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the particle size and Zeta potential were used to analyze the stability of the polymer and the difference in the polymer after adding GMA monomer. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis indicated a significant improvement in the thermal stability of the resin due to GMA modification. The viscosity reduction test results demonstrated a substantial decrease in the viscosity of heavy oil, along with a notable increase in the viscosity reduction rate. The FTIR analysis results confirmed that GMA successfully introduced polyacrylate molecular chains. Furthermore, particle size and Zeta potential measurements showed that the average particle size of the emulsion increased from 132 nm to 187 nm, while the Zeta potential changed from −43 mV to −40 mV with the addition of 15% GMA. Compared with W0, the final thermal degradation temperature of W15 increased from 450 °C to 517 °C. When the GMA content reached 15 wt%, the maximum weight loss temperature increased by approximately 12 °C compared to the sample without GMA. Specifically, adding 8% W15 epoxy acrylate resulted in an 89% viscosity reduction rate for heavy oil, demonstrating an excellent viscosity reduction effect. This study successfully developed a novel epoxy acrylate viscosity reducer using a simple synthesis method, showcasing excellent stability, cost-effectiveness and remarkable viscosity reduction.

The Gut Bacteria of Gampsocleis gratiosa (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) by Culturomics

Gampsocleis gratiosa Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1862, is a type of omnivorous chirping insect with a long history of artificial breeding. It has high economic value and is also an excellent orthopteran model organism. In this study, 12 types of culture media combined with 16S rRNA sequencing were employed to isolate 838 bacterial strains from the gut of G. gratiosa. After sequence comparison, a total of 98 species of bacteria were identified, belonging to 3 phyla, 5 classes, 11 orders, 20 families, and 45 genera. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria accounted for the majority (92.86%). At the order level, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillales, and Lactobacillales predominated (79.59%). At the genus level, Klebsiella (11.22%) and Enterococcus (7.14%) predominated. This study also enumerated the strain morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of 98 species of bacteria, including colony morphology, Gram staining, bacterial motility test, temperature gradient growth, pH gradient growth, citrate utilization test, temperature oxidase test, contact enzyme test, methyl red test, V-P test, indole test, gelatin liquefaction test, nitrate reduction test, hydrogen sulfide test, starch hydrolysis test, cellulose decomposition test, esterase (corn oil) test and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Additionally, 16 antibiotics were utilized to test the bacterial susceptibility of the strains. This study explored the types and community structure of some culturable microorganisms in the intestinal tract of G. gratiosa and recorded their physiological characteristics. These data reflect the physiological functions of the intestinal microorganisms of G. gratiosa and provide support for subsequent research on the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and their hosts.

Exploring Competitive Relationship Between Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Mitis Streptococci via Co-Culture-Based Molecular Diagnosis and Metabolomic Assay

Various bacterial strains with nitrate-reducing capacity (NRC), such as Haemophilus, Actinomyces, and Neisseria, are known to promote NH3 production, control pH in the oral cavity, and inhibit the growth of aciduric bacteria. However, experimental evidence on various estimated bacterial networks within the salivary microbiome is insufficient. This study aims to explore potential bacterial compositional competition observed within saliva samples from dental caries patients through a co-culture assay of mitis Streptococci, which is a primary colonizer in the salivary microbiome, and nitrate-reducing bacteria Haemophilus parainfluenzae. We investigated bacterial growth efficiency change by co-culture time using the qRT-PCR method. In addition, we applied LC/Q-TOF-based metabolites screening to confirm metabolic interactions between oral bacterial species and their association with dental caries from a metabolomics perspective. As a result, we first found that the nitrate reduction ability of H. parainfluenzae is maintained even in a co-culture environment with the mitis Streptococci group through a nitrate reduction test. However, nitrate reduction efficiency was hindered when compared with monoculture-based nitrate reduction test results. Next, we designed species-specific primers, and we confirmed by qRT-PCR that there is an obvious competitive relationship in growth efficiency between H. parainfluenzae and two mitis Streptococci (S. australis and S. sanguinis). Furthermore, although direct effects of nitrate reduction on competition have not been identified, we have potentially confirmed through LC/Q-TOF-based metabolite screening analysis that the interaction of various metabolic compounds synthesized from mitis Streptococci is driving inter-strain competition. In particular, we constructed a basic reference core-metabolites list to understand the metabolic network between each target bacterial species (H. parainfluenzae and mitis Streptococci) within the salivary microbiome, which still lacks accumulated research data. Ultimately, we suggest that our data have potential value to be referenced in further metagenomics and metabolomics-based studies related to oral health care.

Analysis of Resistance Reduction via Support Vector Regression and Experiment on a Submerged Floating Vehicle Fitted with an Air Curtain Traversing Deep Soft Terrains

To improve the driving efficiency of submerged floating vehicles (SFVs) in deep soft terrains, the effect of an active air curtain method on the reduction and optimization of sliding resistance of a floating device was explored. The sliding resistance reduction principle of the air curtain was introduced, then, the resistance was analyzed. The soil bin experiment for air curtain resistance reduction test was built. The orthogonal tests were employed to ascertain the influence of the air curtain, ground contact pressure, sliding velocity, and soil moisture content upon the sliding resistance. The results show that the resistance with air curtain is less than that without air curtain, and the resistance reduction rate up to 11.17%. The resistance augments in tandem with the elevation of the ground contact pressure and the sliding velocity. When the soil moisture content approximates the liquid limit, the rate of resistance reduction reaches its peak. Furthermore, a support vector regression (SVR) method is put forward to formulate a regression prediction model for the sliding resistance. The predictions yielded by this method were proximate to the experimental outcomes. It implies that the SVR model exhibits a superior prediction capacity even with a restricted number of samples. The research discloses the impact of the air curtain, ground contact pressure, the floating device’s sliding velocity, and soil moisture level on the sliding resistance. It lays a solid research foundation for the drag reduction design of submerged floating vehicles in deep soft terrains.

Hygienic production practices and microbial evaluation of cow milk quality in District Gilgit

Background: Dairy cow’s raw milk may get contaminated by pathogens released by diseased animals, bacteria from the environment, or germs from the udder. Insufficient hygiene on the udder and teat surfaces, as well as contaminated milking equipment, can transfer environmental organisms into the milk. Methods: To examine the practices of hygienic cow milk production, a study was conducted with 175 respondents from District Gilgit, who were selected to evaluate their understanding and implementation of hygienic milk production methods. The participants were interviewed to determine their level of understanding. In addition, fifty milk samples were collected from the producers to assess the microbiological purity of the milk. Results: The findings revealed that a significant proportion of milk producers neglected or were unaware of essential hygiene practices, such as washing hands, udders/teats of cows, and milking utensils before milking. The predominant water sources used were tap and stream, with the barn conditions largely being dusty despite daily cleaning efforts by most respondents. It was observed that milk processing and refrigeration post-milking were common practices, though a minority reported using injections and supplements preceding milking activities. The quality of milk was evaluated using the Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT), Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC). Analytical results indicated MBRT durations ranging from 1 to 8.5 hours, with TBC and TCC levels extending from 2.16x106 to 1.008x107 and 3x105 to 6.56x106, respectively. Most of the milk samples were of fair quality having average MBR time and the TBC and TCC have values above the upper limits set to 105. Conclusion: The finding identified inadequate hygiene, low water quality for cleaning, and poor barn conditions as the primary factors contributing to the low milk quality in Gilgit. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the hygienic dairy practices and promote public health.

First report of ivermectin resistance in natural infected Foals by Parascaris spp. in Tiaret, Algeria

Equine parascarosis is a Worldwide endoparasitosis, caused by Parascaris spp., affecting mainly younger horses. This disease is considered as the most pathogenic parasitosis of young horses. In Algeria, no knowledge of the resistance of Parascaris spp. to Ivermectin is published. For this reason, the present study aims to evaluate the frequency of Parascaris spp. and the anthelmintic efficacy of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole against this parasite in a foal population in Tiaret, Algeria. Ninety–one foals were examined for the presence of Parascaris spp. from two stud farms. Among the positive, thirty–two faols were treated with Ivermectin formulations (Ivoral® and Eqvalan®) and Fenbendazole (Funcur®) at their recommended dosages. Fecal egg count reduction testing (FECRT) was used to determine the efficacy of each anthelmintic. Parascaris spp. was detected in 61 foals (67.03%). Decreased efficacy (reduction of Parascaris spp. fecal egg counts by less than 90%) was found for the two Ivermectin formulations (46.45% for Ivoral® and 70.29% for Eqvalan®). Nevertheless, fenbendazole showed 100% efficacy in all foals sampled in this study. These first data indicate that Ivermectin–resistant Parascaris spp. populations are present on horse farms in Algeria. Findings from this study can be used to create a more sustainable approach for parasite control programs.

Phα1β interaction with the Kv11.1 potassium channel in HEK293 cells transfected with the human ERG channel.

This study examines the impact of Phα1β, a spider peptide derived from the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer, on the Kv11.1 potassium channel in HEK293 cells transfected with the human ERG potassium channel. Phα1β inhibits high-voltage calcium channels and acts as an antagonist of the TRPA1 receptor, both of which play crucial roles in pain transduction pathways. Over the past 15 years, our research has demonstrated the potential of Phα1β, in both its native and recombinant forms, as a promising analgesic drug through preclinical tests conducted on rodent pain models. Regulatory agencies require the evaluation of new drugs on human ERG channels. To assess hERG potassium channel inhibition, we utilized the FLIPR® Potassium Assay, a commercially available kit. The assay involved testing the effects of Phα1β alongside the well-established hERG potassium channel blocker dofetilide, which served as a positive control. The viability of HEK-293 cells was assessed using the colorimetric MTT reduction test (3-(4, dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), whereby viable cells reduce the MTT salt, forming a formazan complex within their mitochondria, as previously described. Phα1β was tested at concentrations of 56, 225, 450, and 900 pMol, resulting in a discreet inhibition of hERG potassium channel activity at higher concentrations, approximately 13.47%, with an IC50 value exceeding 900 pMol. Dofetilide, administered at concentrations ranging from 0.0001 to 10 µM, displayed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the hERG potassium channel, with a mean IC50 value of 0.1642 µM (0.1189-0.2282 µM). To evaluate cytotoxicity, HEK293-hERG cells were exposed to Phα1β concentrations of 56/900 pMol for 24 hours, resulting in no significant alteration in cell viability. Our findings indicate that even at high concentrations, Phα1β does not impede the functionality of the hERG potassium channel nor affect cell viability.

Egg reappearance periods associated with anthelmintic treatments given to horses in winter and summer over two years.

Shortened egg reappearance periods (ERP) have been seen as an early warning of anthelmintic resistance development in cyathostomins in horses. The hypothesis has been that in these instances, efficacy against egg laying adult cyathostomins remains high, but a decline in activity against later larval stages leads to the earlier resumption of egg shedding after treatment. In this study using a single herd of horses we investigated the ERP of a number of commonly used equine anthelmintics and examined whether ERP might show seasonal variation between winter and summer. Four main Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT1-4) were conducted respectively in Winter (Jun/Jul) 2019, Summer (Jan/Feb) 2020, Winter 2020 and Summer 2021. The tests examined the efficacy and ERP of ivermectin, moxidectin, abamectin and fenbendazole. Egg counts of two groups of horses were monitored before and for 6-7weeks after treatment - however long it took for counts to return to at least 10% of what they had been before treatment. One additional FECRT was also conducted, using a second abamectin-containing product (FECRT5 - Spring 2020). Treatment with ivermectin (FECRT1-4), moxidectin (FECRT 1-2) and the first abamectin product tested (FECRT3) all reduced egg counts by >99% for 4weeks after treatment, with ERP of 5-7weeks and with minimal differences between the 3 treatments. There was a tendency for counts to rise more rapidly in summer, and in the second year of testing as opposed to the first. Both the second abamectin product (FECRT5) and the fenbendazole (FECRT4) were found to be ineffective, reducing egg counts immediately after treatment by 68 and 52% respectively.

Assessing the benzimidazole resistance in equine strongyles by in vitro methods.

The study aimed to conduct a survey on the occurrence of benzimidazole (BZ) resistance in strongyles by in vitro egg hatch test (EHT) and larval development test (LDT) and to identify the effective indicators of early resistance detection on horse farms with associated risk factors analysis appraisal. In total, 203 horses from 8 farms underwent the fecal sampling of which 77 horses were selected for in vitro testing. Simultaneously, 18 horses were chosen to analyse the results of in vitro tests compared to the in vivo fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). The EHT indicated the presence of resistant strongyles in all farms with an exceeded threshold of 0.1 μg/ml thiabendazole (TBZ) in 43 horses (55.84 %). The percent egg hatch at 0.1 μg/ml TBZ in "resistant parasites" varies from 39.0 ± 6.0 % to 91.0 ± 1.0 %. The hatching range between 8.5 ± 1.5 % and 50.0 ± 6.0 % at a concentration of 0.1 μg/ml TBZ was detected wherein the recommended threshold was not exceeded. The analysis of the EHT results demonstrated that egg hatching at the 0.1 µg/ml TBZ concentration was identified as the most important predictor of the early detection of BZ resistance. In the LDT, the mean TBZ concentration which interrupted the development of 50 % and 99 % larvae to the infective stage (L3) from all horses was 0.0753 ± 0.0454 and 0.6798 ± 1.9144 μg/ml TBZ, respectively. Only cyathostomin L3 were found at TBZ concentrations ≥ 0.08 μg/ml and only in samples from 81.8 % of horses (36/44). A comparison of LDT results did not show a statistically significant agreement with EHT and FECRT. In conclusion, the in vitro EHT could be implemented as an indicator for early BZ resistance detection and showed that monitoring of hatching at selected concentrations could detect presence and estimate the proportion of the resistant parasite population on the horse farms.

RUMEN pH AND MICROBIAL POPULATION OF YANKASA RAMS FED ENSILED SUGARCANE WASTE FORTIFIED WITH POULTRY LITTER

Rumen contents may be observed for physical aspects (color, odor, consistency, sedimentation) and the chemical characteristics (pH, glucose, fermentation, nitrate reduction and methylene blue reduction test) and biological parameters (bacteria, protozoa and fungi) (Donato et al., 1999). The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding ensiled sugarcane waste (ESCW) fortified with poultry litter (PL) to Yankasa rams on rumen fluid characteristics using 16 rams (mean initial BW 28.94 ± 5.77 kg; aged 12 to 18 months). Sugarcane waste was mixed with poultry litter in 3:1 and ensiled for 21 days, then use compound a complete diet. The rams were allocated to four groups on the basis of body weights into control group without ESCW (CG) as treatment groups (T1), 15% (T2), 30% (T3) and 45% (T4) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and fed ad libtum for 84 days. At the end of the experiment, ten (10) ml of rumen fluid was drawn from individual experimental animal before feeding at 0 hr and 3 hrs and 6 hrs after meal. Parameters observed were pH, rumen bacteria and fungi biomass. The results showed that rumen bacteria and fungi counts were significantly (P<0.05) affected by sampling time. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the counts between different sampling times. In conclusion, the ESCW had positive effects on the rumen fluid of the rams by improving rumen pH and microbial activity (bacteria and fungi). It is recommended that rumen fluid could be sampled at 3 hours after feeding for higher bacteria...

Fumarprotocetraric acid and geraniin were identified as novel inhibitors of human respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a major international public health concern. However, disease treatment is limited to preventive care with monoclonal antibodies and supportive care. In this study, natural products were screened to identify novel anti-RSV inhibitors. The antiviral effect of 320 compounds on RSV in HEp-2 cells was tested using a Cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. The antiviral effect of fumarprotocetraric acid (FUM) and geraniin (GE) were confirmed by Real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (Real-time RT-PCR), plaque reduction test, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blot analysis. Real-time PCR was used to detect inflammatory factor expression. ATP assay and JC-1 stain were used to evaluate mitochondrial protection function. The experiment of administration time was used to determine the stages in the RSV life cycle inhibited by FUM and GE. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and human rhinovirus (HRV) were used to evaluate the antiviral activities of other respiratory viruses of FUM and GE. Finally, Air-liquid interface human airway epithelium (ALI-HAE) cells were used to evaluate the antiviral effect and mechanism of FUM and GE to RSV. The results showed that FUM and GE can inhibit the replication of RSV in multiple-cell models. Both compounds could dose-dependent inhibit the viral load, RSV nucleic acids level, and RSV-F protein level. Besides, FUM and GE showed good anti-inflammatory activity, mitochondrial protection, and antiviral activity to HMPV and HRV. Meanwhile, our result indicated that FUM and GE can inhibit RSV replication in ALI-HAE cells. FUM and GE were identified as new inhibitors of RSV infection. At the same time, FUM and GE have anti-inflammatory activity, mitochondrial protection function, and broad-spectrum antiviral activity. These results provide evidence that FUM and GE are potential candidates for the development of novel anti-RSV drugs.

Anthelmintic Activity Test of Young Areca Nut (Arecha catechu L.) Extract Against Fasciola sp. Worm Eggs in Goat Feces In Vivo

Worm infections in livestock can have a huge risk impact such as decrease in growth, body weight, meat quality and death. This study aims to determine the anthelmintic activity of young areca nut extract (Areca catechu L.) against Fasciola sp. worm eggs in goat feces in vivo and to determine at what concentration the young areca nut extract (Areca catechu L.) is effective in providing anthelmintic effects against worm eggs. The study used an experimental method with a paired t-test of 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments given were P0 (negative control), P1 (10% areca nut extract), P2 (20% areca nut extract), P3 (30% areca nut extract) and P4 (positive control using kalbazen worm medicine). Parameters were reduction in the number of dead worm eggs, lethal concentration, effectiveness of areca nut extract against worm eggs. The results of the study showed that there were Fasciola sp. worm eggs in all tested goats. Treatment with young areca nut extract (Arecha catechu L.) can significantly reduce the number of Fasciola sp. eggs (P <0.05), with an LC50 result of 26.75%. The best Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) result in the administration of areca nut extract with a concentration of 30% (P3) of 56.75% was the same as that given treatment using kalbazen worm medicine and the lowest FECRT result in the administration of areca nut extract with a concentration of 20% (P2) of 29%.

The Use of the Nitroblue Tetrazolium Test in Blood Granulocytes for Discriminating Bacterial and Non-Bacterial Neutrophilic Dermatitis.

This study aimed to evaluate differences in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by peripheral blood neutrophils in healthy dogs, dogs with superficial pyoderma, and dogs with sterile neutrophilic dermatitis using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test. Additionally, the study assessed the potential of the NBT reduction test as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between these clinical conditions. A total of 28 dogs were divided into three groups: healthy (n = 10), superficial pyoderma (n = 10), and sterile neutrophilic dermatitis (n = 8). The results showed significantly higher neutrophil activation in dogs with sterile neutrophilic dermatitis (19 ± 10%) compared with healthy dogs (7.3 ± 5%) (p < 0.01) and dogs with superficial pyoderma (10 ± 2.8%) (p < 0.05). Dogs with sterile neutrophilic dermatitis and a high positive result for Leishmania spp. antibodies (n = 3) exhibited even higher NBT reduction rates (30 ± 4.6%) compared with seronegative dogs with sterile neutrophilic dermatitis (n = 5) (13 ± 5.3%) (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the NBT reduction test could be useful for detecting systemic neutrophil activation in sterile neutrophilic dermatitis, especially when associated with Leishmania infection. However, no significant differences were observed between healthy dogs and those with superficial pyoderma, indicating that the test may not be effective in detecting systemic neutrophil activation in superficial bacterial infections.

Biosynthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles by Using Aqueous Bark Extract of Quercus dalechampii, Q. frainetto, and Q. petraea for Potential Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Applications.

This study aimed to synthesize palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using bioactive compounds from aqueous extracts of Quercus species (Quercus dalechampii, Quercus frainetto, and Quercus petraea) with potential biomedical applications. To optimize PdNPs biosynthesis, various parameters were explored, including the concentration of PdCl2, the extract-to-PdCl2 ratio, and the pH of the solution. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Total polyphenol content was measured using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated through radical neutralization assays, including ABTS and DPPH, and through iron and copper reduction tests. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as Candida species. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids from the extracts were essential for the reduction in palladium ions and the stabilization of the nanoparticles. UV/Vis spectroscopy showed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak, indicating the successful formation of PdNPs. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction between the bioactive compounds and PdNPs, revealing characteristic peaks of phenolic groups. DLS analysis indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 63.9 nm for QD-PdNPs, 48 nm for QF-PdNPs, and 63.1 nm for QP-PdNPs, highlighting good dispersion and stability in solution. Although the PdNPs did not exhibit strong antioxidant properties, they demonstrated selective antimicrobial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). PdNPs also exhibited significant antifungal activity against Candida krusei, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.63 mg/mL, indicating their ability to compromise fungal cell integrity. This study contributes to developing eco-friendly biosynthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles and underscores the potential of PdNPs in various applications, including in the biomedical field.

Evolutionary trends and photothermal catalytic reduction performance of carbon dioxide by MOF-derived MnOx

Metal oxide catalysts derived from MOFs can inherit the excellent performance from their parent MOFs, possess abundant surface defects and high stability, and have attracted widespread interest in multiphase catalysis. In this study, we used Mn-MOF as a precursor and systematically investigated the evolution of MnOx catalysts by setting different calcination temperatures and times. XRD, SEM, TEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, XPS, H2-TPR, CO2-TPD, electrochemical characterization, and other methods were used to investigate the structural characteristics, microstructure, surface properties, and photoelectric properties of the catalysts. The catalytic performance of the catalysts was also investigated through photocatalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reduction tests. Research has shown that calcination temperature and time have a significant impact on the phase structure and surface properties of MnOx, and the physicochemical properties of derived MnOx can be controlled by controlling calcination temperature and time. Among them, MnOx-500 has a wider light absorption range, better electron transfer performance, richer oxygen vacancies, and excellent separation performance of photo generated charge carriers, resulting in higher photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation and reduction performance. Its CO yield and selectivity reached 7420 μmol/g/h and above 99 %, respectively. This study provides valuable references for the preparation, optimization, and utilization in CO2 photothermal catalytic conversion of MnOx catalysts derived from MOFs.

Diversity and Potential Metabolic Characteristics of Culturable Copiotrophic Bacteria That Can Grow on Low-Nutrient Medium in Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea

Oligotrophs are predominant in nutrient-poor environments, but copiotrophic bacteria may tolerate conditions of low energy and can also survive and thrive in these nutrient-limited conditions. In the present study, we isolated 648 strains using a dilution plating method after enrichment for low-nutrient conditions. We collected 150 seawater samples at 21 stations in different parts of the water column at the Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea. The 648 isolated copiotrophic strains that could grow on low-nutrient medium were in 21 genera and 42 species. A total of 99.4% (644/648) of the bacteria were in the phylum Pseudomonadota, with 73.3% (472/644) in the class Gammaproteobacteria and 26.7% (172/644) in the class Alphaproteobacteria. Among the 42 representative isolates, Pseudoalteromonas arabiensis, Roseibium aggregatum, and Vibrio neocaledonicus were present in all layers of seawater and at almost all of the stations. Almost half of these species (20/42) contained genes that performed nitrate reduction, with confirmation by nitrate reduction testing. These isolates also contained genes that functioned in sulfur metabolism, including sulfate reduction, thiosulfate oxidation, thiosulfate disproportionation, and dimethylsulfoniopropionate degradation. GH23, CBM50, GT4, GT2, and GT51 were the main carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and these five enzymes were present in all or almost all of the isolated strains. The most abundant classes of CAZymes were those associated with the degradation of chitin, starch, and cellulose. Collectively, our study of marine copiotrophic bacteria capable of growing on low-nutrient medium demonstrated the diversity of these species and their potential metabolic characteristics.

Antimicrobial Nanoparticles Composed of Zein and Arginine-Phenylalanine-Based Surfactants for Wound Related Infections: Antioxidant and Skin-Related Anti-Enzymatic Activities and Toxicity.

Background/Objectives: Cationic surfactants are potential antimicrobial candidates. Even so, they are the foremost irritative and incompatible group, which limits their usage. The incorporation of surfactants in biopolymer-based nanoparticles is a feasible strategy to improve their efficacy and reduce those drawbacks. Methods: Surfactants with one amino acid on the polar head (lauroyl arginine methyl ester-LAM and phenylalanine dodecyl amide-PNHC12) and surfactants with two amino acids on the polar heads, arginine-phenylalanine (Lauroyl phenylalanine arginine methyl esther-C12PAM and phenylalanine-arginine dodecyl amide-PANHC12) were loaded to zein nanoparticles. Their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated. Also, the inhibitory activities of the surfactants and nanoparticles over skin-related enzymes were accessed in silico and in vitro, while their cytotoxicity was determined comparatively over immortal human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human fibroblasts (3T3). Finally, the Vibrio fisheri luminescence reduction test was used to detect its ecotoxicity. Results: The nanoparticles were obtained successfully and exhibited good biocide activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. The surfactants were found active over the enzymes assayed: elastase > tyrosinase > collagenase > lipoxygenase, while the inhibitory activity was superior when nanoencapsulated over the enzymes tyrosinase and lipoxygenase. The surfactants and their corresponding nanoparticles presented acceptable cytotoxic levels, except for PNHC12 in both forms, while their ecotoxicity was limited and acceptable. Conclusions: Accordingly, the nanoencapsulation of the arginine-phenylalanine surfactants loaded to zein nanoparticles was found to be a smart strategy to enhance the antimicrobial activity and improve their selectivity over representative skin and connective tissues cell lines. These biological properties render the arginine-phenylalanine surfactant nanoparticles as promising candidates for antimicrobial and tissue repairing applications in wound treatments.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects of Achillea filipendulina L. against colon cancer

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects of Achillea filipendulina. Methods: Phytochemical content was analyzed by GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assayed by DPPH, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and iron reduction tests. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the MIC assay. Anticancer activity was detected via MTT assay, followed by analysis of the apoptotic process using annexin V and caspase 3/7. miR-519d and Dvl-1 expression were assessed by RT-PCR, and molecular docking analysis was also performed. Results: The ethanol extract of Achillea filipendulina showed the strongest anticancer effect. A significant increase in miR-519d expression was observed in HT29 cells, while a decrease in Dvl-1 expression was noted. DPPH, FRAP, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant assays showed high antioxidant activity. The hexane and ethanol extracts were effective against Streptococcus mutans (MIC&lt;50 µg/mL), while the ethanol extract was effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans (MIC&lt;50 µg/mL). Molecular docking studies also confirmed that ethanol extracts could act on the Wnt pathway. GC-MS analysis showed high level of eucalyptol and borneol content in the extract. Conclusions: Ethanol extract of Achillea filipendulina has anticancer effect and can be used in colon cancer treatments.

Quantitative DNA metabarcoding reveals species composition of a macrocyclic lactone and pyrantel resistant cyathostomin population in the UK.

Cyathostomins are the most abundant equid endoparasites globally. There are approximately fifty cyathostomin species and, whilst they occupy distinct niches within the large intestine, they are generally considered to share similar characteristics in terms of pathogenicity and response to drug treatment. There are three classes of anthelmintic licensed in the UK to treat cyathostomins (benzimidazoles, tetrahydropyrimidines and macrocyclic lactones) and cases of resistance have been documented for all classes. Previously, faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) on four UK Thoroughbred studs revealed multidrug resistant cyathostomins on one stud (A), with evidence of resistance to the macrocyclic lactones (MLs) ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX), and to pyrantel (PYR). The remaining three studs (B-D) lacked resistance to IVM and MOX but had a shortened egg reappearance period post treatment. To determine whether specific species could be associated with the observed resistance and shortened egg reappearance period, strongyle eggs collected from between six and 15 individual horses per stud were copro-cultured to third larval stage (L3), before and after anthelmintic treatment, over a three-year timeframe (2021-2023). Quantitative DNA metabarcoding of the ITS-2 region was carried out on all samples. On stud A, single but differing species were found to be responsible for ML and pyrantel resistance in yearlings, Cyathostomum catinatum and Cylicocyclus nassatus, respectively. On studs B-D, with shortened egg reappearance periods, species composition remained largely unchanged post treatment. This study is the first to quantitatively profile cyathostomin species composition pre- and post-treatment in a multidrug resistant population in the UK, revealing that resistance in cyathostomins was species specific. This raises the question of whether these species may be responsible for ML and PYR resistance more widely and indicates that anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomins may not be a multi-species phenomenon.

First report of anthelmintic resistance among sheep in six farms from three governorates in Jordan

This study aimed to identify the presence of gastrointestinal nematode populations resistant to albendazole, levamisole, and ivermectin in six farms located in three regions of Jordan (Irbid, Mafraq, and Ma'an). Infected sheep (40 per farm) with at least 100 eggs per gram were randomly divided into four groups (10 animals per group). Three groups were treated with ivermectin, albendazole, or levamisole while the fourth group was used as a negative control group. The standard faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was used to assess the drugs' efficacy. Resistance to ivermectin and albendazole was detected in all studied farms while resistance to levamisole was detected in four of the sampled farms. FECRT ranged from 55.6 % (90 % Confidence Intervals (CI): 29.6 % - 79.6 %) to 80.3 % (CI: 48.3 % - 92.1 %) for ivermectin, 77.4 % (CI: 53.2–86.7 %) to 95 % (CI: 85.8–97.6 %) for albendazole, and 86 % (CI: 46.1–95.6 %) to 99.4 % (CI: 97.6–99.7 %) for levamisole. Post-treatment copro-cultures, faecal floatation and/or Baermann technique indicated the presence of larvae of Haemonchus spp. in all of the sampled farms, followed by Nematodirus spp. in four farms, Trichostrongylus spp. in three farms, then Marshallagia spp. in one farm. This is the first study of its kind in Jordan that shows widespread anthelmintic resistance for gastrointestinal nematodes in geographically distant sheep farms in Jordan. Such widespread resistance to anthelmintics imposes a risk of failure to the present control programs and urges for changing the methodology of selecting effective anthelmintic treatments in local farms.