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Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Sep 2024Albumin is undoubtedly the most studied protein thanks to its widespread diffusion and biochemistry; despite its binding ability towards different dyes, provoking dye's...
Albumin is undoubtedly the most studied protein thanks to its widespread diffusion and biochemistry; despite its binding ability towards different dyes, provoking dye's colour change, has been exploited for decades for quantification purposes, the joint effect of working pH, ionic strength, and dye's pK still remains only sporadically discussed. In the present study, the interaction of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with five dyes belonging to the sulfonephthalein group, Bromophenol Blue (BPB, pK = 3.75), Bromocresol Green (BCG, pK = 4.42), Chlorophenol Red (CPR, pK = 5.74), Bromocresol Purple (BCP, pK = 6.05) and Bromothymol Blue (BTB, pK = 6.72), is investigated at four working pH values (3.5, 6.0, 7.5 and 9.0) and two ionic strength conditions by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Principal Component Analysis is then applied to rationalize dye behavior upon BSA addition at each pH value and to summarize the protein effect on dyes' spectral features, identifying three general behaviors. The most relevant systems are then submitted to further characterization involving a solution equilibria study aimed at determining conditional binding constants for the selected DSA-dye adducts and fluorescence, CD, and H NMR spectroscopy to evaluate the binding effect on the species involved.
Topics: Serum Albumin, Bovine; Coloring Agents; Cattle; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Osmolar Concentration; Animals; Solutions; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Protein Binding; Bromphenol Blue; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Bromcresol Green; Principal Component Analysis; Bromcresol Purple
PubMed: 38759394
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124421 -
Cureus Apr 2024The word "chorea" comes from the Latin word "choreus," which means dancing movement. Chorea is defined as a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by uncontrolled,...
The word "chorea" comes from the Latin word "choreus," which means dancing movement. Chorea is defined as a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by uncontrolled, unintended, jerky, brief, irregular, random movements involving the limbs or facial muscles. Here, we discuss the case of a 48-year-old male with hypothyroidism for two years, which is well-controlled with medication. He presented with behavioral disturbances for the past seven months and choreiform movements affecting all four limbs, his tongue, and his face for the past six months. Investigations revealed hyponatremia and low serum osmolality. An MRI of the brain showed the empty sella sign. Further investigations revealed low levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, and testosterone. Considering the diagnosis of chorea with euvolemic hyponatremia due to secondary adrenal insufficiency, the patient was started on tetrabenazine, trihexyphenidyl, oral hydrocortisone, and gradual correction of sodium level. The patient's condition improved during the hospital stay, and he continues to do well in routine follow-ups.
PubMed: 38756293
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58353 -
Marine Environmental Research Jun 2024In this study, two different approaches based on taxonomic assemblages and on copepod functional groups were used to investigate the mesozooplankton assemblage structure...
In this study, two different approaches based on taxonomic assemblages and on copepod functional groups were used to investigate the mesozooplankton assemblage structure and its relationship with environmental variables in the main estuaries of the Gulf of Cádiz (Guadalquivir, Guadiana and Tinto-Odiel) during the dry-warm season. In general, the mesozooplankton assemblages were dominated by copepods, especially the calanoid Acartia tonsa, which reached its highest abundance in the inner zones while the adjacent coastal zones were characterized by a mixture of copepods and cladocerans, especially Penilia avirostris. Regarding the trait-based approach, three copepod functional groups were identified, principally sorted by their feeding strategy. Group 1 (composed of omnivorous copepods displaying a mixed feeding strategy and broadcast-spawners) was found mainly in the inner areas, while Groups 2 (omnivorous cyclopoids, sac-spawners that feed via active ambush) and 3 (herbivores-omnivores employing a filter feeding strategy and mostly broadcast-spawners) were predominant in the adjacent coastal zones. The relative abundance of copepod functional groups suggested that Group 1 could be considered the most important contributor to secondary production in the estuarine systems of the Gulf of Cádiz. In relation to environmental factors, salinity was the most influential variable on mesozooplankton assemblages in both approaches. Our results suggest that the studied estuaries, although taxonomically different, have mesozooplankton assemblages that perform similar ecological functions. Both methods provide valuable and complementary information about mesozooplankton assemblage dynamics in the main estuaries of the Gulf of Cádiz.
Topics: Animals; Copepoda; Zooplankton; Estuaries; Environmental Monitoring; Biodiversity; Salinity; Seasons
PubMed: 38754152
DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106554 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The growth and productivity of crop plants are negatively affected by salinity-induced ionic and oxidative stresses. This study aimed to provide insight into the...
Azolla filiculoides extract improved salt tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is associated with prompting osmostasis, antioxidant potential and stress-interrelated genes.
The growth and productivity of crop plants are negatively affected by salinity-induced ionic and oxidative stresses. This study aimed to provide insight into the interaction of NaCl-induced salinity with Azolla aqueous extract (AAE) regarding growth, antioxidant balance, and stress-responsive genes expression in wheat seedlings. In a pot experiment, wheat kernels were primed for 21 h with either deionized water or 0.1% AAE. Water-primed seedlings received either tap water, 250 mM NaCl, AAE spray, or AAE spray + NaCl. The AAE-primed seedlings received either tap water or 250 mM NaCl. Salinity lowered growth rate, chlorophyll level, and protein and amino acids pool. However, carotenoids, stress indicators (EL, MDA, and HO), osmomodulators (sugars, and proline), antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, APX, and PPO), and the expression of some stress-responsive genes (POD, PPO and PAL, PCS, and TLP) were significantly increased. However, administering AAE contributed to increased growth, balanced leaf pigments and assimilation efficacy, diminished stress indicators, rebalanced osmomodulators and antioxidant enzymes, and down-regulation of stress-induced genes in NaCl-stressed plants, with priming surpassing spray in most cases. In conclusion, AAE can be used as a green approach for sustaining regular growth and metabolism and remodelling the physio-chemical status of wheat seedlings thriving in salt-affected soils.
Topics: Triticum; Salt Tolerance; Antioxidants; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Seedlings; Plant Extracts; Ferns; Stress, Physiological; Salinity; Sodium Chloride; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38750032
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61155-7 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024The objective was to evaluate the behavior of melon genotypes (Cucumis melo L.) in the physical, chemical and biochemical quality of melon fruits as a function of...
The objective was to evaluate the behavior of melon genotypes (Cucumis melo L.) in the physical, chemical and biochemical quality of melon fruits as a function of electrical conductivity irrigation water levels (ECw). The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme with five replications. The first factor was represented by five salinity levels (0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1) and the second factor by accessions A35, and A24, and the hybrid Sancho. The physical, chemical and biochemical variables showed a reduction in production, with smaller fruits, with less weight, smaller cavity, with increased pulp thickness for Sancho. Vitamin C and yellow flavonoids increased indicating antioxidant power against ROS. The genotypes showed similar post-harvest behavior, however, the hybrid Sancho stood out over the others, possibly because it is an improved material. Accession A24 presented physiological and biochemical responses that classify it as intolerant.
Topics: Salinity; Fruit; Genotype; Cucumis melo; Agricultural Irrigation; Cucurbitaceae; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38747857
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.276161 -
BMC Microbiology May 2024Globally, drought stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity. Improving the drought tolerance of crops with microbial biostimulants is a sustainable strategy...
Globally, drought stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity. Improving the drought tolerance of crops with microbial biostimulants is a sustainable strategy to meet a growing population's demands. This research aimed to elucidate microbial biostimulants' (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) role in alleviating drought stress in oil-seed crops. In total, 15 bacterial isolates were selected for drought tolerance and screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes like phosphate solubilization and production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and exopolysaccharide. This research describes two PGPR strains: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus AC06 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BA01. The present study demonstrated that these strains (AC06 and BA01) produced abundant osmolytes under osmotic stress, including proline (2.21 and 1.75 µg ml), salicylic acid (18.59 and 14.21 µg ml), trehalose (28.35 and 22.74 µg mg FW) and glycine betaine (11.35 and 7.74 mg g) respectively. AC06 and BA01 strains were further evaluated for their multifunctional performance by inoculating in Arachis hypogaea L. (Groundnut) under mild and severe drought regimes (60 and 40% Field Capacity). Inoculation with microbial biostimulants displayed distinct osmotic-adjustment abilities of the groundnut, such as growth parameters, plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, proline, and soluble sugar in respective to control during drought. On the other hand, plant sensitivity indexes such as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were decreased as well as cooperatively conferred plant drought tolerance by induced alterations in stress indicators such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Thus, Acinetobacter sp. AC06 and Bacillus sp. BA01 can be considered as osmolyte producing microbial biostimulants to simultaneously induce osmotic tolerance and metabolic changes in groundnuts under drought stress.
Topics: Arachis; Droughts; Stress, Physiological; Proline; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; Soil Microbiology; Osmotic Pressure; Betaine; Indoleacetic Acids; Salicylic Acid; Acinetobacter; Hydrogen Cyanide; Trehalose
PubMed: 38745279
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03320-6 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Melia azedarach demonstrates strong salt tolerance and thrives in harsh saline soil conditions, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we...
Melia azedarach demonstrates strong salt tolerance and thrives in harsh saline soil conditions, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed gene expression under low, medium, and high salinity conditions to gain a deeper understanding of adaptation mechanisms of M. azedarach under salt stress. The GO (gene ontology) analysis unveiled a prominent trend: as salt stress intensified, a greater number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) became enriched in categories related to metabolic processes, catalytic activities, and membrane components. Through the analysis of the category GO:0009651 (response to salt stress), we identified four key candidate genes (CBL7, SAPK10, EDL3, and AKT1) that play a pivotal role in salt stress responses. Furthermore, the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in the plant hormone signaling pathways and starch and sucrose metabolism under both medium and high salt exposure in comparison to low salt conditions. Notably, genes involved in JAZ and MYC2 in the jasmonic acid (JA) metabolic pathway were markedly upregulated in response to high salt stress. This study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying M. azedarach salt tolerance and identifies potential candidate genes for enhancing salt tolerance in M. azedarach.
Topics: Salt Tolerance; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Gene Expression Profiling; Salt Stress; Transcriptome; Salinity; Gene Ontology; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 38745099
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61907-5 -
Archives of Microbiology May 2024Campylobacter jejuni is known to enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state when exposed to environmental stresses. Microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase...
Campylobacter jejuni is known to enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state when exposed to environmental stresses. Microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses were performed to elucidate the genes related to the induction of the VBNC state. The C. jejuni NCTC11168 strain was cultured under low-temperature or high-osmotic stress conditions to induce the VBNC state. mRNA expression in the VBNC state was investigated using microarray analysis, and the gene encoding peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein, Pal, was selected as the internal control gene using qPCR analysis and software. The three genes showing particularly large increases in mRNA expression, cj1500, cj1254, and cj1040, were involved in respiration, DNA repair, and transporters, respectively. However, formate dehydrogenase encoded by cj1500 showed decreased activity in the VBNC state. Taken together, C. jejuni actively changed its mRNA expression during induction of the VBNC state, and protein activities did not always match the mRNA expression levels.
Topics: Campylobacter jejuni; Bacterial Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Microbial Viability; Osmotic Pressure; Stress, Physiological; RNA, Messenger; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38744718
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03980-y -
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces Jul 2024The challenging properties of biofilm-associated infections and the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria are prompting the exploration of alternative treatment options....
AIM
The challenging properties of biofilm-associated infections and the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria are prompting the exploration of alternative treatment options. This study investigates the efficacy of different bioactive glass (BAG) formulations - alone or combined with vancomycin - to eradicate biofilm. Further, we study the influence of BAG on pH and osmotic pressure as important factors limiting bacterial growth.
METHOD
Different BAG S53P4 formulations were used for this study, including (a) powder (<45 μm), (b) granules (500-800 µm), (c) a cone-shaped scaffold and (d) two putty formulations containing granules with no powder (putty A) or with additional powder (putty B) bound together by a synthetic binder. Inert glass beads (1.0-1.3 mm) were included as control. All formulations were tested in a concentration of 1750 mg/ml in Müller-Hinton-Broth against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). Vancomycin was tested at the minimum-inhibitory concentration for each strain. Changes in pH and osmolality over time were assessed at 0 h, 24 h, 72 h and 168 h.
RESULTS
All tested BAG formulations showed antibiofilm activity against MRSA and MRSE. Powder and putty B were the most effective formulations suppressing biofilm leading to its complete eradication after up to 168 h of co-incubation, followed by granules, scaffold and putty A. In general, MRSE appeared to be more susceptible to bioactive glass compared to MRSA. The addition of vancomycin had no substantial impact on biofilm eradication. We observed a positive correlation between a higher pH and higher antibiofilm activity.
CONCLUSIONS
BAG S53P4 has demonstrated efficient biofilm antibiofilm activity against MRSA and MRSE, especially in powder-containing formulations, resulting in complete eradication of biofilm. Our data indicate neither remarkable increase nor decrease in antimicrobial efficacy with addition of vancomycin. Moreover, high pH appears to have a direct antimicrobial impact; the role of high osmolality needs further investigation.
Topics: Biofilms; Glass; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Vancomycin; Osmotic Pressure; Drug Compounding
PubMed: 38744081
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113940 -
Microbial Genomics May 2024Natural products from have served as inspiration for many clinically relevant therapeutics. Despite early triumphs in natural product discovery, the rate of unearthing...
Natural products from have served as inspiration for many clinically relevant therapeutics. Despite early triumphs in natural product discovery, the rate of unearthing new compounds has decreased, necessitating inventive approaches. One promising strategy is to explore environments where survival is challenging. These harsh environments are hypothesized to lead to bacteria developing chemical adaptations (e.g. natural products) to enable their survival. This investigation focuses on ore-forming environments, particularly fluoride mines, which typically have extreme pH, salinity and nutrient scarcity. Herein, we have utilized metagenomics, metabolomics and evolutionary genome mining to dissect the biodiversity and metabolism in these harsh environments. This work has unveiled the promising biosynthetic potential of these bacteria and has demonstrated their ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. This research constitutes a pioneering endeavour in bioprospection within fluoride mining regions, providing insights into uncharted microbial ecosystems and their previously unexplored natural products.
Topics: Actinobacteria; Metagenomics; Fluorides; Biological Products; Bioprospecting; Metabolomics; Biodiversity; Genome, Bacterial; Phylogeny; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Salinity
PubMed: 38743050
DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001253