Bio-concentration of hazardous metals in migrant shorebirds in a key conservation reserve and adjoining areas on the west coast of India.

Heavy metal pollution is a growing environmental concern as it causes the degradation of wetlands by affecting the organisms at different trophic levels. Shorebirds typically feed on benthic invertebrates including polychaete worms, crustaceans and molluscs. Thus, the assessment of bioconcentration of heavy metals in shorebirds provides an insight into the extent of bioaccumulation of these hazardous metals in the upper trophic levels.

Bill Length of Non-breeding Shorebirds Influences the Water Depth Preferences for Foraging in the West Coast of India.

Body size, bill length and shape determine foraging techniques, habitat selection and diet among shorebirds. In this study, water depth preferences of different shorebirds with different bill sizes in various habitats including mudflats, mangroves at Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) (19 shorebird species) and adjacent agroecosystems at Vazhakkad (12 species) were studied between 2017 and 2020. The bill length of the shorebirds was significantly and positively associated with the average water depth, where shorebirds were observed to forage.

The threat of microplastics: Exploring pollution in coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India.

To evaluate the exposure risk and ingestion of microplastics by migratory shorebirds, which are regarded as apex predators in the coastal ecosystem, this study investigated the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in estuarine and coastal habitats and their potential to be transferred in the food chains. We analysed the presence of microplastics in water, sediment, major macroinvertebrate prey and the guano samples of ten shorebird species from ten important wintering grounds in the west coast of India. Our results revealed that water is the primary source through which microplastics disseminate into various ecosystem components.

Heavy metals in wetlands of southwestern India: from sediments through invertebrates to migratory shorebirds.

Heavy metal pollution in Indian wetlands is rising due to industrial, agricultural and urban development activities. Shorebirds occupy upper trophic levels and are therefore especially vulnerable to heavy metal pollution. We evaluated the concentration of heavy metals (zinc, copper, cobalt, chromium, lead and cadmium) in 22 common species of migrant shorebirds (220 shorebird dropping samples) with diverse foraging behaviors, in their different prey (55 prey samples) and in the sediments (90 sediment samples) in different habitat types (mudflats, mangroves and sand beaches) between 2019 and 2021.

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene variants and haplotypes in Tunisian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a case-control study.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that affects women in their child-bearing age, and is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The etiology of PCOS involves multiple factors including genetic, metabolic and immunological factors. Interleukin - 10 (IL-10), as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, plays a critical role in this regard.

Selecting the species to be used in lichen transplant surveys of air pollution in Tunisia.

This study was undertaken with the aim of selecting one or more lichen species that are the most suitable for transplant-based surveys of air pollution in Tunisia, in areas where the local native lichen vegetation is scanty or missing at all. To this purpose, four epiphytic (tree inhabiting) lichen species (Evernia prunastri, Flavoparmelia caperata, Parmotrema perlatum, Ramalina farinacea) were collected from the Babouch forests, a remote and unpolluted area of NW Tunisia, and analyzed for their content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn, by ICP-MS. Moreover, also the physiological status of the lichen samples was evaluated by measuring their chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and spectral reflectance.

Production and Characterization of New Biosurfactants/Bioemulsifiers from and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentiality Evaluations.

The present work aimed to develop rapid approach monitoring using a simple selective method based on a positive hemolysis test, oil spreading activity and emulsification index determinations. It is the first to describe production of biosurfactants (BS) by the endophytic species. Results indicated that the new BS evidenced an E24 emulsification index of 82%.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from the Extremophile Plant and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Diabetic Capacities.

The present paper described the first green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the extremophile plant . The characterization of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was carried out by using UV-Vis, FTIR and STM analysis. The antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties were also reported.

Alterations in hydrological variables and substrate qualities and its impacts on a critical conservation reserve in the southwest coast of India.

The present study investigated the long-term fluctuation in the hydrological and substrate variables at different habitats of Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) over the last decade. We hypothesize that natural impact represented by climate change and long-term impact from anthropogenic activities including industrialization and intensified agricultural practices have a direct effect on the natural hydrological cycle and the quality of coastal shores and thus can be a reason for coastal habitat and wildlife degradation. Results indicate a significant degradation in nutrient and organic matter concentration in the sediment and dramatic increase in nutrient concentration, salinity, temperature, and pH in the water.

First Report of the Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using subsp. Fruit Extracts and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties.

and dermatophyte infections are difficult to treat due to increasing antifungal drugs resistance such as fluconazole, as well as the emergence of multi-resistance in clinical bacteria. Here, we first synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous fruit extracts from subsp. (L.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using mixed leaves aqueous extract of wild olive and pistachio: characterization, antioxidant, antimicrobial and effect on virulence factors of Candida.

In this study, a successfully rapid, simple approach was applied for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNPs using for the first time the mixed leaves extract of Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris and Pistacia lentiscus from natural association aimed to enhance their antimicrobial potential.

Mycochemical Contents and Biological Activities of Three Wild Mushrooms from Tunisia.

The objective of the current study was to compare the mycochemical composition and biological activities of two extracts (aqueous extracts and ground materials prepared with the QUENCHER approach) of three wild Basidiomy-cetes, Agaricus vaporarius, Lactarius deliciosus, and Lycoperdon pyriforme, collected from a region located in the north of Tunisia. Mycochemical analysis in terms of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, and tannin contents were determined. In addition, the antioxidant activities of the mushrooms were evaluated using three assays (2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, and metal chelating assay).

Does the lichenicolous fungus affect the antimicrobial potential of its host ?

The effects of the lichenicolous fungus on the antimicrobial potential of the lichen demonstrated that the extracts investigated have antimicrobial potential against gram-positive and negative bacteria, and yeast, and inhibit the germination of fungal spores. Inhibition activity varied considerably depending on the extract, the bacterial species, and the absence or presence of ; unparasitised has a higher antimicrobial activity. Methanol and acetone extracts of alone have higher inhibition diameters than with against ; the methanol extract of showed the best inhibition (250 µg/ml).

Rapid Approach to Determine Propionic and Sorbic Acid Contents in Bread and Bakery Products Using H NMR Spectroscopy.

The food additive sorbic acid is considered as an effective preservative for certain cereal products, and propionic acid is commonly added in bakery wares, e.g., bread and fine bakery wares.

Lichenochemical Screening and Antioxidant Capacity of Four Tunisian Lichen Species.

The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of four Tunisian lichen species, Cladonia rangiformis, Flavoparmelia caperata, Squamarina cartilaginea and Xanthoria parietina, were determined in order to provide a better understanding of their lichenochemical composition. Powdered material of F. caperata was the richest in total phenolic content (956.

In vitro evaluation of lysozyme activity and antimicrobial effect of extracts from four Tunisian lichens: Diploschistes ocellatus, Flavoparmelia caperata, Squamarina cartilaginea and Xanthoria parietina.

Since lichens have been recognised as a potential natural source of bioactive substances, the aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial, lysozyme and antifungal effects of methanol, acetone and quencher extracts from four lichens: Diploschistes ocellatus, Flavoparmelia caperata, Squamarina cartilaginea and Xanthoria parietina. The results showed that the tested extracts had antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and anti-candida, and inhibit the spore germination of tested fungi. The different extracts varied in their effect as determined by the diameter of the inhibition zone, the highest values being observed with the methanol and acetone extracts (29.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals changes in phenolic profile following in vitro large intestine fermentation of non-edible parts of Punica granatum L.

In this study, the untargeted phytochemical profile of non-edible parts of pomegranate (i.e., flowers, leaves and peels) was depicted by using untargeted metabolomics.

Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Capacity of the Tunisian Lichen Diploschistes ocellatus (Ascomycota).

This study, the first to assess the total phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, and proanthocyanidin content of the Tunisian lichen Diploschistes ocellatus, determined the antioxidant capacity in scavenging 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), as well as the ferric-reducing and iron-chelating powers. The phenolic compound content of D. ocellatus was shown to be related to antioxidant activity.

Phenolic profiling and antioxidant capacity in flowers, leaves and peels of Tunisian cultivars of L.

The comprehensive phenolic fingerprints of flowers, peels and leaves of two Tunisian L. cultivars, namely Nabli and Gabsi, were investigated. The highest phenolic content was recorded in the Nabli flowers, followed by Gabsi peels extracts (152.

Phenolic profiling and antioxidant capacity of Calligonum azel Maire, a Tunisian desert plant.

The comprehensive phenolic fingerprint of Calligonum azel Maire plant fractions, collected from the Tunisian Desert, have been assessed for the first time as a source of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic content (TPC), Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) in scavenging DPPH, ABTS and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) were determined. C.

CCR2-64I polymorphism is associated with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Tunisian patients.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in genes coding for chemokines may be associated with some cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of CCR2-64I and CXCL12-3'A SNPs on the susceptibility and the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) in the Tunisian population. 170 NSCLC patients and 225 healthy controls screened by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis were enrolled.

Association of IL-8 gene polymorphisms with non small cell lung cancer in Tunisia: A case control study.

Interleukin 8 (IL-8), is a proinflammatory chemokine, has been reported to have angiogenic activity and to be responsible for tumor-associated angiogenesis in several cancers. In this study, we aimed to study the (IL-8) gene polymorphism in relation with risk development of non small cell lung cancer in Tunisian patient. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (-251T/A [rs4073], +781C/T [rs2227306]) of the IL-8 gene were screened in 170 patients with NSCLC and 225 healthy controls by PCR-RFLP.

Association of GST genes polymorphisms with asthma in Tunisian children.

Background: A positive association between genetic polymorphism and asthma may not be extrapolated from one ethnic group to another based on intra- and interethnic allelic and genotype frequencies differences.

Objective: We assessed whether polymorphisms of GST genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) are associated with asthma and atopy among Tunisian children.

Methods: 112 unrelated healthy individuals and 105 asthmatic (73 atopic and 32 nonatopic) children were studied.