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Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Apr 2024Alternative splicing (AS) greatly expands the protein diversity in eukaryotes. Although AS variants have been frequently reported existing in filamentous fungi, it...
Alternative splicing (AS) greatly expands the protein diversity in eukaryotes. Although AS variants have been frequently reported existing in filamentous fungi, it remains unclear whether lignocellulose-degrading enzyme genes in industrially important fungi undergo AS events. In this work, AS events of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes genes in Aspergillus niger under two carbon sources (glucose and wheat straw) were investigated by RNA-Seq. The results showed that a total of 23 out of the 56 lignocellulose-degrading enzyme genes had AS events and intron retention was the main type of these AS events. The AS variant enzymes from the annotated endo-β-1,4-xylanase F1 gene (xynF1) and the endo-β-1,4-glucanase D gene (eglD), noted as XYNF1-AS and EGLD-AS, were characterized compared to their normal splicing products XYNF1 and EGLD, respectively. The AS variant XYNF1-AS displayed xylanase activity whereas XYNF1 did not. As for EGLD-AS and EGLD, neither of them showed annotated endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity. Instead, both showed lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) activity with some differences in catalytic properties. Our work demonstrated that the AS variants in A. niger were good sources for discovering novel lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. KEY POINTS: • AS events were identified in the lignocellulose-degrading enzyme genes of A. niger. • New β-1,4-xylanase and LPMO derived from AS events were characterized.
Topics: Aspergillus niger; Alternative Splicing; Lignin
PubMed: 38639796
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13137-y -
Heliyon Apr 2024The potential of , to enhance non-exchangeable potassium (K) release from mineral structures were investigated as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly...
as an eco-friendly agent for potassium release from K- bearing minerals: Isolation, screening and culture medium optimization using Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology.
The potential of , to enhance non-exchangeable potassium (K) release from mineral structures were investigated as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. Optimizing the culture medium for maximum K release, alongside identifying potential mechanisms of action of the including the production of various organic acids and pH reduction in the minerals feldspar and phlogopite, were among the primary objectives of the present study. K dissolution from feldspar and phlogopite in the presence of were examined through a two-step experiment; impact of different carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, and fructose) on K release using the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) with 12 experimental runs and effect of other independent variables including pH (ranging from 5 to 10), carbon concentration (3-12.3 g l), and incubation time (5-18 days) on K release using the central composite design (CCD). Our results indicated that the PBD demonstrated a strong predictive capacity (RMSE = 0.012-0.018 g l and = 0.85-0.89) for K release. According to the CCD model, pH exerted a significant positive influence on increasing soluble K release (P < 0.001). The highest levels of K release (157.8 and 175.3 mg l in feldspar and phlogopite, respectively) were observed at the central levels (0) of time and carbon source, and at the +α level (+1.68) of pH. Furthermore, based on the CCD model, the optimal conditions for achieving high K release from feldspar and phlogopite in a medium were pHs of 10.36 and 10.31, sucrose concentrations of 11.23 and 11.32 g l, and incubation times of 15 and 18 days, respectively. The determination coefficients of the CCD model indicated that 89.5% and 92.6% of the changes in soluble K for feldspar and phlogopite, could be explained by this model, respectively. In the current study, the production of organic acids and the resulting pH reduction, along with the reduction in mineral particle size in feldspar and phlogopite, were identified as potential mechanisms influencing the enhancement of potassium solubility. The predominant acids in both feldspar and phlogopite were lactic acid (70.9 and 69.15 mg l) and citric acid (40.48 and 22.93 mg l), although the production levels of organic acids differed in the two minerals. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of to proficiently release non-exchangeable potassium from mineral matrices, indicating its promising potential in agricultural applications.
PubMed: 38623221
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29117 -
Cureus Mar 2024Knowing the spectrum, prevalence, and modes of diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) will be beneficial to clinicians for its early diagnosis and management. This...
Knowing the spectrum, prevalence, and modes of diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) will be beneficial to clinicians for its early diagnosis and management. This study aims to estimate the prevalence, spectrum, and role of serological tests and radiological findings in the diagnosis of PA. A total of 150 patients were suspected of having PA after obtaining relevant clinical history and radiological imaging. The patients were grouped into each spectrum of PA as invasive PA (IPA), chronic necrotizing PA (CNPA), aspergilloma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) based on predisposing factors, clinical and radiological findings, and the guidelines of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG). Samples (bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), sputum, blood) were collected from these patients and processed in a microbiology lab. BAL and sputum were subjected to microscopy by potassium hydroxide mount, calcofluor white mount, and culture. The serum was separated from blood by centrifugation and subjected to specific serological tests based on the spectrum of PA that the patient was suspected to have. For IPA, serum and BAL galactomannan antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed. For CNPA and aspergilloma, the anti- IgG antibody ELISA was performed. For ABPA, the tests performed were total immunoglobulin E (IgE) ELISA, -specific IgE ELISA, and anti- immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody ELISA. After compiling the clinical, radiological, culture, and serological findings, patients were diagnosed to have a particular spectrum of PA. The prevalence of IPA was 1.4%, CNPA was 4%, ABPA was 3.2%, and aspergilloma was 2.9%. CNPA was the predominant spectrum of PA in our study. Culture positivity for species was seen the highest in aspergilloma patients, followed by IPA, ABPA, and CNPA patients. was the most common causative agent of PA, except for IPA for which was the most common causative. and were less the frequent causes of PA. A combination of radiological, microbiological, and serological tests along with clinical correlation is needed to confirm the diagnosis of PA.
PubMed: 38618367
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56147 -
Heliyon Apr 2024The strong demand for biological materials in the food industry places chitosan at the forefront of other biopolymers. The present study aims to evaluate the antifungal...
The strong demand for biological materials in the food industry places chitosan at the forefront of other biopolymers. The present study aims to evaluate the antifungal properties of chitosan extracted from shrimp shell waste () against post-harvest strawberry ( × ) spoilage fungi. The physicochemical characteristics (DD, Mw, and solubility) of extracted chitosan were determined. In addition, functional characteristics were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal effect of chitosan on mycelial growth and spore germination of , , , and was evaluated. Yield, degree of deacetylation, molecular weight, and solubility were 21.86%, 83.50%, 180 kDa, and 80.10%, respectively. A degree of deacetylation of 81.27% was calculated from the FTIR spectrum and a crystallinity index of 79.83% was determined from the X-ray diffraction pattern. SEM images of extracted chitosan showed a combination of fibrous and porous structure. At 3% chitosan, mycelial growth inhibition rates of , , , and ranged from 81.37% to 92.70%. At the same chitosan concentration, the percentages of spore germination inhibition of the isolated fungi ranged from 65.47% to 71.48%. The antifungal activity was highly dose-dependent. As a natural polymer, chitosan offers a convincing alternative to synthetic antimicrobials for the post-harvest preservation of strawberries. Its potential lies in its ability to inhibit the growth of spoilage fungi.
PubMed: 38617969
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29286 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024The gluten-free diet (GFD) has limitations, and there is intense research in the development of adjuvant therapies. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
The gluten-free diet (GFD) has limitations, and there is intense research in the development of adjuvant therapies.
AIM
To examine the effects of orally administered prolyl endopeptidase protease (AN-PEP) on inadvertent gluten exposure and symptom prevention in adult celiac disease (CeD) patients following their usual GFD.
METHODS
This was an exploratory, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled CeD patients on a long-term GFD. After a 4-wk run-in period, patients were randomized to 4 wk of two AN-PEP capsules (GliadinX; AVI Research, LLC, United States) at each of three meals per day or placebo. Outcome endpoints were: (1) Average weekly stool gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) between the run-in and end of treatments and between AN-PEP and placebo; (2) celiac symptom index (CSI); (3) CeD-specific serology; and (4) quality of life. Stool samples were collected for GIP testing by ELISA every Tuesday and Friday during run-ins and treatments.
RESULTS
Forty patients were randomized for the intention-to-treat analysis, and three were excluded from the per-protocol assessment. Overall, 628/640 (98.1%) stool samples were collected. GIP was undetectable (< 0.08 μg/g) in 65.6% of samples, and no differences between treatment arms were detected. Only 0.5% of samples had GIP concentrations sufficiently high (> 0.32 μg/g) to potentially cause mucosal damage. Median GIP concentration in the AN-PEP arm was 44.7% lower than in the run-in period. One-third of patients exhibiting GIP > 0.08 μg/g during run-in had lower or undetectable GIP after AN-PEP treatment. Compared with the run- in period, the proportion of symptomatic patients (CSI > 38) in the AN-PEP arm was significantly lower ( < 0.03). AN-PEP did not result in changes in specific serologies.
CONCLUSION
This exploratory study conducted in a real-life setting revealed high adherence to the GFD. The AN-PEP treatment did not significantly reduce the overall GIP stool concentration. However, given the observation of a significantly lower prevalence of patients with severe symptoms in the AN-PEP arm, further clinical research is warranted.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aspergillus; Aspergillus niger; Celiac Disease; Diet, Gluten-Free; Glutens; Prolyl Oligopeptidases; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38617446
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1545 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024A fungal isolate PDB-B (accession number: MT774567.1), which could tolerate up to 500 mg/L of cypermethrin, was isolated from the lake sediments of Kulamangalam...
A fungal isolate PDB-B (accession number: MT774567.1), which could tolerate up to 500 mg/L of cypermethrin, was isolated from the lake sediments of Kulamangalam tropical lake, Madurai, and identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. The biotransformation potential of the strain was compared with five other strains (A, J, UN2, M1 and SM108) as a consortium, which were tentatively identified as , , , , and , respectively. Batch culture and soil microcosm studies were conducted to explore biotransformation using plate-based enzymatic screening and GC-MS. A mycotransformation pathway was predicted based on a comparative analysis of the transformation products (TPs) obtained. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the presence of (3-methylphenyl) methanol and isopropyl ether could be relevant to the high rate of lethality.
Topics: Lakes; Phylogeny; India; Aspergillus niger; Aspergillus; Pyrethrins
PubMed: 38611726
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071446 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024In recent years, non-thermal plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising tool for decontamination and disinfection within the food industry. Given the increasing resistance...
In recent years, non-thermal plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising tool for decontamination and disinfection within the food industry. Given the increasing resistance of microbial biofilms to conventional disinfectants and their adverse environmental effects, this method has significant potential for eliminating biofilm formation or mitigating the metabolic activity of grown biofilms. A comparative study was conducted evaluating the efficacy of UV radiation and NTP in eradicating mature biofilms of four common foodborne filamentous fungal contaminants: , , , and . The findings reveal that while UV radiation exhibits variable efficacy depending on the duration of exposure and fungal species, NTP induces substantial morphological alterations in biofilms, disrupting hyphae, and reducing extracellular polymeric substance production, particularly in and . Notably, scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrates significant disruption of the hyphae in NTP-treated biofilms, indicating its ability to penetrate the biofilm matrix, which is a promising outcome for biofilm eradication strategies. The use of NTP could offer a more environmentally friendly and potentially more effective alternative to traditional disinfection methods.
PubMed: 38611358
DOI: 10.3390/foods13071054 -
Polymers Mar 2024Biobased plastics provide a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The present study investigated...
Biobased plastics provide a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The present study investigated the effectiveness of chitosan with varying levels of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MOSP) and tannic acid (TA). Chitosan (CS) biocomposite films with tannic acid acted as a cross-linker, and Moringa oleifera seed powder served as reinforcement. To enhance food packaging and film performance, Moringa oleifera seed powder was introduced at various loadings of 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt.%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed to study the structure and morphology of the CS/TA/MOSP films. The scanning electron microscopy results confirmed that chitosan/TA with 10.0 wt.% of MOSP produced a lightly miscible droplet/matrix structure. Furthermore, mechanical properties, swelling, water solubility, optical barrier, and water contact angle properties of the film were also calculated. With increasing Moringa oleifera seed powder contents, the biocomposite films' antimicrobial and antifungal activity increased at the 10.0 wt.% MOSP level; all of the observed bacteria [ (), (), (), and ()] had a notably increased percentage of growth. The film, with 10.0 wt.% MOSP content, effectively preserves strawberries' freshness, making it an ideal food packaging material.
PubMed: 38611195
DOI: 10.3390/polym16070937 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Investigations assessing the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for distinguish infection from colonization are currently insufficient.
BACKGROUND
Investigations assessing the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for distinguish infection from colonization are currently insufficient.
METHODS
The performance of mNGS in distinguishing infection from colonization, along with the differences in patients' characteristics, antibiotic adjustment, and lung microbiota, were analyzed.
RESULTS
The abundance of significantly differed between patients with infection (n=36) and colonization (n=32) ( < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve result for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mNGS indicated an area under the curve of 0.894 (95%CI: 0.811-0.976), with an optimal threshold value of 23 for discriminating between infection and colonization. The infection group exhibited a higher proportion of antibiotic adjustments in comparison to the colonization group (50% vs. 12.5%, = 0.001), with antibiotic escalation being more dominant. Age, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin, cough and chest distress were significantly positively correlated with infection. The abundance of and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) significantly increased in the infection group, whereas the colonization group exhibited higher abundance of .
CONCLUSION
BALF mNGS is a valuable tool for differentiating between colonization and infection of . Variations in patients' age, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin, cough and chest distress are observable between patients with infection and colonization.
Topics: Humans; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Pneumonia; Aspergillosis; Aspergillus; Cough; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Lung; Hemoglobins; Sensitivity and Specificity; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38606292
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1345706 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Apr 2024The food enzyme peroxidase (phenolic donor: hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) is produced with the genetically modified strain MOX by DSM Food Specialties...
The food enzyme peroxidase (phenolic donor: hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) is produced with the genetically modified strain MOX by DSM Food Specialties B.V. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in one food manufacturing process. Subsequently, the applicant requested to extend its use to include an additional process. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of two food manufacturing processes: processing of dairy products for the production of modified milk proteins and the production of plant-based analogues of milk and milk products. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.091 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Using the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (2162 mg TOS/kg bw per day), the Panel derived a margin of exposure (MoE) of at least 23,758. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised MoE, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.
PubMed: 38601871
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8712