Search Results (200)

Candidozyma auris is a multidrug-resistant, thermo- and osmotolerant yeast capable of persisting on biotic and abiotic surfaces, attributes likely linked to its cell wall composition. Here, seven putative genes encoding yapsins, aspartyl proteases GPI-anchored to the membrane or cell wall, were identified in the genomes of C. auris CJ97 and 20-1498, from clades III and IV, respectively. The C. auris YPS1 gene is orthologous to the SAP9 of C. albicans. The YPS7 gene is orthologous to YPS7 in C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae, so that they may share similar roles. An in silico analysis suggested an interaction between pepstatin and the catalytic domain of Yps1 and Yps7. Although this inhibitor, when combined with caffeine, had a subtle effect on the growth of C. auris, it induced alterations in the cell wall. CauYPS1 and CauYPS7 expression increased under nutrient starvation and NaCl, and at 42 °C. The transcriptome of the 20-1498 strain suggests that autophagy may play a role in thermal stress, probably degrading deleterious proteins or maintaining cell wall and vacuolar homeostasis. Therefore, CauYps1 and CauYps7 may play a role in the cell wall integrity of C. auris in stress conditions, and they could be a target of new antifungal or antivirulence agents. Full article

The primary worldwide variables limiting plant development and agricultural output are the ever-present threat that environmental stressors such as salt (may trigger osmotic stress plus ions toxicity, which impact on growth and yield of the plants), drought (provokes water stress, resulting in lowering photosynthesis process and growth rate), heavy metals (induced toxicity, hindering physiological processes also lowering crop quantity and quality), and pathogens (induce diseases that may significantly affect plant health beside productivity). This review explores the integrated effects of these stressors on plant productivity and growth rate, emphasizing how each stressor exceptionally plays a role in physiological responses. Owing to developments in technology that outclass traditional breeding methods and genetic engineering techniques, powerful alleviation strategies are vital. New findings have demonstrated the remarkable role of nanoparticles in regulating responses to these environmental stressors. In this review, we summarize the roles and various applications of nanomaterials in regulating abiotic and biotic stress responses. This review discusses and explores the relationship between various types of nanoparticles (metal, carbon-based, and biogenic) and their impact on plant physiology. Furthermore, we assess how nanoparticle technology may play a role in practices of sustainable agriculture by reducing the amount of compounds used, providing them with a larger surface area, highly efficient mass transfer abilities, and controlled, targeted delivery of lower nutrient or pesticide amounts. A review of data from several published studies leads to the conclusion that nanoparticles may act as a synergistic effect, which can effectively increase plant stress tolerance and their nutritional role. Full article

A temporal monitoring of monumental buildings in calcarenite, exposed outdoors in the considered Mediterranean environment of Southern Italy, was performed using XPS, the surface-specific technique. The methodology adopted to monitor the surfaces interacting with atmospheric agents and biotic/abiotic pollutants involved progressive sampling, extended to about five years, from the walls of a new building, specifically installed in the immediate vicinity of an ancient farmhouse in an advanced state of degradation. Taking the ancient building as the final temporal reference, the aim was to obtain adequate information on the degradation processes of calcarenitic stones, from the initial and evolving phases of the new building towards those representative of the old reference. A large set of XPS data was obtained by resolving, through curve-fitting, the acquired spectra into component peaks, identified as ‘indicator’ chemical groups, which trend as a function of time, supported by PCA, demonstrates a close compositional similarity between the samples of the new building analyzed after 52 months from its installation and those of the ancient building dating back to over a century ago. The results obtained can be considered in the diagnostic strategy of the ongoing PNRR programs dedicated to the care of historical monuments and ecosystem sustainability. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a globally important economic crop valued for its nutritional and commercial significance. However, its growth is frequently challenged by various biotic and abiotic stresses. To enhance strawberry root development and resilience, we engineered a Trichoderma guizhouense NJAU4742 strain to overexpress the TgSWO gene, which encodes a plant cell-wall-loosening protein known to facilitate fungal penetration and colonization. Strawberry seedlings treated with the TgSWO-overexpressing T. guizhouense NJAU4742 strain (S-OE) exhibited significant improvements in shoot and root fresh weights, root surface area, and number of root tips, showing 1.37- to 2.00-fold increases compared with the strawberry seedlings inoculated with the wild-type T. guizhouense NJAU4742 (S-WT) and 2.00- to 3.44-fold increases compared with the uninoculated strawberry seedlings (S-CK). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the S-OE roots revealed denser hyphal colonization. Transcriptome analysis of S-OE showed a decrease in genes related to defense and detoxification, while genes for cell-wall growth and hormone signaling increased, shifting focus from defense to growth. Metabolomic profiling identified cysteine as a key metabolite associated with induced growth, which was further validated through exogenous cysteine application experiments. This study highlights the potential of genetically enhanced Trichoderma for improving strawberry growth and provides new insights into root–microbe interactions and metabolite-mediated plant development. Full article

In order to rationally utilize wood materials, increase wood quality, and mitigate drawbacks, research on industrial techniques for timber protection and preservation is essential on a European and global scale. When high-quality timber enters the market, it offers structures and objects that have considerable added value. This study examines the performance of thermally treated (6 h at 170 °C and 200 °C) softwood species (fir wood) when exposed outdoors and applied on wooden building structures as cladding timber, among other structures. International standards were applied for the characterization of the untreated and thermally treated wooden boards after the treatments in terms of physical, hygroscopic, and surface properties. In contrast, all the boards (of dimensions 390 × 75 × 20 mm in length, width, thickness respectively) were exposed outdoors to direct sunlight and a combination of biotic and abiotic factors for a six-month period to mainly investigate the thermal properties (heat transfer analysis/insulation properties) using a real-time test in situ, as well as to investigate their potential resistance to natural weathering (color, surface roughness, visual inspection, etc.). Heat transfer in the thermally treated wood specimens was found to be much slower than that in the untreated specimens, which, combined with lower hygroscopicity and higher dimensional stability, reveals the high potential of thermally treated wood utilization in outdoor applications, such as cladding, facades, frames, and other outdoor elements. Full article

The Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone and Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt in Iran host numerous Mediterranean-type karst bauxite deposits; however, their formation mechanisms and critical raw material potential remain ambiguous. This study combines mineralogical and geochemical analyses to explore (1) the formation of authigenic minerals, (2) the role of microbial organic processes in Fe cycling, and (3) the assessment of their critical raw materials potential. Mineralogical analyses of the Late Cretaceous Daresard and Middle–Late Permian Yakshawa bauxites reveal distinct horizons reflecting their genetic conditions: Yakshawa exhibits a vertical weathering sequence (clay-rich base → ferruginous oolites → nodular massive bauxite → bleached cap), while Daresard shows karst-controlled profiles (breccia → oolitic-pisolitic ore → deferrified boehmite). Authigenic illite forms via isochemical reactions involving kaolinite and K-feldspar dissolution. Scanning electron microscopy evidence demonstrates illite replacing kaolinite with burial depth enhancing crystallinity. Diaspore forms through both gibbsite transformation and direct precipitation from aluminum-rich solutions under surface conditions in reducing microbial karst environments, typically associated with pyrite, anatase, and fluorocarbonates under neutral–weakly alkaline conditions. Redox-controlled Fe-Al fractionation governs bauxite horizon development: (1) microbial sulfate reduction facilitates Fe³⁺ → Fe²⁺ reduction under anoxic conditions, forming Fe-rich horizons, while (2) oxidative weathering (↑Eh, ↓moisture) promotes Al-hydroxide/clay enrichment in upper profiles, evidenced by progressive total organic carbon depletion (0.57 → 0.08%). This biotic–abiotic coupling ultimately generates stratified, high-grade bauxite. Finally, both the Yakshawa and Daresard karst bauxite ores are enriched in critical raw materials. It is worth noting that the overall enrichment appears to be mostly driven by the processes that led to the formation of the ores and not by the chemical features of the parent rocks. Divergent bauxitization pathways and early diagenetic processes—controlled by paleoclimatic fluctuations, redox shifts, and organic matter decay—govern critical raw material distributions, unlike typical Mediterranean-type deposits where parent rock composition dominates critical raw material partitioning. Full article

A biofilm is a group of bacterial cells in the polysaccharide matrix bonded to the surface (biotic or abiotic). Clinicians now realize that most infections are biofilm-related. Biofilm infections are often induced by more than one bacterial species. The aim of this study is to characterize a mixed biofilm composed of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis strains. Forty-six isolates derived from chronic wound infections were cultivated to establish mature biofilms. The biofilm biomass and cell viability were measured by colorimetric assays. P. aeruginosa strains were tested for the presence of virulence and biofilm-related genes. The quorum sensing assay using the biosensor strain was also performed. A mixed biofilm of P. aeruginosa and P. mirabilis was visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Four groups of P. aeruginosa and P. mirabilis pairs, also visualized with fluorescence microscopy, were distinguished based on the biofilm biomass growth and metabolic activity loss. The exoY gene observed among P. aeruginosa isolates was connected to the metabolic activity loss of the biofilm. Generally, the interactions between P. aeruginosa and P. mirabilis species are not uniform. It is crucial to further research the interactions between microorganisms in biofilms. This may provide information on the mechanisms of biofilm formation in the complicated chronic wound environment. Full article

The sexual reproduction of Sasa borealis, a species of dwarf bamboo, occurred in central Japan from 2016 to 2017. S. borealis grows on the forest floor and serves as an important source of habitat and food for various animals. Sexual reproduction occurs in synchrony among individuals in a given area, leading to a decline in population and causing substantial disturbances to the forest ecosystem; however, the subsequent regeneration process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S. borealis seedling regeneration over six years. Fixed plots were established in the forest in the year following the sexual reproductive event, and the growth of seedlings was monitored from seed emergence to seedling growth at the individual level. We considered biotic and abiotic factors to evaluate their influence on regeneration. We examined mammalian and arthropod foraging as biotic factors. Conversely, abiotic factors included temperature and humidity near the ground surface, solar radiation, soil conditions, and snow cover. Seedling growth was characterized by a slow rate and affected by morphological changes resulting from foraging and abiotic factors. The return of S. borealis to its presexual reproductive stage requires an extended duration. Our study provides precious information for future S. borealis conservation and management strategies. Full article

Biofilms formation by the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) poses a considerable risk to hospital environments, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. These bacteria exhibit notable resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics, mainly due to their ability to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, forming highly persistent biofilms, contamination, and pharmaceutical solutions. These microbial structures function as protective shields, impeding the effective action of antimicrobial compounds and facilitating the occurrence of chronic infections and outbreaks in healthcare settings. The high genetic plasticity of the Bcc, evidenced by the presence of multiple chromosomes and the ease of horizontal gene transfer, further enhances its capacity for adaptation and treatment resistance. Moreover, the ability of the Bcc to survive in aquatic environments and withstand unfavorable conditions heightens concerns regarding the contamination of pharmaceutical products. This study examines the molecular mechanisms underlying Bcc biofilm formation, its impact on hospital infections, and the challenges associated with its eradication. It also discusses the current detection techniques available and innovative approaches to mitigating contamination in pharmaceutical products. In summary, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying Bcc biofilm formation and maintenance is crucial for implementing more effective preventive measures and minimizing the risks associated with hospital infections. Full article

The experiment aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using high doses of nitrogen (N) and delaying the sowing of living mulch in the apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard as factors stimulating tree growth and influencing fruit quality. Blue fescue (Festuca ovina L.), as a cover crop, was sown in the tree rows in the second and fourth year after tree planting. It was compared to herbicide fallow control treatment. In each floor management, four N doses (50, 80, 110, and 140 kg ha⁻¹) were used every year. The study indicated the dominance of living mulch, especially sowing in the second year after tree planting as a factor influencing the reduction in growth and yield but improving the red blush surface on the fruit skin. The growth of trees was also strongly influenced by biotic and abiotic stress factors, which did not allow for a clear assessment of N fertilization. With objectively low cropping levels and poor growth of all trees tested in the experiment, their N needs were satisfied by a dose of 50 kg ha⁻¹. The application of the highest dose of 140 kg N ha⁻¹ had a significant and negative impact on the red color of the fruit skin. Full article

Biofilms pose a major challenge to the food industry, as they develop on both biotic and abiotic surfaces and contribute to the persistence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of Satureja thymbra, Thymus capitatus, and Origanum hirtum essential oils (EOs), their main components (thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene), and ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of the water-steam distillation residue of T. capitatus (WSTRTc). Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of EOs and WSTRTc extracts ranged from 0.6 to 56.8 mg/mL. The corresponding MIC values of the main components ranged in lower values (0.5–2.4 mg/mL). Minimum Biofilm Inhibition Concentration (MBIC) and Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) were also determined. MBIC values for the EOs ranged from 0.6 to 4.7 mg/mL against biofilms of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Salmonella Enteritidis. Significant antibiofilm activity at concentrations > 61 mg/mL and > 20 mg/mL was recorded by the ethanolic and ethyl acetate WSTRTc extracts, respectively, but no activity against L. monocytogenes and P. mirabilis biofilms was documented. These findings highlighted the efficacy of EOs and extracts derived from Greek herbs, suggesting their application in the food and pharmaceutical industry as natural antimicrobials and biofilm inhibitors. Full article

Acoustic telemetry is a tool for tracking animals, but transmitted signals from tagged animals are not always detected. Detection efficiency declines with increasing background noise, which can have both abiotic and biotic sources. The abiotic noise present in reef environments (waves, bubbles, etc.) is primarily low-frequency, but snapping shrimp create high-frequency noise that can interfere with transmission detections. Prior work in shallow coastal reefs correlated winds with less high-frequency background noise, and hypothesized that it was due to a balance of biotic and/or abiotic factors: shrimp may be less active during high wind events, and sound attenuation at the surface increases with wave height. To test this hypothesis, passive acoustic recordings from a live-bottom reef are used to quantify snapping shrimp snap rate. Snap rate was strongly correlated with temperature, and warmer environments appeared to be challenging for acoustic telemetry. However, the majority of synoptic variability in noise is shown to be driven by abiotic attenuation. Wind speed has little to no effect on snapping shrimp behavior, but has a significant inverse correlation with high-frequency noise levels due to surface attenuation of high-frequency noise, and therefore a positive effect on detection efficiency, pointing to primarily abiotic forcing behind noise variability and resulting telemetry success. This research gives context to previously collected detection data and can be leveraged to help plan future acoustic arrays in shallow, complex, and/or noisy environments, potentially predicting changes in detection range. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) in drinking water (DW) raise concerns about their potential impacts on health. Several substances, such as plasticizers and stabilizers, can be leached from plastic polymers following abiotic and biotic denaturation processes. Furthermore, the purification treatment of DW, such as the chlorination process, significantly increases the release of chemical components that are part of the polymer composition. Recently, several studies reported that MPs can adsorb environmental xenobiotics, such as organic molecules and heavy metals, thanks to their surface characteristics acquired in the environment in which they are dispersed. This study aims to evaluate the ability of MPs of different sizes (5 µm and 1 µm) oxidized by UVB exposure to adsorb water-dispersed organic pollutants such as benzo-a-pyrene (BaP). We used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Ζ-potential measurements to characterize MPs particles after UVB exposure and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the adsorptive capacity of oxidized MPs. The analytical results obtained from the present study demonstrate that oxidized MPs have a significant capacity to adsorb BaP dispersed in the aqueous environment and to act as a vehicle for apolar organic substances by concentrating them. This study raises an alert on the dual potential risk determined by the consumption of DW in which MPs can concentrate and convey environmental xenobiotics, in addition to deciding adverse effects related to their chemical-physical properties. Full article

Plant exosomes exhibit high stability and easy absorption, and have emerged as promising bioactive tools due to their potential health benefits and biomedical applications. Saffron tepals contain abundant metabolites with potential therapeutic properties and were used for exosome extraction by ultracentrifugation and gradient purification. The exosomes showed an average particle size of 151.5 ± 79.6 nm and exhibited a spherical morphology. Five well-conserved miRNAs—miR157, miR166, miR168, miR396, and miR398—were identified in the exosomes, which are involved in the coordination of growth and physiological plant responses with endogenous and environmental abiotic and biotic signals, and their potential targets in mammals are upregulated in specific cancer types and associated with inflammation. Proteome analysis revealed an enrichment of proteasome proteins, ribosomal proteins, and proteins involved in the cytoskeleton, transport across the membrane (ABC transporters), and vesicle trafficking (RAB GTPases, TM9SF and Coatomer subunits). Metabolite analyses showed mainly anthocyanins. The exosomes have selective stimulatory activity on macrophages, increasing the expression of surface molecules (CD80 and CD86), and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), but not the levels of IL-10. Overall, these results indicated that saffron flowers are an effective and abundant source of exosomes as new nanomedicines for human health. Full article

Biofilms represent complex three-dimensional microbial communities that can harbor strains highly resistant to antimicrobial agents. These structures, which form on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, are associated with food spoilage and increased complications in hospitalized patients. Consequently, there is significant interest in developing novel biofilm and infection control strategies, particularly those focusing on natural molecules with dual antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. In this study, olive tree twigs from three varieties of Olea europea chemlal (CH), Azeradj (AZ), and wild-type Olea europaea sylvestris (W) were collected from the Kabylia region in Algeria. The samples underwent systematic extraction and were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, antimicrobial properties via disk diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and antibiofilm capabilities. Results demonstrated that olive tree twig extracts exhibited substantial antioxidant activity and significant antibacterial and antibiofilm potential. The antioxidant activity, measured through DPPH radical scavenging, showed IC50 values ranging from 38.12 ± 1.52 µg/mL to 148.7 ± 1.23 µg/mL. When tested against six pathogenic bacterial strains, including both ATCC reference strains and milk isolates, the MIC values ranged from 1.18 mg/mL to 4.71 mg/mL. Notably, sub-inhibitory concentrations significantly reduced biofilm formation across most tested strains, with inhibition rates varying from 21% to 90.43%. The effectiveness of biofilm inhibition was dependent on the bacterial strain, olive tree variety, and extract concentration used. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these results (p < 0.05). Given the demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties of these olive tree twig extracts, they show promise for further development as surface disinfectants and potential applications in food safety and infection control. Additional research is warranted to fully characterize their mechanisms of action and optimize their practical applications. Full article