Unusual Environment Research Articles

Geochemical and metagenomics study of a metal-rich, green-turquoise-coloured stream in the southern Swiss Alps.

The Swiss Alpine environments are poorly described from a microbiological perspective. Near the Greina plateau in the Camadra valley in Ticino (southern Swiss Alps), a green-turquoise-coloured water spring streams off the mountain cliffs. Geochemical profiling revealed naturally elevated concentrations of heavy metals such as copper, lithium, zinc and cadmium, which are highly unusual for the geomorphology of the region. Of particular interest, was the presence of a thick biofilm, that was revealed by microscopic analysis to be mainly composed of Cyanobacteria. A metagenome was further assembled to detail the genes found in this environment. A multitude of genes for resistance/tolerance to high heavy metal concentrations were indeed found, such as, various transport systems, and genes involved in the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS have been evoked as a central component in photosynthetic environments rich in heavy metals, for their ability to drive the sequestration of toxic, positively-charged metal ions under high regimes of cyanobacteria-driven photosynthesis. The results of this study provide a geochemical and microbiological description of this unusual environment in the southern Swiss Alps, the role of cyanobacterial photosynthesis in metal resistance, and the potential role of such microbial community in bioremediation of metal-contaminated environments.

The relationship between academic vs. family/personal role conflict and Malaysian students’ psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 lockdown

ABSTRACT The psychological wellbeing of remote-learning university students is becoming an increasing concern for educators in the COVID-19 era, due to the potential risk of conflict between academic and family/personal lives in the unusual environments they must now operate in. To determine how this conflict might influence students’ psychological wellbeing, we asked 1,005 university students in Malaysia to complete two types of work/life conflict measures online; one that measured academic work interfering with family/personal lives vs. another that tapped into family/personal lives interfering with academic work. Results showed that approximately 50% of the participants encountered the first conflict, while close to 40% experienced the latter. More importantly, the results further revealed that an increased experience of the first conflict (i.e. academic work undermining family roles) predicted higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, social dysfunction and loss of confidence, but not unhappiness, while an increased occurrence of the second type of conflict (i.e. family roles undermining academic work) was associated with elevated stress, anxiety, depression, loss of confidence and unhappiness, but not social dysfunction.

Core-collapse, superluminous, and gamma-ray burst supernova host galaxy populations at low redshift: the importance of dwarf and starbursting galaxies

ABSTRACT We present a comprehensive study of an unbiased sample of 150 nearby (median redshift, z = 0.014) core-collapse supernova (CCSN) host galaxies drawn from the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) for direct comparison to the nearest long-duration gamma-ray burst (LGRB) and superluminous supernova (SLSN) hosts. We use public imaging surveys to gather multiwavelength photometry for all CCSN host galaxies and fit their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) to derive stellar masses and integrated star formation rates (SFRs). CCSNe populate galaxies across a wide range of stellar masses, from blue and compact dwarf galaxies to large spiral galaxies. We find 33$^{+4}_{-4}$ per cent of CCSNe are in dwarf galaxies (M* < 109 M⊙) and 2$^{+2}_{-1}$ per cent are in dwarf starburst galaxies [specific star formation rate (sSFR) > 10−8 yr−1]. We reanalyse low-redshift SLSN and LGRB hosts from the literature (out to z < 0.3) in a homogeneous way and compare against the CCSN host sample. The relative SLSN to CCSN supernova rate is increased in low-mass galaxies and at high sSFRs. These parameters are strongly covariant and we cannot break the degeneracy between them with our current sample, although there is some evidence that both factors may play a role. Larger unbiased samples of CCSNe from projects such as ZTF and LSST will be needed to determine whether host-galaxy mass (a proxy for metallicity) or sSFR (a proxy for star formation intensity and potential IMF variation) is more fundamental in driving the preference for SLSNe and LGRBs in unusual galaxy environments.

Reproduction of ewes depending on their behavior when consuming feed

The article presents data on the study of reproductive and productive characteristics of sheep of the Grozny fine-fleece breed of different types of eating behavior (PP) in terms of autonomic-nervous activity (GNI). The dispersal of experimental bright colors according to the types of PP into the experimental groups was carried out according to the methods generally accepted in zootechnics by D.K. Belyaeva, V.N. Martynova (1973), V.S. Zarytovsky and others (1990). The principle of selection of individuals is to determine their passive-defensive, orienting reactions in an unusual environment of feed consumption. Scientific and production observations were carried out in the conditions of a specific agricultural enterprise in the Republic of Kalmykia. Our studies indicate that under identical feeding and keeping conditions of bright birds, the highest live weight (40.5 kg) is observed in individuals of the 1st type of PP, while among their peers it was lower by 2.7 and 5.3, respectively. kg. The sex dominant in type 1 flies of PP was much more pronounced, since they entered the state of the first hunt more intensively by 16.6 and 27.2%, respectively, than their counterparts from types 2 and 3. The peculiarities of the behavior of replacement birds at the time of feed consumption were reflected in their subsequent reproductive capacity. Thus, the highest reproduction (110%) of the number of ewes who had clung to ewes had individuals of the 1st type of PP. The lowest fertility (90%) had uterus of the 3 behavioral type. The wool productivity of ewes of different types of feeding behavior was characterized by rather high variability. For example, shearing wool from type 1 ewes PP turned out to be 4.9 and 7.7% more than in type 2 ewes. Survival of offspring by the time of beating and the yield of lambs per 100 ewes that have been clung to each other, depending on the type of PP, varies within wide limits. The highest mortality rate of young animals (11.8%) was observed in queens of the 3rd type of feeding behavior, while the indicators of obtaining offspring (44 heads), survival and yield of lambs per 100 ugly queens in the first group of the 1st type of PP were 100%. In the conditions of sheep farms in the Republic of Kalmykia, in particular in its eastern zone, in order to increase the brood stock, increase the reproductive capacity and productive qualities, it is necessary to use the type of feeding behavior when consuming feed as a “marker” of their selection for the repair and formation of brood stock.

Antibiofilm Activity of Antarctic Sponge-Associated Bacteria against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Bioprospecting in unusual marine environments provides an innovative approach to search novel biomolecules with antibiofilm activity. Antarctic sponge-associated bacteria belonging to Colwellia, Pseudoalteromonas, Shewanella and Winogradskyella genera were evaluated for their ability to contrast the biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, as model organisms. All strains were able to produce biofilm at both 4 and 25 °C, with the highest production being for Colwellia, Shewanella and Winogradskyella strains at 4 °C after 24 h. Antibiofilm activity of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) differed among strains and on the basis of their incubation temperature (CFSs4°C and CFSs25°C). The major activity was observed by CFSs4°C against S. aureus and CFSs25°C against P. aeruginosa, without demonstrating a bactericidal effect on their growth. Furthermore, the antibiofilm activity of crude extracts from Colwellia sp. GW185, Shewanella sp. CAL606, and Winogradskyella sp. CAL396 was also evaluated and visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopic images. Results based on the surface-coating assay and surface tension measurements suggest that CFSs and the crude extracts may act as biosurfactants inhibiting the first adhesion of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The CFSs and the novel biopolymers may be useful in applicative perspectives for pharmaceutical and environmental purposes.

Value Investing: Requiem, Rebirth or Reincarnation?

For much of the last century, value investors considered themselves to be the winners in the investment world, a result they attributed to their patience, maturity and good sense. That view, at least on the surface, was backed up by evidence that “value” stocks, defined as stocks that trade at low multiples of earnings and book value, earned higher returns than “growth” stocks, defined loosely as companies that trade at high multiples of earnings or book value. It was reinforced by the mythology of great value investors, with Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger taking center stage, as deep thinkers, with profound insights on how markets work. In the last two decades, value investing lost its edge, and a debate has revolved around whether this is a temporary phase, and the result of an unusual macro environment, or a reflection of a permanent change in economies and markets. In this paper, we argue that value investing, at least as practiced today, has become rigid and ritualistic, and that while some of its failures can be attributed to external factors, many can be traced back to practices and rules of thumb that have outlived their usefulness. We argue that if value investing is to be successful in the future, it needs to develop a more dynamic view of value and a greater willingness to live with and invest in the face of uncertainty.

COVID-19, Personal Protective Equipment, and Human Performance.

Clinicians who care for patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) must wear a full suite of personal protective equipment, including an N95 mask or powered air purifying respirator, eye protection, a fluid-impermeable gown, and gloves. This combination of personal protective equipment may cause increased work of breathing, reduced field of vision, muffled speech, difficulty hearing, and heat stress. These effects are not caused by individual weakness; they are normal and expected reactions that any person will have when exposed to an unusual environment. The physiologic and psychologic challenges imposed by personal protective equipment may have multiple causes, but immediate countermeasures and long-term mitigation strategies can help to improve a clinician’s ability to provide care. Ultimately, a systematic approach to the design and integration of personal protective equipment is needed to improve the safety of patients and clinicians.

Coupling the Individual Motions of the Machine-like Components of Zirconium(IV) Organic Frameworks

Controlling the internal molecular dynamics in reticular materials is a major challenge for the development of nanotechnological applications. In this issue of Chem, Schurko, Loeb, and co-workers show how the ring motion of the [2]rotaxane-based linker and that of the surrounding triphenylene-based struts influence each other within a series of robust zirconium(IV) organic frameworks.

Heat Shock Proteins as Targets for Novel Antimalarial Drug Discovery.

Plasmodium falciparum, the parasitic agent that is responsible for a severe and dangerous form of human malaria, has a history of long years of cohabitation with human beings with attendant negative consequences. While there have been some gains in the fight against malaria through the application of various control measures and the use of chemotherapeutic agents, and despite the global decline in malaria cases and associated deaths, the continual search for new and effective therapeutic agents is key to achieving sustainable development goals. An important parasite survival strategy, which is also of serious concern to the scientific community, is the rate at which the parasites continually develop resistance to drugs. Among the key players in the parasite's ability to develop resistance, maintain cellular integrity, and survives within an unusual environment of the red blood cells are the molecular chaperones of the heat shock proteins (HSP) family. HSPs constitute a novel avenue for antimalarial drug discovery and by exploring their ubiquitous nature and multifunctional activities, they may be suitable targets for the discovery of multi-targets antimalarial drugs, needed to fight incessant drug resistance. In this chapter, features of selected families of plasmodial HSPs that can be exploited in drug discovery are presented. Also, known applications of HSPs in small molecule screening, their potential usefulness in high throughput drug screening, as well as possible challenges are highlighted.

Идентификация права в современной социальной регуляции

Empirical studies of the dynamics of law have fixed the “growth points” of new directions in its evolution, characterizing the general vector of development, largely due to the hybridization of the legal landscape. It is formed by the so­cially significant interaction of a person adapted to an unusual environment, in­cluding through his own technological upgrade, hybrids of nature and culture (quasi-objects, “subject-objects”), which are overcoming the boundaries between culture and nature, the actor and the material. Theoretical understanding of the obtained data leads to the conclusion about the formation of a new “paradigm” of the evolution of law, which determines its hybridization as a result of conver­gence with technological innovations and practices; transformation from a norm­ative to an automated normative-cognitive system; convergence of the content and form of law, normative and individual legal regulation; modification of a number of its features, such as normativity and formal certainty; revision of the ideological foundations of law, its fundamental principles – humanism, free will, equality and justice. The depth of the corresponding transformations de­pends on what place the ideas that make up the content of these principles will occupy in the value system of the new society.

The magic world of whiskey microbiota

Modern metagenomics techniques in combination with next generation sequencing are increasingly used for research of numerous environments inhabited by diverse microbiota. In the present study we focused on a rather unusual environment for their growth, a forgotten bottle of blended Scotch whiskey. Whiskey is a world-known popular spirit, traditionally produced in a series of steps comprising malting of barley, fermenting the malt to an alcoholic wort, distilling and at least 3-year long maturation in oak casks, followed by filtration. In the process, notably in the fermentation, microorganisms play a crucial role. However, we were primarily interested in potential microbiological and chemical changes that might have taken place over the years while the half-empty whiskey bottle was left open. We found that only a very low number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria survived in it while the ethanol content decreased from 40 % to approximately 30 %. Interestingly, the metagenomics analysis showed there was a large and diverse microbial community present in the forgotten whiskey. Among the most abundant microorganisms were members of human commensal microbiota, some potentially disease-causing and also food spoiling bacteria, in particular genus Pseudomonas. Surprisingly, we even found a non-negligible number of typically environmental bacterial species.

Wooden Well at the First Farmers’ Settlement Area in Uničov, Czech Republic

Some of the most extraordinary finds from the Early Neolithic period are wooden wells. These constructions permit unusual insights into Neolithic settlements, their subsistence and environment, as well as into the surrounding landscape. A recent excavation of a Neo lithic settlement at Uničov in central Moravia, Czech Republic, yielded the discovery of a wooden well with a sediment infill from the beginning of the Neolithic period and allowed to study an array of topics by a multi-proxy approach using a set of complementary methods. Our study of the wooden lining demonstrates the carpeting skills of the first farmers, required also for building so-called ‘longhouses’. By comparing dendrochronological and radiocarbon dating, we estimated the time span of the well’s existence. The construction was used repeatedly over a longer time and was finally filled in intentionally. Studies of the well’s infill shed light on its usage and decline, providing a great proxy for the study of living dynamics and handling of waste in a Neolithic village. The environmental record extracted from botanical residues indicates that the immediate surroundings of the settlement were covered by an open-canopy woodland with a dominance of oak and hazel, and a large proportion of open habitats, whereas the surrounding landscape was not noticeably affected by humans. Key Words: Wooden well, past environment, subsistence strategy, Linearbandkeramik, Uničov, eastern Central Europe

Chevkinite-(Се) and Perrierite-(Се) from the Island Arc Quartz Gabbronorite–Dolerite of the Ayu-Dag Intrusion, Crimean Mountains

Chevkinite-(Се) and perrierite-(Се), which are characteristic minerals of alkaline igneous rocks and high-temperature alkaline alterations, are typical accessory minerals in the Mesozoic island-arc gabbros of the Crimean Mountains. The early magmatic mineral assemblages from these low-alkali gabbros of the Ayu-Dag intrusion contain accessory Ti–Zr–LREE minerals depleted in SiO2: chevkinite-(Се), perrierite-(Се), zirconolite, and baddeleyite. Chevkinite and perrierite occur as isolated short prismatic crystals of up to 0.1 mm and strong corroded inclusions in the cores of the late-magmatic allanite-(Ce) crystals. Both minerals are one of the major concentrators of lanthanides in the Aju-Dag gabbros. Lanthanides are distributed in chevkinite and perrierite as follows: Ce $$ \gg $$ La > Nd $$ \gg $$ Pr > Gd, Sm, Tb, and Dy. The lanthanide ratios in chevkinite and perrierite are similar, % REE: 54–58 Ce, 25–31 La, and 12–20 Nd. The Zr, Th, Y, and Sc concentrations in both polymorphic modifications from the Ayu-Dag gabbros are identical. Chevkinite-(Ce) that occurs as isolated crystals is Mg-dominant; its composition is [Cе1.5La0.8–0.9Nd0.3–0.4Pr0.1(Gd + Sm + Tb + Dy)0.1Y0.2Sc0.1Ca0.7–0.8Na0.1]4(Mg0.5 $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.5}}}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ )1( $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{1}}{\text{.1}} - 1.2}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ Ti0.4–0.7Zr0.1–0.2Al0.1–0.2)2Ti2[(Si3.7–4Al0.3–0)4O22]. Chevkinite-(Ce) enclosed in allanite is depleted in Mg; its composition is [Cе1.5–1.7La0.6–0.9Nd0.5–0.6Pr0.1(Gd + Sm)0.1Y0.1–0.2Sc0.1Ca0.6–0.8Na0.1]4( $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.6}} - {\text{1}}}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}$$ Mg0–0.1 $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}} - 0.4}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ )1(Ti0.8–0.9 $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.3}} - 0.7}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ Al0.2–0.4Zr0–0.2)2Ti2[(Si3.9–4Al0.1–0)4O22]. Perrierite-(Ce) that forms euhedral crystals is Mg-dominant; its composition is [Cе1.2–1.6La0.6–0.8Nd0.3–0.4 Pr0.1(Gd + Sm + Tb + Dy)0.1Y0.1Sc0.1Ca1.0–1.1Sr0–0.1Na0.1]4(Mg0.9–1 $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.1}} - 0}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ )1( $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{1}}{\text{.0}} - 1.2}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ Al0.2–0.7Ti0.3–0.5Zr0–0.2)2 Ti2[(Si3.9–4Al0.1–0)4(O21.3–21.5OH0.7–0.5)22]. Perrierite-(Cе) enclosed in allanite is depleted in Mg; its composition is [Cе1.3–1.5La0.7–0.8Nd0.3–0.5Pr0.1(Gd + Sm)0.1Y0.1Sc0.1Ca1.1–1.3Na0.1]4( $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.4}} - 0.5}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}{\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.2}} - 0.4}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ Mg0.2)1(Al0.5–0.7 Ti0.3–0.8 $${\text{Fe}}_{{{\text{0}}{\text{.3}} - 0.9}}^{{{\text{3 + }}}}$$ Zr0.1–0.3)2Ti2[(Si3.9–4Al0.1–0)4(O21.4–22OH0.6–0)22]. The presence of chevkinite, perrierite, and zirconolite in an unusual geochemical environment is possibly caused by weak late-magmatic processes in the shallow gabbro intrusions, which are depleted in fluids, of the Crimea Mesozoides.

Design of Entry Detection Method for Top-Bounded Spaces using GPS SNR and Spatial Characteristics for Seamless Positioning in Logistics Facilities.

With the widespread use of indoor positioning technology, various services based on this technology are beginning to be offered to consumers and industrial applications. In the case of logistics facilities, in addition to indoor and outdoor spaces, there are top-bounded spaces (TBSs): elongated areas that are covered with roofs or eaves on the upper parts of buildings. The sides of such spaces are open, and workers and forklifts work in these areas. Only a few studies have been conducted on positioning methods for this unusual environment, and the way by which Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of Global Positioning System (GPS) changes with the stay in TBSs is unclear. Therefore, we conducted preliminary experiments and confirmed that TBS dwellings are difficult to stably detect with existing methods due to the combination of satellites with variable and unchanged SNRs. In this study, we designed a simple processing flow for selecting satellites with high probabilities of changing SNRs by using the spatial characteristics of TBSs as parameters (height, depth, and side opening orientation). We propose a method to detect the stay in TBSs using the SNR change rates of the selected satellites. As a result of evaluation experiments with three TBSs, we successfully detected the stay in TBSs with about 30% higher probability than those of an existing method.

CULTURAL MEANING AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TOWARDS SETTLEMENTS CHARACTERISTICS OF KEMIREN USING TRIBE

As built environment, development in Kemiren Village as traditional tourism village, community feels benefits. Those developments dynamically encourage changes, especially in characteristics and environmental quality, this cause of community space growth and some areas function. There is control to maintain characteristics of threat to change It is necessary to conduct study to identify settlement characteristics from cultural significance and environmental quality influence, which results can be utilize to make more appropriate directtion for traditional settlements preservation in Kemiren Village, which makes potential characteristics and environment feasibility as purpose to preserving community areas. Research conducted with rationalistic-qualitative, descriptive and exploratory methods, data collection techniques by field observations, interviews and documentation. Furthermore, data obtained will be map into tables, including mapping environmental conditions, characteristics, cultural meanings, and environmental quality. Based on evaluation analysis, settlements cultural significance reaches an average of 60%, with aesthetic, scarcity, and exceptional variables being elements that have high value of unique characteristics, caused by presence factor of Kemiren House, which has historical value and has potential to become cultural heritage building. Then the value of environmental quality, which is below an average of 50%, poses threat to physical formations, which can visually reduce aesthetic value and unusual environment of settlement.

Effects of compulsory public service on job satisfaction and loneliness in Turkish civil servants

AbstractTurkish government mandates compulsory service for public servants in Eastern Turkey. The compulsory public service cities are different from others in terms of their socio‐economic conditions as well as socio‐cultural structures. As such, these cities offer limited opportunities and an unusual cultural environment for newcomers such as those on compulsory service which will likely impact job satisfaction and loneliness. In order to examine these relationships, we conducted a survey with three hundred sixteen civil servants in Bitlis. Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale are used to measure the job satisfaction and loneliness levels, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that income, occupational sector, and social environment, occupational satisfaction, and income advantages provided by Bitlis have remarkable effects on job satisfaction scores, while gender, relationship status, income, occupational sector, the presence of people already known before coming to Bitlis, social environment advantage, and participating in social activities have significant effects on loneliness scores. In addition, negative correlation between loneliness and job satisfaction scores shows that as the job satisfaction score increases, the loneliness score decreases.

The Possibility of the Aerosol Infection of Corona Disease COVID-19—Analysis from the Viewpoint of Particle Technology—

Aerosol infection issues by COVID-19 were discussed from the viewpoint of particle technology, and the following conclusions were obtained: 1) Number of virus contained in a 10 μm droplet is very few, only 1 virus per 2000 droplets, whereas 0.5 virus in a 100 μm droplet, if 106 copies/mL of viral load in saliva is assumed. 2) Droplets larger than 100 μm can quickly settle down by gravity. 3) The possibility of aerosol infection is very low unless in unusual environments. 4) Mask is very effective, but the leakage from the space between mask and face has risk in heavy exhalation.

In-Flight Emergency: A Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine Residents.

IntroductionIn-flight medical emergencies are common occurrences that require medical professionals to manage patients in an unfamiliar setting with limited resources. Emergency medicine (EM) residents should be well prepared to care for patients in unusual environments such as on an aircraft.MethodsWe developed a simulation case for EM residents featuring a 55-year-old male passenger who suffers a cardiac arrest secondary to a tension pneumothorax. We conducted this case eight times during a 5-hour block of scheduled simulation time. Participants included EM residents of all training levels from one residency program. We arranged the simulation lab as an airplane cabin, with rows of chairs representing airplane seats and a mannequin in a window seat as the patient. Residents were expected to manage cardiac arrest and perform needle thoracostomy on the patient. Residents also evaluated and treated a flight attendant with a near syncopal episode. Throughout the case, residents were expected to practice teamwork skills, including leadership, communication, situational awareness, and resource utilization. Participants were debriefed and completed voluntary anonymous evaluations of the session.ResultsSeventeen EM residents participated in the simulation. Overall, all 17 found the simulation to be a valuable educational experience. In addition, all agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more prepared to respond to an in-flight emergency after participating in the simulation.DiscussionThis simulation was determined to be a valuable part of EM resident education. The challenges presented and skills practiced in this in-flight medical emergency simulation case are transferable to other resource-limited environments.

Oxidative Stress and Marine Carotenoids: Application by Using Nanoformulations.

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments synthesized by plants, algae, fungi and microorganisms. They are responsible for the coloration of different photosynthetic organisms. Although they play a role in photosynthesis, they are also present in non-photosynthetic plant tissues, fungi, and bacteria. These metabolites have mainly been used in food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to their utilization as pigmentation, they have significant therapeutically applications, such as improving immune system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Primarily, they have attracted attention due to their antioxidant activity. Several statistical investigations indicated an association between the use of carotenoids in diets and a decreased incidence of cancer types, suggesting the antioxidant properties of these compounds as an important factor in the scope of the studies against oxidative stress. Unusual marine environments are associated with a great chemical diversity, resulting in novel bioactive molecules. Thus, marine organisms may represent an important source of novel biologically active substances for the development of therapeutics. Marine carotenoids (astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene, lutein but also the rare siphonaxanthin, sioxanthin, and myxol) have recently shown antioxidant properties in reducing oxidative stress markers. Numerous of bioactive compounds such as marine carotenoids have low stability, are poorly absorbed, and own very limited bioavailability. The new technique is nanoencapsulation, which can be used to preserve marine carotenoids and their original properties during processing, storage, improve their physiochemical properties and increase their health-promoting effects. This review aims to describe the role of marine carotenoids, their potential applications and different types of advanced nanoformulations preventing and treating oxidative stress related disorders.

Streptomyces from traditional medicine: sources of new innovations in antibiotic discovery.

Given the increased reporting of multi-resistant bacteria and the shortage of newly approved medicines, researchers have been looking towards extreme and unusual environments as a new source of antibiotics. Streptomyces currently provides many of the world’s clinical antibiotics, so it comes as no surprise that these bacteria have recently been isolated from traditional medicine. Given the wide array of traditional medicines, it is hoped that these discoveries can provide the much sought after core structure diversity that will be required of a new generation of antibiotics. This review discusses the contribution of Streptomyces to antibiotics and the potential of newly discovered species in traditional medicine. We also explore how knowledge of traditional medicines can aid current initiatives in sourcing new and chemically diverse antibiotics.