Biochemical Profiling Research Articles

Unravelling the aetiology of Dickeya zeae using polyphasic approaches for bacterial stalk rot in maize

AbstractBacterial stalk rot (BSR), caused by Dickeya zeae (syn. Erwinia chrysanthemi pv. zeae), has emerged as a significant disease affecting maize crops worldwide. In this study, symptomatic maize plants were collected from diverse agroclimatic zones in India over the period of kharif 2019–2021. Various approaches, including pathogenicity tests, cultural characteristics, biochemical profiling and molecular analysis, were employed to accurately identify the collected bacterial isolates as Dickeya. Pathogenicity assessments were conducted on 40‐day‐old maize plants, following Koch's postulates, as well as through potato maceration assays. Furthermore, cross‐infectivity studies were conducted on rice, potato, tomato and banana plants. Phenotypic and biochemical characterization confirmed that all the isolates belonged to the Dickeya genus. Additionally, PCR amplification of a pel gene fragment, specific to the genus Dickeya, further verified the pathogenic isolates as Dickeya. Molecular characterization studies were performed on four isolates (UKMDZ‐3, PBMDZ‐7, TSMDZ‐11 and HPMDZ‐16), selected to represent distinct maize agroclimatic zones and four states of India, and which caused severe infections on susceptible maize cv. Early Composite. Amplification of six characteristic genome regions (16S rRNA, recN, gyrB, dnaX, recA and dnaJ) from these isolates facilitated individual and concatenated gene phylogenetic analyses, confirming their resemblance to Dickeya zeae. This study represents the first comprehensive molecular analysis of D. zeae isolates from India, providing valuable insights for future crop improvement strategies. The findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of BSR in maize and offer potential avenues for genetic enhancement to mitigate the disease's impact on maize cultivation.

Characterization of halotolerant microalga isolated from waterlogged habitats: Deciphering the biochemical profiling and unraveling the molecular identity.

The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively explore the biochemical profile of the novel halotolerant microalgae strain, biogas laboratory scenedesmus (BGLRS), previously isolated from waterlogged regions in the southwest zone of Punjab, India. To achieve this, three distinct drying methods viz. freeze-drying, oven-drying, and shade-drying were employed and biochemical composition and antioxidant analyses on the microalgal biomass were conducted. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) on freeze-dried biomass, its carbohydrate profile, micronutrient composition, and presence of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and nutraceutical significance were sought to unravel. Among the drying methods evaluated, freeze-drying exhibited the most promising experimental results, prompting its selection for further investigation. Notably, ICP-AES unveiled elevated concentrations of essential elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus in BGLRS, with negligible traces of heavy metals, underscoring its safety for human consumption. GC-MS analysis further divulged the existence of numerous biologically active compounds, indicating potential applications in medical and nutraceutical fields. Through molecular identification using sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a close taxonomic resemblance between BGLRS and Scenedesmus sp. MKB was established, solidifying its unique position within the microalgal taxonomy. The deposition of ITS sequences into the NCBI GenBank, obtaining accession number MN796425, attests to the rigor and transparency of this research. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that microalgae BGLRS possesses high-quality biochemical attributes of significant therapeutic and nutraceutical importance.

Selective targeting of human TET1 by cyclic peptide inhibitors: Insights from biochemical profiling

Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) enzymes are Fe(II)/2OG-dependent oxygenases that play important roles in epigenetic regulation, but selective inhibition of the TETs is an unmet challenge. We describe the profiling of previously identified TET1-binding macrocyclic peptides. TiP1 is established as a potent TET1 inhibitor (IC50 = 0.26 µM) with excellent selectivity over other TETs and 2OG oxygenases. TiP1 alanine scanning reveals the critical roles of Trp10 and Glu11 residues for inhibition of TET isoenzymes. The results highlight the utility of the RaPID method to identify potent enzyme inhibitors with selectivity over closely related paralogues. The structure–activity relationship data generated herein may find utility in the development of chemical probes for the TETs.

Fatty acid profiling of enterococcal isolates by Fames analysis with reference to antibiotic resistance from clinical samples collected in the Chandrapur region

FAME Analysis is a simple and rapid technique based on Gas Chromatography analysis of bacterial cell membrane. Biochemical lipid profiling of bacterial cell membrane helps to identify bacterial isolates using MIDI Sherlock system. The main objective of present study is rapid and accurate identification of multidrug resistant Enterococcal isolates and to study their clinical profile for complicated nosocomial infection from the clinical samples collected at tertiary care center in Chandrapur region. It is essential to identify the causative organism for proper diagnosis and treatment of diseases as enterococcus is fastly emerging pathogen responsible for life threating nosocomial infection and other health hazards.

Effects of fecal microbial transplantation on police performance and transportation stress in Kunming police dogs.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve gut dysbiosis in dogs; however, it has not completely been understood in police dogs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FMT on performance and gut microflora in Kunming police dogs. Twenty Wolf Cyan dogs were randomly assigned to receive physiological saline or fecal suspension at low, medium, or high doses through oral gavage for 14days. Growth performance, police performance, serum biochemical profiling, and gut microflora were determined 2-week post-FMT. Dogs after FMT treatment were also subjected to an hour road transportation and then were evaluated for serum stress indicators. Overall, FMT enhanced the growth performance and alleviated diarrhea rate in Kunming dogs with the greatest effects occurring in the low dose FMT (KML) group. The improvement of FMT on police performance was also determined. These above alterations were accompanied by changed serum biochemical parameters as indicated by elevated total protein and albumin and reduced total cholesterol and glycerol. Furthermore, the serum stress indicators after road transportation in dog post-FMT significantly decreased. Increased bacterial diversity and modified bacterial composition were found in the feces of dogs receiving FMT. The fecal samples from FMT dogs were characterized by higher abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium and lower concentrations of Cetobacterium, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. The present study supports a potential benefit of FMT on police performance in Kunming dogs. KEY POINTS: • FMT improves the growth performance and reduces diarrhea rates in Kunming police dogs. • FMT alleviates the serum stress profiles after road transportation in Kunming police dogs. • FMT modifies the gut microbiota composition of Kunming police dogs.

A atividade de enzimas hidrolíticas (fitase e alfa amilase) é decisiva no metabolismo germinativo de sementes de milho sob estresse salino

ABSTRACT The mobilization of reserves is essential for seedling formation and can be influenced by seed vigor. This work evaluated how seed vigor and reserve mobilization influence maize seedling formation under salt stress. The high-vigor seeds comprised the seeds directly from the lot, while the low-vigor seeds were subjected to an artificial aging process to reduce the vigor. Seeds were germinated in a substrate moistened with water (control) or saline solution (100 mmol L-1 NaCl) and were submitted to germination and vigor tests (first germination count, cold test, and seedling performance). Biochemical profiling (phytic acid and inorganic phosphorus, total and soluble protein, starch and soluble sugars, α-amylase and phytase activity) was determined at 0 (quiescent seeds), 2, 4, 6, and 8 days after sowing. High-vigor seeds had better physiological performance and higher reserve hydrolysis rates under salt stress than low-vigor seeds. High-vigor seeds also showed earlier enzymatic activity than low-vigor, demonstrating a temporal difference in reserve hydrolysis during the stress. The highest differences in reserve hydrolysis occurred 2 days after sowing and differentiated the germinative metabolism of high and low-vigor seeds under salt stress.

Identification and engineering of potent cyclic peptides with selective or promiscuous binding through biochemical profiling and bioinformatic data analysis.

As our understanding of biological systems grows, so does the need to selectively target individual or multiple members of specific protein families in order to probe their function. Many targets of current biological and pharmaceutical interest are part of a large family of closely related proteins and achieving ligand selectivity often remains either an elusive or time-consuming endeavour. Cyclic peptides (CPs) occupy a key niche in ligand space, able to achieve high affinity and selectivity while retaining synthetic accessibility. De novo cyclic peptide ligands can be rapidly generated against a given target using mRNA display. In this study we harness mRNA display technology and the wealth of next generation sequencing (NGS) data generated to explore both experimental approaches and bioinformatic, statistical data analysis of peptide enrichment in cross-screen selections to rapidly generate high affinity CPs with differing intra-family protein selectivity profiles against fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R) family proteins. Using these methods, CPs with distinct selectivity profiles can be generated which can serve as valuable tool compounds to decipher biological questions.

Biochemical and molecular profiling of induced high yielding M3 mutant lines of two Trigonella species: Insights into improved yield potential.

Trigonella, commonly known as Fenugreek, is among the most promising medicinal herbs consumed worldwide due its protein rich dietary contributions. This study involved induced mutagenesis on two Trigonella species (Trigonella foenum-graecum var. PEB and Trigonella corniculata var. Pusa kasuri) using caffeine and sodium azide as mutagens, resulting in the identification of nine high-yielding mutant lines in the M3 generation. Molecular characterization using SCoT markers revealed a high polymorphism of 28.3% and 46.7% in PEB and Pusa kasuri, respectively, facilitating the investigation of genetic divergence among the control and mutant lines. Similarity correlation analysis indicated a high similarity between mutant A and mutant C (0.97) and between mutant J and mutant O (0.88), while the lowest similarity was observed between mutant B and mutant F (0.74) and between control and mutant L (0.58). Mutant F and Mutant J displayed the highest seed yield and its attributing traits, and seed protein content in PEB and Pusa kasuri, respectively. Physiological parameters, including chlorophyll content (Mutants A and N) and carotenoids (mutant A and J), exhibited improvements. Assessment of stomatal and seed characteristics using scanning electron microscopy may lead to improved physiological processes and distinction at the interspecific level, respectively. Methanolic extracts of the control and the mutant lines of both species were subjected to GC-MS analysis, revealing 24 major phytocompounds known for their pharmacological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.). Statistical methods such as Pearson correlation heatmap and pairwise scatter plot matrix provided insights into the correlations and linear associations among parameters for both PEB and Pusa kasuri. The strong correlation between iron content and seeds per pod in the mutant lines suggests a promising avenue for further research. Continued research and breeding efforts using these mutants can lead to significant advancements in agriculture and medicine, benefiting farmers, consumers, and industries alike.

Sub-chronic Toxicity: Biochemical and Histopathological Profiling of Cincalok Oil in Wistar Rats

Sub-chronic Toxicity: Biochemical and Histopathological Profiling of Cincalok Oil in Wistar Rats

Deciphering the liver enigma: distinguishing drug-induced liver injury and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease—a comprehensive narrative review

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) poses a complex and heterogeneous clinical challenge, which often resembles non-drug related acute or chronic liver diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Furthermore, certain drugs can induce hepatic steatosis, which is considered a rare variant of hepatotoxicity. Additionally, the detection and diagnosis of DILI in patients with non-alcoholic liver disease present additional challenges that require attention. The importance of achieving an accurate diagnosis is highlighted by the different therapeutic approaches needed for each of these diseases. Nonetheless, as definitive diagnostic tests and distinct biomarkers often remain elusive, the differential diagnosis must rely on a combination of clinical, biochemical, histological, and immunophenotypic profiling. The diagnosis of hepatotoxicity is predicated upon the temporal nexus between the administration of a potentially hepatotoxic drug and the onset of hepatic injury, concomitantly excluding alternative hepatic pathologies. More frequently, this condition presents an acute course, with a more pronounced elevation of cytolytic and cholestatic parameters as compared to fatty liver disease. Advances in elucidating the underlying mechanisms hold promise for bolstering the diagnosis and management of these conditions. This article aims to thoroughly examine and emphasize the currently available scientific evidence to provide valuable insights into the diagnostic strategies for DILI, metabolic-associated liver disease, and drug-induced steatosis (DIS).

Genome-wide transcriptomic and biochemical profiling of major depressive disorder: Unravelling association with susceptibility, severity, and antidepressant response

Identifying biomarkers for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), assessing its severity, and guiding treatment is crucial. We conducted whole genome transcriptomic study in North Indian population, and analyzed biochemical parameters. Our longitudinal study investigated gene-expression profiles from 72 drug-free MDD patients and 50 healthy controls(HCs) at baseline and 24 patients after 12-weeks of treatment. Gene expression analyses identified differentially expressed genes(DEGs) associated with MDD susceptibility, symptom severity and treatment response, independently validated by qPCR. Hierarchical clustering revealed distinct expression patterns between MDD and HCs, also between mild and severe cases. Enrichment analyses of significant DEGs revealed inflammatory, apoptosis, and immune-related pathways in MDD susceptibility, severity, and treatment response. Simultaneously, we assessed thirty biochemical parameters in the same cohort, showed significant differences between MDD and HCs in 13 parameters with monocytes, eosinophils, creatinine, SGPT, and total protein remained independent predictors of MDD in a multivariate-regression model. Our study supports the role of altered immune/inflammatory signaling in MDD pathophysiology, offering clinically relevant biochemical parameters and insights into transcriptomic gene regulation in MDD pathogenesis and treatment response.

Clinical profile and comparison of renal insufficiency in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional comparative study

Renal failure can stem from various conditions, and detecting biomarkers associated with obesity-related disorders is crucial for early identification of the risk of renal failure and timely intervention in obese individuals. Though different studies have depicted a relationship between obesity, metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular outcomes but there is scarcity of evidence in the Indian population as there are no published data comparing this condition in hypertensive patients with or without excess BMI. Thus, we designed a prospective study to determine the prevalence of renal insufficiency in a tertiary care hospital by correlating various socio demographic and clinical risk factors. A total of 100 subjects were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We conducted a clinical and biochemical profiling to evaluate renal insufficiency in subjects.: The mean duration of HTN in obese hypertensive patients were 7.50 ± 3.86 years and in non-obese hypertensive patients it was 7.22 ± 4.09 years. The mean systolic blood pressure recorded in obese and non-obese patients was 136.36 ± 12.17 and 138 ± 14.64 mm Hg respectively. Prevalence of renal insufficiency in obese and non-obese patients was found 30% and 20% respectively. We can conclude on the basis of obtained results, hypertension is one of the major risk factors in the development of renal insufficiencies, and the presence of obesity may further increase its prevalence rate of kidney diseases.

The longitudinal biochemical profiling of TBI in a drop weight model of TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly among individuals under the age of 45. It is a complex, and heterogeneous disease with a multifaceted pathophysiology that remains to be elucidated. Metabolomics has the potential to identify metabolic pathways and unique biochemical profiles associated with TBI. Herein, we employed a longitudinal metabolomics approach to study TBI in a weight drop mouse model to reveal metabolic changes associated with TBI pathogenesis, severity, and secondary injury. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, we biochemically profiled post-mortem brain from mice that suffered mild TBI (N = 25; 13 male and 12 female), severe TBI (N = 24; 11 male and 13 female) and sham controls (N = 16; 11 male and 5 female) at baseline, day 1 and day 7 following the injury. 1H NMR-based metabolomics, in combination with bioinformatic analyses, highlights a few significant metabolites associated with TBI severity and perturbed metabolism related to the injury. We report that the concentrations of taurine, creatinine, adenine, dimethylamine, histidine, N-Acetyl aspartate, and glucose 1-phosphate are all associated with TBI severity. Longitudinal metabolic observation of brain tissue revealed that mild TBI and severe TBI lead distinct metabolic profile changes. A multi-class model was able to classify the severity of injury as well as time after TBI with estimated 86% accuracy. Further, we identified a high degree of correlation between respective hemisphere metabolic profiles (r > 0.84, p < 0.05, Pearson correlation). This study highlights the metabolic changes associated with underlying TBI severity and secondary injury. While comprehensive, future studies should investigate whether: (a) the biochemical pathways highlighted here are recapitulated in the brain of TBI sufferers and (b) if the panel of biomarkers are also as effective in less invasively harvested biomatrices, for objective and rapid identification of TBI severity and prognosis.

Light-induced aquaculture wastewater valorization, nutrient recovery, and microalgae biomass production in a biocathode-assisted microbial fuel cell

The present study investigates how well the light quality (white, blue, and red light) affects the growth and biochemical profiling of freshwater microalga Scenedesmus obliquus grown on aquaculture wastewater as a nutrient source in a biocathode microbial fuel cell (MFC). The findings show that the electrochemical behaviour of the MFCs varied with the use of different wavelengths, suggesting that light quality and photosynthetic evolved oxygen increased MFC voltage. Sc. obliquus showed the highest percentage of nutrient removal for blue light-operated biocathode MFC. Blue light maximized biomass production with a cell density of 1.54 ± 0.065 OD680 and Chl-a concentration of 12 ± 1.2 mgL−1 during 6-day cultivation. Valorization of aquaculture using MFC proved successful in nutrient recovery and microalgae biomass production, primarily upon exposure to blue light.

A Constitutive EGFR Kinase Dimer to Study Inhibitor Pharmacology.

Lung cancer is commonly caused by activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Allosteric kinase inhibitors are unaffected by common ATP-site resistance mutations and represent a promising therapeutic strategy for targeting drug-resistant EGFR variants. However, allosteric inhibitors are antagonized by kinase dimerization, and understanding this phenomenon has been limited to cellular experiments. To facilitate the study of allosteric inhibitor pharmacology, we designed and purified a constitutive EGFR kinase dimer harboring the clinically relevant L858R/T790M mutations. Kinetic characterization revealed that the EGFR kinase dimer is more active than monomeric EGFR(L858R/T790M) kinase and has the same Km,ATP Biochemical profiling of a large panel of ATP-competitive and allosteric EGFR inhibitors showed that allosteric inhibitor potency decreased by >500-fold in the kinase dimer compared with monomer, yielding IC50 values that correlate well with Ba/F3 cellular potencies. Thus, this readily purifiable constitutive asymmetric EGFR kinase dimer represents an attractive tool for biochemical evaluation of EGFR inhibitor pharmacology, in particular for allosteric inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Drugs targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase are commonly used to treat lung cancers but are affected by receptor dimerization. Here, we describe a locked kinase dimer that can be used to study EGFR inhibitor pharmacology.

Determination of phyto-moieties from the traditional therapeutic plant Boswellia serrata Roxb. extract against nosocomial pathogens: in vitro and silico approaches

IntroductionThe present study aimed to examine the in vitro antibacterial activity of Boswellia serrata solvent extracts against multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens isolated from skin and wound samples. MethodsB. serrata resin was acquired, and powdered; blended with five different extraction solvents. The collected bacterial isolates from wound and skin swabs were identified using biochemical profiling and classified according to their unique physiological and biochemical characteristics. Three isolated pathogens were exposed to antibiotic drugs via the disk dispersion assay, and the antimicrobial efficiency of the plant extract was assessed against the wound and skin infection-causing nosocomial bacterial pathogens. The qualitative and quantitative examination of plant extracts was carried out by mass spectra and 70 eV electron impact ionisation process. The 2D molecular interaction patterns between beta-lactamase protein and phytocompounds complexes were generated in DS viewer to understand the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. ResultsThree antibiotic-resistant strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were isolated and exposed to the extract of B. serrata. Plant extract at 60 µg proven effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii. In molecular docking studies, it was found that out of the 15 bioactive compounds detected from the plant extract, only three showed significant binding affinity to the bacterial-lactamase protein (AmpC). The auto dock results revealed different crucial affinity values of the bioactive compounds. Cholan-24-oic acid, 3,12-bis(acetyloxy) showed a Dock score of −8.6 kcal/mol for P. aeruginosa, −8.1 kcal/mol for A. baumannii, and −7.6 kcal/mol for S. aureus. Due to its strong binding affinity with antibacterial target proteins, it exhibits exceptional antibacterial properties. ConclusionThe findings confirmed bioactive constituents in B. serrata, with antibacterial activity against antibiotic resistance nosocomial pathogens.

Abstract B174: The non-covalent HCK/BTK inhibitor TTX-114 displays potent in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in leukemia and lymphoma

Abstract Background: The SRC family kinase Hematopoietic Cell Kinase (HCK) is upregulated in cycle–quiescent and chemotherapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs), and inhibition of HCK reduces the survival and self-renewal capacity of LSCs. As such, targeting HCK has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In lymphoma, HCK phosphorylates and activates Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) downstream of Toll-like receptor (TLR) or the IL6 receptor. In conjunction with BTK, HCK engages essential pro-survival signaling through the NF-kB, mTOR, AKT and STAT pathways. Meanwhile, in lymphoma, HCK can take over pro-survival signaling to confer resistance to BTK inhibition. A dual HCK/BTK inhibitor thus provides a promising therapeutic approach to target leukemias and lymphomas. Methods: TTX-114 was identified through a structure-based medicinal chemistry campaign and characterized in cells using Western Blot and Cell Titer Glow for signaling and viability read-outs, respectively. For in vivo efficacy analysis, NSG newborn mice were irradiated prior to bone-marrow reconstitution with patient-derived primary AML LCSs. Mice were treated orally with TTX-114 after AML was established. Results: Here, we describe TTX-114, a non-covalent HCK/BTK inhibitor with anti-tumor activity in leukemia and lymphoma. In biochemical kinase profiling TTX-114 displayed sub-nM activity against BTK with a KD = 0.58 nM and the SRC-kinase cluster with a KD = 0.23nM for HCK. By inhibiting HCK and BTK activity in cells, TTX-114 prevented autophosphorylation of HCK at Y411 and BTK at Y223 in a dose-dependent manner in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), enabling a starting point for clinical demonstration of target engagement. TTX-114 had anti-tumor activity across a larger panel of leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines being among the most sensitive (IC50, ≤4 nM). In marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), the activity was slightly higher in the presence of MYD88 L265P mutation. In vivo, TTX-114 treatment significantly reduced the tumor burden in a dose and time-dependent manner in AML-derived PDX mice. A systematic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) study identified distinct PK driver for efficacy and tolerability, respectively enabling a well-tolerated dosing strategy for TTX-114 which induced complete response in AML-xenograft bearing mice with no impact on body weight. Conclusion: TTX-114 is an orally bioavailable, non-covalent HCK/BTK inhibitor which prevents HCK over-activation in cancer cells and provides a new targeted therapy for leukemias and lymphomas. Citation Format: Ulrike Rauh, Michael Serrano-Wu, Virendar Kaushik, Sabine Pilari, Ikuko Ogahara, Akiko Kaneko, Alberto J Arribas, Eleonora Cannas, Franceso Bertoni, Nathalie R Javidi-Sharifi, Matthew S Davids, Takehiro Fukami, Yoriko Saito, Fumihiko Ishikawa, Anthony Letai, Brian Hubbard. The non-covalent HCK/BTK inhibitor TTX-114 displays potent in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in leukemia and lymphoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B174.

Biochemical profiling of Rett syndrome patients from South Indian population

Biochemical profiling of Rett syndrome patients from South Indian population

Bacillus mojavensis isolated from aguamiel and its potential as a probiotic bacterium

BackgroundMillenary fermented beverages are a source of industrially important microorganisms. Aguamiel and pulque are traditional Mexican beverages of pre-Hispanic origin, with a microbial diversity that contributes to the different fermentations (lactic, alcoholic and acetic). The aim of this research was to characterize the Bacillus mojavensis (BF2A1) strain isolated from aguamiel and determine its probiotic potential. The strain was identified through Mass Spectrometry (MS), molecular techniques, as well as morphological and biochemical profiling. The probiotic activity of the BF2A1 strain and its response during the gastric simulation was determined. ResultsThe strain BF2A1 is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus, positive for catalase, gamma-hemolysis, citrate, ornithine, grows at 7.5% NaCl, and acetoin, but negative for motility, indole, and methyl red. Its taxonomic identity was determined as B. mojavensis both by MALDI-TOF MS and sequencing of 16S rDNA. Its probiotic potential was demonstrated as BF2A1 was tolerant to pH 2 (OD620nm 0.289 ± 0.012), 0.3% bile salts (OD620nm 0.103 ± 0.089), 8% NaCl (OD620nm 0.254 ± 0.096), and 1% lysozyme (OD620nm 1.342 ± 0.078) compared to the probiotic strain Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 7830TM (Laclei). The antagonistic effect of BF2A1 against Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), and Candida albicans (ATCC60193) showed 25.5%, 8% and, 65% inhibitory growing effect, respectively. BF2A1 in the gastric simulation showed only a reduction of 1–2 log CFU/mL and showed after the intestinal phase a survival rate of 84.4% as compared to the control strains. ConclusionsThis study shows that BF2A1 isolated from aguamiel is a bacterium with probiotic properties that can be used in different areas of Biotechnology.How to cite: Martínez-Ortiz V, Trujillo-López MA, El-Kassis EG, et al. Bacillus mojavensis isolated from aguamiel and its potential as a probiotic bacterium. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2023.11.002.

Antibiotic sensitivity of catheter-associated bacterial pathogens in pediatrics patients

Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens causing Urinary Tract infection is a serious public health concern in our clinical setting. A total of 200 catheter tips were collected from the different wards (medical, surgical, urology) at the Children’s Hospital Faisalabad. Samples were streaked on nutrient agar plates and the positivity of the samples was noted after 24 hours. Positive samples were processed further for the identification of K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. coli using culture identification, microscopy, and biochemical profiling on the basis of culture characterization, microscopy, biochemical profiling, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. 76 (38%) of the samples showed growth on nutrient agar. In processed samples, the high prevalence was marked for P. aeruginosa (24/200; 12%) followed by E. coli (22/200; 11%) and S. aureus (19/200; 9.5%) while 11 K. pneumoniae isolates (5.5%) were identified in this study. In antibiotic susceptibility profiling of P. aeruginosa, the highest susceptibility was found for colistin (100%) and imipenem (70.83%) followed by gentamicin (54.17%) while the highest resistance was found for tobramycin (54.17%) followed by meropenem, ceftazidime, and cefotaxime (50%). Conclusion: Advance studies are needed to investigate the real investigations of bacterial contamination; resistance to treatment options and resistance to antibiotics are needed.