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Acetamiprid (ACMP) is a neonicotinoid insecticide that poses a significant threat to the environment and mankind. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are considered prime contributors to ACMP-induced toxic effects. Meanwhile, berberine (BBR) a natural plant alkaloid, is a topic of interest because of its therapeutic and prophylactic actions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of BBR on ACMP-mediated alterations in mitochondrial functions and apoptosis in rat liver tissue. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (I) control, (II) BBR-treated, (III) ACMP-exposed, and (IV) BBR+ACMP co-treated groups. The doses of BBR (150 mg/kg b.wt) and ACMP (1/10 of LD50, i.e., 21.7 mg/kg b.wt) were given intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. The results showed that the administration of ACMP diminished mitochondrial complex activity, downregulated complex I (ND1 and ND2) and complex IV (COX1 and COX4) subunit mRNA expression, depleted the antioxidant defense system, and induced apoptosis in rat liver. BBR pre-treatment significantly attenuated ACMP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by maintaining mitochondrial complex activity and upregulating ND1, ND2, COX1, and COX4 mRNA expression. BBR reversed ACMP-mediated apoptosis by diminishing Bax and caspase-3 and increasing the Bcl-2 protein level. BBR also improved the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system by upregulating mRNA expression of PGC-1α, MnSOD, and UCP-2 in rat liver tissue. This study is the first to evaluate the protective potential of BBR against pesticide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in liver tissue. In conclusion, BBR offers protection against ACMP-induced impairment in mitochondrial functions by maintaining the antioxidant level and modulating the apoptotic cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetamiprid (ACMP) is an extensively used neonicotinoid pesticide to control sucking and chewing insects and is known to cause nontarget toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of berberine (BBR)—a polyphenolic alkaloid‐ on ACMP‐induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctioning, and structural changes in different rat brain regions. The male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, that is, control, BBR‐treated (150 mg/kg b.wt), ACMP‐exposed (21.7 mg/kg b.wt) and BBR + ACMP co‐treated; and were dosed intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. Results of the biochemical analysis showed that BBR significantly ameliorated ACMP‐induced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation along with a marked increase in endogenous antioxidants and lowered AChE activity in rat brain regions. Inside mitochondria, BBR significantly attenuated the toxic effects of ACMP by increasing the activity of mitochondrial complexes. Findings of polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated the modulatory effects of BBR against ACMP‐mediated downregulation of ND1, ND2, COX1, and COX4 subunits of mitochondrial complexes. The histopathological and ultrastructural examination also validated the biochemical and transcriptional alterations following toxicity of ACMP exposure and the protective potential of BBR against ACMP‐induced neurotoxicity. Thus, the present study indicates the promising ameliorative potential of BBR against ACMP‐induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidative and modulatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetoin is an important bio-product useful in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. Microbial fermentation is the major process for the production of bioacetoin, as the petroleum resources used in chemical methods are depleting day by day. Bioacetoin production using wild microorganisms is an easy, eco-friendly and economical method for the production of bioacetoin. In the present study, culture conditions and nutritional requirements were optimized for bioacetoin production by a wild and non-pathogenic strain of B. subtilis subsp. subtilis JJBS250. The bacterial culture produced maximum bioacetoin (259 mg L−1) using peptone (3%) and sucrose (2%) at 30 °C, 150 rpm and pH 7.0 after 24 h. Further supplementation of combinatorial nitrogen sources, i.e., peptone (1%) and urea (0.5%), resulted in enhanced titre of bioacetoin (1017 mg L−1) by the bacterial culture. An approximately 46.22–fold improvement in bioacetoin production was achieved after the optimization process. The analysis of samples using thin layer chromatography confirmed the presence of bioacetoin in the culture filtrate. The enzymatic hydrolysate was obtained by saccharification of pretreated rice straw and sugarcane bagasse using cellulase from Myceliophthora thermophila. Fermentation of the enzymatic hydrolysate (3%) of pretreated rice straw and sugarcane bagasse by the bacterial culture resulted in 210 and 473.17 mgL−1 bioacetoin, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysates supplemented with peptone as a nitrogen source showed a two to four-fold improvement in the production of bioacetoin. Results have demonstrated the utility of wild type B. subtilis subsp. subtilis JJBS250 as a potential source for economical bioacetoin production by making use of renewable and cost-effective lignocellulosic substrate. Therefore, this study will help in the sustainable management of agricultural waste for the industrial production of bioacetoin, and in combating environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species diversity, guild and current status of the avifauna in the Sultanpur National Park, Haryana was investigated during January 2018 to June 2019. The line transects method with constant length and variable width was used in the study. The presence of 111 species of birds belonging to 90 genera, 42 families and 17 orders were observed. Non-passerine bird species dominated over the passerine bird species in relative diversity. Data of residential status revealed that 82 species were resident and rest 29 were either winter or summer migrants. Sultanpur National Park supported 41 (36.9%) omnivorous, 29 (26.1%) carnivorous, 24 (21.6%) insectivorous, 9 (8.1%) granivorous, 6 (5.4%) frugivorous and 2 (1.8%) nectarivorous birds. It was further reported that Sultanpur National Park supported 1 endangered, 1 vulnerable and 6 near threatened species of birds. Analysis of population status as per IUCN revealed that 35 species were having stable, 32 decreasing, 25 increasing, 19 had unknown population trend. It is hoped that the study will be helpful in drawing attention, of the public and state government towards conservation of the Sultanpur National Park and, protection of its avian fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian diversity of Tilyar Lake (28.883-28.879 0N & 76.637 -76.634 0E) located on the eastern outskirts of Rohtak, Haryana was conducted from May 2017 to April 2018. A total of 73 avian species belonging to 62 genera and 31 families under 15 orders was observed. Order Passeriformes with 21 species in 12 families dominated the avifauna whereas orders Bucerotiformes, Podicipediformes, and Psittaciformes were poorly represented with a single species each. Family Anatidae was the most dominant representing 13.89% (n=10) of the total species recorded. Among the reported species 75% (n=54) were resident while 25% (n=18) were migrant. Common Pochard Aythya ferina assessed globally as Vulnerable, while Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster and Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus are assessed as Near Threatened, whereas the rest of the species were in the Least Concern category of the IUCN Red List 2019. The omnivorous feeding habit was shown by the maximum number of species while frugivorous and granivorous bird species were in the least numbers. The rich avifaunal diversity of the Tilyar Lake confirms it as a suitable habitat for both resident and migrant bird species. Therefore, the present study suggests the need for incorporation of appropriate protective measures for conservation of the avian heritage of Tilyar Lake, Rohtak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare cancer involving clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells (LCs) resembling epidermal dendritic cells. It can involve any organ or system. Temporal bone LCH is often confused with ear inflammatory lesions and malignant tumors. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. The definitive diagnosis is made on biopsy and by immunohistochemical demonstration of CD 1a and or Langerin positivity in the clonally neoplastic cells. The course of LCH is variable from spontaneous regression to repeated recurrences and death. The main form of treatment is chemotherapy. We describe a case of multifocal multisystem LCH in a 4-year-old child who presented with recurrent chronic suppurative otitis media and an external auditory canal polyp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hersilia orvakalensis (Araneae, Hersiliidae) is recorded for the first time from district Sirsa Haryana, India. Throughout the world this spider has been reported from India only from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. The species is identified and described on the basis of morphological characters and the structure of female genitalia. Currently the genus Hersilia has a total of 78 described species worldwide (World Spider Catalogue 2017, version 18.5). India represents 6 species of the genus Hersilia. This documentation of the Hersilia species suggests the extension of its distribution range in North India as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fauna of tribe Coccinellini from subfamily Coccinellinae (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) of Haryana, India was studied from May, 2015 to July, 2017. A total of seven species from five genera Anegleis cardoni (Weise), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, Coccinella transversalis Fabricius, Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus) were recorded. Among these one new record Aneglies cardoni (Weise) is added to the fauna of Haryana. Keys to all the genera of the tribe and species are also generated. All the species are described on the basis of coloured plate of the adults, coxal lines, antenna and the structure of the male genitalia. Taxonomic study of the tribe Coccinellini has been taken up for the first time from Haryana, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidacloprid (IMD), 1(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl)-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine, was administered in female mice to studyin vivocytogenetic (chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus assay) and hematological effects. The acute oral LD50was determined to be 150 mg/kg bw in mice following OECD guidelines using AOT StatPgm425 software. The mice were administered orally with distilled water (negative control); mitomycin C (MMC), 1 mg/kg (positive control) and sub-lethal doses of 37.5 (low), 75.0 (medium) and 112.5 (high) mg/kg bw (25%, 50% and 75% of LD50) of IMD to analyze CAs and hematological effects after 24 h, whereas micronucleus test (MT) after 48 h. The genotoxicity analysis revealed that selected test doses of IMD – medium and high doses – induced significantly mitotic inhibition (p < 0.01), CAs (p < 0.01) and at high dose micronucleus (MN) formation (p < 0.05). Significant changes in red blood cell (RBC;p < 0.01), hemoglobin (Hb;p < 0.01) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR;p < 0.001) were observed, except WBC in which significant increase (p < 0.001) was observed. Present observation substantiates overall significant dose dependent genotoxic potential (p < 0.05;r = 0.98) of IMD. Precautions should be taken to minimize possible risk to exposed farmers of the state of Haryana (India) – an agrarian economy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phytases are important enzymes used for eliminating the anti-nutritional properties of phytic acid in food and feed ingredients. Phytic acid is major form of organic phosphorus stored during seed setting. Monogastric animals cannot utilize this phytate-phosphorus due to lack of necessary enzymes. Therefore, phytic acid excretion is responsible for mineral deficiency and phosphorus pollution. Phytases have been reported from diverse microorganisms, however, fungal phytases are preferred due to their unique properties. Aspergillus species are the predominant producers of phytases and have been explored widely as compared to other fungi. Solid-state fermentation has been studied as an economical process for the production of phytases to utilize various agro-industrial residues. Mixed substrate fermentation has also been reported for the production of phytases. Physical and chemical parameters including pH, temperature, and concentrations of media components have significantly affected the production of phytases in solid state fermentation. Fungi produced high levels of phytases in solid state fermentation utilizing economical substrates. Optimization of culture conditions using different approaches has significantly improved the production of phytases. Fungal phytases are histidine acid phosphatases exhibiting broad substrate specificity, are relatively thermostable and protease-resistant. These phytases have been found effective in dephytinization of food and feed samples with concomitant liberation of minerals, sugars and soluble proteins. Additionally, they have improved the growth of plants by increasing the availability of phosphorus and other minerals. Furthermore, phytases from fungi have played an important roles in bread making, semi-synthesis of peroxidase, biofuel production, production of myo-inositol phosphates and management of environmental pollution. This review article describes the production of fungal phytases in solid state fermentation and their biotechnological applications., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)