Total Fungi Research Articles

Microbiological Quality, Aflatoxin Level, Phytochemical Compounds, Antioxidant Potential And Proximate Mineral Composition Of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Date palm fruits are edible fruits widely consumed for nutritional and health benefits. The microbiological quality, aflatoxin level, phytochemical compounds, antioxidant potential and proximate mineral composition of Refined Arabian Date Palm Fruit (RADPF), Nigeria Date Palm Fruit (NDPF) and Black Arabian Date Palm Fruit (BADPF) were investigated. Microbial counts, aflatoxin level, phytochemical components and proximate mineral composition were determined using standard methods while antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging, Ferric Reducing Power and Total Phenolic Content assays. Total bacteria and fungi count ranged from 5.5 – 11.3 CFU/g and 0.5 – 13.0 CFU/g in which NDPF had the highest fungi and bacteria count. Aflatoxin level in RADPF, NDPF, and BADPF were 4.3ppb, 3.9ppb, and 2.00ppb respectively. Saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and alkaloids were present in all the samples. All the date palm fruit samples have significant mineral contents. NDPF had highest DPPH scavenging activity (77.83%) while RADPF had highest FRAP (4.765µM/µg) and Total Phenolic Content (1.615 mgGAE/mL). The study revealed that the three date palm fruits sampled have some level of aflatoxin and also have substantial antioxidant activities. Keywords:Date palm fruit, aflatoxin, antioxidant, microbial count, phytochemical Aims Research Journal Reference Format: Sanusi, J. F. O., Sakariyau, A.O. & Sirajudeen, A.O. (2022): Microbiological Quality, Aflatoxin Level, Phytochemical Compounds, Antioxidant Potential And Proximate Mineral Composition Of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Advances in Multidisciplinary and Scientific Research. Vol. 8. No. 2, Pp 17–28. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V8N2P5. www.isteams.net/aimsjournal

Effect of Hydrogen-Consuming Compounds on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Fatty Acids Profile, and Microbial Community in Water Buffalo.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen-consuming compounds on ruminal methane (CH4) production, in vitro fermentation parameters, fatty acids profile, and microbial community in water buffalo. Different sodium nitrate to disodium fumarate ratios [2:1 (F), 1:1 (S), 1:2 (T)]were studied in vitro by batch culture technique in the presence of linoleic acid. Results revealed that the dominant bacterial communities were not affected with sodium nitrate and disodium fumarate, whereas CH4 production and Verrucomicrobia, Succiniclasticum, norank_f__Muribaculaceae, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 were reduced (P < 0.05). However, ruminal pH, unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids (UFA/SFA) and Campilobacterota, Selenomonas, Succinivibrio, Oribacterium, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Campylobacter, Shuttleworthia, Schwartzia, and Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group were increased (P < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and Spirochaetae, Fibrobacterota, Verrucomicrobia, Fibrobacter, Treponema, and Prevotellaceae were decreased in F (P < 0.05), but cis-9, trans-11CLA, acetate/propionate and Proteobacteria, Campilobacterota, Selenomonas, Succinivibrio, and Campylobacter were increased in F (P < 0.05). The highly selected bacterial genera in F were Campylobacter and Succinivibrio. The disodium fumarate, enhanced (P < 0.05) the TVFA, propionate, total bacteria, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Atypical butyrivibrio. The concentrations of C18:3n3, C20:3n6, C21:0, C22:2n6, and C22:1n9, as well as the populations of total fungi, protozoa, methanogens, Butyrivibrio hungatei in T were higher (P < 0.05). The highly selected bacterial genera in T were Fibrobacter and Treponema. Conclusively, the addition of sodium nitrate and disodium fumarate can reduce the CH4 production and optimize ruminal fatty acid composition. Furthermore, disodium fumarate can alleviate the adverse effect of sodium nitrate on the rumen fermentation.

Effects of common European tree species on soil microbial resource limitation, microbial communities and soil carbon

Studies of tree species effects on soils have revealed a significant impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and the carbon (C) distribution between forest floor and mineral soil, but the underlying mechanisms including the roles of litter traits, soil properties, and microbiome remain unclear. To address this challenge, we tested the effect of six common European tree species on the quality and nutrient availability of soil organic matter (SOM) as perceived by the naturally assembled microbial communities and explored the possible links between soil enzyme activities (EAs), microbial resource limitation, and microbial community with SOC stocks. The six studied tree species (Acer pseudoplatanus L., Fraxinus excelsior L, Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata L., and Picea abies L.) were planted in common garden monocultures more than 40 years ago at six sites across Denmark. In forest floor, microbial biomass C, fungal and total microbial biomass and fungi to bacteria (F/B) ratios decreased with decreasing litter quality. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and relative EAs indicated that microbes in spruce forest floor were more limited by phosphorus (P) than in maple, lime, and beech, while microbes in mineral soils were less P limited in spruce than in other monocultures. Mineral soil under the tree species associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi had higher microbial C and P limitation, bacterial biomass and total microbial biomass than under tree species associated with ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi. Our results indicated that tree species with high-quality litter (i.e. AM-associated trees) had (i) higher microbial biomass and less nutrient limitation that were conducive to higher decomposition rates and lower C stocks in the forest floor, and (ii) such tree species could lead to both greater stabilization of mineral soil C by mineral-associated OM formation and greater microbial mineralization of SOM with higher microbial resource demand. The results suggest that tree species-mediated EA, microbial resource limitation and microbial community composition are important drivers of stocks and vertical distribution of SOC among tree species and between the two types of associated mycorrhiza.

Influence of stand age and site conditions on ectomycorrhizal fungal dynamics in Cistus ladanifer-dominated scrubland ecosystems

Cistus ladanifer-dominated ecosystems are widely distributed in the Western Mediterranean basin and are affected by recurrent fires. Although these scrublands were traditionally considered unproductive, these systems provide significant ecological benefits via mushroom production, which has increased interest in better understanding these ecosystems to restore and promote productivity. We analyzed 48 plots located in Supra- and MesoMediterranean regions in western Spain to assess the soil fungal community and their ecological drivers using ITS2 rDNA Illumina Miseq. The study plots comprised young (early-stage successional stands), middle- (middle-stage successional stands), and late-stage stands. Shannon diversity index values for total fungi were higher under a MesoMediterranean than under a SupraMediterranean climate type, whereas the richness values for ectomycorrhizal (EcM) taxa were higher in late-stage stands than in the younger stands. EcM community composition was influenced by stand age, climatic variables and edaphic parameters. These C. ladanifer-dominated ecosystems support diverse fungi, including edible species such as Boletus, Lactarius, and Laccaria, under specific precipitation, temperature, and late-stage stand factor conditions. Although forest management cannot modify temperature and precipitation, management strategies that consider mosaic landscapes to reduce the severity of potential fires and that retain late successional stands could provide suitable habitats for promoting fungal diversity, production, and function in these scrubland systems.

Effect of Organic Production of Maize on soil Microbial Population and Activities on Alfisol in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of organic production of maize on soil microbial population and activities. In this study, different fertilizers such as compost, neem fertilizer, poultry manure, green manure, NPK, organo-mineral fertilizer, were applied to the soil for maize production and soil samples were collected and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The effect of the different fertilizers on growth of maize was determined. The soil samples were analyzed for microbial biomass nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus; total viable count and total fungi count; phosphorus mineralization and organic matter level. Results of the analysis showed that compost and NPK gave significantly higher numbers of leaves, plant height and leaf area than other fertilizers. Poultry manure and organo-mineral fertilizer gave significantly higher microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen relative to other fertilizers but organo-mineral fertilizer gave significantly higher microbial biomass phosphorus. Neem fertilizer gave a significantly higher viable count while NPK gave a significantly higher total fungi count compared to other fertilizers. Organo-mineral fertilizer gave significantly higher inorganic phosphorus and organic matter production shortly after application (3 WAP) whereas neem fertilizer gave higher levels at 6 WAP. Conclusively, the use of composts should be encouraged in the organic production of maize to enhance yield and improve the soil quality.

Investigation of indoor and outdoor air quality in a university campus during COVID-19 lock down period

The pandemic of COVID-19 currently shadows the world; the whole earth has been on an unprecedented lockdown. Social distancing among people interrupted domestic and international air traffic, suspended industrial productions and economic activities, and had various far-reaching and undetermined implications on air quality. Improvement in air quality has been reported in many cities during the lockdown. On March 22, 2020, the Turkish government enforced strict lockdown measures to reduce coronavirus disease transmission. This lockdown had a significant impact on the movement of people within the country, which resulted in a major drop in worldwide commercial activities. During this period, university campuses were emptied due to the transition to distance education. In this study, various air pollutants sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), total bacteria, and total fungi were measured in different indoor environments at Eskişehir Technical University Campus in Eskişehir, Turkey during COVID-19 lock down period. Also, to calculate the indoor and outdoor ratios (I/O) of the pollutants, simultaneous outdoor measurements were also carried out. The average indoor SO2, NO2, O3, and PM2.5 concentrations in different indoor environments ranged between 2.10 and 54.58, 1.36–30.89, 12.01–39.05, and 21–94 μg/m3, respectively. The total number of bacteria and fungi ranged between 21.83-514.15 and 13.10–83.36 CFU/m3, respectively. Our study intends to give a glimpse to quantify the impact of a pandemic on air quality in different indoor environments in a university campus in Eskişehir, Turkey and calls for follow-up studies. Indoor concentrations were evaluated together with outdoor concentrations. In general, it can be said that the calculated I/O ratios for SO2, NO2, O3, bacteria, and fungi were less than 1 in most indoor environments.

Effects of land use change type on soil microbial attributes and their controls: Data synthesis

Land use change (LUC) significantly affects climatic, edaphic conditions and soil microbial attributes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the overall impacts of LUC type on soil microbial attributes remain limited. Here we synthesized data of soil microbial attributes under different types (i.e. type Ⅰ: conversions from other lands to cropland, with human disturbance land degradation; type Ⅱ: conversions from forestland to grassland, shrubland to grassland, and forestland to shrubland, with natural land degradation) of land use from 90 published studies to quantify the effects of LUC types on soil microbial attributes and their controls. Total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), fungi, bacteria and Actinobacteria (ACT) biomass were largely decreased under the type Ⅰ of LUC, whereas these attributes were generally increased under the type Ⅱ of LUC. The soil organic C (SOC), total N, and C:N ratio were the predominant controllers under the type Ⅰ, and the total N, phosphorus and C:N ratio were the main controllers under the type Ⅱ over soil microbial attributes. Additionally, the basal microbial respiration was decreased under the type Ⅰ due to lower SOC content, but the microbial metabolic quotient was increased under the type Ⅱ due to higher C:N ratio. Overall, our results revealed that the microbial attributes and their controls were highly dependent on the type of LUC, which could provide new insight for land use management under expanded LUC worldwide.

Effects of rumen fluid as bioaugmentation additive on fungal diversity dynamics during sweet sorghum ensiling

Fungi play a critical role in silage and rumen fluid, both of which share similar ecosystems. This study is designed to supplement sweet sorghum ensiling with the rumen fluid from beef heifers and evaluate the effect on fungal diversity dynamics and silage quality by high-throughput sequencing and chemical methods. Simultaneously, this study investigated the correlation between fungal communities and chemical compositions of silages. The results suggested that the addition of rumen fluid significantly affected the richness and diversity of fungi in silage. Alpha diversity of total fungi and the relative abundance of Pichia increased, while Schizophyllum and Penicillium decreased, following the supplementation of rumen fluid during 60 days ensiling. In addition, the silage quality was positively correlated with Pichia, but negatively correlated with Hannaella and Vishniacozyma. The findings reveal that the rumen fluid can improve the ensiling characteristics by effectively reducing the reproduction of adverse fungi. However, further research is required to verify the connection of specific pure fungal isolates with the fermentation performance of silage.

Biochemical composition and function of subalpine shrubland and meadow soil microbiomes in the Qilian Mountains, Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, China.

Microorganisms participate in the soil biogeochemical cycle. Therefore, investigating variations in microbial biomass, composition, and functions can provide a reference for improving soil ecological quality due to the sensitivity of microorganisms to vegetation coverage changes. However, the differences in soil microorganisms between shrubland and meadow have not been investigated in ecologically vulnerable subalpine areas. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical composition and functions of the soil microbial community under two shrublands and a meadow at high altitudes (3,400–3,550 m). Three sites under two shrublands, Rhododendron thymifolium (RHO) and Potentilla fruticosa (POT), and one meadow dominated by Kobresia myosuroides (MEA), were selected on the southern slope of the Qilian Mountains on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China. Soil physicochemical properties, the microbial community composition expressed by the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarker, and enzyme activities were analyzed as well as their relationships. The results showed that water holding capacity and the soil carbon, nitrogen, and potassium content in RHO and POT were higher than those in the MEA. Moreover, the soil active carbon, dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, and dissolved total nitrogen content in RHO were higher than those in POT. The abundance of total PLFAs, bacteria, and fungi beneath the shrublands was considerably higher than that in the MEA. The PLFA abundance in RHO was significantly higher than that in POT. The fungal-to-bacterial ratio of RHO and POT was significantly higher than that in the MEA. The activities of β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, and leucine aminopeptidase were the highest in RHO among the three vegetation types, followed by POT and MEA. The redundancy analysis indicated that the biochemical composition of the soil microorganisms and enzyme activities were driven by total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, water holding capacity, and soil organic carbon. Therefore, shrublands, which have higher biomass, can improve soil moisture status, increase soil carbon and nitrogen content (especially active carbon and active nitrogen), and further increase the abundance of total PLFAs, bacteria, and fungi. The increase of microbial biomass indirectly enhances the activity of relevant soil enzymes. The variations in PLFA abundance and enzyme activities can be attributed to shrub species, especially evergreen shrubs, which create more favorable conditions for soil microorganisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for investigating the soil biogeochemical cycle and a scientific basis for soil management and vegetation restoration in the subalpine regions.

PLANT-MICROBIAL INTERACTIONS IN THE ASSISTED BIOREMEDIATION OF A PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON-POLLUTED SOIL AFTER BIOAUGMENTATION WITH PLEUROTUS TUBERREGIUM

The plant-microbial interactions in the assisted bioremediation of a petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted soil after bioaugmentation with Pleurotus tuberregium were investigated. Top soils were collected from a fallow plot on the campus of the University of Benin, Nigeria. A list of all weeds growing on the plot was taken, with a bid to determine the soil seeds bank (Table 2). The soils were then polluted with different concentrations of waste engine oil (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% w/w oil in soil) on weight basis. The polluted soils were then left for five months (SPi). The unpolluted soil (0 %) was designated as control experiment. Result shows that concentration of Mn prior to augmentation of the control experiment (5MAP) was 28.5mg/kg as against 29.6mg/kg and 30.8 mg/kg in the weeded and unweeded bioaugmented treatments respectively. There were significant reductions in soil content of Zn at 10 MAA. Zn concentration in the weeded buckets ranged from 12.2 – 36.9 mg/kg compared to 10.6 – 30.8 mg/kg in the buckets with weeds. Concentration of Ni was 2.52 4.12mg/kg at 5 MAP compared to 0.72 – 1.15 mg/kg in the weeded buckets and 0.07 – 0.13mg/kg in the unweeded buckets 10 months after bioaugmentation. Hydrocarbon degrading bacteria count for SP0 were 1.81 x105 cfu/g in the presence of weed in soil (WW) and 1.65 x105 cfu/g in the absence of weeds in soil (NW) whereas SPA0 were 2.65 x105 cfu/g in the presence of weeds in soil (WW) and 2.04 x105 in the absence of weeds in soil (NW). The total fungi count for SP5 were 1.64 x105 weed presence in soil (WW) and 0.80 x105 cfu/g in no weed presence in soil (NW) for five months after pollution (5MAP) even as SPA5 were 2.08 x105 cfu/g for weed presence in soil (WW) and 1.22 x105 cfu/g for no weed presence in soil (NW) for ten month after bioaugmentation (10MAB) respectively. The most dominant bacteria were Clostridium sp. while the less dominant were Bacillus subtilis. For that of the fungi Aspergillus niger were dominant whereas Aspergillus flavus were the least.

Fungal corneal ulcer complicated by endophthalmitis: clinical and laboratory diagnostics, treatment tactics

Purpose: to study the clinical signs and effectiveness of laboratory diagnostics of fungal corneal ulcer complicated by endophthalmitis aimed at treatment tactics optimization.Materials and methods. 15 patients aged 20–55 with severe monocular fungal ulcer complicated by endophthalmitis were examined by microscopy and culture of corneal scraping on Sabouraud Agar; microscopy and culture of intraocular fluid and corneal fragments, obtained during the surgical treatment. Corneal scrapings from the corneal ulcer and corneal fragments removed during keratoplasty were tested in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of Candida albicans and total Fungi DNA.Results. Before treatment start, 2.5 hours after the biomaterial was taken, PCR revealed Fungi DNA in all 15 cases. Symptoms of the severe fungal corneal ulcer complicated by endophthalmitis and caused by Aspergillus spp have been identified and described. Conservative therapy and total penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) helped retain the eye in 13 out of 15 patients (86.7 %) and partially restore the visual functions.Conclusion. Rapid laboratory diagnosis of ophthalmomycosis using PCR offers an advantage over the culturing technique: the results are ready within 2.5 hours instead of 10-14 days (culture method); it is highly sensitive and allows identifying the fungi not only in the tissue of the removed cornea, but also in the сorneal scrapings. The effective treatment tactics of fungal corneal ulcer complicated by endophthalmitis combining PKP with pre-operative and long-term postoperative antifungal therapy was proposed.

Metabarcoding analysis of the soil fungal community to aid the conservation of underexplored church forests in Ethiopia

Most of the Dry Afromontane forests in the northern part of Ethiopia are located around church territories and, hence, are called church forests. These forests are biodiversity islands and provide key ecosystem services to local communities. A previous study of church forest fungal species was based on sporocarp collections. However, to obtain a complete picture of the fungal community, the total fungal community present in the soil needs to be analyzed. This information is important to integrate church forests into global biodiversity conservation strategies and to understand what actions are required to conserve church forests and their biological components, including fungi, which are known for their exceptionally high diversity levels. We assessed soil fungal communities in three church forests using ITS2 rDNA metabarcoding. In total, 5152 fungal operational taxonomic units representing 16 fungal phyla were identified. Saprotrophs followed by ectomycorrhizal fungi and animal pathogens dominated fungal communities. Significant differences in diversity and richness were observed between forests. Non-metric multidimensional scaling confirmed that fungal community composition differed in each forest. The composition was influenced by climatic, edaphic, vegetation, and spatial variables. Linear relationships were found between tree basal area and the abundance of total fungi and trophic groups. Forest management strategies that consider cover, tree density, enrichment plantations of indigenous host tree species, and environmental factors would offer suitable habitats for fungal diversity, production, and function in these forest systems. The application of the baseline information obtained in this study could assist other countries with similar forest conservation issues due to deforestation and forest fragmentation.

Designing wastewater treatment plant by using biosynthesized titanium oxide nanoparticles

In this research, a lab scale wastewater treatment plant was locally designed as a continuous culture of activated sludge and using dual water purification system and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). Biosynthesis of TiO2NPs and characterization were done, then nanofilter was prepared by tightly wrapping the filter with gauze and moistened it with 1% TiO2 NPs solution until saturation, a control filter was also prepared. Wastewater sample was passed through each filter. The results showed that the TiO2 NPs filter was improved their quality as showed the values of physical, chemical and biological properties of wastewater which included turbidity that decreased from 561 to became 2.9 NTU, the total solid and total suspended solid were decreased from (1820, 1217 mg/l) to (421, 2 mg/l) respectively, the biological and chemical oxygen demands were decreased from (256, 410 mg/l) to became (50, 41.5 mg/l) respectively. The NO3-1, PO4-3, SO4-2 were reduced from ( 100, 8.2, 78) to (6.8, 0.9, 48) respectively. Additionally heavy metals were successfully removed and total plate count, total coliform, total fecal coliform and total fungi were highly decreased.

Effects of Grazing Indigenous Laying Hens on Soil Properties: Benefits and Challenges to Achieving Soil Fertility

Crop–livestock integration fosters a holistic view of the agricultural system, which is nowadays particularly relevant due to the rising environmental concerns. Laying hens can contribute to improvement of soil chemical properties, but their effects in soil fertility are not fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of grazing laying hens on soil fertility. To meet this goal, we assessed the effects of indigenous laying hens in 22 soil parameters, including chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters, in two farms from the central region of Portugal: an organic horticultural field (A) and a conventional orchard (B). At farm A, the animals grazed during the dry period for 84 continuous days, at a density of 4 m2 per hen. At farm B, the animals grazed during the wet period, at a density of 3.50 m2 per hen, in two periods (34 + 33 days), with a 50 day break period in between grazing. The hens contributed to an increase in the extractable macronutrients phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O), mineral nitrogen (NH4+-N and NO3−-N), and exchangeable bases calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in both farms, making these central parameters to consider in their grazing management. At farm A, where soil disturbance is higher, the grazing did not affect soil moisture retention but positively affected soil dry bulk density and contributed to an increase in total aerobic bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria abundances. At farm B, where the hens’ presence led to the understory eradication, soil moisture retention, total aerobic bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and fungi abundances were negatively affected, while soil dry bulk density was unaffected. These results show that hens can significantly contribute to improve soil fertility, but more research is needed regarding their grazing management.

Quality control and mycotoxin levels in food in the Palestinian market

ABSTRACT A total of 51 food samples (18 rice, 17 wheat flour, and 16 nuts) were randomly collected from different shops and analysed for the presence of total aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and fumonisins, using a lateral flow competitive immunochromatographic assay method. Mycological contamination (total aerobic and fungi count), colour index (L*a*b*) and moisture content were also evaluated. Sensory characteristics for mycotoxins contaminated and uncontaminated samples of rice and wheat flour were evaluated by 40 panellists. Forty-five per cent of all samples were positive for aflatoxins as the most occurred mycotoxins, with a range of 2–8.1 μg/kg. Fungal counts were not significantly different between contaminated and uncontaminated rice and wheat flour samples. In addition, panellists were able to discriminate between contaminated and uncontaminated rice samples by detection of mouldy flavour, spoilage symptoms, earthy flavour, and the degree of freshness.

Extent of cadmium stress on plant growth promoting microorganisms at the rhizosphere layers of S. stenocarpa and V. unguiculata accessions

The importance of role microbes in nodulation of leguminous crops helps in the nutritional diet of the Nigerian populace. However, heavy metal residues from heavy fertilization is a major cause of concern to soil and crop production. The study aimed to isolate and characterize free living microbe (bacteria and fungi) from the soil polluted with cadmium at different ecological screening value (0ESV, 2.5ESV and 5ESV) cultivated with Sphenostylis stenocarpa and Vigna unguiculata compared with similar soil but without the plants. The microbial count was estimated using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Compared to the control, a decrease of rhizobia number and an increase of the metal concentration were observed. From the results, cadmium toxicity had little to no effect on the bacteria diversity of the bulk soil has the increased bacterial and fungi diversity was recorded in the 2.5 ESV and 5 ESV respectively. The rhizosphere layer of Tss93 in the Cd-2.5 ESV had a significantly increased microbial diversity compared to the other accessions with the lowest total heterotrophic bacteria count recorded in Tss92 irrespective of metal concentration. Cd toxicity resulted in an insignificant difference (p&gt;0.05) in total heterotrophic fungi count irrespective of plant accession or metal concentration, however, the fungi diversity was heightened in the Tss93 (2.5 ESV) and Tss95 (2.5 ESV) respectively. Cd toxicity increased the rhizosphere THB and THF counts of V. unguiculata with the highest microbial diversity recorded in TVu91 and TVu95 sown in the Cd-2.5ESV and Cd-5ESV respectively. The presence of heavy metal degradable bacteria – Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis and fungi – Aspergillus niger and penicillum sp. indicates bioremediation capacities of both accessions. This suggest that the survival microbes in polluted soil reveal adaptation of some traits especially those involved in symbiosis. Though cadmium had a significant effect on the soil productive capabilities, the THBC and THFC of Tss91 and Tss95 (S. stenocarpa) and TVu93 and TVu94 (V.unguiculata) were significantly increased as the presence of plant growth promoting bacteria and fungi were reported.

Physico-chemical, microbial and toxicity assessment of industrial effluents from the southern Tunisian tannery

The management of tanning effluents is a real problem for leather-producing countries. Therefore, the treatment solution search for this potentially toxic industrial wastewater constitutes a priority. In this study, the physico-chemical, microbiological, and spectral characterizations as well as micro-toxicity study, of these effluents, were carried out. The physico-chemical analyses showed the complex nature of such untreated effluent. In fact, its composition revealed a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 = 3100 ± 100 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD = 14,065.2 ± 155 mg/L), total suspended solids (TSS = 12.30 ± 2.64 mg/L), total dissolved solution (TDS = 44.2 ± 3.46 mg/L), sulphate (2076.068 ± 50.27 mg/L), chromium (4.525 ± 0.23 mg/L), sodium (22,800 ± 80.16 mg/L), and lead (0.739 ± 0.04 mg/L) content with alkaline pH (12.93) and greenish-blue color. Moreover, the spectral analyses (UV-vis and FT-IR) of the basin 1, 2 and 3 effluents show its complexity, before treatment, which justifies the physico-chemical characterization. The final effluent (basin 5), after biological treatment, was characterized and a decrease was noticed in all cited parameters. In addition, the ratio COD/BOD5 was decreased 3.3 folds. The microbiological characterization revealed the presence of revivable aerobic bacteria as; total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus (streptococci D), sulphite-reducing bacteria, and fungi. In contrast, a complete absence of Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio cholerae, and Helminth egg was noted. To confirm the efficiency of the biological treatment via an adapted consortium, micro-toxicity tests using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were carried out. Results of this monitoring showed an important decrease in the toxicity levels for the final effluent.

Dynamics of fungal and bacterial microbiome associated with green-mould contaminated sawdust substrate of Pleurotus pulmonarius (grey oyster mushroom).

Green-mould contamination is identified as one of the challenges faced by mushroom cultivation industry globally which believed to be caused by Trichoderma spp. To explore the dynamics of microbial population in mushroom substrate during commercial mushroom cultivation and how microbiota might play a role in green-mould contamination, we applied both culturing and targeted metagenomics approaches to identify microbiota in noncomposted sawdust substrates at different cultivation stages. The microbiological analysis showed that the green-mould contaminated substrates harboured higher total mesophilic bacteria count. The green-moulds isolated from the contaminated mushroom substrates were identified as Trichoderma pleurotum (n=15; 93.8%) and Graphium penicillioides (n=1; 6.3%). To our surprise, the targeted metagenomic analysis revealed that Graphium comprised 56.3% while Trichoderma consisted of only 36.1% of the total fungi population, suggesting that green-mould contamination might not be caused by Trichoderma alone, but also Graphium that grows very slowly in the laboratory. It is worthwhile to note that G. penicillioides was also isolated in the early stages of mushroom cultivation, but not T. pleurotum. The results indicated that the structure and composition of the bacterial population in the mushroom substrate varied and the bacterial population shifted along the cultivation process. This study revealed a possibility of G. penicillioides as an overlooked fungi causing green-mould contamination.

A call for further research on the relation between type 2 diabetes and oral candidiasis

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral candidiasis with salivary features, neutrophil function, and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twenty-nine individuals were included, 16 with T2D and 13 without the disease. The participants underwent clinical examination, neutrophilic function tests, fasting glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (A1c), stimulated and unstimulated saliva collection, and swab and exfoliative cytology. Salivary flow, pH, and total fungi count were evaluated on saliva, and identification of the Candida species was performed in saliva and swab samples. There was no difference in unstimulated salivary flow and pH of the stimulated and unstimulated saliva for participants with T2D and controls (P > .05). Individuals from both groups presented no candidal lesions. The salivary fungal growth in the T2D group was higher than that in controls (P < .05). Only individuals with T2D presented alterations in the neutrophilic functions (14/16; 87.5%; P < .05). There was no relationship between high A1c values and neutrophil dysfunction with the presence of Candida spp. in both saliva and mucosa (P > .05). High A1c level, reduction in neutrophil activity, salivary flow and pH, and increase in total salivary Candida spp. counts were not related to oral candidiasis in patients with T2D.

Effect of Different Sterilization Methods on the Microbial and Physicochemical Changes in Prunus mume Juice during Storage.

This study evaluated the pasteurization (P), ozone (O3), ultrasonic (US), and high-hydrostatic-pressure (HHP) sterilization approaches for processing of Prunus mume regarding browning factors and microorganisms, compared with non-sterilization (control check, CK) treatment. The microorganisms (total bacterial count and fungi and yeast count) in the juice were identified after different sterilization techniques, while the quality parameter changes (degree of browning, color measurements, total phenolic content, reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl furaldehyde (5-HMF), amino acid nitrogen, total soluble solids (TSS), pH value) were investigated. The results indicate that P and HHP treatment reduced non-enzymatic browning while substantially impacting the color measurements, TSS, and pH, while the sterilization effect was remarkable, with a rate exceeding 90%. Furthermore, the Prunus mume juices treated with P and HHP sterilization were used as the objects, and the CK group was used as the control group. They were placed at 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C, respectively, and stored in dark for 15 d. Sampling and determination were carried out on 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 d, respectively. M-&-Y (molds and yeasts) were not detected in the late storage period, and no obvious microbial growth was observed during storage, indicating that P and HHP treatments could ensure the microbial safety of Prunus mume juice. P- and HHP- treated Prunus mume juice has better quality and low temperature storage is beneficial for maintaining the quality of Prunus mume juice. Therefore, P treatment or HHP treatment combined with low temperature storage could achieve a more ideal storage effect. Overall, this study conclusively established that P and HHP methods were suitable for sterilizing Prunus mume juice. These techniques minimally affected overall product quality while better maintaining the quality parameters than the untreated juice samples and those exposed to O3 and US treatment.