Acta Biologica Szegediensis

Effects of soil physico-chemical parameters on Sclerotium rolfsii suppressiveness

2024-01-12T07:49:22+00:00

The relationship of soil physico-chemical parameters with disease suppressiveness property of soil is not well understood phenomenon. In this regard, the surveys were conducted on the occurrence of collar rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in two districts (North 24 Parganas and Nadia) of West Bengal Gangetic new alluvial region of India from February to March, 2016. Soil samples were screened through the disease conduciveness and suppressiveness. The physicochemical properties of soils showed that the clay loam soil dominated in new the alluvial region of West Bengal. It was found that soil suppressiveness against S. rolfsii significantly positively correlated with soil aggregate ratio (AR). PCA explained the closeness of the parameters with soil suppressive index (SI) and aggregate stability (AS). Mostly the exponential relationship has been observed among the selected physico-chemical parameters. From this study we found AR, AS and bulk density were most determining parameters for S. rolfsii soil suppressiveness. Such indicators of soil health would be very beneficial for forecasting potential risks and providing guidance on appropriate farming techniques for specific geographic areas or microclimates. However, further investigation is required to fully comprehend the impact of physical and chemical properties on soil suppressiveness.

In silico immunoinformatics based prediction and designing of multi-epitope construct against human rhinovirus C

2024-01-12T08:12:13+00:00

Human rhinovirus C (HRV-C) is an RNA virus infecting human respiratory tract. It is associated with complexities like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory damage. HRV-C has many serotypes. Till date there is no vaccine. Despite some limitations, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and common cold medicines are used to treat HRV-C infections. Here, we have used immunoinformatics approach to predict suitable cytotoxic T-cell, helper T-cell and linear B-cell epitopes from the most antigenic protein. VP2 protein of Rhinovirus C53 strain USA/CO/2014-20993 was found to be most antigenic. The multi-epitope construct was designed using the best CTL, HTL and linear B-cell epitopes and attaching them with adjuvant and linkers. Interferon-gamma inducing epitopes and conformational B-cell epitopes were also predicted from the construct. Physicochemical and structural properties of the construct were satisfactory. Binding pockets were identified that could be the targets for designing effective inhibitors. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinity of the construct with human Toll-like receptors 2 and 4. Normal mode analysis divulged stability of the docked complex. Codon optimization, in silico cloning and immune simulation analysis demonstrated suitability of the construct. These findings are likely to aid in vitro studies for developing vaccine against HRV-C.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens in Karachi, Pakistan

2024-01-12T09:54:07+00:00

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the major healthcare concerns causing an alarmingly high medical and financial burden in both developing and developed countries. There is a significant rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogens, both in hospitalized and community settings, which threatens safe and effective therapy of these infections. The increased rates of resistance in UTIs requires the continuous surveillance of uropathogens in the specific area to inform safe and effective therapy. The present, retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out using samples collected between 01/06/2019 and 31/05/2020 in Karachi, Pakistan, during which, n = 1500 urine samples were collected. The samples were processed on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar, identification was carried out by using standard biochemical tests and API 20E/20NE strips. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standard disk diffusion test protocol, as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Overall, n = 1189 urine samples (79.27%) showed significant bacterial growth. The median age of affected patients was 56 years (range: 1-100) with n = 811 females (68.21%), with patients between 61-80 years (n = 384; 32.29%) as the most numerous age group. Regarding uropathogen distribution, the overwhelming majority were Gram-negative bacteria (n = 986; 82.93%), the most common causative agent being Escherichia coli (n = 648; 54.49%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (n = 206; 17.33%) and Enterococcus spp. (n = 118; 9.92%). Resistance rates were highest for the tested fluoroquinolones (>70% for most species), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, broad-spectrum penicillins, and cephalosporins, while fosfomycin, carbapenems and colistin largely retained their efficacy. The mitigation of UTIs and the emergence of resistance may be impeded by taking appropriate measures for the better management of patients; these interventions include improvements in the treatment recommendations, provision of health education, and continuous antimicrobial surveillance.

Phenotypic characteristics of environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an in vitro study on epidemiological aspects

2024-01-12T10:27:54+00:00

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most commonly isolated species among non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, both from clinical samples and from environmental sources. The survival of the species in harsh conditions is ensured by the production of a protective biofilm; assessment of biofilm-forming capacity aids future pathogen eradication strategies. The aim of our present study was to assess the relationship between antibiotic resistance, biofilm-forming capacity and other phenotypic virulence factors in environmental P. aeruginosa isolates. One hundred and fourteen (n = 114) isolates were included in the study, which were obtained from various geographical regions and environmental origins. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using standard protocols. Biofilm-forming capacity and pyocyanin pigment production were tested using microtiter plate-based methods. Swarming, swimming and twitching motility, and siderophore-production were assessed using agar-plate based methodologies. Resistance in environmental isolates were highest for levofloxacin/ciprofloxacin 49.12% (n = 56), ceftazidime 42.98% (n = 49) and cefepime 35.96% (n = 41), while lowest for colistin 0% (n = 0); overexpression of RND-type efflux pumps was seen in 33.33% (n = 33) of isolates. 21.93% (n = 25) met the criteria to be classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). 17.54% (n = 20) of isolates were weak/non-biofilm producers, while (25.45%, n = 29) and (57.01%, n = 65) were moderate and strong biofilm producers, respectively. No significant differences were noted in biofilm-formation (OD570 values non-MDR [mean ± SD]: 0.396 ± 0.138 vs. MDR: 0.348 ± 0.181; p > 0.05) or pyocyanin pigment production (OD₆₈₆ values non-MDR: 0.403 ± 0.169 vs. MDR: 0.484 ± 0.125; p > 0.05) between MDR and non-MDR environmental P. aeruginosa. Highest motility values were observed for swarming motility, followed by swimming and twitching motility; no relevant differences (p > 0.05) in motility were noted in the context of MDR status or biofilm-formation in the tested isolates. P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with high medical importance, being a causative agent of recalcitrant infections, which are becoming difficult to treat with the onset of MDR. Further studies are warranted to assess biofilm-forming capacity, and to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying biofilm-formation both in isolates of clinical and environmental origins.

Biopriming salt-tolerant microbial isolates to chilli and pak choy seeds: a study on salinity tolerance and physiological responses of treated seeds

2024-01-12T10:38:25+00:00

Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were first established for their tolerance to salinity. They were bioprimed onto two common vegetable seeds (pak choy and chilli) using sodium alginate (for T. asperellum, TAB) and xanthan gum (for P. fluorescens, PFB) and sown into soils amended with NaCl (salinity stress). Both T. asperellum and P. fluorescens have high salt tolerance (up to 250 mM of NaCl) concentration). Bioprimed seedlings had sustained growth in saline soils (2.72 – 3.05 dS/m). Pak choy seedlings benefited the most from biopriming with TAB or PFB seedlings, showing enhanced fresh weight, shoot length, root length and germination, compared to non-bioprimed seedlings. For chilli seedlings, only shoot length was enhanced. Tolerance to salinity was marked by lower levels of proline (0.62-2.73 µmol/g fr. wt.), total phenolic content (80.29-130.10 mg GAE/100 g fr. wt.), and malondialdehyde (0.29-0.61 µmol/g fr. wt.) compared to non-bioprimed seedlings (NB) under salinity stress (1.87-3.55 µmol/g fr. wt. for proline, 105.60-278.82 mg GAE/100 g fr. wt. for total phenolic content, 0.33-0.61 µmol/g fr. wt. for malondialdehyde). Our early observations showed the potential of biopriming salt-tolerant isolates to enhance survival of important vegetable crops in saline soils.

New records of crustose lichen species for Iran and Asia

2024-01-12T10:44:32+00:00

The Khorasan-Razavi Province in northeastern Iran boasts a diverse lichen flora, fostered by its climatic diversity and extensive calcareous substrates, which provide an ideal habitat for crustose saxicolous lichens. However, the distribution of these lichens in this province has remained inadequately explored. Thus, this study aims to conduct a taxonomic investigation of crustose saxicolous lichens within this area. Between 2018 and 2019, we employed survey methods to collect 436 rock substrates from 44 locations within the province. Lichen specimens were meticulously examined, considering their morphological, anatomical, and ecological attributes. Light microscopy was utilized to scrutinize morphological and anatomical features, with a specific focus on the thallus and perithecium. Our findings reveal the first-ever documentation of the species Caloplaca atroalba (Tuck) Zahlbr. (1930) in Asia. Additionally, we report the presence of the species Pyrenodesmia micromontana (Frolov, Wilk, and Vondrák) Hafellner & Türk (2016), Arthonia mediella Nyl. (1859), Lecania erysibe (Ach.) Mudd (1861), Placopyrenium canellum (Nyl.) Gueidan & Cl. Roux, Verruculopsis minutum (Hepp.) Krzewicka, and Involucropyrenium waltheri (Kremp.) Breuss, along with the genus Involucropyrenium, as new records for the Iranian flora.

Evaluation of molecular and morphological diversity of the rangeland species of Atriplex canescens (Amaranthaceae) in Iran

2024-01-12T10:50:07+00:00

Atriplex canescens is a polymorphic species that can be deciduous or evergreen depending on the climate. Having an extensive root system, it controls soil erosion very well and is resistant to drought. The present study examined the morphological and genetic diversity of 13 Iranian populations. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed on 25 morphological characteristics (quantitative and qualitative). To assess genetic diversity, eight primers were applied, resulting in 42 bands. With the ANOVA test, all quantitative morphological characteristics among the studied populations were significantly different. Similarly, the AMOVA test revealed that the genetic content of the studied populations was different. Genetic distance and geographic distance were significantly correlated in Mantel's test. Based on morphological studies and the effects of environmental factors (latitude, longitude, and altitude) on genetic structure, different genetic branches have been proposed for A. canescens.

Efficacy of some plant resistance inducers against several sunflower downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni) isolates

2024-01-12T10:53:47+00:00

Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni is the oomycete that causes sunflower downy mildew (SDM). Traditional means of controlling this pathogen are using resistant hybrids, crop rotation and seed coating with fungicides. Disease control strategies that use a variety of approaches are becoming an increasingly essential aspect of pest management strategies. We conducted this exploratory investigation to evaluate whether specific plant resistance inducers might work against P. halstedii. In this study we used azadirachtin (AZA) a botanical insecticide; benzothiadiazole (BTH) and Trichoderma asperellum. Three-day-old susceptible sunflower seedlings were pre-treated with different doses of inducers for two hours. The seedlings were immediately inoculated of 7 different pathotype of P. halstedii. As a control, metalaxyl-M a systemic fungicide was used. Nine-day-old sunflower plant leaves were sprayed with bidistilled water to stimulate sporangial growth. In vivo experiments showed that BTH, T. asperellum and the highest doses of AZA significantly reduced downy mildew symptoms. The various pathotypes of the pathogen significantly affected the plant height and disease symptoms under experiments.

Antidiabetic efficacy of sea fish oil in ameliorating hyperglycaemia by enhancing FFAR1, GLP-1 and inhibiting DPP-4 signalling in the pancreatic tissues of high lipid diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

2024-01-12T11:00:40+00:00

Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are n-3 fatty acids that are highly available in sea-fishes. Many studies have revealed that n-3 fatty acids play antidiabetic activity. In this study antidiabetic activity of the three sea fishes oils, ‘volavetki’ (Panna microdon, Bleeker 1849), ‘ruli’ (Coilia dussumieri, Valenciennes 1848), and ‘tapra’ (Opisthopterus tardoore, Cuvier 1829), as well as three fresh-water fishes oils, ‘bata’ (Labeo bata, Hamilton 1822), ‘folui’ (Opisthopterus tardoore, Cuvier 1829), and ‘mourala’ (Amblypharyngodon mola, Hamilton 1822) evaluated high lipid diet (HLD) and STZ-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The GC-MS analysis revealed high n-3 fatty acid content in volavetki oil. Supplementation of sea-fish oils and antidiabetic effect was monitored by fasting plasma blood glucose and HbA1c. Also, insulin, c-peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, free fatty acid receptor 1, glucokinase, glucose-6 phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde, plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, c-reactive protein, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, and histopathology of pancreatic tissues were evaluated. Out of six fish oils, oral supplementation with volavetki oil resulted in significant reduction of plasma blood glucose, HbA1c of T2DM rat. All other parameters in T2DM rats were returned to near normally by treatment of volavetki oil. These findings strongly indicate that volavetki oil possess antidiabetic activity.

Menstrual hygiene among the school-going early adolescent girls (10-14 Years): A socio-cultural study in Bankura District, West Bengal, India

2024-01-12T11:09:57+00:00

The onset of menstruation is a significant milestone in female puberty, marking the transition from girlhood to womanhood and initiating the reproductive phase of a woman's life. In Indian society, menstruation is associated with a myriad of traditions, myths, misconceptions, taboos, and superstitions. Open discussions about menstruation management are rare. Various socio-cultural influences propagate negative or erroneous information among girls, detrimentally affecting their understanding of menstrual hygiene and safe practices. This cross-sectional study focuses on early adolescent girls (aged 10-14 years) from a high school in the Bankura district of West Bengal, illuminating the socio-cultural factors that prevent them from gaining appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning menstrual hygiene. The study found that 11.87% of the girls viewed menstruation as a result of a divine curse, 1.70% perceived it as a disease, and 54.23% lacked a clear understanding of this crucial life phase. Additionally, the majority were ignorant of the source of menstrual bleeding. A mere 8.47% of the girls had knowledge of menstruation before experiencing their first period (menarche). Most of girls didn’t even hear about menstruation before menarche. Thus, menstruation and its associated practices are overshadowed by prevalent taboos and socio-cultural misconceptions.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the ethanol extract of Erythrina fusca Lour. fruit via oral administration in mice

2024-01-12T11:42:11+00:00

Erythrina fusca Lour. is a medicinal plant traditionally used in herbal medicine; however, there are no records of toxicity associated with the ethanol extract of E. fusca fruit (EtEF). The objective of this study was to assess the safety of EtEF through toxicity testing. Four groups of Swiss albino mice were employed, including a control group and three groups administered EtEF at doses of 1000, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg (single dose) and 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg (administered repeatedly for 90 days). Various parameters, including body weight, food and water consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weight, urine composition, and histopathology, were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the tested groups compared to the control group, and there was no evidence of morphological or histopathological damage in the organs of mice treated with EtEF. This study affirms the safety of EtEF and establishes a foundation for further investigations into its utilization in traditional medicine.

Acute toxicity and therapeutic application of Zizyphus lotus and Ruta chalepensis phenolic extracts in treatment of gastroenteritis induced by Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae

2024-01-12T11:46:17+00:00

This study aimed to evaluate the antigastroenteritis effect against Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae after therapeutic application of hydromethanolic extracts (MeOH.E) and aqueous extracts (Aq.E) of Zizyphus lotus (ZL) and Ruta chalepensis (RC). Acute oral toxicity was elucidated using in vivo methods and antigastroenteritis effect were evaluated using S. enterica subsp. arizonae-induced diarrheal model. Furthermore, test groups were treated with 400 mg/kg of the MeOH.E and Aq.E of each plant, while the control group was given neomycin (200 mg/kg) as standard antibiotic treatment, positive and negative controls were given the infectious germ (4 × 10⁶ cells/mL) and 0.9% saline solution NaCl (10 ml/kg), respectively. Both plants extracts showed no toxicity for all the animals, so the LD₅₀ was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Moreover, an important bactericidal effect, using both plants extracts was determined against S. enterica subsp. arizonae cells in the intestine. In parallel, a decrease in alkaline phosphatase, amino alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels was observed with reduction in blood erythrocyte sedimentation rate in all treated animals. Thus, these results could be exploited in the medical field for the formulation of potent antibacterial drugs that cure severe gastrointestinal infections.

PhD abstracts

2024-01-12T11:54:39+00:00

Abstracts of the Annual Conference of Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged – 2023.