Secondary metabolites produced by Microbacterium sp. LGMB471 with antifungal activity against the phytopathogen Phyllosticta citricarpa

The citrus black spot (CBS), caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa, is one of the most important citrus diseases in subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, and fruits with CBS lesions are still subject to quarantine regulations in the European Union. Despite the high application of fungicides, the disease remains present in the citrus crops of Central and South America. In order to find alternatives to help control CBS and reduce the use of fungicides, we explored the antifungal potential of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from the Brazilian medicinal plant Vochysia divergens found in the Pantanal biome. Two different culture media and temperatures were selected to identify the most efficient conditions for the production of active secondary metabolites. The metabolites produced by strain Microbacterium sp. LGMB471 cultured in SG medium at 36 °C considerably inhibited the development of P. citricarpa. Three isoflavones and five diketopiperazines were identified, and the compounds 7-O-β-D-glucosyl-genistein and 7-O-β-D-glucosyl-daidzein showed high activity against P. citricarpa, with the MIC of 33 μg/mL and inhibited the production of asexual spores of P. citricarpa on leaves and citrus fruits. Compounds that inhibit conidia formation may be a promising alternative to reduce the use of fungicides in the control of CBS lesions, especially in regions where sexual reproduction does not occur, as in the USA. Our data suggest the use of Microbacterium sp. LGMB471 or its metabolites as an ecological alternative to be used in association with the fungicides for the control of CBS disease.

Performance of an aquaponics system using constructed semi-dry wetland with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) on treating wastewater of culture of Amazon River shrimp (Macrobrachium amazonicum)

Aquaponics is a science that integrates animal aquatic production with vegetable culture in recirculating water systems. The performance of an aquaponics system using constructed semi-dry wetland with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) planted on treating wastewater of culture of shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum was evaluated. Each aquaponics module consisted in four culture tanks (1 m3 tank-1), conical sedimentation tank (0.1 m3), circular holding tank (0.2 m3), and constructed semi-dry wetland (0.2 m × 1.0 m × 4.0 m). Post larvae (PL) shrimps with an initial average mass of 314 ± 4.75 mg were stocked at density treatments in quadruplicate: (A) 40 shrimps m-2, (B) 80 shrimps m-2, and (C) 120 shrimps m-2. Our results showed the average final mass of shrimps had a slight reduction at the density 80 and 120 shrimps. However, it did not differ significantly between the treatments. The ultimate survival and productivity were higher in density 80 and 120 shrimps. The maximum biomass productivity occurred at the treatment with density 120 shrimps. The aquaponics recirculation system using constructed semi-dry wetlands with lettuce adequately treated the water at the densities tested. Various water quality parameters were deemed suitable for shrimp culture, but for lettuce not, especially the temperature. The shrimp density was inappropriate which limited the system to accumulate and increase the concentration of nutrients to vegetables with lessening the yield. Nonetheless, the system with higher density has higher nutrient content that plants demonstrated significantly better growth and yield. The results showed the potential use of organics waste generated in a family lettuce hydroponic production, but for a commercial production is indicated supplementation with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the water.

Expression of a soluble IL-10 receptor enhances the therapeutic effects of a papillomavirus-associated antitumor vaccine in a murine model

The presence of IL-10, produced either by tumor cells or immunosuppressive cells, is frequently associated with a poor prognosis for cancer progression. It may also negatively impact anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapies, that otherwise would promote the activation of cytotoxic T cells capable of detecting and destroying malignant cells. In the present study, we evaluated a new adjuvant approach for anticancer immunotherapy using a plasmid vector encoding a soluble form of the IL-10 receptor (pIL-10R). pIL-10R was coadministered to mice with a DNA vaccine encoding the type 16 human papillomavirus (HPV-16) E7 oncoprotein genetically fused with glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus (HSV) (pgDE7h). Immunization regimens based on the coadministration of pIL-10R and pgDE7h enhanced the antitumor immunity elicited in mice injected with TC-1 cells, which express HPV-16 oncoproteins. The administration of the DNA vaccines by in vivo electroporation further enhanced the anticancer effects of the vaccines, leading to the activation of tumor-infiltrating polyfunctional E7-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and control of the expansion of immunosuppressive cells. In addition, the combination of immunotherapy and pIL-10R allowed the control of tumors in more advanced growth stages that otherwise would not be treatable by the pgDE7h vaccine. In conclusion, the proposed treatment involving the expression of IL-10R enhanced the antitumor protective immunity induced by pgDE7h administration and may contribute to the development of more efficient clinical interventions against HPV-induced tumors.