At least three families of hyphosphere small secreted cysteine-rich proteins can optimize surface properties to a moderately hydrophilic state suitable for fungal attachment

The secretomes of filamentous fungi contain a diversity of small secreted cysteine-rich proteins (SSCPs) that have a variety of properties ranging from toxicity to surface activity. Some SSCPs are recognized by other organisms as indicators of fungal presence, but their function in fungi is not fully understood. We detected a new family of fungal surface-active SSCPs (saSSCPs), here named hyphosphere proteins (HFSs). An evolutionary analysis of the HFSs in Pezizomycotina revealed a unique pattern of eight single cysteine residues (C-CXXXC-C-C-C-C-C) and a long evolutionary history of multiple gene duplications and ancient interfungal lateral gene transfers, suggesting their functional significance for fungi with different lifestyles. Interestingly, recombinantly produced saSSCPs from three families (HFSs, hydrophobins and cerato-platanins) showed convergent surface-modulating activity on glass and on poly(ethylene-terephthalate), transforming their surfaces to a moderately hydrophilic state, which significantly favoured subsequent hyphal attachment. The addition of purified saSSCPs to the tomato rhizosphere had mixed effects on hyphal attachment to roots, while all tested saSSCPs had an adverse effect on plant growth in vitro. We propose that the exceptionally high diversity of saSSCPs in Trichoderma and other fungi evolved to efficiently condition various surfaces in the hyphosphere to a fungal-beneficial state.     

Biodesulphurization of mengen lignite by Rhodoccocus rhodochrous in a batch stirred and aerated tank fermenter

The biodesulphurization of Mengen lignite by a mesophilic bacterium, Rhodococcus rhodochrus ATCC 53968, was investigated in a batch stirred and aerated reactor. The experiments were carried out at 28°C with an inoculum percentage, initial pH, initial sodium acetate and lignite concentration of the biodesulphurization medium of 8% [v/v], 6.5 mM, 20 mM and 20 g/l, respectively. Variations in the sulphur contents of the lignite relative to the biodesulphurization period were monitored. The effects of the stirring and aeration rates on the removal of different sulphur forms from coal were investigated in the ranges 450–1,200 rpm and 0.1–0.53 vvm and the optimum values were found to be 500 rpm and 0.18 vvm, respectively. An increase in the total sulphur reduction with increasing biodesulphurization time was observed. The maximum total sulphur removal percentage was found to be 15.2% at 1,200 rpm after four days of incubation. The highest total sulphur removal rate was calculated on the second day of microbial desulphurization for each run. The total and organic sulphur contents of the coal after biodesulphurization were correlated with the stirring and aeration rates by using the non-linear least squares regression method. In the experimental runs lasting 8 days, the highest organic sulphur reducing percentage of 10.1% was obtained at a stirring rate of 500 rpm and an aeration rate of 0.40 vvm.     

Immunocytochemical detection of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-IR in embryonic rat stomach between days 13 and 21 of gestation.

In this study, the localization and appearance of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive (nNOS-IR) nerve cells and their relationships with the developing gastric layers were studied by immunocytochemistry techniques and light microscopy in embryonic rat stomach. The stomachs of Wistar rat embryos aged 13-21 days were used. The first nerve cells containing nNOS-IR were seen on embryonic Day 14. The occurrence of mesenchymal cell condensation near nNOS-IR neuroblasts on embryonic Day 15 may reflect an active nerve element-specific mesenchymal cell induction causing the morphogenesis of muscle cells. Similarly, the appearance of glandular structures after nNOS-IR neuroblasts, on embryonic Day 18, suggests that the epithelial differentiation may depend on inputs coming from nNOS-IR neuroblasts, as well as other factors. Observation of nNOS-IR nerve fibers on embryonic Day 21 demonstrates that at this stage they contribute to nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxation. In conclusion, depending on this study's results, it can be said that cells and tissues might be affected by NO secreted by nNOS-IR nerve cells during the development and differentiation of embryonic rat stomach.     

The Allelopathic Effects of Sunflower and Wheat Root Exudates on <i>Sinapis arvensis and Sinapis alba</i>

In this study, we aimed to investigate the allelopathic effects of sunflower and wheat root exudates on the common weeds such as wild mustard and white mustard in our region. The root exudates which were obtained by soaking 8 weeks old sunflower and wheat seedlings (20 or 40 seedlings) in 100 mL of distilled water for 3 days were applied to the leaves of wild mustard and white mustard. In order to compare the allelopathic effect, the recommended dose (1 g.da^-1 ) and twice the recommended dose (2 g.da^-1 ) of Gromstor (Tribenuron-methyl), a herbicide preferred by farmers for the chemical control of these weeds was also applied. The allelopathy was performed for wild mustard and white mustard seedlings by the measurement of different physiological and biochemical parameters, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, total protein amounts and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. The amounts of total chl and carotenoid in wild mustard leaves decreased in all treatment groups compared to control. The highest decrease in total chl (50.93%) and carotenoid (46.69%) was oberved in the treatment of 40 wheat seedlings. 100 mL^-1 distilled water. In the white mustard leaves, the amount of total chl in all treatment groups except the treatment group of Gromstor 2 g.da^-1 and carotenoid in all treatment groups increased compared to the control. The highest increases again were observed in 40 wheat seedlings. 100 mL^-1 distilled water treatment. The proline amounts in wild mustard and white mustard increased in all treatment groups. The highest increase was observed for the treatment of 20 wheat seedlings. 100 mL^-1 distilled water in wild mustard (459.69%) and 40 sunflower seedlings. 100 mL^-1 distilled water in white mustard plant (104.70%). In superoxide dismutase enzyme activities, treatments decreased activity except treatment of 40 sunflower seedling root exudate in wild mustard, while increased activity outside commercial herbicide treatment in white mustard. The results showed that sunflower and wheat root exudates have allelopathic effects on wild mustard and white mustard weeds. It is thought that the study will be a reference for new studies that will enable the use of plant root exudates as bioherbicides or foliar fertilizers and will contribute to the fight against weeds in organic agriculture.     

New locality records for four rare species of vipers (Reptilia: Viperidae) in Turkey

We report new localities and range extensions for four vipers from Turkey. The distribution of Montivipera wagneri is extended substantially southwards into Mu? province, showing that this species is not endemic to the Aras valley as previously stated in the literature. Similarly, an unverified photograph of Montivipera albizona from Erzincan province, at its currently known eastern limit, was confirmed with new material, and its range is extended substantially southwards to the Anamos (Nur) Mountains in Hatay province. Smaller range extensions are reported for Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana and V. darevskii.     

Molecular and morphological evidence for a new subspecies of Fazila’s Lycian Salamander Lyciasalamandra fazilae in South-west Anatolia

A new subspecies of the Fazila’s Lycian Salamander Lyciasalamandra fazilae is described based on material from ten localities in the Köyce?iz, Ortaca and Dalaman area in south-western Turkey. It is distinguished from the nominotypical subspecies by differences in the colouration pattern, morphometry and the mitochondrial molecular marker 16S rRNA. The distribution area of the new subspecies is located mainly in the western part of Dalaman River except for two seemingly intermediate populations (?erefler and Sarsala-Kap?karg?n). New localities for the species are reported.