Worm Growth Research Articles

Stress of soil moisture and temperature exacerbates the toxicity of tire wear particles to soil fauna: Tracking the role of additives through host microbiota

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are considered as an emerging threat to soil fauna. However, how TWP toxicity to soil fauna responds to the stress of soil moisture and temperature remains unclear. We assessed the toxicity of environmentally relevant TWPs to the soil model species Enchytraeus crypticus under three soil moisture and two temperature gradients. Typical thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) was selected for comparison. Results showed that compared with PP, TWPs exerted stronger toxicity, including decreasing the worm growth, survival and reproduction rates, disturbing the soil and worm gut microbiota, and leaching more diverse and higher contents of additives. Stress of soil moisture and temperature exacerbated TWP toxicity mainly through affecting the leaching and transformation of additives. Fourteen mediated additives significantly contributed to the shift of the gut microbiota under soil moisture and temperature stress, among which 1,3-diphenylguanidine, N,N'-bis(methylphenyl)−1,4-benzenediamine quinone, N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, and 2-aminobenzothiazole were identified as the main drivers. In addition, this study provided the first clear evidence that increased soil moisture and temperature promoted the transformation of additives in the soil. Our study revealed the non-negligible aggravated toxicity of TWPs to soil fauna under stress of soil moisture and temperature, providing novel insights into the environmental behavior of additives.

Construction and validation of a novel multi-epitope in silico vaccine design against the paramyosin protein of Opisthorchis viverrini using immunoinformatics analyses

Liver fluke infection caused by Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) remains a significant but neglected health threat across Southeastern Asia. The early infective anabolic growth stage of O. viverrini expresses and exposes proteins integral for the growth and maturation of immature worms to the adult catabolic stage. Among these proteins, paramyosin emerged as a distinct immunogenic protein during opisthorchiasis. The functional region of the paramyosin protein known as myosin tail was selected to design a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) to elicit T and B cell immune responses in susceptible human hosts utilizing various immunoinformatics and in silico vaccinology tools. The vaccine candidate had several B- and T-cell epitopes that stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, in silico structural, docking, and dynamic analyses showed that the construct interacted with target immune receptors effectively, which may result in sufficient immunological stimulation. Analysis of simulated coverage efficacy also supports vaccine application in the field. Cloning and expression of the vaccine candidate were determined to be viable based on physicochemical and in silico assessments. These results reveal that the vaccine candidate developed herein is stable and potentially useful in addressing opisthorchiasis. The promising result of this study establishes a strong platform for initiating laboratory and efficacy trials for the vaccine candidate.

Combination between Composting and Vermicomposting of OFMSW: A Sicilian Case Study

In nature, earthworms process enormous quantities of plant debris, ingesting and converting them into vermicast, the final product of their digestion process. Vermicast is widely recognized as an organic fertilizer suitable for plants, usually obtained from the transformation of animal manure. Indeed, controlled vermicomposting of the organic fraction from municipal solid waste (OFMSW) has yielded contradictory results, limiting the extension of laboratory results to larger-scale initiatives. This study aims to analyze a combined composting–vermicomposting process using Eisenia fetida (also known as Californian red worm) for the treatment of OFMSW (containing different impurities, such as heavy metals), mixed with a suitable substrate for earthworms, consisting of a blend of animal bedding and pre-selected food scraps (SOM—pre-selected organic material). Different fractions from a municipal composting plant were tested for the biological process: raw OFMSW, pre-composted (PC, organic matrix that has completed the thermophilic biodegradation phase), and compost (C). Laboratory tests involved five different applications with varying mixing proportions, partly aided by the addition of OM. The physical–chemical parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, moisture) and worm growth rate in the different treatments were measured and compared. The results showed that the process improved the quality of the final product, especially for the selected matrices, and revealed a significant reduction in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (lower than 14 in all tests) when vermicomposting was applied to the mixed matrices and SOM. Worms increased during the process in net weight and growth rate, even if there was an accumulation of heavy metals in the “worm tea”. Worm mass reached a little over double the initial value in all tests (from 200 g to more than 500 g in the SOM test), except for an increase of only 87% in the OFMSW test, while heavy metal content in the solid matrix was reduced in all tests compared to the starting content.

Developmental stage dependent effects of posterior and germline regeneration on sexual maturation in Platynereis dumerilii

Regeneration, regrowing lost and injured body parts, is an ability that generally declines with age or developmental transitions (i.e. metamorphosis, sexual maturation). Regeneration is also an energetically costly process, and trade-offs occur between regeneration and other costly processes such as growth, or sexual reproduction. Here we investigate the interplay of regeneration, reproduction, and developmental stage in the segmented worm Platynereis dumerilii. P. dumerilii can regenerate its whole posterior body axis, along with its reproductive cells, thereby having to carry out the two costly processes (somatic and germ cell regeneration) after injury. We specifically examine how developmental stage affects the success of germ cell regeneration and sexual maturation in developmentally young versus developmentally old organisms. We hypothesized that developmentally younger individuals (i.e. with gametes in early mitotic stages) will have higher regeneration success than the individuals at developmentally older stages (i.e. with gametes undergoing meiosis and maturation). Surprisingly, older amputated worms grew faster and matured earlier than younger amputees. To analyze germ cell regeneration during and after posterior regeneration, we used Hybridization Chain Reaction for the germline marker vasa. We found that regenerated worms start repopulating new segments with germ cell clusters as early as 14 days post amputation. In addition, vasa expression is observed in a wide region of newly-regenerated segments, which appears different from expression patterns during normal growth or regeneration in worms before gonial cluster expansion.

Supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal has potential to maintain growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands in South Africa

Supplementing livestock grazing communal rangelands with leaf-meals from Acacia trees, which are currently considered as problematic invasive alien plants globally, may be a sustainable way of exploiting their desirable nutritional and anthelmintic properties. The current study evaluated worm burdens and growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands supplemented with leaf-meals prepared from the invasive alien plant species; Acacia mearnsii or A. dealbata. Forty, three-month-old ewe lambs weighing an average of 18.9 ± 0.60 kg were randomly allocated to four supplementary diets: (1) rangeland hay only (control), (2) commercial protein supplement plus rangeland hay, (3) A. mearnsii leaf-meal plus rangeland hay and (4) A. dealbata leaf-meal plus rangeland hay. All the supplementary diets were formulated to meet the lambs’ minimum maintenance requirements for protein. All the lambs were grazed on communal rangelands daily from 0800 to 1400 after which they were penned to allow them access to their respective supplementary diets until 08:00 the following morning. The respective supplementary diets were offered at the rate of 400 g ewe− 1 day− 1 for 60 days. Lambs fed the commercial protein supplement had the highest dry matter intake followed by those fed the Acacia leaf-meals and the control diet, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Relative to the other supplementary diets, lambs fed the commercial protein supplement and A. dealbata leaf-meal had higher (P ≤ 0.05) final body weight and average daily gains. Dietary supplementation did not affect lamb faecal worm egg counts over the study period (P > 0.05). There was no association between supplementary diets and lamb FAMACHA© scores (P > 0.05). It was concluded that supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii has the potential to emulate commercial protein in maintaining growth performance of lambs grazing communal rangelands in the dry season.

Aplikasi Tepung Biji Pepaya sebagai Alternatif Obat Herbal dalam Pengendalian Penyakit Cacingan pada Sapi Potong

This research aims to analyze the potential of Papaya Seed Flour as an Alternative to Herbal Deworming Medicine in Controlling Worm Disease in Beef Cattle. The research was carried out in Paseh District, Sumedang Regency in January 2024. This research was carried out experimentally. The sampling technique was carried out using purposive random sampling. This research used bulls, aged around 1-1.5 years. This research uses a Pre-test Post-test Control Group Design. The research sample consisted of 10 penned bulls. Before the cow is given treatment in the form of giving the herbal medicine papaya seed flour (Pre-treatment), the cow's feces are taken to be identified and the number of worm eggs infecting the digestive tract is counted. The treatment given is in the form of administering herbal medicine from papaya seed flour (TBP) at a dose of 5g/head, for 3 consecutive days within a period of one week, then testing feces samples (post-treatment) to test the effectiveness of the herbal medicine in reducing levels of and the number of infecting worms. The test parameters in this study were the number of EPGs before and after administration of TBP and FECR until seven days after treatment ended. The research results showed that Papaya Seed Flour has the potential to be an alternative herbal worm medicine in suppressing the growth of digestive tract worms in cattle significantly (p<0.05) with an FECR value reaching 76.9%.

Effects of culture salinity on growth and reproduction of the polychaete Dendronereis chipolini

Dendronereis chipolini is an important brackish water polychaete and has been wildly used as fattening feed for marine shrimp broodstocks. Investigation into the effects of salinity on performance of this worm species is fundamental for the development of mass culture procedure to produce feed for fattening shrimp broodstock and reduce pressure on wild catch. The study was conducted in a tank system with an area of 0.25 m2 in which the young worms (0.9±0.2 cm in length and 0.007±0.003 g in body weight) were stocked at 100 inds/tank. Four salinity treatments, including 15, 20, 25, 30 ppt, were designed with three replicates each. The worms were fed once a day at 9 am with commercial shrimp feed at a rate of 3% body weight. After 150 days of rearing, the fastest growth of worms was recorded in 20 ppt. The survival rate was also higher in 20 ppt but no significant difference was found (p>0.05) between treatments. Higher absolute fecundity (103,890±17,389 and 112,740±22,328 eggs/female) was recorded at 20 and 25 ppt, respectively. The males in 20 ppt also produced a higher number of sperms. Overall, the polychaete D. chipolini reared at 20 ppt performed higher growth, survival and reproduction rates.

Polyethylene glycol as an improved barrier to prevent fleeing in C. elegans.

Caenorhabditis elegans studies can be constrained by worms escaping standard solid nematode growth medium (NGM) plates. When worms are in search of food or are avoiding pathogens, chemicals, and environmental stressors, they often exhibit a behavior known as "fleeing". Palmitic acid (PA) is sometimes used as a barrier "fence" to reduce fleeing under limited food and oxygen conditions. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of palmitic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and copper as potential barriers to reduce fleeing under various environmental conditions. Our results indicate that PA and PEG each reduce fasted flee rate and do not obviously alter overall health and lifespan of the worms, while copper blunts worm growth and development. We also find that PEG is a more optimal tool than PA since it is more effective in fasted conditions, reduces flee rate in a pathogenic environment, and does not alter worm size.

VARIASI TANAMAN AIR SEBAGAI MEDIA UNTUK PERTUMBUHAN CACING SUTRA (Tubifex sp.) DENGAN SISTEM RESIRKULASI AIR

Silk worms is very popular and effective feed for fish larvae or fish seeds because of their high nutritional value such as protein, fat, minerals, vitamin B12, amino acids and unsaturated fats to fulfill the nutritional needs for the growth of fish seeds. This study aims to analyze the differences in water plants as a media cultivation silk worm to the growth of silk worms and to analyze water plants suitable as a media for silk worm that is able to provide high growth. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) using 5 treatments and 3 repetitions, that is treatment A 100% mud, treatment B 50% mud + 50% apu wood, treatment C 50% mud + 50% kiambang, treatment D 50% mud + 50% water hyacinth and treatment E 50% mud + 50% genjer. The results of the study, treatment C 50% mud + 50% kiambang is the best for growth in long and weight of biomass. The results of the analysis of water quality are still in the optimal range for silk worm cultivation: 26,5oC-26,5oC, DO 2,50-4,32 mg/L, pH 6,19-6,11 dan ammonia 0,01mg/L.

Protective efficacy of six recombinant proteins as vaccine candidates against Echinococcus granulosus in dogs.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the infection of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.), one of the most harmful zoonotic helminths worldwide. Infected dogs are the major source of CE transmission. While praziquantel-based deworming is a main measure employed to control dog infections, its efficacy is at times compromised by the persistent high rate of dog re-infection and the copious discharge of E. granulosus eggs into the environment. Therefore, the dog vaccine is a welcome development, as it offers a substantial reduction in the biomass of E. granulosus. This study aimed to use previous insights into E. granulosus functional genes to further assess the protective efficacy of six recombinant proteins in dogs using a two-time injection vaccination strategy. We expressed and combined recombinant E. granulosus triosephosphate isomerase (rEgTIM) with annexin B3 (rEgANXB3), adenylate kinase 1 (rEgADK1) with Echinococcus protoscolex calcium binding protein 1 (rEgEPC1), and fatty acid-binding protein (rEgFABP) with paramyosin (rEgA31). Beagle dogs received two subcutaneous vaccinations mixed with Quil-A adjuvant, and subsequently orally challenged with protoscoleces two weeks after booster vaccination. All dogs were sacrificed for counting and measuring E. granulosus tapeworms at 28 days post-infection, and the level of serum IgG was detected by ELISA. Dogs vaccinated with rEgTIM&rEgANXB3, rEgADK1&rEgEPC1, and rEgFABP-EgA31 protein groups exhibited significant protectiveness, with a worm reduction rate of 71%, 57%, and 67%, respectively, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the vaccinated groups exhibited an inhibition of worm growth, as evidenced by a reduction in body length and width (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the level of IgG in the vaccinated dogs was significantly higher than that of the control dogs (P < 0.05). These verified candidates may be promising vaccines for the prevention of E. granulosus infection in dogs following two injections. The rEgTIM&rEgANXB3 co-administrated vaccine underscored the potential for the highest protective efficacy and superior protection stability for controlling E. granulosus infections in dogs.

Large-scale growth of C. elegans and isolation of membrane protein complexes.

Purification of membrane proteins for biochemical and structural studies is commonly achieved by recombinant overexpression in heterologous cell lines. However, many membrane proteins do not form a functional complex in a heterologous system, and few methods exist to purify sufficient protein from a native source for use in biochemical, biophysical and structural studies. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the isolation of membrane protein complexes from transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. We describe how to grow a genetically modified C. elegans line in abundance using standard laboratory equipment, and how to optimize purification conditions on a small scale using fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography. Optimized conditions can then be applied to a large-scale preparation, enabling the purification of adequate quantities of a target protein for structural, biochemical and biophysical studies. Large-scale worm growth can be accomplished in ~9 d, and each optimization experiment can be completed in less than 1 d. We have used these methods to isolate the transmembrane channel-like protein 1 complex, as well as three additional protein complexes (transmembrane-like channel 2, lipid transfer protein and 'Protein S'), from transgenic C. elegans, demonstrating the utility of this approach in purifying challenging, low-abundance membrane protein complexes.

Comparative Survey of Parasites of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs in North-Western Nigeria

Aims: The aims of this survey were to isolate, identify, classify and compare parasitic infestation of Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina state. Also to investigated the prevalence and infestation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina.&#x0D; Study Design: The research was conducted in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs, Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was to compare the parasitic prevalence in Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoir. Three landing sites were selected from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs namely A, B, and C. landing site A water entrance, B middle of the water and C end of the reservoir. Five experimental fish samples were purchased from artisanal fisherman from three sample sites of Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs for the duration of 6 months. Length and weight of fish samples were measured before parasite examination. Isolated parasite was identified using standard keys. Prevalence and incidence were analysed using descriptive statistic.&#x0D; Place and Period of the Study: Fish samples were obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs Katsina State. Live experimental fish samples were transported to the Biological Laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State in a plastic container filled with water for identification, before parasitic examination. Experimental samples of various sizes were sampled between June, 2020 and September, 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 180 live fish samples of males and females Clarias gariepinus; were randomly obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs. Experimental samples were range between 10.0-15.0cm fry, 15.1-20.0cm fingerlings, 20.0-25.0cm juveniles and 21.0-30.0cm adults. The skin, the gastrointestinal tract of the fish was examined for the presence of parasite, using standard procedures. Examination of the gastrointestinal parasites was done using light microscope for exposure of parasitic worm’s presences. The different experimental fish samples were cut separately to expose the gastrointestinal area. The stomach and intestine region tract were cut off and divided into two portions comprising of the intestine and stomach. The stomach and intestine region was used for worms examination subsequently this is where sustenance is record abundant for the parasitic fauna. Investigation of the skin, fins and gills was done using hand lens for exposure of parasitic appearances. Gills were successively cut out and inserted into isolated petri dishes and detected with a hand lens for parasites identification.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence in female specimens of C. gariepinus 29 (58.00%) was higher than that of the males 20 (50.00%) in Ajiwa reservoir while in Zobe the prevalence in male specimens of C. gariepinus 22 (46.80%) was higher than that of the females 20 (46.52%). Occurrence and mean intensity of parasitic infection were higher in samples in the Zobe reservoir than those in the Ajiwa reservoir.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study displayed that the parasitic burdens were higher in C. gariepinus in Zobe environment compared to those obtained from Ajiwa environment. For that reason it was suggested that the stomach and intestinal tract collected from C. gariepinus from the survey region, have to be properly discarded instead of consumption to prevent the spread of infections from fish to human being. It is significant to regulate discharge of waste a round water bodies that will reduce possible actions that may backing a growth in parasitic worms in the environs.

Effects of Rearing Density, Substrate Height, and Feeding Frequency on Growth and Biomass Production of Hediste diversicolor

The polychaete Hediste diversicolor is a suitable species for industrial aquaculture; however, cost-effective culture techniques need to be developed for its intensive production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of worm density and substrate height and their interaction, as well as feeding frequency, on the rearing performance of H. diversicolor. Two trials were conducted. In trial 1, the effects of two substrate heights—6 and 12 cm—and two rearing densities—1000 and 4000 individuals m−2—were assessed in terms of worm growth and biomass production. Worm initial wet weight was 48 mg, and specimens were fed with commercial fish feed during a 70-day assay. The results show no interaction between rearing density and substrate height, and confirm density as a key factor in growth; however, a density of 4000 individuals m−2 results in a significant increase in production (final biomass three times higher for the highest rearing density) without affecting survival. In trial 2, the effect of three levels of feeding frequency—seven days a week; three times a week; and once a week—on growth in individuals of three weight classes—small (25–50 mg); medium (100–150 mg); large (250–350 mg)—was evaluated in a 15-day growing assay. Feeding frequency showed a major influence on the smallest size class, with the best growth indicators obtained at the highest feeding frequency. This study shows that Hediste diversicolor can be reared at a high stocking density to obtain a higher biomass production, and that feeding frequency must be considered as an important factor and adapted to the culture phase.

Organic residue valorization for Ethiopian agriculture through vermicomposting with native (Eudrilus eugeniae) and exotic (Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei) earthworms

Vermicomposting has recently been shown to be an efficient recycling technology that would improve the quality of the final product by stimulating the microbial community. However, the efficacy of vermicomposting process, as well as the microbial biomass and community structure during this bioconversion process, depend on earthworm species and type of substrate ingested. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of native (Eudrilus eugeniae) and exotic (Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei) earthworms in Ethiopia on nutrient transformation and microbial dynamics and enzymatic activity during vermicomposting of substrates from mixed agricultural wastes. Earthworm inoculation transformed the wastes into a nutrient-rich humified vermicompost with a significant reduction in pH, TOC and C:N ratios (twofold reduction compared to non-composted substrates). An increase in worm growth and cocoon production were shown in substrates of cow manure mixed with soybean and banana residues (CM + SB) after gut transit through Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida. Cow manure mixed with maize and soybean residues (CM + MS) were found suitable for Eisenia andrei. The same substrate and earthworm species resulted in the highest nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, and S) and higher C loss (up to 77% of the initial C) with lower N loss (<9%) compared to non-composted substrates. A considerable increase in microbial biomass, β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase activity (two times more than control) was obtained in substrates of CM + SB using Eudrilus eugeniae. The PLFA analysis indicated that earthworms increased Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, actinomycetes, AMF, fungi18:1, and protozoan population, while they reduced fungal community (fungi18:2 and fungi18:3) compared to uninoculated control. In conclusion, vermicomposting earthworms could potentially valorize substrates from agricultural wastes into nutrient-rich and microbially improved vermicomposts.

Growth patterns of palaeoscolecid sclerites from the Furongian (upper Cambrian) Wangcun section, western Hunan, South China

In a strict sense, palaeoscolecids are a group of cycloneuralian worms (ecdysozoans) characterized by the tessellation of trunk sclerites, which are differentiated into plates, platelets, and microplates. The Wangcun section in western Hunan, South China, which represents the Furongian Series (upper Cambrian), has yielded a rich and diverse collection of palaeoscolecids. However, there is uncertainty about how the morphology and arrangement of their sclerites change during ontogeny and the potential taxonomic implications of these changes. Here, we report new phosphatized trunk fragments from the Wangcun section, which are assigned to Dispinoscolex decorus, Hunanoscolex campus (= Ornatoscolex hunanensis), and Schistoscolex hunanensis. Trunk fragments of the same species with different diameter indicate the presence of several ontogenetic stages, and careful assessment revealed two types of sclerite growth patterns. One is represented by D. decorus and possibly also by S. hunanensis, in which the worm growth is accompanied mainly by the enlargement of the plates, with almost no change in the median annular zones and annulation boundaries. The other type is represented by H. campus, in which the worm growth is accompanied mainly by the widening of the median annular zones and annulation boundaries inserted with continuously more platelets and microplates. Because the specimens originally assigned to H. campus seem to represent late ontogenetic stages of O. hunanensis, we propose that H. campus is a senior synonym of the latter. This study underscores the importance of ontogenetic variation of sclerites for the taxonomy of palaeoscolecids, and highlights the significance of Orsten-type fossils in the study of metazoan ontogeny.

Sediment Contamination and Toxicity in the Guadalquivir River (Southwest, Spain)

A segment of the Guadalquivir River was assessed between the Alcalá del Río dam and Seville through an integrative sediment quality assessment. Chemical concentrations of metals and toxicity under laboratory conditions were used as lines of evidence. A battery of bioassays with four organisms (the amphipod Ampelisca brevicornis, the bacteria Vibrio fischeri, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, and the oligochaete Tubifex tubifex) exposed to sediment made it possible to determine the potential risk associated. The sediments from Seville and Alcalá del Río showed higher values of the concentration of most metals than the Algaba station, with Cu (35–37 µg/g), Zn (70–75 µg/g), Ni (23–26 µg/g), and Pb (27–30 µg/g) being the most abundant metals. An increasing toxicity gradient was shown downstream among the bioassays with the amphipod A. brevicornis, the fertilization test using the sea urchin P. lividus, and the freshwater worm growth T. tubifex. Conversely, an increasing toxicity gradient was shown upstream in the embryo-larval P. lividus development. The link between sediment contamination and toxicity makes it possible to obtain a gradient of contaminant concentration comparable with nationally and internationally widely accepted sediment quality guidelines in order to establish the risk associated with this area of study.

Impact of temperature variations in worm containers and nutrition amount on silk glands and silk productivity

During the feeding of mulberry silkworms, when the temperature in the larvae fluctuates sharply and the amount of nutrients fed is below or above the norm, the metabolism and physiological processes in the body are disrupted. As a result, the silk cocoon water balance, respiration, digestion and absorption of nutrients are impaired, the activity of the silk glands is impaired, creating conditions for disease-causing microorganisms. In this case, the growth of silkworms by 4 times less when the worms are fed with 50% of the norm, reducing the amount of silk in the cocoon, as the larvae survive without healthy development and the productivity of the cocoons grown. This results in a 20.0% reduction in its average weight and a 23.3% decrease in the weight of the shell. At the same time, on farms where mulberry leaves are in short supply, the cocoon yield per box of worms is 15-30 kilograms, and the quality is 14% lower. This is due to the fact that the growth of mulberry silkworms as a result of the inability of the silk gland to accumulate enough silk fluid due to underdevelopment and the satiety of the mulberry leaf significantly affect the activity of the silk gland. Feeding silkworms with high-nutrient varieties of mulberry leaves increased silkworm size by 6.9-10.1%, viability by 2.5%, total cocoons, yield by 4.5%, yield by 8 kg. In particular, a sharp change in the air temperature of the worm relative to the norm (25-26 °C) weakens the activity of the silk gland due to disruption of the growth and development process of worms. Due to the reduction of the amount of silk liquid synthesized, the viability of worms is 6.5%, the weight of the cocoon is 61.5-64.4%, the weight of the silk shell is 73.7-74.5%, the yield is 8-10 kg, and the variety is 6-12%. decrease has been scientifically proven.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПЕРЕРАБОТКИ ОРГАНИЧЕСКИХ ОТХОДОВ ДЛЯ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ БИОГУМУСА

This article highlights the technology of processing organic waste in order to obtain biohumus. The varietal composition of urban organic waste has been studied. The technology of preparation of raw materials for obtaining a high-quality substrate for further processing, which provides for the purification of the total mass of organic waste from particles of plastic, glass metal, etc., is considered. An experiment was carried out to determine the optimal composition of the substrate for «California» worms (E. Andrei), which have a high productivity. The optimal parameters of humidity and ambient temperature for the vital activity of worms are considered. In the experiment, three experimental groups were formed, which differed in the composition of organic waste. All three groups contained 40% food waste; 10% – branches, wood cuttings, grass; 10% – tea bags, coffee waste, paper and cardboard; 10% soil and 30% animal waste. In each group, animal waste was different: cattle manure, bird droppings and horse manure. The effectiveness of the varietal composition of the substrate was assessed by the increase in the productivity of «California» worms. The highest results were shown by the substrate in which cattle manure was introduced, the growth of worms in which increased by 6.5 times, the lowest results were in a mixture with the addition of bird droppings – by 5.1.

Vermicomposting of Lavender Waste: A Biological Laboratory Investigation

In the present work, lavender waste, a residue of the essential oil extract industry, was used to feed Eisenia andrei with mature horse manure at ratios of 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0 on dry weight basis. Vermicomposting was carried out for 70 days in laboratory conditions. Biological parameters such as population build-up, total biomass, mortality and cocoon production were observed and measured. Increasing concentrations of waste affected positively the growth and reproduction of worms in a significant way. The 100% lavender waste combination showed the best cocoon production and even tripled their biomass in the first week. A seed germination test was also made, where no evidence of toxicity was found. The germination index range was, in general terms, above 100. The results indicated that the earthworm E. andrei was able to transform lavender waste into compost and thus play a major role in industrial waste management and apply circular economy.

Dichloroacetate and thiamine improve survival and mitochondrial stress in a C. elegans model of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency.

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) deficiency is a recessive mitochondrial disorder caused by depletion of DLD from α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes. Caenorhabditis elegans animal models of DLD deficiency generated by graded feeding of dld-1(RNAi) revealed that full or partial reduction of DLD-1 expression recapitulated increased pyruvate levels typical of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency and significantly altered animal survival and health, with reductions in brood size, adult length, and neuromuscular function. DLD-1 deficiency dramatically increased mitochondrial unfolded protein stress response induction and adaptive mitochondrial proliferation. While ATP levels were reduced, respiratory chain enzyme activities and in vivo mitochondrial membrane potential were not significantly altered. DLD-1 depletion directly correlated with the induction of mitochondrial stress and impairment of worm growth and neuromuscular function. The safety and efficacy of dichloroacetate, thiamine, riboflavin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR), l-carnitine, and lipoic acid supplemental therapies empirically used for human DLD disease were objectively evaluated by life span and mitochondrial stress response studies. Only dichloroacetate and thiamine showed individual and synergistic therapeutic benefits. Collectively, these C. elegans dld-1(RNAi) animal model studies demonstrate the translational relevance of preclinical modeling of disease mechanisms and therapeutic candidates. Results suggest that clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dichloroacetate and thiamine in human DLD disease.