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Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide and its prevalence is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. Myocardial infarction is the largest and most dangerous manifestation of CHD, including in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). However, early therapy of STEMI cannot prevent the risk of myocardium reinfarction. Reinfarction post-STEMI reperfusion therapy has poor consequences and prognosis. Therefore, prevention of myocardial reinfarction is important. Objectives: The author has an innovation to use Lumbrokinase from Lumbricus rubellus extract in an oral dosage form as an alternative therapy to prevent reinfarction after reperfusion therapy in STEMI. Methods: Our article reviews the effect of lumbrokinase in preventing myocardial reinfarction using a non-systematic review method. Results and Discussion: Lumbrokinase can prevent myocardial reinfarction by several mechanisms, including its thrombolytic effect by activating plasminogen and degrading fibrin, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and can prevent further myocardial apoptosis. Lumbrokinase can prevent apoptosis by increasing the activity of Silent Information Regulator 1 (Sirt1) and decreasing the pro-caspase-3 pathway. Lumbrokinase can prevent further inflammation by reducing levels of Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-kB) and the Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, as well as preventing oxidative damage by deacetylating Forkhead Box-O (FoxO). The effect of Lumbrokinase plays an important role in preventing myocardial reinfarction. Oral lumbrokinase is made in capsule form. Conclusion: Oral lumbrokinase can potentially prevent myocardial reinfarction post-reperfusion in STEMI patients. Keyword: Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbrokinase, Myocardial reinfarction, Post-reperfusion STEMI Latar Belakang: Penyakit Jantung Koroner (PJK) merupakan penyebab utama kematian dan kecacatan di seluruh dunia dan prevalensinya diperkirakan akan terus meningkat di tahun mendatang. Tingginya angka mortalitas PJK, maka PJK menjadi penyakit yang patut diwaspadai, terutama untuk negara-negara berkembang. Infark miokardium adalah manifestasi terbesar dan paling berbahaya dari PJK, termasuk STEMI. Namun, terapi awal dari STEMI tidak dapat mencegah resiko reinfark. Reinfark yang terjadi setelah terapi reperfusi memiliki konsekuensi dan prognosis yang buruk. Oleh karena itu, pencegahan reinfark miokardium setelah terapi STEMI menjadi penting. Tujuan: Penulis memiliki inovasi untuk menggunakan Lumbrokinase dari ekstrak Lumbricus rubellus dalam bentuk sediaan oral sebagai upaya terapi alternatif pencegahan reinfark setelah terapi reperfusi pada STEMI. Metode: Tinjauan pustaka ini bertujuan untuk meninjau efek dari lumbrokinase dalam mencegah reinfark miokardium setelah terapi STEMI dengan menggunakan metode non-systematic review. Pembahasan: Lumbrokinase dapat mencegah reinfark miokardium dengan beberapa mekanisme, termasuk efek trombolitiknya dengan mengaktivasi plasminogen dan mendegradasi fibrin, efek anti inflamasi dan anti oksidannya, serta dapat mencegah apoptosis miokardium lanjutan. Lumbrokinase dapat mencegah terjadinya apoptosis dengan meningkatkan aktivitas silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) dan menurunkan jalur pro-caspase-3. Lumbrokinase juga dapat mencegah inflamasi lanjutan dengan menurunkan level nuclear factor kappa B (NF-Kb) dan jalur toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), serta mencegah kerusakan oksidatif dengan deasetilasi Forkhead Box O (FoxO). Efek dari Lumbokinase tersebut berperan penting dalam pencegahan reinfark miokardium setelah terapi STEMI. Penggunaan lumbrokinase secara oral dibuat dalam bentuk kapsul. Kesimpulan: Lumbrokinase oral memiliki potensi dalam mencegah reinfark miokardium setelah terapi reperfusi pada STEMI. Kata Kunci: Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbrokinase, Reinfark miokardium, STEMI pasca reperfusi

The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry, as the paperboard--plastic film composite is hard to separate. Therefore, paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators. This study explores the combined use of red worms (Eisenia fetida) and Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) in the biodegradation of paper cups. The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups. The study considered the influence of environmental temperature, the presence of food waste, varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms, and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process. To achieve the study objectives, the study followed a quantitative approach. The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms, Galleria mellonella larvae, food waste, bedding material, and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents. The study found that the best operating temperature is 30°C. The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly. The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup. Finally, a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acute kidney injury (AKI), an immediate loss of renal function, leads to high mortality, and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is considered as one of the main causes of AKI. Inflammation and oxidative stress are known to play an important role in AKI. On the other hand, the earthworm extract, used in traditional medicine, is known to possess various biological and pharmacological activities viz. antiapoptotic, anticoagulative, fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, peripheral nerve regeneration, bone regeneration and wound healing. Hence, in this study, we investigated the protective effect of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister extract (LE) after nephrectomy, against oxidative stress occurring during renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 10-12 weeks old Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups (n=8). Group I (control), Group II (I/R), Group III (I/R + 10 mg/kg LE), Group IV (I/R + 20 mg/kg LE) and Group V (I/R + 40 mg/kg LE). All rats except in Gr. I were applied ischemia for 45 min and reperfusion for 24 h. At the end of the experiment, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated. In addition, kidney tissues were evaluated histologically. In results, the MDA and GPx level of the I/R group were found to be significantly higher than the control and LE groups. SOD activity of the control group did not differ when compared to LE groups and CAT levels were not significantly different between all groups. In addition, in Gr. III-V we observed nearly normal renal cortex and renal tubules. The present study, thus demonstrates that the extract of L. rubellus prevents renal I/R injury and induced biochemical and histological changes in the renal tissues in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The ineffective combination of corticosteroids and antibiotics in treating some atopic dermatitis (AD) cases has been concerning. The skin barrier defects in AD ease the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which results in a rise in interleukin-31 (IL-31). Lumbricus rubellus (L. rubellus) has shown antimicrobial and antiallergic effects but has not been studied yet to decrease the growth of S. aureus and IL-31 levels in AD patients. This study aimed to analyze the effect of L. rubellus extract in reducing S. aureus colonization, the IL-31 level, and the severity of AD. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) (international registration number TCTR20231025004) was conducted on 40 AD patients attending Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic, Mother and Child Hospital (RSIA), Aceh, Indonesia, from October 2021 to March 2022. AD patients aged 8–16 who had a Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index > 25, with total IgE serum level > 100 IU/mL, and had healthy weight were randomly assigned into two groups: one received fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% and placebo (control group) and one received fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% combined with L. rubellus extract (Vermint®) (intervention group). The S. aureus colony was identified using a catalase test, coagulase test, and MSA media. The serum IL-31 levels were measured using ELISA assay, while the SCORAD index was used to assess the severity of and improvement in AD. Mean scores for measured variables were compared between the two groups using an unpaired t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A significant decline in S. aureus colonization (p = 0.001) and IL-31 (p = 0.013) in patients receiving L. rubellus extract was found in this study. Moreover, fourteen AD patients in the intervention group showed an improvement in the SCORAD index of more than 35% (p = 0.057). Conclusions: L. rubellus extract significantly decreases S. aureus colonization and the IL-31 level in AD patients, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for children with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palm oil mill effluent and palm press fiber are problematic wastes generated by the palm oil mill industries in Malaysia. This study has endeavored to assess the possibility of the vermicomposting of residue from the palm oil mills using epigeic earthworms Lumbricus rubellus under laboratory conditions. The study was conducted over 50 days using four combinations in three replicates of each treatment as palm oil mill effluent: palm press fiber in 50:50 ratio (T1), palm oil mill effluent/palm press fiber/cow dung in 50:25:25 ratio (T2), palm oil mill effluent/palm press fiber/cow dung/lawn clipping in 50:20:15:15 ratio (T3), and only palm press fiber (T4). Twenty healthy adult L. rubellus with average weight of 3.92 g was introduced. Results: Results showed that T3 has a significant decrease in C/N ratio (14.81 ± 0.07) compared to the other treatments. The presence of cow dung and lawn clipping in the mixtures makes it more suitable for vermicomposting process as early compost productions were recorded in T2 and T3. Conclusion: The study showed that the major polluting problem in palm oil mills can be tackled through vermicomposting technique. Based on the results, vermicompost is found suitable for agriculture purposes as an organic fertilizer as well as soil conditioner.

Purpose This study was to obtain suitable methods and the combination of market organic waste to make better organic fertilizer.Method The data were obtained experimentally in the decomposer room. The experimental design was a completely randomized design. The market organic waste consisted of comparing cabbage, banana peduncle, pineapple, added rice straw, and cow manure as bedding. The study used 12 treatments with three replicates. 4 treatments for composting methods (without earthworm) and 8 for vermicomposting (4 treatments using Lumbricus rubellus and 4 treatments using Eudrillus eugeniae). The compost and vermicompost characteristics variables were final weight, reduction, color, texture, and smell. The variables for chemical properties were pH, C-organic, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphoros, and Total Potassium.Results Vermicomposting method reduced market organic waste higher than compost 48.67 to 58%. Vermicompost is black like soil and more crumble. C-organic, pH, total Nitrogen, total Phosphorous and total Potassium following quality of SNI 19-7030-2004. The results show the compost with the combination of cabbage and banana peduncle combination (C-T1) had better values on total N (1.95%) and Total K (4.96%). Vermicompost with the combination of banana peduncle and pineapple with Eudrillus eugeniae (E-T3) had better average values ​​on total P (0.43%). The combination of market organic waste used to produce organic fertilizers can be made on a small or larger scale.Conclusion Vermicomposting is an effective strategy to reduce market organic waste. Composting with T1 combination (C-T1) and vermicomposting T3 combination (E-T3) had better value and was recommended for the following research stage.

Abstract Background Lumbrokinase derived from earthworms, Lumbricus rubellus is known to have fibrinolytic enzymes that have potential as therapeutic drugs due to its ability to dissolve fibrin. The current study is aimed to purify the Lumbrokinase from L. rubellus and identify its protein component. Methods Water extract of local earthworm Lumbricus rubellus revealed several proteins. Therefore, to identify its protein component, purification through HiPrep DEAE fast flow and proteomic analysis were conducted prior to identifications. A combination of two-dimension gel electrophoresis (2DE) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the purified fractions. Results The purified fractions contain five protein bands, namely F25-1, F25-2, F85-1, F85-2, and F85-3, which displayed strong fibrinogenolytic activity. F25 fractions showed fibrinogenolytic activity of 974.85 U/mg, while F85 fractions showed higher activity of 1,484.11 U/mg. Fractions F85-1, F85-2, and F85-3 showed molecular weights of 42.6 kDa, 27.03 kDa, and 14 kDa, respectively and were identified as Lumbrokinase iso-enzymes. Conclusion This preliminary study indicates that the F25 and F85 fractions are similar to published fibrinolytic protease-1 and lumbrokinase, respectively, in terms of their amino acid sequence.

Soil fauna, including terrestrial isopods, millipedes and earthworms, play an important role in the decomposition of litter through the process of shredding it during consumption. In the present study, the food preferences in two detritivores, the common woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and the earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) over the leaf litter of four common tree species: common black alder (Alnus glutinosa), silver birch (Betula pendula), small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) were quantified in the laboratory. For each animal species, two sets of feeding mesocosms were prepared: one set with single litter species and another with mixed litter material (cafeteria-type test), where the animals were allowed to choose among the four litter species at once. The food preferences of the studied animals were determined on the basis of the consumption (mass loss) of litter for each litter species at the end of two-weeks lasting experiments. The results showed that the litter mass losses in both detritivores were significantly influenced by the tree species. The litter mass losses can be ranked in descending order as follows: alder, birch, linden, oak. In the case of O. asellus, litter mixing had no effect on litter mass loss when compared to single alder and birch litter, however mixing clearly accelerated litter mass loss compared to single lime or oak litter. For L. rubellus, litter mixing was found to slow litter mass loss compared to each single alder, birch and lime litter, while accelerating litter mass loss compared to single oak litter. For the interpretation of the results, the literature data on carbon to nitrogen ratio, as well as the proportion of difficult-to-degrade polyphenols and lignins in leaves of the studied tree species were used.

A comparative study on the vermicomposting ability and efficacy of two earthworm species (Eudrilus eugeniae and Lumbricus rubellus) on cow dung was carried out using standard methods. Data collected showed that there was an increase in the major nutrients content such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus as well as the electrical conductivity regardless of the vermibeds or treatment while there was a decrease in the total organic carbon, organic matter regardless of the vermibeds or treatment except the vermibed with cowdung only. The lignin content also decreased across all the vermibeds except the one with cowdung and L. rubellus. Vermicompost of cowdung + L. rubellus had highest concentrations of nitrogen (4.47±0.38) and phosphorus (114.64±0.648), cowdung +Eudrilus eugeniae had the highest potassium (26.7±0.849) while cowdung +dry grass+ Eudrilus eugeniae had the highest organic matter (33.15±0.919) and lignin (19.78±0.396) and cowdung only had the highest organic carbon. The result of the environmental parameters carried out showed that the cowdung+dry grass + E. eugeniae had the highest moisture (80.1±0.141), cowdung +dry grass+ L. rubellus had highest pH while cowdung+dry grass+E. eugeniae had the highest temperature (30.1±0.283). E. eugeniae showed a better decomposition rate with percentage decomposition of 79.90% while L. rubellus has 74.27%. However, there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the vemi-beds. In conclusion, the two species of earthworm L. rubellus and E. eugeniae are efficient in producing good nutrient quality vermicompost and are recommended for use in vermicomposting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae is the property of Uniwerystet Kardynala Stefana Wyznskiege w Warzawie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A comparative study on the vermicomposting ability and efficacy of two earthworm species (Eudrilus eugeniae and Lumbricus rubellus) on cow dung was carried out using standard methods. Data collected showed that there was an increase in the major nutrients content such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus as well as the electrical conductivity regardless of the vermibeds or treatment while there was a decrease in the total organic carbon, organic matter regardless of the vermibeds or treatment except the vermibed with cowdung only. The lignin content also decreased across all the vermibeds except the one with cowdung and L. rubellus. Vermicompost of cowdung + L. rubellus had highest concentrations of nitrogen (4.47±0.38) and phosphorus (114.64±0.648), cowdung +Eudrilus eugeniae had the highest potassium (26.7±0.849) while cowdung +dry grass+ Eudrilus eugeniae had the highest organic matter (33.15±0.919) and lignin (19.78±0.396) and cowdung only had the highest organic carbon. The result of the environmental parameters carried out showed that the cowdung+dry grass + E. eugeniae had the highest moisture (80.1±0.141), cowdung +dry grass+ L. rubellus had highest pH while cowdung+dry grass+E. eugeniae had the highest temperature (30.1±0.283). E. eugeniae showed a better decomposition rate with percentage decomposition of 79.90% while L. rubellus has 74.27%. However, there were significant differences (p

We present a genome assembly from an individual Lumbricus rubellus (the red compost earthworm; Annelida; Clitellata; Haplotaxida; Lumbricidae). The genome sequence is 787.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.81 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 33,426 protein coding genes.

Background: Lumbrokinase derived from earthworms, Lumbricus rubellus is known to have fibrinolytic enzymes that have potential as therapeutic drugs due to its ability to dissolve fibrin. The current study is aimed to purify the Lumbrokinase from L. rubellus and identify its protein component. Methods: Water extract of local earthworm Lumbricus rubellus revealed several proteins. Therefore, to identify its protein component, purification through HiPrep DEAE fast flow and proteomic analysis were conducted prior to identifications. A combination of two-dimension gel electrophoresis (2DE) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the purified fractions. Results: The purified fractions contain five protein bands, namely F25-1, F25-2, F85-1, F85-2, and F85-3, which displayed strong fibrinogenolytic activity. F25 fractions showed fibrinogenolytic activity of 974.85 U/mg, while F85 fractions showed higher activity of 1,484.11 U/mg. Fractions F85-1, F85-2, and F85-3 showed molecular weights of 42.6 kDa, 27.03 kDa, and 14 kDa, respectively and were identified as Lumbrokinase iso-enzymes. Conclusion: This preliminary study indicates that the F25 and F85 fractions are similar to published fibrinolytic protease-1 and lumbrokinase, respectively, in terms of their amino acid sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworm invasions often reduce biodiversity and affect the ability of ecosystems to perform ecosystem functions. Over the past few decades, European lumbricid species have spread widely in natural habitats in Western Siberia, without completely displacing the native species. The aim of the present experiment is to study the survival, reproductive potential, vertical distribution, abundance, and biomass of Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus rubellus invasive species for the region and the native species Eisenia nordenskioldi and their influence on each other. For this purpose, winter and vegetation experiments were conducted in mesocosms simulating the real situation of invasions in the same communities on the same types of soils with the same amount and composition of litter. The authors found that the native species was significantly inferior to A. caliginosa in reproduction rate, number of offspring, and final biomass, but had an advantage over L. rubellus. The native species was positively influenced by the presence of A. caliginosa. In the experiment, there was a significant rejuvenation of the populations of the studied species, as well as an increase in abundance and relative mass under interaction conditions compared to mono variants. The native species had advantages over the invasive species in terms of winter survival. The natural volume of litter used in the experiment was insufficient for L. rubellus. According to the results of the experiment, it can be assumed that the spread of L. rubellus will continue to be limited to non-freezing biotopes rich in organic matter. A. caliginosa will spread in natural communities and agrocenoses of Western Siberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Ethiopian Drylands are rich in their variety of local earthworm species. However, the category of species, and the effect of their performance on additions to plant nutrients have not been adequately evaluated. Thus, local earthworm samples were collected from the three major agroecological zones (highland, midland, and lowland) in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) and classified down to species level. Moreover, a vermicomposting experiment with four treatments (three local earthworm species, Eisenia fetida , and a conventional composting method) and three replications was established. Finally, each bin’s mature compost sample was taken to analyze plant nutrient content. The study results indicated that earthworm species in the highland, midland and lowland agroecological zones were Dendrobaena veneta, Eisenia andrie and Lumbricus rubellus , respectively. The use of these earthworms in the composting process (average of the four earthworm species) yielded higher nutrient content, ranging from 21.9 % for Sodium to 3300 % for Boron, compared to the conventional one. The highest total nitrogen (an increase of 44.4 %) and organic carbon (an increase of 33.4 %) were recorded in the Eisenia fetida and Dendrobaena veneta treated bins, respectively. Composting with Eisenia andrie has resulted in increases in P (96.1 %), K (125 %), Mg (83 %) and all micro-nutrients (between 91 % for Zn and 4400 % for B). Both Eisenia andrie and Lumbricus rubellus species contributed to the increased additions of Sulfur (85.7 %) compared to the control. It can be concluded that the use of local earthworms (particularly Eisenia andrie) in the composting process plays a significant role in plant nutrient addition.

Background and Objectives: The ineffective combination of corticosteroids and antibiotics in treating some atopic dermatitis (AD) cases has been concerning. The skin barrier defects in AD ease the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which results in a rise in interleukin-31 (IL-31). Lumbricus rubellus (L. rubellus) has shown antimicrobial and antiallergic effects but has not been studied yet to decrease the growth of S. aureus and IL-31 levels in AD patients. This study aimed to analyze the effect of L. rubellus extract in reducing S. aureus colonization, the IL-31 level, and the severity of AD. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) (international registration number TCTR20231025004) was conducted on 40 AD patients attending Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic, Mother and Child Hospital (RSIA), Aceh, Indonesia, from October 2021 to March 2022. AD patients aged 8–16 who had a Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index > 25, with total IgE serum level > 100 IU/mL, and had healthy weight were randomly assigned into two groups: one received fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% and placebo (control group) and one received fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% combined with L. rubellus extract (Vermint®) (intervention group). The S. aureus colony was identified using a catalase test, coagulase test, and MSA media. The serum IL-31 levels were measured using ELISA assay, while the SCORAD index was used to assess the severity of and improvement in AD. Mean scores for measured variables were compared between the two groups using an unpaired t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A significant decline in S. aureus colonization (p = 0.001) and IL-31 (p = 0.013) in patients receiving L. rubellus extract was found in this study. Moreover, fourteen AD patients in the intervention group showed an improvement in the SCORAD index of more than 35% (p = 0.057). Conclusions: L. rubellus extract significantly decreases S. aureus colonization and the IL-31 level in AD patients, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for children with AD.

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is highly prevalent in diabetic patients, significantly diminishes the patient's quality of life, and has no definitive therapy currently. Based on the basic pathology of DPN, it's critical to restrict neuronal loss while also promoting neuron regeneration. As a peripheral regenerating cell, diabetic Schwann cells (SC) tend to have a low rate of cell proliferation and regeneration capacity. DLBS1033N, a protein hydrolysate obtained from Lumbricus rubellus, has been confirmed to promote Schwann cell line RSC96 growth and survival by inducting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) expression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. This pathway primarily contributes to SC proliferation and migration during the peripheral regeneration process. Herein, the contribution of DLBS1033N to peripheral regeneration in high-glucose (50mM)-induced rat Schwann cell line RSC96 injury, a well-known DPN in vitro cell model, was evaluated. RSC96 were treated with high glucose (50mM) with or without DLBS1033N 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h. MTS assay kit were used to evaluate cell viability. The results showed that DLBS1033N significantly improved cell proliferation in 48 h incubation time in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the scratch assay confirmed that DLBS1033N significantly increased cell migration at a concentration of 100 µg/ml by 19% for 48 H incubation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, DLBS1033N enhanced peripheral regeneration which can be used as an effective and promising DPN treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The availability of conventional linear mineral phosphorus (P) fertilization will become lower as phosphate rock stocks are limited and strongly concentrated in a few locations. Therefore, we need to increase agronomic P use efficiency and find alternative, recycled, sources of P. Two possible solutions mentioned in the literature are (i) using struvite, a mineral circular P fertilizer; and (ii) making use of earthworm activity, which has been shown to increase P availability. Here, we study the interaction between these two approaches, with the hypothesis that earthworms could increase the P availability from the poorly soluble struvite. We set up a field-based mesocosm experiment in a sandy soil with a low agronomic P status with 13 different treatments combining three earthworms species (Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister, Aporrectodea caliginosa Savigny and A. longa Ude alone or in a threes species mixture), different P fertilizers (no P, Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and struvite). The experiment lasted 13 months (five fertilisation-harvest cycles). We found that, in field conditions, the yield and P uptake of Lolium perenne did not differ between fertilization with struvite or TSP. Earthworms only played a minor role in explaining ryegrass P uptake compared to fertilisation. We did not see either positive nor negative interactions between earthworms and struvite, meaning that earthworms did not further increase the P availability from struvite. The equal performances of struvite and TSP are explained by an enhanced effort from plants to actively take up P through a modification of root traits. This includes increased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation and the production of finer and longer roots. Our results show that struvite performs comparably to TSP under realistic field conditions, making it a viable alternative to phosphate rock-based fertilizers. • Struvite is just as effective as triple superphosphate under field conditions. • Earthworms do not further increase the effectiveness of struvite-P. • Struvite leads to a slight P limitation, triggering root P acquisition strategies. • Struvite increases arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworm invasions often reduce biodiversity and affect the ability of ecosystems to perform ecosystem functions. Over the past few decades, European lumbricid species have spread widely in natural habitats in Western Siberia, without completely displacing the native species. The aim of the present experiment is to study the survival, reproductive potential, vertical distribution, abundance, and biomass of Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus rubellus invasive species for the region and the native species Eisenia nordenskioldi and their influence on each other. For this purpose, winter and vegetation experiments were conducted in mesocosms simulating the real situation of invasions in the same communities on the same types of soils with the same amount and composition of litter. The authors found that the native species was significantly inferior to A. caliginosa in reproduction rate, number of offspring, and final biomass, but had an advantage over L. rubellus. The native species was positively influenced by the presence of A. caliginosa. In the experiment, there was a significant rejuvenation of the populations of the studied species, as well as an increase in abundance and relative mass under interaction conditions compared to mono variants. The native species had advantages over the invasive species in terms of winter survival. The natural volume of litter used in the experiment was insufficient for L. rubellus. According to the results of the experiment, it can be assumed that the spread of L. rubellus will continue to be limited to non-freezing biotopes rich in organic matter. A. caliginosa will spread in natural communities and agrocenoses of Western Siberia.

Soil structure is closely linked to biological activities. However, identifying, describing and quantifying soil aggregates remain challenging. X‐ray micro computed tomography (X‐ray μCT) provides a detailed view of the physical structure at a spatial resolution of a few microns. It could be a useful tool to discriminate soil aggregates, their origin and their formation processes for a better comprehension of soil structure properties and genesis. Our study aims to (a) determine different X‐ray μCT‐based aggregate parameters for differentiating earthworm casts belowground (earthworm aggregates) from aggregates that are not formed by earthworms (non‐earthworm aggregates), and (b) to evaluate if these parameters can also serve as specific "tomographic signatures" for the studied earthworm species. For this purpose, we set up a microcosm experiment under controlled conditions during 8 weeks, including three species of earthworms tested separately: the epigeic Lumbricus rubellus, the anecic Lumbricus terrestris and the endogeic Allolobophora chlorotica. Our results show that X‐ray μCT analysis helps distinguish earthworm aggregates from non‐earthworm ones using (a) the relative volume of the components within aggregates and (b) the volumetric mass of aggregates and their global volume. In particular, the volume ratio of mineral grains within the aggregates is significantly different according to earthworm species. So, X‐ray μCT is a powerful and promising tool for studying the composition of earthworm casts and their formation. However, future research is needed to take into account the shapes and spatial distribution of the aggregates' components, in particular the different states of organic matter decomposition. Highlights: Can earthworm belowground casts be differentiated from other soil aggregates using X‐ray μCT?The use of X‐ray μCT for characterizing soil aggregates at a spatial resolution of a few microns.A combination of X‐ray μCT variables discriminates earthworm casts from non‐earthworm aggregates.X‐ray μCT, used alone, is relevant for defining species‐specific signatures of earthworm casts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanah yang dipengaruhi oleh cacing tanah selalu memiliki bahan organik, total N, kapasitas tukar kation (KTK), Ca, Mg, dan K yang dapat dipertukarkan, N dan P tersedia yang lebih tinggi. Hal ini disebabkan karena aktifitas cacing tanah sangat meningkatkan konsentrasi N inorganik dalam tanah, oleh karena itu perlu dilakukan penelitian mengenai pengomposan dari limbah baglog jamur tiram dengan menggunakan cacing tanah untuk menghasilkan unsur makro (N, P dan K). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektifitas pengomposan limbah baglog jamur tiram dengan menggunakan cacing tanah (vermicomposting) dan tanpa menggunakan cacing tanah dalam menghasilkan unsur hara makro (N, P dan K). Metode yang digunakan untuk mengetahui kandungan unsur hara makro N, P dan K yaitu metode eksprimental yang meliputi 2 tahap, yaitu pembuatan kompos dan analisa hasil kandungan kompos (N, P dan K). Hubungan antara jumlah pemberian cacing dan jumlah kandungan unsur N, P, K yang dihasilkan dapat diketahui dengan metode analisis regresi linier sederhana, dari hasil penelitian didapatkan hasil semakin banyak jumlah cacing yang diberikan, maka semakin meningkat unsur hara makro N, P dan K yang dihasilkan, selanjutnya dilakukan uji t (uji koefisien regresi sederhana) untuk mengetahui apakah jumlah pemberian cacing berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap jumlah kandungan unsur N, P dan K yang dihasilkan. Penelitian memberikan hasil yang signifikan antara pemberian cacing terhadap kandungan unsur Nitrogen dan Fosfor yang dihasilkan, namun tidak signifikan antara pemberian cacing dengan unsur kalium yang dihasilkan.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, residive inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus. Pathophysiology of AD is a multifactorial, skin barrier disorder, and involves altered immune response, it can be seen in rural population which exposed from many worm infections with a low prevalence of allergic disease and has been shown in animal models by stimulating the formation of TGF β and interleukin-10 (IL-10) inhibiting IL-4, IL-5, IL13 by stimulating Treg. To determine the effect of Lumbricus Rubellus extract, it can increase interleukin 10 and reduce IL-4, immunoglobulin E and eosinophils and it can provide clinical improvement in Atopic Dermatitis patients. This research used "Pretest-Posttest Design" method of mild atopic dermatitis patients who were not infected with worms. Lumbricus Rubellus extract was given for 2 weeks and checked for eosinophils and ELISA to determine IL-10 and IgE levels on day 0, 8 and 15. Statistical test used non-parametric tests, such as Mann-Whitney test (U-Test) and Wilcoxon test to determine whether there was a difference between two different treatments or not. There was a difference (p <0.05) between Lumbricus Rubellus extract group and the group without Lumbricus Rubellus extract on day 8, at day 15 there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) there was still an increase in IL levels. -10 and decreased levels of IgE and eosinophil. The side effects that appeared at research were intestinal disorders, such as nausea and bowel disorders of a research subject. Lumbricus Rubellus extract has an immune response effect towards people with atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland is an important ecosystem in Indonesia. But in almost every dry season, drained peatlands have been subject to detrimental wildfires. As a response, the government has explicitly prohibited the burning of land since 2016. To clear the land of crop residues and conduct zero burning practices, one alternative method is to utilize the waste biomass to support the cultivation of earthworms (vermiculture). This study examined the quality of liquid fertilizers and compost produced from vermiculture using a completely randomized factorial design, consisting of two treatment factors. The first factor was worm type, with two species used in this research named Lumbricus rubellus and Eudrilus eugeniae. The second factor was the type of feed provided to the worms, comprising no feed (control), vegetable waste, and crop residue waste resulting from zero burning land preparation. The type of feed significantly affected the pH value of the liquid fertilizer produced by the vermiculture but did not significantly affect the nutrient contents (N, P, and K). The combination of the types of earthworms and types of feed significantly affected the pH value of the vermicompost. The combination of worm types and feed types had a significant effect on exchangeable Ca, but not on exchangeable Mg, Na, and K. In combination, green vegetable waste and Lumbricus rubellus produced the greatest effect on soil CEC. However, for Base Saturation, the control (no food) and Eudrilus eugeniae showed the highest value. Types of worms and types of feed had a significant effect on the exchangeable Mg, while the other three parameters made no significant differences. Zero burning waste and Eudrilus eugeniae provide a better exchangeable Ca and Mg. In contrast, no-feeding and Eudrilus eugeniae have a better effect on exchangeable Na and K. Types of worms and types of feed did not significantly affect the weight of worm colonies, but the addition of feed increased the weight of worms with the highest weight resulting from the use of zero burning waste feed. The results showed that crop residue wastes were potentially good as a feed for earthworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forest Science (0861-007X) is the property of Forest Research Institute (BAS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Non-native earthworms can drive ecosystem change, simplify native plant communities, and promote invasion by non-native plants, but we know little about their pathways into island archipelagos, which currently support about 40% of the worlds threatened species. We studied links among non-native earthworms, human settlement, deer, and plant communities on 26 islands in the San Juan and Southern Gulf Island archipelagos of the Georgia Basin Ecoregion of western North America. We evaluated the (1) invasion pathways and occurrence of non-native earthworms on islands, (2) influence of non-native earthworms on herbaceous and woody plant cover, and (3) potential for synergistic interactions among deer, earthworms and non-native plants. Human settlement was a pre-condition to detecting non-native earthworms on islands. Non-native earthworm abundance was related positively to the cover of non-native herbaceous and woody plants, effects which may be exacerbated by high deer density. Our findings suggest that the absence of non-native earthworms on many small islands makes their protection crucial to the conservation of intact examples of native ecosystems, including critically endangered Garry oak and maritime meadows in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coelomic fluid of Lumbricus rubellus (CFL) has attracted interest due to its pharmacological properties, including antitumor effect. Furthermore, it is necessary to evaluate the response to treatment with new cancer therapeutic agents. This study aims to investigate whether the combination of CFL and 5-fluorouracil could reduce FAK protein level and iCa2+ and enhance p21 level. Furthermore, it is necessary to evaluate the response to treatment with new cancer therapeutic agents. After 24 hours of treatment, it was necessary to assess the percentage of apoptosis, FAK, and p21 protein expression by flow cytometry. iCa2+ concentration was measured using immunofluorescence. The combination therapy of CFL with 5-fluorouracil potently suppressed six treatment groups were included in this study. HT-29 cell lines were cultured and divided into six groups: group 1 was treated with vehicle (negative control), groups 2-5 were treated with 5-fluorouracil, groups 3-5 were treated with either CFL 5, 10, or 20 µg/ml immediately after 5-fluorouracil, and group 6 was treated with CFL 20 µg/ml, the progression of colorectal cancer. Combination of CFL and 5-fluorouracil significantly decreased FAK expression (p<0.05), iCa2+ (p<0.05), and increased p21 expression (p<0.05) in HT-29 cells. Our results suggest that CFL has an anticancer potential in colorectal cancer when combined with 5-fluorouracil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Earthworms play an important role in soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics and soil structure formation, including soil porosity and aggregate stability. Earthworms feed on organic inputs such as crop residues (CR) which are displaced by mouldboard ploughing. In a 61-day mesocosm experiment, we investigated the effects of CR placement (surface-applied vs. incorporated) and different earthworm species (combinations) on: 1) the survival and biomass of the earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris , L. rubellus , and Aporrectodea caliginosa , representing anecic, epigeic and endogeic ecological groups, respectively; and 2) earthworm-mediated soil structure formation. Earthworms were present either as single species or as species mixtures combining anecics with each of the other groups. Incorporating CR reduced biomass of surface-feeders (L. terrestris : −30% of initial body weight vs. −9% when CR were surface-applied; L. rubellus : −74% vs. −24%, respectively). L. rubellus survival was also lower when CR were incorporated (50%) than when CR were surface-applied (92%). In surface-applied CR treatments, the amount of particulate organic matter (POM) > 250 μm in the soil profile was positively affected by L. terrestris in the soil upper 20 cm by 16.5%. A similar but weaker effect was found when CR were incorporated (9% increase). Large water-stable macroaggregates (>2000 μm) increased in the upper 20 cm soil only when CR were surface-applied and L. terrestris was present (from 2.7 to 13.1 g kg−1). Small water-stable aggregates increased with functional groups interactions at all soil depths, irrespective of the CR placement. Surface-applied CR increased soil porosity at 2.5–10 cm depth. Large water-stable macroaggregate formation by earthworms was hampered through the incorporation of CR, although CR incorporation increased porosity between 2.5 and 30 cm soil depth despite reduced earthworm biomass. Furthermore, small macroaggregate formation was hampered by single species, whereas combining functional groups stimulated their formation. Under field conditions residue incorporation might result in trade-offs between the contribution of surface-feeding earthworms to soil porosity and i) their fitness, as surface-feeding earthworms' body weight loss was larger than when crop residues were surface-applied; as well as ii) large water-stable macroaggregates formation, as no increase in those was found when CR was incorporated. Highlights • Incorporation of crop residues reduced biomass of surface-feeding earthworms. • Large water-stable aggregates increased only when residues were surface-applied. • Soil porosity increased at depth with residues incorporated. • L. terrestris affected SOM distribution only when residues were surface-applied. • Earthworm ecological group combinations increased water-stable macroaggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period 2014-2016, a field experiment was conducted to establish the influence of the Lumbrical (150 and 200 ml/m²) and Lumbrex (150 and 200 ml/da) on the yield, height and chemical composition of red fescue grassland. The preparations included in the experiment have a positive effect on the productivity of red fescue. During the study period, the soil treatment of the plants increased the yield of grass crops to a higher extent compared to the foliar. The amount of fresh and dry mass in the variant with Lumbrical 150 ml/m² exceeded significantly the non-treated control by 34.5 and 37.0% (P < 0.01). In the grasslands with Lumbrical 200 ml/m², the values were 24.9% (fresh mass) and 30.2% (dry mass) higher than the control (P < 0.05). The treatment with Lumbrical and Lumbrex increased the height of the grassland of Festuca rubra L. The influence of Lumbrical bio-fertilizer at a dose of 200 ml/m² increased the average stem length by 14.9% in comparison with the control. Crude protein content in grasslands with soil and leaf bio-fertilization exceeded the control variant by 11.9% (Lumbrex 150 ml/da) to 20.8% (Lumbrical 150 ml/m²). Mineral, phosphorus and crude fat content in the variants with Lumbrical 200 ml/m2 is higher with 14.7%, 16.7% and 17.3% respectively, in comparison with the non-treated control. The introduction of the granulated fraction (200 ml/m2) reduced the fi ber concentration of the grassland by 7.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) are commonly utilized as a feed that contains lot of proteins needed by poultry, such as aves, fish, and shrimps. The effort of improving earthworms' (Lumbricus rubellus) harvesting, in fact, is affected by the soar of the feed’s price as well. Earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) breeders must be more innovative in finding the alternative food for the earthworms.This research employed Completely Randomized Design design through four treatments and two repetitions. In addition, the sample constituted the 640 ciliated earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) by using randomized sampling technique. This research revealed that providing baglog waste feed of white oyster-mushrooms, the chickens’ feces, and the combination of the two gave a significantly highest effect (based on sig.

Brotowali plants (Tinospora crispa) have the ability to reduce the parasitemia level, while earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) possess anti-inflammatory and anti-ischemic mechanism. This study was aimed to assess the combined effect of brotowali extract and on erythrocytes and colon of Balb/C mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Mice were divided into five groups and treatments were administered orally for seven days after parasitemia level had reached ± 10%. Erythrocyte count was analyzed by a one-way ANOVA test (p<0.05) and the Tukey test was carried out subsequently. Histopathology of the colon was analyzed descriptively. The combination of brotowali extract and earthworm was able to increase erythrocytes by 7.27 x 106/ìL from a positive control value of 5.63 x 106/ìL and repair colon damage in the form of reduced inflammation, congestion, mucosal erosion, and submucosal necrosis. This study confirms that brotowali and earthworm treatment can effectively increase the number of erythrocytes, reduce parasitemia degree, and repair damaged colon tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DLBS1033 is a bioactive protein fraction extracted from Lumbricus rubellus, with fibrinogenolytic, fibrinolytic and anti-aggregation activities reported in an in vitro study. Plasma half-life is an important parameter to calculate its dose. This study was conducted to evaluate the biological half-life of DLBS1033 by measuring serial plasmin-antiplasmin (PAP) complex. PAP complex is a stable and inactive compound as a result of fibrinolysis process. Methods: this was an open-label clinical trial in healthy adult subjects. Subjects were divided into two groups to receive single dose drugs (received 3 x 490 mg) or repeated administration until steady state conditions (3 x 490 mg/day for 3 days). Blood samples for PAP complex measurement were collected at time 0 (before drug administration for single dose group), then at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration. Safety parameters used in this study were creatinine, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), SGOT, and SGPT. Results: the biological half-life of DLBS1033 was calculated based on the mean of PAP complex concentration on each time sampling. In single dose group, the highest mean of PAP complex concentration was reached before drug administration. Our result showed that the activity of DLBS1033 could not be determined after single dose administration. In steady state condition, the PAP complex concentration increase in 2 hours after last drug administration. The biological half-life of DLBS1033 was 8.6 hours. There were no significant safety findings on all laboratory parameters and no serious adverse events. Conclusion: it is concluded that the fibrinolytic effects of DLBS1033 can be measured in steady state condition. The biological half-life of DLBS1033 in steady state condition was 8.6 hours. There were no serious adverse events on two groups of subjects.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Lumbricus rubellus was analyzed by next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome was 15,464 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and a non-coding region. The phylogenetic analysis of 13 PCGs within the class Oligochaeta suggested that L. rubellus was placed as sister to L. terrestris of the same genus. The results obtained here can contribute to the phylogenetic analysis of earthworms.

We present a genome assembly from an individual Lumbricus rubellus (the red compost earthworm; Annelida; Clitellata; Haplotaxida; Lumbricidae). The genome sequence is 787.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.81 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 33,426 protein coding genes., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2023 Short S et al.)

Earthworms are an important component of soil fauna even in high latitudes, in the taiga and tundra biomes. It is yet unclear if earthworm populations from these regions are autochtonous or recent invaders. We collected earthworms from approximately from 64° to 73°N from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka and genotyped it using the COI gene. We found Dendrobaena octaedra, Lumbricus rubellus, and Eisenia nordenskioldi nordenskioldi. Within E. n. nordenskioldi, two cryptic phylogenetic lineages were detected, namely lineages 1 and 9 that were characterized in our previous studies. The western part (from the Kola Peninsula to the Taimyr Peninsula) contained D. octaedra, L. rubellus and both lineages of E. n. nordenskioldi; their COI sequences were closely related to those from very remote (up to several thousand km) populations. On the contrary, in the east (from the basins of the Anabar River to the Chukotka Peninsula) we found solely E. n. nordenskioldi belonging mostly to lineage 9 and its haplotype groups from various parts of this region differed significantly, indicating long-term divergence. Thus, our data suggests that earthworms recolonized northwestern Eurasia in the Holocene, while the climate in its eastern part was sufficient for earthworm survival even during glaciation maximums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the modus in which earthworm Lumbricus rubellus with its activity affects the total count of different physiological groups of microorganisms in soil treated with herbicide pendimethalin. The experiment was carried out in ten glass containers with a soil substrate, whereby one of them was the control one, and each group of three containers was treated with different concentration of pendimethalin. A concentration of pesticide of 5 μl/kg, which is recommended by the declaration, one lower concentration of 3 μl/kg and one higher of 7 μl/kg were used. The number of physiological groups of microorganisms is determined from the three containers treated with different concentrations of pendimethalin 48 hours after the treatment, and from the other three containers 21 days after the treatment. Two days after the application of different concentration of pesticide, a significant statistical decrease was found in the number of fungi and cellulotical microorganisms in soil, while the total number of heterotrophic bacteria as well as microorganisms which participate in different stages of nitrogen metabolism increased. However, 21 days after the treatment a significant decrease in the total number of heterotrophic bacteria in all treated containers comparing to the control one was noticed, where earthworms with their activities partially attenuated the negative effect of pendimethalin on soil bacterial flora. They also had a positive effect on the number of fungi, actinomycetes and cellulolytic microorganisms while the presence of earthworms had no significant influence on the number of aminoautotrophs, oligonitrophils and free-living diazotrophs. It was shown that earthworms with their activities attenuate the negative effect of pendimethalin on bacterial flora, actinomycetes and fungi, which points out to their possible use in processes of bioremediation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Glasnik Zastite Bilja is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Point Pelee National Park (PPNP) is highly contaminated with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) due to the historical use of this persistent organochlorine pesticide. Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) has previously been investigated for its role in the remediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In the present study, HPβCD's ability to promote DDT microbial degradation, enhance DDT phytoextraction by two native grasses (Schizachyrium scoparium and Panicum virgatum), and increase DDT bioavailability to redworms (Eisenia fetida) was investigated. Using a range of HPβCD concentrations (2.5% to 10%), it was determined that it did not promote DDT microbial degradation in PPNP soils, however, it was able enhance the DDT phytoextraction ability of S. scoparium plants due to the increased water solubility of DDT. Although HPβCD application to PPNP soil did not increase DDT bioavailability to redworms, its enhanced solubility allowed it to move through the soil column, and hence groundwater contamination is a possibility. Due to this important issue, in situ use of HPβCD to remediate DDT contamination is not recommended unless measures are in place to mitigate movement into groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the data on prevalence and intensity of earthworms' infection with metastrongylid larvae in pork production enterprises of Kyiv and Zhytomyr Regions of Ukraine. In the investigated areas, six species of lumbricids were collected and identified: Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826), Aporrectodea rosea (Savigny, 1826), A. caliginosa (Savigny, 1826), Dendrodrilus rubidus (Savigny, 1826), Lumbricus rubellus (Linnaeus, 1758), L. terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758). The studies were carried out from April to September, 2016, both in pig farms and on pastures. We observed no pronounced changes in prevalence and intensity of infection during the warm period of the year. The highest infection rates were detected in earthworms living under the wooden floor of pigpens and in its cracks. In the studied localities, metastrongylid larvae were found in the most common worms of the Lumbricidae family: E. foetida, D. rubidus, A. caliginosa, and L. rubellus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Populations of the earthworm, Lumbricus rubellus, are commonly found across highly contaminated former mine sites and are considered to have under-gone selection for mitigating metal toxicity. Comparison of adapted populations with those found on less contaminated soils can provide insights into ecological processes that demonstrate the long-term effects of soil contamination. Contemporary sequencing methods allow for portrayal of demographic inferences and highlight genetic variation indicative of selection at specific genes. Furthermore, the occurrence of L. rubellus lineages across the UK allows for inferences of mechanisms associated with drivers of speciation and local adaptation. Results: Using RADseq, we were able to define population structure between the two lineages through the use of draft genomes for each, demonstrating an absence of admixture between lineages and that populations over extensive geographic distances form discrete populations. Between the two British lineages, we were able to provide evidence for selection near to genes associated with epigenetic and morphological functions, as well as near a gene encoding a pheromone. Earthworms inhabiting highly contaminated soils bare close genomic resemblance to those from proximal control soils. We were able to define a number of SNPs that largely segregate populations and are indicative of genes that are likely under selection for managing metal toxicity. This includes calcium and phosphatehandling mechanisms linked to lead and arsenic contaminants, respectively, while we also observed evidence for glutathione-related mechanisms, including metallothionein, across multiple populations. Population genomic end points demonstrate no consistent reduction in nucleotide diversity, or increase in inbreeding coefficient, relative to history of exposure. Conclusions: Though we can clearly define lineage membership using genomic markers, as well as population structure between geographic localities, it is difficult to resolve markers that segregate entirely between populations in response to soil metal concentrations. This may represent a highly variable series of traits in response to the heterogenous nature of the soil environment, but ultimately demonstrates the maintenance of lineage-specific genetic variation among local populations. L. rubellus appears to provide an exemplary system for exploring drivers for speciation, with a continuum of lineages coexisting across continental Europe, while distinct lineages exist in isolation throughout the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]