Conidiation Color Mutants of Aspergillus fumigatus Are Highly Pathogenic to the Heterologous Insect Host Galleria mellonella

The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been widely used as a heterologous host for a number of fungal pathogens including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. A positive correlation in pathogenicity of these yeasts in this insect model and animal models has been observed. However, very few studies have evaluated the possibility of applying this heterologous insect model to investigate virulence traits of the filamentous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, the leading cause of invasive aspergillosis. Here, we have examined the impact of mutations in genes involved in melanin biosynthesis on the pathogenicity of A. fumigatus in the G. mellonella model. Melanization in A. fumigatus confers bluish-grey color to conidia and is a known virulence factor in mammal models. Surprisingly, conidial color mutants in B5233 background that have deletions in the defined six-gene cluster required for DHN-melanin biosynthesis caused enhanced insect mortality compared to the parent strain. To further examine and confirm the relationship between melanization defects and enhanced virulence in the wax moth model, we performed random insertional mutagenesis in the Af293 genetic background to isolate mutants producing altered conidia colors. Strains producing conidia of previously identified colors and of novel colors were isolated. Interestingly, these color mutants displayed a higher level of pathogenicity in the insect model compared to the wild type. Although some of the more virulent color mutants showed increased resistance to hydrogen peroxide, overall phenotypic characterizations including secondary metabolite production, metalloproteinase activity, and germination rate did not reveal a general mechanism accountable for the enhanced virulence of these color mutants observed in the insect model. Our observations indicate instead, that exacerbated immune response of the wax moth induced by increased exposure of PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) may cause self-damage that results in increased mortality of larvae infected with the color mutants. The current study underscores the limitations of using this insect model for inferring the pathogenic potential of A. fumigatus strains in mammals, but also points to the importance of understanding the innate immunity of the insect host in providing insights into the pathogenicity level of different fungal strains in this model. Additionally, our observations that melanization defective color mutants demonstrate increased virulence in the insect wax moth, suggest the potential of using melanization defective mutants of native insect fungal pathogens in the biological control of insect populations

Performance of wild-serbian ganoderma lucidum mycelium in treating synthetic sewage loading using batch bioreactor

The fluctuation of domestic wastewater characteristic inhibits the current conventional microbial-based treatment. The bioremediation fungi has received attention and reported to be an effective alternative to treat industrial wastewater. Similar efficient performance is envisaged for domestic wastewater whereby assessed performance of fungi for varying carbon-to-nitrogen ratios in domestic wastewater is crucial. Thus, the performance of pre-grown wild-Serbian Ganoderma lucidum mycelial pellets (GLMPs) was evaluated on four different synthetic domestic wastewaters under different conditions of initial pH (pH 4, 5, and 7) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen (COD/N) ratio of 3.6:1, 7.1:1, 14.2:1, and 17.8:1 (C3.6N1, C7.1N1, C14.2N1, and C17.8N1). The COD/N ratios with a constant concentration of ammonia–nitrogen (NH3–N) were chosen on the basis of the urban domestic wastewater characteristics sampled at the inlet basin of a sewage treatment plant (STP). The parameters of pH, COD, and NH3–N were measured periodically during the experiment. The wild-Serbian GLMPs efficiently removed the pollutants from the synthetic sewage. The COD/N ratio of C17.8N1 wastewater had the best COD and NH3–N removal, as compared to the lower COD/N ratio, and the shortest treatment time was obtained in an acidic environment at pH 4. The highest percentage for COD and NH3–N removal achieved was 96.0% and 93.2%, respectively. The results proved that the mycelium of GLMP has high potential in treating domestic wastewater, particularly at high organic content as a naturally sustainable bioremediation system

Conceptual Study of Efficacy of Virtual Learning

The target of online test is to guarantee that evaluation providers can embrace the altogether affect in setting from isolated i.e., offline to online cycles. The online business is developing swiftly, and factors like comfort, adaptability, expanded reach, and customization are shaping its enactment. Spread out assessment techniques are advancing towards immersion and would be archaic. Enlightening associations across the globe have closed on account of the COVID-19 pandemic risking the insightful timetables. While nations are at various stages in their COVID-19 contamination rates, for the most part there are at present more than 1.2 billion youngsters in 186 nations impacted by school terminations because of the pandemic. Thus, coaching has changed drastically, with the undeniable ascent of e-learning, by which instructing is embraced on automated stages. Virtual Learning is a consolidated school environment where students can apply for affirmation over the web, pursue the classes after attestation, access a complete course, venture through assessments and team up with the educators as well as their fellow mates. It is a mechanism for administrators, educators and students for playing out their commitments swiftly. Virtual learning cultivates the purpose of virtual schooling.</jats:p

Morphometric Study of Scapular Index in South Indian Population: An Observational Study

Introduction: Scapula is a flat, triangular bone forming very important shoulder joint and with the evolution it has undergone modifications especially in its shape. It can be best studied with the help of Scapular Index (SI)-which denotes the relationship of breadth of the scapula to the length of the scapular bone. Aim: To determine the morphometric dimensions and SI in South Indian population and to compare it with various ethnic groups and laterality. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective observational study utilised a total of 98 scapulae of both right and left sides from South Indian population available over a period of one year in the Department of Anatomy of tertiary care centre. The relationship of Scapular Length (SL) with its breadth was expressed as the SI. The obtained values are analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 21.0. Mean, ratio, percentage and standard deviations were applied and results were analysed. Results: The breadth of the scapula ranged from 83-112 mm and the mean value was 96.71±6.98 mm. The length of scapula ranges from 104.5-165 mm and the mean value was 136±13.52 mm. The SI was ranging from 55.62-87.08 and the mean value was 71.46±5.64. The Infraspinous Index (IB), ranged from 68.42- 121.33 and the mean value was 94.14±10.98. Conclusion: The morphometric data of the present study can be not only in comparative anatomy between the different races, but also between the subpopulations of our country also. The data of the present study can be useful for manufacturing various prosthetic products, for procedures such as prosthetic positioning of scapula and also in various surgical maneuvers such as screw fixations, replacements of the shoulder joint in our subset of population for various medical fields such as Orthopaedics.</jats:p