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Division of Biological Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14583/199

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    Unveiling novel Neocosmospora species from Thai mangroves as potent biocontrol agents against Colletotrichum species
    Klomchit, Anthikan; Calabon, Mark S; Worabandit, Sompradtana; Weaver, Jack A; Karima, Elfina M; Alberti, Fabrizio; Greco, Claudio; Mahanil, Siraprapa (Oxford University Press, 2024)
    Aims: Neocosmospora species are saprobes, endophytes, and pathogens belonging to the family Nectriaceae. This study aims to investigate the taxonomy, biosynthetic potential, and application of three newly isolated Neocosmospora species from mangrove habitats in the southern part of Thailand using phylogeny, bioactivity screening, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. Methods and results: Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a multi-locus phylogenetic tree with large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (ef1-α), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) regions showing the placement of three fungal strains, MFLUCC 17-0253, MFLUCC 17-0257, and MFLUCC 17-0259 clustered within the Neocosmospora clade with strong statistical support. Fungal crude extracts of the new species N. mangrovei MFLUCC 17-0253 exhibited strong antifungal activity to control Colletotrichum truncatum CG-0064, while N. ferruginea MFLUCC 17-0259 exhibited only moderate antifungal activity toward C. acutatum CC-0036. Thus, N. mangrovei MFLUCC 17-0253 was sequenced by Oxford nanopore technology. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that 49.17 Mb genome of this fungus harbors 41 potential biosynthetic gene clusters. Conclusion: Two fungal isolates of Neocosmospora and a new species of N. mangrovei were reported in this study. These fungal strains showed activity against pathogenic fungi causing anthracnose in chili. In addition, full genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of N. mangrovei MFLUCC 17-0253 were obtained. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Applied Microbiology International.
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    Dominant bacterial pathogens in a river receiving swine farm effluent
    Malaya, Michaela Marie D.; Gito, Mary Ann G.; De la Cruz, Kyla Kris A.; Caipang, Christopher Marlowe A. (Parnam Publication Co., 2024)
    Swine production dominates the livestock sector in the Philippines, providing 60% of the nation’s meat supply. Some of the swine industry’s challenges include waste management, resulting in environmental issues such as air pollution, water contamination, and the spread of pathogens that can affect human health. Severe impacts of swine waste on water bodies can lead to eutrophication and render water systems unproductive. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the dominant bacterial pathogens in swine waste effluent in a municipality in southern Iloilo, Philippines. Water samples from the receiving river were collected and cultured to isolate bacteria, followed by genetic identification and phylogenetic analysis to understand the microbial contamination in rivers impacted by the swine farm. Four dominant bacterial strains were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All strains, confirmed as Gram-negative, belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family, specifically Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. K. pneumoniae, highly resistant and associated with significant health risks, is found in diverse environments and causes severe infections. E. cloacae, an opportunistic pathogen, contributes to water contamination and antibiotic resistance. The study underscores the environmental and public health concerns linked to these bacteria, emphasizing the need for stringent waste management and infection control strategies. © 2024, Parnam Publication Co.. All rights reserved.
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    Seafarers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: An examination of current supportive measures and their perceived effectiveness
    Tang, Lijun; Abila, Sanley; Kitada, Momoko; Malecosio, Serafin; Montes, Karima Krista (Elsevier, 2022)
    As the current COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting crew change crisis exacerbates the mental health problem faced by seafarers, various maritime stakeholders have mobilised their resources and strengths to provide a variety of supportive measures to address the issue. This paper aims to find out what measures have been adopted in the industry and how widely they have been experienced/received by seafarers and evaluate their effectiveness. To achieve this aim, this research employed a mixed methods design involving qualitative interviews with 26 stakeholders and a quantitative questionnaire survey of 817 seafarers. The research identified a total number of 22 mental health support measures, all of which were perceived to have contributed positively to seafarers’ mental health. However, not all of them were widely available to or utilised by seafarers. The findings also highlighted the importance of family, colleagues, shipping companies, and government agencies, as they are associated with the most effective support measures, namely communication with family, timely crew changes, being prioritised for vaccination, being vaccinated, and a positive and collegial atmosphere on-board. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided.
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    Scholarly Works, Biological Sciences