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Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are a substantial challenge to viticulture, especially with a lack of available control measures. The lack of approved fungicides...
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are a substantial challenge to viticulture, especially with a lack of available control measures. The lack of approved fungicides necessitates the exploration of alternative controls. One promising approach is the investigation of disease escape plants, which remain healthy under high disease pressure, likely due to their microbiome function. This study explored the microbiome of grapevines with the disease escape phenotype. DNA metabarcoding of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and 16S ribosomal RNA gene was applied to trunk tissues of GTD escape and adjacent diseased vines. Our findings showed that the GTD escape vines had a significantly different microbiome compared with diseased vines. The GTD escape vines consistently harbored a higher relative abundance of the bacterial taxa and . Among fungi, and were differentially associated with GTD escape vines, while the GTD pathogen, , was associated with the diseased vines. This is the first report of the link between the GTD escape phenotype and the grapevine microbiome.
PubMed: 37680529
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231832 -
Journal of Smooth Muscle Research =... 2023In contrast to the long-standing focus on the pathophysiology of skeletal muscles in the hunt for a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), we opine that the...
In contrast to the long-standing focus on the pathophysiology of skeletal muscles in the hunt for a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), we opine that the malfunctioning of dystrophin produced by vascular smooth muscle is a major contributor to the pathology of the illness. We believe that a biological response modifier glucan (BRMG), which has been shown in clinical studies of DMD to boost the expression of vascular smooth muscle dystrophin and provide anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, may play a key role in reducing the pathogenesis of DMD. According to the evaluation of biomarkers, this BRMG, which is safe and side-effect-free, reduces the pathogenesis of DMD. We describe the possible mechanisms of action by which this BRMG helps in alleviating the symptoms of DMD by targeting smooth muscle dystrophin, in addition to its advantages over other therapeutic modalities, as well as how it can serve as a valuable adjunct to existing therapies. We suggest that using BRMG adjuncts that target smooth muscle dystrophin would be a potential therapeutic approach that prolongs the lifespan and extends the duration of ambulation from the onset of DMD. Further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
Topics: Humans; Dystrophin; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Muscle, Skeletal; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Glucans
PubMed: 37673649
DOI: 10.1540/jsmr.59.67 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023The organoleptic profile and quality of wine are affected by the presence of different non-s species and strains. Therefore, the identification and characterization of...
The organoleptic profile and quality of wine are affected by the presence of different non-s species and strains. Therefore, the identification and characterization of non-s yeasts are the first step to understand their function, and to develop a better strain selection program for winemaking. This study investigated the biodiversity of non- yeasts associated with spontaneous fermentation of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from five sub-regions (Shi Zuishan, Yinchuan, Yu Quanying, Qing Tongxia and Hong Sibu) in Ningxia, China. Yeast species were identified by sequencing the 26S rRNA D1/D2 region, and strains at the subspecies level were discriminated using tandem repeat-tRNA (TRtRNA) PCR analysis. A total of 524 yeast colonies were isolated, and 19 non- yeast species belonging to 10 genera were identified, including , , sp., , , , , , sp., , , , , , , and . , , and were the three most dominated species, while other non- species were only present in the early stage of spontaneous fermentations at different levels. Further, for the yeast discrimination at strain level, 34 profiles were obtained by amplification with primer pairs TtRNASC/5CAG, while 40 profiles were obtained with primer pairs TtRNASC/ISSR-MB. This study explored the diversity of non- species in Ningxia, China, and made an important contribution of genetic resources for further strain development.
PubMed: 37664125
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253969 -
Journal of Functional Foods Aug 2023Humans have been consuming medicinal plants (as herbs/ spices) to combat illness for centuries while ascribing beneficial effects predominantly to the...
BACKGROUND
Humans have been consuming medicinal plants (as herbs/ spices) to combat illness for centuries while ascribing beneficial effects predominantly to the plant/phytochemical constituents, without recognizing the power of obligatory resident microorganism' communities (MOCs) (live/dead bacteria, fungus, yeast, molds etc.) which remain after industrial microbial reduction methods. Very little is known about the taxonomic identity of residual antigenic microbial associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) debris in our botanical over the counter (OTC) products, which if present would be recognized as foreign (non-self) antigenic matter by host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) provoking a host immune response; this the basis of vaccine adjuvants. As of today, only few research groups have removed the herbal MAMP biomass from herbs, all suggesting that immune activation may not be from the plant but rather its microbial biomass; a hypothesis we corroborate.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this work was to conduct a high through put screening (HTPS) of over 2500 natural plants, OTC botanical supplements and phytochemicals to elucidate those with pro-inflammatory; toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) activating properties in macrophages.
STUDY DESIGN
The HTPS was conducted on RAW 264.7 cells vs. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 0111:B4, testing NOS / nitric oxide production as a perimeter endpoint. The data show not a single drug/chemical/ phytochemical and approximately 98 % of botanicals to be immune idle (not effective) with only 65 pro-inflammatory (hits) in a potency range of LPS. Method validation studies eliminated the possibility of false artifact or contamination, and results were cross verified through multiple vendors/ manufacturers/lot numbers by botanical species. Lead botanicals were evaluated for plant concentration of LPS, 1,3:1,6-β-glucan, 1,3:1,4-β-D-glucan and α-glucans; where the former paralleled strength . LPS was then removed from plants using high-capacity endotoxin poly lysine columns, where bioactivity of LPS null "plant" extracts were lost. The stability of 0111:B4 in an acid stomach mimetic model was confirmed. Last, we conducted a reverse culture on aerobic plate counts (APCs) from select hits, with subsequent isolation of gram-negative bacteria (MacConkey agar). Cultures were 1) heat destroyed (retested/ confirming bioactivity) and 2) subject to taxonomical identification by genetic sequencing 18S, ITS1, 5.8 s, ITS2 28S, and 16S.
CONCLUSION
The data show significant gram negative MAMP biomass dominance in A) (e.g. echinacea, yucca, burdock, stinging nettle, sarsaparilla, hydrangea, poke, madder, calamus, rhaponticum, pleurisy, aconite etc.) and B) (e.g. bladderwrack, chlorella, spirulina, kelp, and "OTC Seamoss-blends" (irish moss, bladderwrack, burdock root etc), as well as other random herbs (eg. corn silk, cleavers, watercress, cardamom seed, tribulus, duckweed, puffball, hordeum and pollen). The results show a dominance of gram negative microbes (e.g. , ), fungus (), with black walnut hull, echinacea and burdock root also containing gram positive microbial strains ( and various strains of ).
CONCLUSION
This work brings attention to the existence of a functional immune bioactive herbal microbiome, independent from the plant. There is need to further this avenue of research, which should be carried out with consideration as to both positive or negative consequences arising from daily consumption of botanicals highly laden with bioactive MAMPS.
PubMed: 37654434
DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105687 -
JAR Life 2023In this pilot study, we have evaluated the specific metabolic and immune-related benefits of the AFO-202 strain and N-163 strain of black yeast Aureobasidium...
Beta 1,3-1,6 Glucans Produced by Two Novel Strains of Aureobasidium Pullulans Exert Immune and Metabolic Beneficial Effects in Healthy Middle-aged Japanese Men: Results of an Exploratory Randomized Control Study.
OBJECTIVES
In this pilot study, we have evaluated the specific metabolic and immune-related benefits of the AFO-202 strain and N-163 strain of black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans-produced beta 1,3-1,6 glucan in healthy human subjects.
METHODS
Sixteen healthy Japanese male volunteers (aged 40 to 60 years) took part in this clinical trial. They were divided into four groups (n = 4 each): Group I consumed AFO-202 beta-glucan (2 sachets of 1 g each per day), IA for 35 days and IB for 21 days; Group II consumed a combination of AFO-202 beta-glucan (2 sachets of 1 g each) and N-163 beta-glucan (1 sachet of 15 g gel each per day), IIA for 35 days and IIB for 21 days.
RESULTS
Decrease in HbA1C and glycated albumin (GA), significant increase of eosinophils and monocytes and marginal decrease in D-dimer levels, decrease in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), with an increase in the lymphocyte-to-CRP ratio (LCR) and leukocyte-to-CRP ratio (LeCR) was observed in Group I between pre- and post-treatment. Decrease in total and LDL cholesterol, a decrease of CD11b, serum ferritin, galectin-3 and fibrinogen were profound in Group II between pre- and post-treatment. However, there was no statistically significant difference between day 21 and day 35 among the groups.
CONCLUSION
This outcome warrants larger clinical trials to explore the potentials of these safe food supplements in the prevention and prophylaxis of diseases due to dysregulated metabolism, such as fatty liver disease, and infections such as COVID-19 in which balanced immunomodulation are of utmost importance, besides their administration as an adjunct to existing therapeutic approaches of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
PubMed: 37637272
DOI: 10.14283/jarlife.2023.11 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Many grape endophytic microorganisms exhibit high potential for suppressing the development of grape diseases and stimulating grapevine growth and fitness, as well as...
Many grape endophytic microorganisms exhibit high potential for suppressing the development of grape diseases and stimulating grapevine growth and fitness, as well as beneficial properties of the crop. The microbiome of wild grapevines is a promising source of biocontrol agents, which can be beneficial for domesticated grapevines. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and classical microbiology techniques, we performed an analysis of bacterial and fungal endophytic communities of wild grapevines Rupr. and Pulliat growing in the Russian Far East. According to the NGS analysis, 24 and 18 bacterial taxa from the class level were present in and grapevines, respectively. Gammaproteobacteria (35%) was the predominant class of endophytic bacteria in and Alphaproteobacteria (46%) in Three taxa, namely , and were the most common bacterial genera for and . Metagenomic analysis showed the presence of 23 and 22 fungi and fungus-like taxa of class level in and , respectively. The predominant fungal classes were Dothideomycetes (61-65%) and Tremellomycetes (10-11%), while and were the most common fungal genera in and respectively. A comparative analysis of the endophytic communities of and with the previously reported endophytic communities of revealed that the bacterial biodiversity of and was similar in alpha diversity to 's bacterial biodiversity. The fungal alpha diversity of and was statistically different from that of . The beta diversity analysis of bacterial and fungal endophytes showed that samples of formed separate clusters, while samples formed a separate cluster including samples. The data revealed that the endophytic community of bacteria and fungi from wild was richer than that from grapes and cultivated grapes. Therefore, the data obtained in this work could be of high value in the search for potentially useful microorganisms for viticulture.
PubMed: 37631163
DOI: 10.3390/plants12162952 -
Microorganisms Aug 2023Airborne fungal spores constitute an important type of bioaerosol and are responsible for a number of negative effects on human health, including respiratory diseases...
Airborne fungal spores constitute an important type of bioaerosol and are responsible for a number of negative effects on human health, including respiratory diseases and allergies. We investigated the diversity and concentration of culturable airborne fungi on pedestrian bridges in Tianjin, China, using an HAS-100B air sampler. We compared the airborne fungal communities at the top central area of the selected pedestrian bridges and along the corresponding sidewalk, at ground level. A total of 228 fungal strains belonging to 96 species and 58 genera of Ascomycota (68.86%), Basidiomycota (30.26%), and Mucoromycota (0.88%) were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. was the dominant genus (20.61%), followed by (11.48%), (6.14%), (5.70%), and (4.82%). was the most frequently occurring fungal species (6.58%), followed by (5.26%), sp. (4.82%), (4.39%), and (3.95%). The recorded fungal concentration ranged from 10 to 180 CFU/m. Although there was no significant difference in the distribution and abundance of the dominant airborne fungal taxa between the two investigated bridges' sites, numerous species detected with a low percentage of abundance belonging to well-known pathogenic fungal genera, including , , , , , and , were exclusively present in one of the two sites. The relative humidity showed a stronger influence compared to the temperature on the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi in the investigated sites. Our results may provide valuable information for air quality monitoring and for assessing human health risks associated with microbial pollution.
PubMed: 37630657
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082097 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2023Biopolymers, such as pullulan, a natural exopolysaccharide from , and their nanocomposites are commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries due to...
Biopolymers, such as pullulan, a natural exopolysaccharide from , and their nanocomposites are commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Pullulan was synthesized by the ATCC 201253 strain. Nanocomposite films based on biosynthesized pullulan were prepared and loaded with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by the strain JTW1. AgNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Zeta potential measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In turn, the produced films were subjected to physico-chemical analyses such as goniometry, UV shielding capacity, attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their mechanical and degradation properties were assessed. The antibacterial assays of the nanoparticles and the nanocomposite films against both food-borne and reference pathogens, including , and , were performed using standard methods. AgNPs were small (mean 15.1 nm), spherical, and displayed good stability, being coated with protein biomolecules. When used in higher concentrations as an additive to pullulan films, they resulted in reduced hydrophilicity and light transmission for both UV-B and UV-A lights. Moreover, the produced films exhibited a smooth surface. Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of biogenic AgNPs did not change the morphology and texture of the films compared to the control film. The nanoparticles and nanocomposite films demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against both food-borne and reference bacteria. The highest activity of the prepared films was observed against . The obtained results suggest that the novel nanocomposite films prepared from biosynthesized pullulan and AgNPs can be considered for use in the development of medical products and food packaging. Moreover, this is the first report on pullulan-based nanocomposites with mycogenic AgNPs for such applications.
PubMed: 37609118
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1241739 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023The effect of three independent variables (i.e., tyrosine, sucrose, and incubation time) on melanin production by Aureobasidium pullulans AKW was unraveled by two...
The effect of three independent variables (i.e., tyrosine, sucrose, and incubation time) on melanin production by Aureobasidium pullulans AKW was unraveled by two distinctive approaches: response surface methodology (i.e. Box Behnken design (BBD)) and artificial neural network (ANN) in this study for the first time ever using a simple medium. Regarding BBD, sucrose and incubation intervals did impose a significant influence on the output (melanin levels), however, tyrosine did not. The validation process exhibited a high consistency of BBD and ANN paradigms with the experimental melanin production. Concerning ANN, the predicted values of melanin were highly comparable to the experimental values, with minor errors competing with BBD. Highly comparable experimental values of melanin were achieved upon using BBD (9.295 ± 0.556 g/L) and ANN (10.192 ± 0.782 g/L). ANN accurately predicted melanin production and showed more improvement in melanin production by about 9.7% higher than BBD. The purified melanin structure was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results verified the hierarchical architecture of the particles as small compasses by SEM analysis, inter-layer spacing in the XRD analysis, maximal atomic % for carbon, and oxygen atoms in the EDX analysis, and the great thermal stability in the TGA analysis of the purified melanin. Interestingly, the current novel endophytic strain was tyrosine-independent, and the uniquely applied ANN paradigm was more efficient in modeling the melanin production with appreciate amount on a simple medium in a relatively short time (168 h), suggesting additional optimization studies for further maximization of melanin production.
Topics: Melanins; Tyrosine; Neural Networks, Computer; Sucrose
PubMed: 37598271
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40549-z -
IBRO Neuroscience Reports Dec 2023
Corrigendum to "Beneficial immune-modulatory effects of the N-163 strain of Aureobasidium pullulans-produced 1,3-1,6 Beta glucans in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Results of an open-label, prospective, exploratory case-control clinical study" [IBRO Neurosci. Rep. 15 (2023), pp. 90-99].
PubMed: 37593322
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.08.001