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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Milpa is an agroecological production system based on the polyculture of plant species, with corn featuring as a central component. Traditionally, the milpa system does...
Milpa is an agroecological production system based on the polyculture of plant species, with corn featuring as a central component. Traditionally, the milpa system does not require the application of chemicals, and so pest attacks and poor growth in poor soils can have adverse effects on its production. Therefore, the application of bioinoculants could be a strategy for improving crop growth and health; however, the effect of external inoculant agents on the endemic microbiota associated with corn has not been extensively studied. Here, the objective of this work was to fertilize a maize crop under a milpa agrosystem with the PGPR UM270, evaluating its impact on the diversity of the rhizosphere (rhizobiome) and root endophytic (root endobiome) microbiomes of maize plants. The endobiome of maize roots was evaluated by 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequencing, and the rhizobiome was assessed by metagenomic sequencing upon inoculation with the strain UM270. The results showed that UM270 inoculation of the rhizosphere of UM270 did not increase alpha diversity in either the monoculture or milpa, but it did alter the endophytic microbiome of maize plant roots by stimulating the presence of bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the genera and (in a monoculture), whereas, in the milpa system, the PGPR stimulated greater endophytic diversity and the presence of genera such as , , and N-fixing rhizobia genera, including , , and . No clear association was found between fungal diversity and the presence of strain UM270, but beneficial fungi, such as and , were detected in the Milpa system. In addition, network analysis revealed unique interactions with species such as sp., , and , which could potentially play beneficial roles in the plant. Finally, the UM270 strain does not seem to have a strong impact on the microbial diversity of the rhizosphere, but it does have a strong impact on some functions, such as trehalose synthesis, ammonium assimilation, and polyamine metabolism. The inoculation of UM270 biofertilizer in maize plants modifies the rhizo- and endophytic microbiomes with a high potential for stimulating plant growth and health in agroecological crop models.
PubMed: 38611483
DOI: 10.3390/plants13070954 -
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection... Apr 2024In the healthcare sector, the implementation of standardized procedures, such as those commonly employed in franchises to ensure consistent quality, remains...
In the healthcare sector, the implementation of standardized procedures, such as those commonly employed in franchises to ensure consistent quality, remains underprioritized. Within this framework, we focus on the importance of standardized central venous catheter (CVC) insertion procedures to prevent healthcare-associated outbreaks. While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may still not be the most prevalent problem in some institutions, its increasing significance certainly underlines the urgency of infection prevention.We aim to highlight this issue by describing and discussing an outbreak scenario of carbapenem-resistant (CR) Pseudomonas fluorescens bloodstream infections resulting from a deviation from the standardized CVC insertion procedure. This outbreak led to six episodes of catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in patients with hematologic malignancies, delaying their primary treatment. Nineteen patients were exposed, leading to an attack rate of 31.6%.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Pseudomonas fluorescens; Catheter-Related Infections; Bacteremia; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Disease Outbreaks; Reference Standards
PubMed: 38605403
DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01390-9 -
Heliyon Apr 2024The utilization of a novel (systemic) biofertilizer containing , and and possessing the technology to facilitate the entry of bacteria through the stomata, was...
The utilization of a novel (systemic) biofertilizer containing , and and possessing the technology to facilitate the entry of bacteria through the stomata, was evaluated at three localities in Mexico (Potrero Nuevo, Veracruz; Ameca, Jalisco; and Champotón, Campeche) in two sugarcane varieties (NCO-310 and Mex 57-473) at different time scales. Inoculation of the systemic biofertilizer was imposed over the local agricultural management of the sugarcane; chemical fertilization of the experimental parcels at Potrero Nuevo was done using 70-20-20 and 120-80-80 at Ameca and Champotón. Three doses of the biofertilizer per hectare were applied during the annual productive cycle of sugarcane at each site; one year at Potrero Nuevo and Champotón; and six years at Ameca. The annual sugarcane yield was evaluated at each site. Additionally, sugar quality (°Brix or sucrose content) was evaluated at the three localities, while different variables of stalk performance were also measured at Ameca and Champotón. Our data provide evidence that this systemic biofertilizer consistently and reliably increased the sugarcane yield at all localities during the time of evaluation, ranging from 73.7 tons ha at Potrero Nuevo (2.5 times increase; P < 0.05) and 77.7 tons ha at Ameca (1.9 times increase; P < 0.05) to 23.8 tons ha at Champotón (1.4 times increase; P < 0.05). This increase in sugarcane biomass was related to increased tillering rather than increased stalk height or diameter. This novel biological product improved the sugarcane quality in terms of °Brix (P < 0.05, 2.6° difference) and sucrose content (P < 0.5, 0.7% difference).
PubMed: 38596061
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28750 -
MSphere May 2024The genome of encodes >50 proteins predicted to play a role in bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP)-mediated biofilm formation. We built a...
The genome of encodes >50 proteins predicted to play a role in bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP)-mediated biofilm formation. We built a network representation of protein-protein interactions and extracted key information via multidimensional scaling (i.e., principal component analysis) of node centrality measures, which measure features of proteins in a network. Proteins of different domain types (diguanylate cyclase, dual domain, phosphodiesterase, PilZ) exhibit unique network behavior and can be accurately classified by their network centrality values (i.e., roles in the network). The predictive power of protein-protein interactions in biofilm formation indicates the possibility of localized pools of c-di-GMP. A regression model showed a statistically significant impact of protein-protein interactions on the extent of biofilm formation in various environments. These results highlight the importance of a localized c-di-GMP signaling, extend our understanding of signaling by this second messenger beyond the current "Bow-tie Model," support a newly proposed "Hub Model," and suggest future avenues of investigation.
Topics: Cyclic GMP; Biofilms; Pseudomonas fluorescens; Bacterial Proteins; Protein Interaction Maps; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Phosphorus-Oxygen Lyases; Escherichia coli Proteins
PubMed: 38591888
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00178-24 -
International Journal of Systematic and... Apr 2024By investigating wet and dry age-related ripening of beef, strains V3/3/4/13 and V3/K/3/5 were isolated. Strain V3/3/4/13 exhibited more than 99 % 16S rRNA gene-based...
By investigating wet and dry age-related ripening of beef, strains V3/3/4/13 and V3/K/3/5 were isolated. Strain V3/3/4/13 exhibited more than 99 % 16S rRNA gene-based similarity to and other members of this group, while isolate V3/K/3/5 was very close to and a number of relatives within the group. Additional comparisons of complete sequences and draft genomes allowed us to place isolate V3/3/4/13 close to DSM 26521. In the case of V3/K/3/5 the closest relative was DSM 11331. Average nucleotide identity (ANIb) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values calculated from the draft genomes of V3/3/4/13 and DSM 26521 were 88.5 and 39.8 %, respectively. For V3/K/3/5 and its closest relative DSM 11331, the ANIb value was 95.1 % and the dDDH value was 60.7 %. The DNA G+C contents of V3/3/4/13 and V3/K/3/5 were 57.4 and 60.8 mol%, respectively. Predominant fatty acids were C, C ω7, C cyclo and summed feature C ω7/C iso 2OH. The main respiratory quinones were Q9, with minor proportions of Q8 and, in the case of V3/K/3/5, additional Q10. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and, in the case of V3/K/3/5, additional phosphatidylcholine. Based on the combined data, isolates V3/3/4/13 and V3/K/3/5 should be considered as representatives of two novel species. The type strain of the newly proposed sp. nov. is V3/3/4/13 (=DSM 113654=LMG 32520), a second strain belonging to the same species is FLM 004-28 (=DSM 113604=LMG 32521); the type strain for the newly proposed sp. nov. is V3/K/3/5 (=DSM 113573=LMG 32518) with a second isolate FLM 11 (=DSM 113572=LMG 32519).
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Base Composition; Chickens; Fatty Acids; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Phylogeny; Sequence Analysis, DNA; DNA, Bacterial; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Pseudomonas; Nucleotides
PubMed: 38587505
DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006293 -
Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy :... Apr 2024Bacterial contamination of blood products presumably occurs mainly during blood collection, starting from low initial concentrations of 10-100 colony-forming units...
INTRODUCTION
Bacterial contamination of blood products presumably occurs mainly during blood collection, starting from low initial concentrations of 10-100 colony-forming units (CFUs) per bag. As little is known about bacterial growth behavior and distribution in stored whole blood (WB) and WB-derived blood products, this study aims to provide data on this subject.
METHODS
WB units were inoculated with transfusion-relevant bacterial species (; = 12 for each species), stored for 22-24 h at room temperature, and then centrifuged for separation into plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and buffy coats (BCs). The latter were pooled with 3 random donor BCs and one unit of PAS-E each to yield plasma-reduced platelet concentrates (PCs). Samples for bacterial colony counting were collected after WB storage and immediately after blood component production. Sterility testing in PCs ( = 12 for each species) was performed by bacterial culture after 7 days of storage.
RESULTS
Bacterial growth in WB varied remarkably between donations and species. Streptococcus species produced the highest titers in WB, whereas , , and did not multiply. Centrifugation resulted in preferential accumulation of bacteria in BCs, with titers of up to 3.5 × 10 CFU/mL in BCs and up to ≤0.9 × 10 CFU/mL in BC-derived PCs. Overall, 72/144 PCs (50%) tested positive for bacteria after storage. Sterility test results were species-dependent, ranging from 12 of 12 PCs tested positive for to 1 of 12 PCs positive for . Bacterial contamination of RBC and plasma units was much less common and was associated with higher initial bacterial counts in the parent WB units.
CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial growth in WB is species-dependent and varies greatly between donations. Preferential accumulation of bacteria in BCs during manufacturing is a critical determinant of the contamination risk of BC-derived pooled PCs.
PubMed: 38584696
DOI: 10.1159/000536242 -
Heliyon Apr 2024Mango is a commercial fruit crop of India that suffers huge postharvest losses every year. The application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) bears a vast potential for...
Mango is a commercial fruit crop of India that suffers huge postharvest losses every year. The application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) bears a vast potential for managing the same, which is yet to be exploited to its fullest extent. Hence, studies were conducted for BCAs application of , and strains on mango fruit under , conditions to know the efficacy of these BCAs on the postharvest pathogen, shelf life and quality retention of mango fruit. The 'poisoned food technique' was attempted for studies. For the studies, fruit of the commercial cultivar 'Amrapali' were un-inoculated and pre-inoculated with major postharvest pathogens (anthracnose: Colletotrichum and stem-end rot: ) were treated with BCA, followed by ambient storage at (24 ± 4 °C, 75 ± 5 % RH). From the results, it has been observed that under studies BCA (Strain: KP006) and (Strain: BJ0011) at the treatment level 10 CFU mL while, the at 10 CFU mL (Strain: BE0001) were significantly effective for pathogen inhibition. However, under the studies, the BCA (Strain: KP006) at 10 CFU mL treatment level was found to significantly reduce the pathogen's decay incidence while positively influencing the shelf life and biochemical (quality) attributes. This treatment increased the storage life of mango fruit by more than three days over control fruit. Therefore, BCA (Strain: KP006) at 10 CFU mL can be used to control the postharvest pathological loss of mango fruit without affecting its internal quality.
PubMed: 38576553
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28758 -
Journal of Natural Products Apr 2024Nine bacteria were isolated from the episphere of (L.) Dumort. Among them, the bacterial strain YSL2 displayed the highest antimicrobial activity on agar plates and...
Nine bacteria were isolated from the episphere of (L.) Dumort. Among them, the bacterial strain YSL2 displayed the highest antimicrobial activity on agar plates and exhibited significant novelty compared with other bacteria based on 16S rRNA analysis. Consequently, YSL2 was subjected to phenotypic characterization and whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed its close association with SNG49. Furthermore, genomic analysis of strain YSL2 revealed the presence of various gene clusters, indicating its potential for producing antimicrobial secondary metabolites. Upon cultivation on a large scale, maritiamides A and B ( and ) were isolated and characterized as cyclic hexapeptides based on nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet, infrared, and mass spectrometric data. The absolute configurations of the amino acid residues in the maritiamides were determined through chiral derivatization, utilizing FDAA and GITC. Maritiamides and exhibited promising antibacterial activities against and weakly inhibited the growth of and .
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chenopodiaceae; Escherichia coli; Genomics; Metabolomics; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Molecular Structure; Nocardiopsis; Peptides, Cyclic; Phylogeny; Pseudomonas; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Staphylococcus
PubMed: 38573876
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00843 -
Environmental Microbiology Apr 2024Aphids are globally important pests causing damage to a broad range of crops. Due to insecticide resistance, there is an urgent need to develop alternative control...
Aphids are globally important pests causing damage to a broad range of crops. Due to insecticide resistance, there is an urgent need to develop alternative control strategies. In our previous work, we found Pseudomonas fluorescens PpR24 can orally infect and kill the insecticide-resistant green-peach aphid (Myzus persicae). However, the genetic basis of the insecticidal capability of PpR24 remains unclear. Genome sequencing of PpR24 confirmed the presence of various insecticidal toxins such as Tc (toxin complexes), Rhs (rearrangement hotspot) elements, and other insect-killing proteases. Upon aphids infection with PpR24, RNA-Seq analysis revealed 193 aphid genes were differentially expressed with down-regulation of 16 detoxification genes. In addition, 1325 PpR24 genes (542 were upregulated and 783 downregulated) were subject to differential expression, including genes responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the iron-restriction response, oxidative stress resistance, and virulence factors. Single and double deletion of candidate virulence genes encoding a secreted protease (AprX) and four toxin components (two TcA-like; one TcB-like; one TcC-like insecticidal toxins) showed that all five genes contribute significantly to aphid killing, particularly AprX. This comprehensive host-pathogen transcriptomic analysis provides novel insight into the molecular basis of bacteria-mediated aphid mortality and the potential of PpR24 as an effective biocontrol agent.
Topics: Animals; Aphids; Pseudomonas fluorescens; Peptide Hydrolases; Insecticides; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38561900
DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16604 -
MicrobiologyOpen Apr 2024Arginine-ornithine metabolism plays a crucial role in bacterial homeostasis, as evidenced by numerous studies. However, the utilization of arginine and the downstream...
Arginine-ornithine metabolism plays a crucial role in bacterial homeostasis, as evidenced by numerous studies. However, the utilization of arginine and the downstream products of its metabolism remain undefined in various gut bacteria. To bridge this knowledge gap, we employed genomic screening to pinpoint relevant metabolic targets. We also devised a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomics method to measure the levels of arginine, its upstream precursors, and downstream products in cell-free conditioned media from enteric pathobionts, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, K. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Our findings revealed that all selected bacterial strains consumed glutamine, glutamate, and arginine, and produced citrulline, ornithine, and GABA in our chemically defined medium. Additionally, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, K. aerogenes, and P. fluorescens were found to convert arginine to agmatine and produce putrescine. Interestingly, arginine supplementation promoted biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae, while ornithine supplementation enhanced biofilm formation in S. epidermidis. These findings offer a comprehensive insight into arginine-ornithine metabolism in enteric pathobionts.
Topics: Ornithine; Putrescine; Arginine; Escherichia coli; Chromatography, Liquid; Staphylococcus aureus; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Bacteria; Klebsiella pneumoniae
PubMed: 38560776
DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1408