Spreading Ability Research Articles

The secreted protein FonCHRD is essential for vegetative growth, asexual reproduction, and pathogenicity in watermelon Fusarium wilt fungus

Fungal pathogens often secrete numerous effectors to interfere with and/or suppress plant immunity to promote their infection. Watermelon Fusarium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), is one of the devastating diseases that severely affect the watermelon industry. Here, we report the function of a candidate effector protein, FonCHRD, in Fon. FonCHRD harbors a chordin (CHRD) domain of unknown function and has a signal peptide with secretion activity. FonCHRD shows a relatively high expression level in Fon marcoconidia and is inducible by watermelon root tissues. Phenotypic analysis of the targeted deletion mutant revealed that FonCHRD plays roles in vegetative growth, asexual reproduction, and conidial morphology of Fon, while it is not involved in spore germination as well as cell wall, oxidative and salt stress responses. Deletion of FonCHRD impaired the ability to colonize and spread within host plants, significantly reducing its virulence on watermelon. FonCHRD is distributed across multiple compartments of plant cells but can target to the apoplast space in plants. FonCHRD inhibits the INF1- and Bcl2-associated X protein-triggered cell death and defense gene expression in transiently expressed Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. These findings suggest that FonCHRD is essential for Fon pathogenicity by modulating invasive growth and spreading abilities as well as by suppressing plant immune responses.

Transferable Percolated Particle Monolayers Derived from Marangoni Flows for Thermally Conductive Dielectric Coatings.

Thermal management is becoming one of the most significant design and size limitations for high power density electronics, including motherboards, power converters, and phased array antennas for 5G communications. There are few options for conducting heat away with dielectric materials that avoid shortening or distorting the performance of these electronics. Certain highly thermally conductive 2D and 3D materials, including hexagonal boron nitride and diamond, offer ideal material properties to address these issues but are extremely challenging to process. This work studies highly oriented single-particle thick films of hexagonal boron nitride, manufactured through a modified Langmuir-Blodgett process and densified further using the Marangoni effect to attain remarkable thermal conductivity enhancement with minimal coating thickness. High loadings of hexagonal boron nitride (∼60 vol %) in dense, castable films are also produced to compare thermal spreading ability in a comparatively simpler but less-coordinated percolated system to the highly percolated particle monolayers. These procedures were applied to glass fiber reinforced polymers used in aerospace and radome applications as well as to a single-board computer to demonstrate enhanced thermal management.

Improvement of Mechanical Properties of 3D Bioprinted Structures through Cellular Overgrowth

The common use of hydrogel materials in 3D bioprinting techniques is dictated by the unique properties of hydrogel bioinks, among which some of the most important in terms of sustaining vital cell functions in vitro in 3D cultures are the ability to retain large amounts of liquid and the ability to modify rigidity and mechanical properties to reproduce the structure of the natural extracellular matrix. Due to their high biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, and the possibility of optimizing rheological properties and bioactivity at the same time, one of the most commonly used hydrogel bioink compositions are polymer solutions based on sodium alginate and gelatin. In 3D bioprinting techniques, it is necessary for hydrogel printouts to feature an appropriate geometry to ensure proper metabolic activity of the cells contained inside the printouts. The desired solution is to obtain a thin-walled printout geometry, ensuring uniform nutrient availability and gas exchange during cultivation. Within this study’s framework, tubular bioprinted structures were developed based on sodium alginate and gelatin, containing cells of the immortalized fibroblast line NIH/3T3 in their structure. Directly after the 3D printing process, such structures are characterized by extremely low mechanical strength. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the viability and spreading ability of the biological material contained in the printouts during their incubation for a period of 8 weeks while monitoring the effect of cellular growth on changes in the mechanical properties of the tubular structures. The observations demonstrated that the cells contained in the 3D printouts reach the ability to grow and spread in the polymer matrix after 4 weeks of cultivation, leading to obtaining a homogeneous, interconnected cell network inside the hydrogel after 6 weeks of incubation. Analysis of the mechanical properties of the printouts indicates that with the increasing time of cultivation of the structures, the degree of their overgrowth by the biological material contained inside, and the progressive degradation of the polymer matrix process, the tensile strength of tubular 3D printouts varies.

Core and accessory genomic traits of Vibrio cholerae O1 drive lineage transmission and disease severity

In Bangladesh, Vibrio cholerae lineages are undergoing genomic evolution, with increased virulence and spreading ability. However, our understanding of the genomic determinants influencing lineage transmission and disease severity remains incomplete. Here, we developed a computational framework using machine-learning, genome scale metabolic modelling (GSSM) and 3D structural analysis, to identify V. cholerae genomic traits linked to lineage transmission and disease severity. We analysed in-patients isolates from six Bangladeshi regions (2015-2021), and uncovered accessory genes and core SNPs unique to the most recent dominant lineage, with virulence, motility and bacteriophage resistance functions. We also found a strong correlation between V. cholerae genomic traits and disease severity, with some traits overlapping those driving lineage transmission. GSMM and 3D structure analysis unveiled a complex interplay between transcription regulation, protein interaction and stability, and metabolic networks, associated to lifestyle adaptation, intestinal colonization, acid tolerance and symptom severity. Our findings support advancing therapeutics and targeted interventions to mitigate cholera spread.

Enhancing the interlaminar property of carbon fiber/poly(aryl ether ketone) composites with water‐soluble polyimide oligomer sizing agent

AbstractNovel water‐soluble polymer‐based sizing agents for carbon fiber/poly(aryl ether ketone) composites (CF/PAEK) have gained attention. However, a challenge remains: the sized CF bundles lack flexibility, and the effect of this on the properties of the composite has not been discussed. Herein, a water‐soluble polyimide oligomer (OL) sizing agent was developed, and the sizing effect was comprehensively evaluated. The conventional molecular weight polyimide (HP) sizing agent was also assessed for comparison. Although the interfacial shear strength of the sized CF monofilaments is enhanced due to improved surface roughness and wettability, the effect of the OL sizing agent on the composite's interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tow's flexibility differed from that of the HP sizing agent. Compared with HP‐CF, the yarn spreading rate of OL‐CF tow is increased by about eight times, and the ILSS of OL‐CF/PAEK composites with 2 and 5 MPa molding pressure is increased by 69% and 222%, respectively. The HP sizing agent weakens the tow's flexibility and yarn spreading ability, which is not conducive to the resin penetration in the tow, resulting in lower ILSS. In contrast, the OL sizing agent considers the tow's flexibility and composite's interlaminar property, showing great application potential.Highlights Two PI‐based sizing agents with diverse film‐forming capacities were prepared. The ILSS of CF/PAEK with OL sizing agent was significantly improved. HP sizing agent weakened the tow flexibility and interlaminar property. The interaction of sizing layer—resin penetration—ILSS was proposed.

Chemical composition and antifungal efficacy of Tunisian Prunus armeniaca L. kernels with formulation of an antidermatophyte cream based on kernel powder

The biological activities of plant products are extremely correlated to the constituents present in each derivate. The present research aims to obtain by gas chromatography, the chemical profile of Prunus armeniaca L. kernel volatile fractions. The evaluation of the in vitro antifungal activities of the sterilized powder and volatile fractions of the plant P. armeniaca L. kernels was performed. Diffusion in a solid medium and broth microdilution methods were applied on fungi with medical importance (dermatophytes, yeasts and Aspergillus spp.). P. armeniaca L. powder based antidermatphyte cream has been formulated. Hydro-distillation generated two volatile fractions (VF1 and VF2) and chromatographic analysis showed the presence of three compounds for VF1 (98.7 % benzaldehyde, 1.0 % benzyl alcohol and 0.3 % 1,8-cineole) and two compounds for VF2 (90.3 % benzaldehyde and 9.3 % benzyl alcohol). The 2.5 % to 5 % concentrations in powder showed antifungal activities against dermatophytic strains. 1.25 to 2 mg/mL concentrations in volatile fractions were efficient against yeast strains, with a better efficiency for the VF1. The creams formulated were stable, cosmetically attractive with satisfactory pH, viscosity and spread ability. Prunus armeniaca L. kernel powders and the cream derived from them exhibit potent antifungal activities. This work presents a simple, ecological and economical means of formulating antifungal active substances and valorizing natural products.

Differences in fluidity and viscosity of brand-name and generic injectable ointment.

Generic medications contain the identical active ingredient in the same concentration as their branded counterparts and are administered in the same manner, aiming to deliver comparable efficacy, dosage, and clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, variations in additives and formulation processes, particularly noticeable in topical medications, can influence factors like ease of use and patient adherence. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the rheological attributes of branded and generic injectable ointments, assessing disparities in formulation performance and their impact on patient care. Posterisan® Forte and Hemoporison® ointments were used as the branded and generic versions, respectively, and their viscosity, ductility, and viscoelastic properties were evaluated. Posterisan® Forte showcased enhanced spread ability, maintaining uniform flow characteristics across varying temperatures, whereas Hemoporison® displayed pronounced thixotropic properties and stiffness, suggesting potential benefits for applications necessitating reversible viscosity adjustments and heightened rigidity. Despite sharing identical additives, observable differences in physical characteristics highlight the necessity of understanding formulation traits, which could influence ointment behavior. Alterations in fluidity and viscosity may affect how patients perceive and apply the medication, potentially influencing treatment outcomes and the occurrence of adverse effects.

Dynamic modeling of lytic virus transmission among phytoplankton driven by nitrogen and phosphorus

Lytic viruses infect phytoplankton and cause their mass mortalities. A dynamic model is proposed to explore lytic virus transmission among phytoplankton. The ecological reproductive index for the survival ability of phytoplankton and the basic reproduction number for the spreading ability of lytic viruses are established by analyzing dynamical properties of the model. We estimate parameter values of the model from Maat and Brussaard’s experimental data and theoretically examine Maat and Brussaard’s hypotheses that lytic virus transmission is driven by nitrogen and phosphorus. Our studies show that lytic viruses cannot spread among phytoplankton in low nitrogen or low phosphorus aquatic environments. The numerical diagrams also suggest that the increase in nitrogen and phosphorus during the spread of lytic viruses does not always cause phytoplankton blooms.

Choosing perennial plants for extensive green roofs in a semi-arid climate

Abstract The main challenge in establishing and maintaining shallow, extensive (non-irrigated) green roofs in semi-arid climate is plant selection. The chosen species should cover the roof and remain green all-year round and at the same time to survive the long, hot and dry summer in this harsh microhabitat. Three perennial species were selected for the present study conducted on a green roof at Haifa University, Israel: Sedum sediforme, Carpobrotus edulis and Portulacaria afra. These succulents were planted in non-irrigated plots, in a 17 cm deep substrate that consisted a mixture of 90% perlite and 10% compost. All three species have survived two consecutive summers and manifested notable spreading ability. Their groundcover area has increased between 3-5 times during the 18 months monitoring period of this study. These results suggest that they are suitable for the design of extensive green roofs in the semi-arid areas of Israel. Two additional species Aptenia cardifolia and Malephora crocea showed varying results, but nevertheless should be regarded as reasonable candidates. In contrast, ten other perennial plant species that were tested in the same conditions did not survive the dry summer. The results suggest, that a main factor of extensive green roofs design in semi-arid areas is species selection, namely identifying, choosing and monitoring of the fittest plant species for this harsh microhabitat.

Swelling inhibition and percolation promotion of PQ-10 on weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ores

Weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ores (WREOs) are rich in medium and heavy rare earth. In order to improve the in-situ leaching process, which is prone to landslides and poor permeability, cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (PQ-10) was used as a novel green swelling inhibitor and percolation promoter and was mixed with conventional leaching agent ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) to form a composite leaching agent to study the performance and mechanism of swelling inhibition and percolation promotion. Adding PQ-10 can inhibit the hydration swelling of WREOs, promote the percolation effect of the leaching agent, improve the rare earth (RE) leaching efficiency, and reduce the impurity aluminum (Al) leaching efficiency. Compared with the conventional leaching agent 2 wt% (NH4)2SO4, the percolation time is reduced by 50% by using the composite leaching agent (0.02 wt% PQ-10+2 wt% (NH4)2SO4). PQ-10 has positively charged quaternary ammonium groups and hydrophilic group hydroxyl groups, which makes it easy to adsorb on WREOs multiple sites through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, weakening the electrostatic repulsion between mineral particles, reducing the WREOs interlayer spacing, compressing the double electric layer thickness at the solid-liquid interface, weakening the mineral hydration swelling and increasing the percolation rate. The long carbon chains of the polymer entangle and link the fine mineral particles to agglomerate them, increasing their particle size and reducing their hydration dispersion, and preventing blockage of the percolation pores caused by migration of the fine particles through the ore body with the solution. PQ-10 molecules also insert the mineral interlayer and expulsion of the internal water, further inhibiting the swelling of WREOs. Adding PQ-10 reduces the surface tension of (NH4)2SO4 solution, improving the spreading and spreading ability of the solution, reducing the adhesion work between molecules in the solid-liquid phase and the adhesion work reduction factor. It proves that PQ-10 promotes the percolation effect of the leaching process of WREOs. In addition, PQ-10 expands the leaching pore size and seepage channels, further improving the percolation rate.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Wash

Herbal formulations have enlarging demand in the world market as a source of food, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The aim of this study is to formulate and evaluate the herbal face wash. There are three forms of herbal face wash i.e., gel, cream and liquid-based face wash. We have studied on liquid-based herbal face wash. Ingredients required in this formulation are extracted by the Maceration extraction method. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadense Linn), Lemon (Citrus Limon) source of vitamin C, Neem (Azadirachta indica) are very helpful and do not have any side effects. All herbal ingredients are easily available in the surrounding area. All the plants that have been used in this article have better antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. There are a number of formulations available on the market with different variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients for the treatment of acne and others skin problems especially for face. Changing environmental conditions and many pollutants, especially UV rays, are harmful for the human body. They’re damaging our skin, so cosmetics are part of taking care of the skin and body parts. As we know that face is sensitive part of body The Neem has more medicinal properties, leaves and their chemical constituents have been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, antiulcer, anti- malaria, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties .This is a study to evaluate the dermal safety and efficacy of the herbal formulation. There was a remarkable decreasing in the oiliness of the facial skin and an associated minimization of arising facial problems. Few subjects also noticed improvements in skin complexion. The present work deals with Preparation of Extracts, preparation & evaluation of the herbal face wash. It is essential to evaluate the formulation to check their efficiency and effectiveness by using above parameters color, Oduor, appearance, consistency, Washability, PH & Spread ability. Formulation showed no lumps along with easy Washability, good Spread ability and neutral PH. This study presents the formulation and evaluation of a herbal face wash designed to meet the growing demand for natural and safe skincare products. The formulation process involved selecting a blend of herbal extracts known for their skin-friendly properties, along with appropriate surfactants, thickeners, and preservatives to ensure stability and efficacy. Physicochemical characteristics such as pH, viscosity. and foamability were evaluated to assess product quality. Additionally, sensory analysis was conducted to gauge user preferences regarding fragrance, texture, and overall experience. Microbiological tests were performed to confirm product safety. The results indicated that the formulated herbal face wash exhibited desirable properties, including balanced pH, suitable viscosity, and satisfactory foam formation. Sensory evaluations revealed positive consumer acceptance, with preferences for natural fragrance and smooth texture. Microbial studies confirmed the product's microbial safety for consumer use. Overall, the formulated herbal face wash offers a promising option for individuals seeking natural and effective skincare solutions. Acne and pimples are treated using herbal face washes. Herbal Facewash eliminates excess oil without eliminating nutrients from the skin and contains rich plant-based components like feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and neem. Azadirachta indica). The building blocks of finished herbal medicines are known as herbal preparations. These can be comminuted or powdered herbal ingredients as well as extracts, tinctures, and fatty oils of herbal materials. The demand for herbal formulations is rising on the global market. Establishing the herbal face wash with aqueous neem leaf, tulsi leaf, and orange peel extracts is a very commendable effort. The herbal face wash formulation was more effective than the commercial face wash. Since all of the ingredients in this composition are herbal, they are safe for the skin and trustworthy..

Formulation and evaluation of emulgels loaded with microspheres containing Baricitinib

The main objective of the present research work was to formulate and evaluate transdermal gel loaded with microspheres of Baricitinib to increase bioavailability and to reduce the dosing frequency and to improve patient compliance. Gel loaded with microspheres of Baricitinib was prepared by taking different ratios and grades of Carbopol polymers. The prepared formulations (F1–F9) were evaluated for pre-formulation studies, percentage yield, particle size, content Uniformity, drug content entrapment efficiency and in vitro dissolution studies. The optimized gel loaded with microspheres of F8 formulation (drug: Carbopol 974polymer in 1:1 ratio) is more effective compared to all formulations. The prepared gel showed acceptable physical properties such as particle size of (126.5 microns), percentage yield of (96.5%), content uniformity (97.8), and drug content entrapment efficiency (90.5%). In vitro dissolution studies have shown 100.1% drug release in 12 h. With the optimized formulation Baricitinib emulgels are formulated using different grades and ratios of Carbopol and optimized microsphere formulation F8. The Emulgel formulation F7 showed the acceptable results with a yield of 92.3%, Drug content (100.2%), Spread ability (13.38 g.cm/s), Viscocity (112.3 cP), pH off 6.05 and it was observed that formulation F7 showed 100.2% drug release within 12 hours. All the results show that the gel loaded with microspheres of Baricitinib can be effectively used for the treatment of viral infections like small fox.

Formulation and evaluation of toothpaste for sensitivity

Toothpastes are complex mixtures of abrasives and surfactants; anticaries agents, such as fluoride; tartar control ingredients; pH buffers; humectants (to prevent dry-out and increase the pleasant mouth feel); and binders, to provide consistency an shape. Binders keep the solid phase properly suspended in the liquid phase to prevent to the separation of the liquid phase out of the toothpaste. The dental paste preparations of clove oil tooth paste are designed using different bases for treatment of gingivitis and properties and other dental plaque. During our physicochemical evaluation studies, all the formulations were found to have PH, good tube extrudability, good spread ability and viscosity characteristics. In the current context of oral dental care, the use of toothpaste containing natural ingredients are more widely accepted in public belief than chemical-based formulations for safety and efficacy in reducing tooth decay, and preventing other dental problems that this generation is prone to. It's usually a toothpaste-used product used by all people. Toothpaste is usually used to clean tooth enamel and mouth It is also used to solve many email problems. Many dentists recommend applying toothpaste to treat diseases such as sensitivity, chronic gingivitis, etc toothpastes are used in the treatment of gum disease, bad breath, dry mouth, periodontal damage, tartar, and dental caries. To develop a stable and functionally effective toothpaste, eliminating all synthetic additives that are usually included in such Formulation is an important task. Herbal toothpastes have received a lot of attention for reducing gingivitis.Studies show mixed results about the effectiveness of these toothpastes.

Enhanced surface colonisation and competition during bacterial adaptation to a fungus.

Bacterial-fungal interactions influence microbial community performance of most ecosystems and elicit specific microbial behaviours, including stimulating specialised metabolite production. Here, we use a co-culture experimental evolution approach to investigate bacterial adaptation to the presence of a fungus, using a simple model of bacterial-fungal interactions encompassing the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the fungus Aspergillus niger. We find in one evolving population that B. subtilis was selected for enhanced production of the lipopeptide surfactin and accelerated surface spreading ability, leading to inhibition of fungal expansion and acidification of the environment. These phenotypes were explained by specific mutations in the DegS-DegU two-component system. In the presence of surfactin, fungal hyphae exhibited bulging cells with delocalised secretory vesicles possibly provoking an RlmA-dependent cell wall stress. Thus, our results indicate that the presence of the fungus selects for increased surfactin production, which inhibits fungal growth and facilitates the competitive success of the bacterium.

Identification of key nodes in complex networks by using a joint technique of nonnegative matrix factorization and regularization

Identifying key nodes in complex networks is essential to deeply understand and fully utilize the properties and functions of complex systems. Currently, existing traditional methods perform critical nodes identification by manually selecting important attribute features of nodes, but there are limitations in this approach. Manual selection of attribute features may overlook non-obvious features related to nodes criticality and correlations between attribute features. To compensate for the shortcomings of traditional methods, a Joint Technique for identifying critical nodes, called JTNMFR, is presented based on Nonnegative Matrix Factorization and Regularization. Factorization of weighted adjacency matrix is performed to obtain potential attribute features of nodes, and communicability network matrix and similarity matrix are introduced as regularization terms to control sparsity of the decomposition results. Ultimately, the importance of nodes is assessed by constructing an objective function that integrates these two aspects and utilizing alternative iteration to obtain the attribute matrix. To validate the accuracy and reliability of JTNMFR, we compare it with nine other identification approaches on eight real networks. Experimental results show that JTNMFR not only significantly outperforms the other algorithms in terms of accuracy of node importance, monotonicity, and node spreading ability but also provides a more accurate means of assessing node importance.

Physical Characteristics of Lip Cream Preparations with Natural Coloring Beetroot Extract (Beta Vulgaris L.)

Introduction: Cosmetics are a primary need for women to help them appear more attractive, one of the lip coloring cosmetics that is currently in great demand among consumers is lip cream. Lip cream is a liquid lipstick preparation that can moisturize the lips for a long time compared to solid form and produces a more even color on the lips. Lip cream coloring ingredients can be obtained from synthetic dyes and natural dyes. The coloring (pigment) found in red beets is betalain which can be used as an antioxidantMethods: The research method is experimental. This research was carried out to formulate beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract as a natural coloring for lip cream preparations. The independent variable in this research is beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract as a natural coloring and the dependent variable is the physical characteristics of lip cream including organoleptic (shape, color and odor), pH, homogeneity and spread ability. Data analysis is descriptive.Results: The results of this research show that the lip cream preparation has the characteristics of being in a semi-solid form, with a purplish red color, and a distinctive rose smell. The color and smell did not change until day 7. The pH test showed a pH of 3.39 on day 1 and 5.49 on day 7. The homogeneity test showed it was homogeneous until day 7. The spreadability test showed that it could be spread with an average spreadability of 5 cm.Conclusion: This research shows that the lip cream color is dark or thick red in the preparation, organoleptic test, pH test, spreadability is in accordance with the desired design.

Carbomer Hydrogels with Microencapsulated α-Tocopherol: Focus on the Biocompatibility of the Microcapsules, Topical Application Attributes, and In Vitro Release Study.

The microencapsulation of α-tocopherol based on the complex coacervation of low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC) and sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) without harmful crosslinkers can provide biocompatible carriers that protect it from photodegradation and air oxidation. In this study, the influence of the microcapsule wall composition on carrier performance, compatibility with a high-water-content vehicle for topical application, and release of α-tocopherol were investigated. Although the absence of aldehyde crosslinkers decreased the encapsulation efficiency of α-tocopherol (~70%), the variation in the LMWC/SLES mass ratio (2:1 or 1:1) had no significant effect on the moisture content and microcapsule size. The prepared microcapsule-loaded carbomer hydrogels were soft semisolids with pseudoplastic flow behavior. The integrity of microcapsules embedded in the hydrogel was confirmed by light microscopy. The microcapsules reduced the pH, apparent viscosity, and hysteresis area of the hydrogels, while increasing their spreading ability on a flat inert surface and dispersion rate in artificial sweat. The in vitro release of α-tocopherol from crosslinker-free microcapsule-loaded hydrogels was diffusion-controlled. The release profile was influenced by the LMWC/SLES mass ratio, apparent viscosity, type of synthetic membrane, and acceptor medium composition. Better data quality for the model-independent analysis was achieved when a cellulose nitrate membrane and ethyl alcohol 60% w/w as acceptor medium were used.

Isolation and Characterization of Glycolipid Biosurfactant Produced by Marine Bacterium Cobetia marina Strain F1 and Investigation of Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activity

The marine environment is a rich source of microorganisms producing bioactive compounds, like biosurfactant-producing bacteria that exhibit unique characteristics and functionalities. In this study, we examined glycolipid biosurfactants produced by bacteria that live commensally with marine organisms. We isolated a biosurfactant-producing strain identified as Cobetia marina strain F1, which displayed high hemolytic activity (27 mm), oil spreading ability (4 mm), emulsification index (40%), and decreasing surface tension to 31.3 (mN·m−1). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed the glycolipid composition of the biosurfactant. Furthermore, elemental analysis utilizing CHNS and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the biosurfactant contained carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, oxygen, and additional elements. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the crude biosurfactant was determined to be 350 mg·L−1, at which concentration, a decrease in surface tension was observed when the biosurfactant was dissolved in distilled water. Given the presence of impurities in the biosurfactant composition, this observed CMC is considered acceptable. Furthermore, the biosurfactant exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with the largest zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 27 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This demonstrates the potential of the biosurfactant to serve as an alternative to novel antibiotic agents. The biosurfactant exhibited considerable inhibition of biofilm formation, disruption of preformed biofilms, and reduced enzymatic activity in bacterial cells following treatment. Moreover, the combination of the biosurfactant and F1 bacterial strain enhanced the degradation of crude oil by 86%, indicating its potential application in environmental remediation. These findings highlight the importance of investigating commensal strains capable to produce biosurfactants for applications in hydrocarbon remediation, overcoming antibiotic resistance, and biofilm disruption.

Influential risk spreaders and systemic risk in Chinese financial networks

A novel approach of gravity strength centrality (GSC) model is proposed to identify the influential risk spreaders in Chinese financial networks. We also measure the systemic risk contribution of financial institutions via ΔCoVaR and detect the relationship between the risk spreading ability and the systemic risk contribution of financial institutions. Our findings show that (i) the novel GSC model has the best performance on identifying influential risk spreaders, (ii) financial institutions with larger risk spreading ability contribute more to the systemic risk, (iii) the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly enhanced the contribution of influential risk spreaders to the systemic risk.

A cluster of putative resistance genes is associated with a dominant resistance to sunflower broomrape.

The HaOr5 resistance gene is located in a large genomic insertion containing putative resistance genes and provides resistance to O. cumana, preventing successful connection to the sunflower root vascular system. Orobanche cumana (sunflower broomrape) is a parasitic plant that is part of the Orobanchaceae family and specifically infests sunflower crops. This weed is an obligate parasitic plant that does not carry out photosynthetic activity or develop roots and is fully dependent on its host for its development. It produces thousands of dust-like seeds per plant. It possesses a high spreading ability and has been shown to quickly overcome resistance genes successively introduced by selection in cultivated sunflower varieties. The first part of its life cycle occurs underground. The connection to the sunflower vascular system is essential for parasitic plant survival and development. The HaOr5 gene provides resistance to sunflower broomrape race E by preventing the connection of O. cumana to the root vascular system. We mapped a single position of the HaOr5 gene by quantitative trait locus mapping using two segregating populations. The same location of the HaOr5 gene was identified by genome-wide association. Using a large population of thousands of F2 plants, we restricted the location of the HaOr5 gene to a genomic region of 193kb. By sequencing the whole genome of the resistant line harboring the major resistance gene HaOr5, we identified a large insertion of a complex genomic region containing a cluster of putative resistance genes.