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Among the several threats to humanity by anthropogenic activities, contamination of the environment by heavy metals is of great concern. Upon entry into the food chain, these metals cause serious hazards to plants and other organisms including humans. Use of microbes for bioremediation of the soil and stress mitigation in plants are among the preferred strategies to provide an efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly solution of the problem. The current investigation is an attempt in this direction where fungal strain PH1 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Parthenium hysterophorus which was identified as Aspergillus niger by sequence homology of the ITS 1 and ITS 4 regions of the rRNA. The strain was tested for its effect on growth and biochemical parameters as reflection of its potential to mitigate Pb stress in Zea mays exposed to 100, 200 and 500 µg of Pb/g of soil. In the initial screening, it was revealed that the strain has the ability to tolerate lead stress, solubilize insoluble phosphate and produce plant growth promoting hormones (IAA and SA) and other metabolites like phenolics, flavonoids, sugar, protein and lipids. Under 500 µg of Pb/g of soil, Z. mays exhibited significant growth retardation with a reduction of 31% in root length, 30.5% in shoot length, 57.5% in fresh weight and 45.2% in dry weight as compared to control plants. Inoculation of A. niger to Pb treated plants not only restored root and shoot length, rather promoted it to a level significantly higher than the control plants. Association of the strain modulated the physio-hormonal attributes of maize plants that resulted in their better growth which indicated a state of low stress. Additionally, the strain boosted the antioxidant defence system of the maize there by causing a significant reduction in the ascorbic acid peroxidase (1.5%), catalase (19%) and 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (33.3%), indicating a lower stress condition as compared to their non-inoculated stressed plants. Based on current evidence, this strain can potentially be used as a biofertilizer for Pb-contaminated sites where it will improve overall plant health with the hope of achieving better biological and agricultural yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Arsenate, a metalloid, acting as an analog to phosphate, has a tendency to accumulate more readily in plant species, leading to adverse effects. Methods: In the current study, sunflower seedlings were exposed to 25, 50 and 100 ppm of the arsenic. Results: Likewise, a notable reduction (p<0.05) was observed in the relative growth rate (RGR) by 4-folds and net assimilation rate (NAR) by 75% of Helianthus annuus when subjected to arsenic (As) stress. Nevertheless, the presence of Staphylococcus arlettae, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium with As tolerance, yielded an escalation in the growth of H. annuus within Ascontaminated media. S. arlettae facilitated the conversion of As into a form accessible to plants, thereby, increasing its uptake and subsequent accumulation in plant tissues. S. arlettae encouraged the enzymatic antioxidant systems (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT)) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (flavonoids, phenolics, and glutathione) in H. annuus seedlings following substantial As accumulation. The strain also induced the host plant to produce osmolytes like proline and sugars, mitigating water loss and maintaining cellular osmotic balance under As-induced stress. S. arlettae rectified imbalances in lignin content, reduced high malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, and minimized electrolyte leakage, thus counteracting the toxic impacts of the metal. Conclusion: The strain exhibited the capability to concurrently encourage plant growth and remediate Ascontaminated growth media through 2-folds rate of biotransformation and bio-mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the expression of inflammatory factors. Regarding its anti-atopic activity, numerous traditional medicinal materials and secondary metabolic products play pivotal roles in modulating the associated mechanisms. Methods: This study aimed to utilize Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) as an anti-AD source. In-vitro activity assessments and qualitative and quantitative analyses using UPLC-TQ-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD were conducted in two cultivars ('Dasan' and 'Kosan'). Statistical analysis indicated that the profiles of their secondary metabolites contribute significantly to their pharmacological properties. Consequently, bio-guided fractionation was undertaken to figure out the distinct roles of the secondary metabolites present in SMB. Results: Comparative study of two cultivars indicated that 'Dasan', having higher salvianolic acid A and B, exhibited stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Meanwhile, 'Kosan', containing higher tanshinones, showed higher alleviating activities on anti-AD related genes in mRNA levels. Additionally, performed bio-guided fractionation re-confirmed that the hydrophilic compounds of SMB can prevent AD by inhibiting accumulation of ROS and suppressing inflammatory factors and the lipophilic components can directly inhibit AD. Conclusions: SMB was revealed as a good source for anti-AD activity. Several bioactive compounds were identified from the UPLC-TQ-MS/MS and different compounds content was linked to biological activities. Characterization of these compounds may be helpful to understand differential role of secondary metabolites from SMB on alleviation of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder that poses significant health and economic challenges across the globe. Polysaccharides, found abundantly in edible plants, hold promise for managing diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels (BGL) and insulin resistance. However, most of these polysaccharides cannot be digested or absorbed directly by the human body. Here we report the production of antidiabetic oligosaccharides from cress seed mucilage polysaccharides using yeast fermentation. The water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from cress seed mucilage were precipitated using 75% ethanol and fermented with Pichia pastoris for different time intervals. The digested saccharides were fractionated through gel permeation chromatography using a Bio Gel P-10 column. Structural analysis of the oligosaccharide fractions revealed the presence of galacturonic acid, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, glucose and arabinose. Oligosaccharide fractions exhibited the potential to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. The fraction DF73 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against α-amylase with IC50 values of 38.2 ± 1.12 µg/mL, compared to the positive control, acarbose, having an IC50 value of 29.18 ± 1.76 µg/mL. Similarly, DF72 and DF73 showed the highest inhibition of α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 9.26 ± 2.68 and 50.47 ± 5.18 µg/mL, respectively. In in vivo assays in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, these oligosaccharides significantly reduced BGL and improved lipid profiles compared to the reference drug metformin. Histopathological observations of mouse livers indicated the cytoprotective effects of these sugars. Taken together, our results suggest that oligosaccharides produced through microbial digestion of polysaccharides extracted from cress seed mucilage have the potential to reduce blood glucose levels, possibly through inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and regulation of the various signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temperature and light are two critical environmental stimuli that greatly impact our agricultural industry. We explored the effects of varying temperature and light conditions on the metabolomics of basil, a plant widely used in cuisine and for medicinal purposes worldwide. Basil plants were subjected to elevated temperatures of 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C, along with two light intensities (D11 and D23). Results: Our results showed that the maximum shoot length (42.98 cm) was achieved at T30 and D23, the maximum leaf area (6.92 cm) at T30/D11, and the highest number of leaves (472) at T40/D11. However, at the higher temperature of T40, the number of leaves increased, but shoot length and leaf size significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Maxim shoot biomass (81 gm) and root biomass (91.2 gm) was recorded at T35/D23 treatments. Metabolomic studies of basil revealed that rosmarinic acid (RA), and linalool and eugenol were the major phenolic and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under different growth conditions. RA levels were higher at 30 °C, correlated with elevated shikimate levels, indicating a carbon supply through the TCA cycle. In contrast, the growth conditions of 35 °C/D11 (μmol/m2/d) up-regulated the glyoxylate cycle (fumaric acid and malic acid) as part of stomatal closure, preventing ROS accumulation and resulting in increased VOC emission. Exposure to the higher temperature of 40 °C induced higher amino acid accumulation, improving temperature stresstolerance. Conclusions: This study suggests that elevated temperature and light intensity affected the overall health of basil plants by modulating underlying growth mechanisms. Furthermore, elevated temperature plays a vital role in plant defense mechanisms by mediating the production of secondary metabolites associated with plant defense responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the synthesis of molybdenum based manganese oxide nanomaterials named as (CH1‐CH5) via a facile hydrothermal approach. Nanomaterials were characterized through Powder XRD, SEM, BET, UV‐Vis, Photoluminescence, and FTIR analysis. Structural characterization revealed triclinic crystal structure of nanomaterials having particle sizes in the range of 23.08–52.7 nm with very low levels of microstrain levels (<0.05) and dislocation densities. Surface areas were found to be in the range of 42.37–52.32 m2/g with mesoporous structures and solid bar and cross surface morphology. Optical band gaps (Eg) calculated from absorption data was found to be in the range of 4.65–4.75 eV for direct transitions whereas 4.60–4.74 eV for indirect transitions. The Eg calculated from emission data was found to be in the range of 2.42–2.67 eV. Absorption edge broadening was investigated by urbach energy (EU) calculated to be in the range of 1.23–1.51 eV whereas fermi energy (Ef) were obtained as 4.66–4.72 eV. Refractive index (n) was calculated to be in the range of 0.13–0.21 whereas high values obtained for real and imaginary parts of dielectric constants (ϵ) indicating polarization relaxation in synthesized materials. The calculated structural and optical characteristics indicates that these materials can be potential candidates for optoelectronic and catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng has long been widely used for its therapeutic potential. In our current study, we investigated the impact of abiotic stress induced by infrared (IR) radiations and sodium silicate on the upregulation of antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase levels, as well as the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) variety Yeonpoong. The RSM-based design was used to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction time (1–3 h) and temperature (40–60 °C) for better anti-tyrosinase activity and improved antioxidant potential. The optimal extraction results were obtained with a one-hour extraction time, at a temperature of 40 °C, and with a 1.0 mM sodium silicate treatment. We recorded maximum anti-tyrosinase (53.69%) and antioxidant (40.39%) activities when RSM conditions were kept at 875.2 mg GAE/100 g TPC, and 3219.58 mg catechin/100 g. When 1.0 mM sodium silicate was added to the media and extracted at 40 °C for 1 h, the highest total ginsenoside content (368.09 mg/g) was recorded, with variations in individual ginsenosides. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, and F2 were significantly affected by extraction temperature, while Rb2 and Rc were influenced by the sodium silicate concentration. Moreover, ginsenoside F2 increased with the sodium silicate treatment, while the Rg3-S content decreased. Interestingly, higher temperatures favored greater ginsenoside diversity while sodium silicate impacted PPD-type ginsenosides. It was observed that the actual experimental values closely matched the predicted values, and this agreement was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Our findings suggest that the application of IR irradiation in hydroponic systems can help to improve the quality of ginseng sprouts when supplemented with sodium silicate in hydroponic media. Optimized extraction conditions using ultrasonication can be helpful in improving antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical site infections are one of the major clinical problems in surgical departments that cost hundreds of millions of dollars to healthcare systems around the world., Aim: The study aimed to address the pressing issue of surgical site infections, which pose significant clinical and financial burdens on healthcare systems globally. Recognizing the substantial costs incurred due to these infections, the research has focused on understanding the role of lipase and protease production by multi-drug resistant bacteria isolated from surgical wounds in the development of post-surgical wound infections., Methods: For these purposes, 153 pus specimens were collected from patients with severe post-surgical wound infections having prolonged hospital stays. The specimens were inoculated on appropriate culture media. Gram staining and biochemical tests were used for the identification of bacterial growth on suitable culture media after 24 hours of incubation. The isolated pathogens were then applied for lipase and protease, key enzymes that could contribute to wound development, on tributyrin and skimmed milk agar, respectively. Following the CSLI guidelines, the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to assess antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The results revealed that a significant proportion of the samples (127 out of 153) showed bacterial growth of Gram-negative (n = 66) and Gram-positive (n = 61) bacteria. In total, isolated 37 subjects were declared MDR due to their resistance to three or more than three antimicrobial agents. The most prevalent bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (29.13%), followed by S. epidermidis (18.89%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.89%), Escherichia coli (14.96%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.23%), and Proteus mirabilis (7.87%). Moreover, a considerable number of these bacteria exhibited lipase and protease activity with 70 bacterial strains as lipase positive on tributyrin agar, whereas 74 bacteria showed protease activity on skimmed milk agar with P. aeruginosa as the highest lipase (69.23%) and protease (76.92%) producer, followed by S. aureus (lipase 62.16% and protease 70.27%)., Results: The antimicrobial resistance was evaluated among enzyme producers and non-producers and it was found that the lipase and protease-producing bacteria revealed higher resistance to selected antibiotics than non-producers. Notably, fosfomycin and carbapenem were identified as effective antibiotics against the isolated bacterial strains. However, gram-positive bacteria displayed high resistance to lincomycin and clindamycin, while gram-negative bacteria were more resistant to cefuroxime and gentamicin., Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings suggest that lipases and proteases produced by bacteria could contribute to drug resistance and act as virulence factors in the development of surgical site infections. Understanding the role of these enzymes may inform strategies for preventing and managing post-surgical wound infections more effectively., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)