Purification and Characterization of Desferrioxamine B of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Its Application to Improve Oil Content, Nutrient Uptake, and Plant Growth in Peanuts

Microorganisms produce siderophores, which are low-molecular-weight iron chelators when iron availability is limited. The present analyzed the role of LNPF1 as multifarious PGPR for improving growth parameters and nutrient content in peanut and soil nutrients. Such multifarious PGPR strains can be used as effective bioinoculants for peanut farming. In this work, rhizosphere bacteria from Zea mays and Arachis hypogaea plants in the Salem area of Tamil Nadu, India, were isolated and tested for biochemical attributes and characteristics that stimulate plant growth, such as the production of hydrogen cyanide, ammonia (6 µg/mL), indole acetic acid (76.35 µg/mL), and solubilizing phosphate (520 µg/mL). The 16S rRNA gene sequences identified the isolate LNPF1 as Pseudomonas fluorescens with a similarity percentage of 99% with Pseudomonas sp. Isolate LNPF1 was evaluated for the production of siderophore. Siderophore-rich supernatant using a Sep Pack C18 column and Amberlite-400 Resin Column (λmax 264) produced 298 mg/L and 50 mg/L of siderophore, respectively. The characterization of purified siderophore by TLC, HPLC, FTIR, and 2D-NMR analysis identified the compound as desferrioxamine, a hydroxamate siderophore. A pot culture experiment determined the potential of LNPF1 to improve iron and oil content and photosynthetic pigments in Arachis hypogaea L. and improve soil nutrient content. Inoculation of A. hypogea seeds with LNPF1 improved plant growth parameters such as leaf length (60%), shoot length (22%), root length (54.68%), fresh weight (47.28%), dry weight (37%), and number of nuts (66.66) compared to the control (untreated seeds). This inoculation also improved leaf iron content (43.42), short iron content (38.38%), seed iron (46.72%), seed oil (31.68%), carotenoid (64.40%), and total chlorophyll content (98.%) compared to control (untreated seeds). Bacterized seeds showed a substantial increase in nodulation (61.65%) and weight of individual nodules (95.97) vis-à-vis control. The results of the present study indicated that P. fluorescens might be utilized as a potential bioinoculant to improve growth, iron content, oil content, number of nuts and nodules of Arachishypogaea L., and enrich soil nutrients.

A novel front in sustainable microbial management: computational analysis of curcumin and mangiferin's synergistic action against Bacillus anthracis

Background

Microorganisms are crucial in our ecosystem, offering diverse functions and adaptability. The UNGA Science Summit has underscored the importance of understanding microbes in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Bacillus anthracis poses significant challenges among various microorganisms due to its harmful effects on both soil and public health. Our study employed computational techniques to investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumin and mangiferin on Bacillus anthracis, with the aim of presenting a novel bio-based approach to microbial management.

Methods

Employing high-throughput screening, we identified potential binding sites on B. anthracis. Molecular docking revealed that curcumin and mangiferin, when synergistically combined, exhibited strong binding affinities at different sites on the bacterium. Our findings demonstrated a significant drop in binding free energy, indicating a stronger interaction when these compounds were used together.

Findings

Results of Molecular docking indicated binding energies of -8.45 kcal/mol for mangiferin, -7.68 kcal/mol for curcumin, and a notably higher binding energy of -19.47 kcal/mol for the combination of mangiferin and curcumin with CapD protein. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated these interactions, demonstrating increased stability and structural changes in the bacterium.

Conclusion

This study highlights the effectiveness of natural compounds like curcumin and mangiferin in microbial management, especially against challenging pathogens like B. anthracis. It emphasizes the potential of sustainable, nature-based solutions and calls for further empirical research to expand upon these findings.

Triamcinolone Acetonide Produced by Bacillus velezensis YEBBR6 Exerts Antagonistic Activity Against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense: A Computational Analysis

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is one of the most severe and threatening pathogens of bananas, causing "Panama wilt" worldwide. Confrontation assay of Foc antagonistic bacterial endophyte, Bacillus velezensis YEBBR6, with the Foc and GC-MS profiling of excised agar from the zone of inhibition, led to the unveiling of secondary metabolites produced by the endophyte. To refine the probable antifungal compounds among the numerous biomolecules formed during their di-trophic interaction with the pathogen, fungal protein targets were modeled, and docking studies (AutoDock Vina module of the PyRx 0.8 server) were done with all the compounds. Triamcinolone acetonide exhibited the most excellent affinity for the protein targets among the compounds studied. It had a maximum binding affinity of 11.2 kcal/mol for XRN2 (5' → 3'). Further, the protein-ligand complex formation kinetics was done through Molecular Dynamic Simulation studies. Graphs for the RMSD, RMSF, Rg, potential energy, and SASA were generated, and the values during the simulation period suggested the stability of the biomolecule as a complex with the protein. This indicated Triamcinolone acetonide's potential ability to act as a functional disrupter of the target protein and likely an antifungal molecule. Further, the biomolecule was tested for its activity against Foc by screening in the wet lab through the poisoned plate technique, and it was found to be fully inhibitory to the growth of the pathogen at 1000 ppm.

Enriching drought resistance in Solanum lycopersicum using Abscisic acid as drought enhancer derived from Lygodium japonicum: A new-fangled computational approach

INTRODUCTION

Drought is the largest abiotic factor impacting agriculture. Plants are challenged by both natural and artificial stressors because they are immobile. To produce drought-resistant plants, we need to know how plants react to drought. A largescale proteome study of leaf and root tissue found drought-responsive proteins. Tomato as a vegetable is grown worldwide. Agricultural biotechnology focuses on creating drought-resistant cultivars. This is important because tomato drought is so widespread. Breeders have worked to improve tomato quality, production, and stress resistance. Conventional breeding approaches have only increased drought tolerance because of drought's complexity. Many studies have examined how tomatoes handle drought. With genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and modern sequencing technologies, it's easier to find drought-responsive genes.

METHOD

Biotechnology and in silico studies has helped demonstrate the function of drought-sensitive genes and generate drought-resistant plant types. The latest tomato genome editing technology is another. WRKY genes are plant transcription factors. They help plants grow and respond to both natural and artificial stimuli. To make plants that can handle stress, we need to know how WRKY-proteins, which are transcription factors, work with other proteins and ligands in plant cells by molecular docking and modeling study.

RESULT

Abscisic acid, a plant hormone generated in stressed roots, was used here to make plants drought-resistant. Abscisic acid binds WRKY with binding affinity -7.4kcal/mol and inhibitory concentration (Ki) 0.12 microM.

DISCUSSION

This study aims to modulate the transcription factor so plants can handle drought and stress better. Therefore, polyphenols found to make Solanum lycopersicum more drought-tolerant.

Susceptibility of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans to Thyme Essential Oil

Candida spp. is the most common microbial pathogen in fungal infections. There has been a tremendous increase in cases of candidiasis, especially among critically ill non-neutropenic patients. Candida albicans’ isolates were procured from the Prince Sultan Military Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. The isolates were characterized for their identification using CHROMagar, carbohydrate metabolism, germ tube formation, and RAPD-PCR techniques. The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was obtained by hydro-distillation and characterized to decipher the major bioactive phytoconstituents. The antifungal activity of the thyme essential oil (TEO) was evaluated against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates. The major phytocomponents identified by GC/MS were thymol (68.1%) followed by γ-terpinene (8.9%), cymol (7.7%), caryophyllene (1.1%), linalool (1.4%). The TEO successfully reduced the growth of C. albicans isolates. At very low doses, the TEO proved to be fungi static and fungicidal. TEO also effectively inhibited the germ tube formation and budging of fungal pathogens. The time kill assays have shown that TEO was more effective against drug resistant clinical isolates than fluconazole. This study provides an array of experimental evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy of TEO against the drug-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans. The findings may be used in the development of a new antifungal agent accordingly.

Atherothrombosis and Thromboembolism: Position Paper from the Second Maastricht Consensus Conference on Thrombosis

Atherothrombosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and long-term morbidity. Platelets and coagulation proteases, interacting with circulating cells and in different vascular beds, modify several complex pathologies including atherosclerosis. In the second Maastricht Consensus Conference on Thrombosis, this theme was addressed by diverse scientists from bench to bedside. All presentations were discussed with audience members and the results of these discussions were incorporated in the final document that presents a state-of-the-art reflection of expert opinions and consensus recommendations regarding the following five topics: 1. Risk factors, biomarkers and plaque instability: In atherothrombosis research, more focus on the contribution of specific risk factors like ectopic fat needs to be considered; definitions of atherothrombosis are important distinguishing different phases of disease, including plaque (in)stability; proteomic and metabolomics data are to be added to genetic information. 2. Circulating cells including platelets and atherothrombosis: Mechanisms of leukocyte and macrophage plasticity, migration, and transformation in murine atherosclerosis need to be considered; disease mechanism-based biomarkers need to be identified; experimental systems are needed that incorporate whole-blood flow to understand how red blood cells influence thrombus formation and stability; knowledge on platelet heterogeneity and priming conditions needs to be translated toward the in vivo situation. 3. Coagulation proteases, fibrin(ogen) and thrombus formation: The role of factor (F) XI in thrombosis including the lower margins of this factor related to safe and effective antithrombotic therapy needs to be established; FXI is a key regulator in linking platelets, thrombin generation, and inflammatory mechanisms in a renin-angiotensin dependent manner; however, the impact on thrombin-dependent PAR signaling needs further study; the fundamental mechanisms in FXIII biology and biochemistry and its impact on thrombus biophysical characteristics need to be explored; the interactions of red cells and fibrin formation and its consequences for thrombus formation and lysis need to be addressed. Platelet-fibrin interactions are pivotal determinants of clot formation and stability with potential therapeutic consequences. 4. Preventive and acute treatment of atherothrombosis and arterial embolism; novel ways and tailoring? The role of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-4 vis à vis PAR-1 as target for antithrombotic therapy merits study; ongoing trials on platelet function test-based antiplatelet therapy adjustment support development of practically feasible tests; risk scores for patients with atrial fibrillation need refinement, taking new biomarkers including coagulation into account; risk scores that consider organ system differences in bleeding may have added value; all forms of oral anticoagulant treatment require better organization, including education and emergency access; laboratory testing still needs rapidly available sensitive tests with short turnaround time. 5. Pleiotropy of coagulation proteases, thrombus resolution and ischaemia-reperfusion: Biobanks specifically for thrombus storage and analysis are needed; further studies on novel modified activated protein C-based agents are required including its cytoprotective properties; new avenues for optimizing treatment of patients with ischaemic stroke are needed, also including novel agents that modify fibrinolytic activity (aimed at plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor.

New functional assays to selectively quantify the activated protein C- and tissue factor pathway inhibitor-cofactor activities of protein S in plasma

Essentials Protein S is a cofactor of activated protein C (APC) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). There are no assays to quantify separate APC and TFPI cofactor activities of protein S in plasma. We developed assays to measure the APC- and TFPI-cofactor activities of protein S in plasma. The assays were sensitive to protein S deficiency, and not affected by the Factor V Leiden mutation.

SUMMARY

Background Protein S plays an important role in the down-regulation of coagulation as cofactor for activated protein C (APC) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Aim To develop functional assays to quantify the APC- and TFPI-cofactor activities of protein S in plasma. Methods APC- and TFPI-cofactor activities of protein S in plasma were measured using calibrated automated thrombography in protein S-depleted plasma supplemented with a small amount of sample plasma either in the presence of anti-TFPI antibodies and APC (APC-cofactor activity) or at excess full-length TFPI without APC (TFPI-cofactor activity). Total and free protein S levels in plasma were measured by ELISAs. Results Average APC-cofactor activities of protein S were 113%, 108% and 89% in plasma from normal individuals (n = 15), FV Leiden heterozygotes (n = 14) and FV Leiden homozygotes (n = 7), respectively, whereas the average APC-cofactor activity of protein S in plasma from heterozygous protein S-deficient individuals (n = 21) was significantly lower (55%). Similar trends were observed for the TFPI-cofactor activity of protein S, with averages of 109%, 115% and 124% in plasma from individuals with normal protein S levels and different FV Leiden genotypes, and 64% in plasma from protein S-deficient patients. APC-cofactor activities of protein S correlated significantly with free and total protein S antigen levels, whereas TFPI-cofactor activities correlated less with protein S antigen levels. Conclusion We have developed functional protein S assays that measure both the APC- and TFPI-cofactor activities of protein S in plasma, which are hardly if at all affected by the FV Leiden mutation.

Ministry of Health clinical practice guidelines: Management of Rhinosinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis

The Ministry of Health publishes national clinical practice guidelines to provide doctors and patients in Singapore with evidence-based guidance on managing important medical conditions. This article reproduces the introduction and executive summary (with recommendations from the guidelines) from the Ministry of Health clinical practice guidelines on Management of Rhinosinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis, for the information of readers of the Singapore Medical Journal. Chapters, page and figure numbers mentioned in the reproduced extract refer to the full text of the guidelines, which are available from the Ministry of Health website (http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/publications.aspx?id=24046). The recommendations should be used with reference to the full text of the guidelines. Following this article are multiple choice questions based on the full text of the guidelines.