Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> It is well documented that Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has recently used to explore new resistance patterns and track the dissemination of extensive and pan drug-resistant microbes in healthcare settings. This article explores the link between traumatic infections caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) leading to coma and the development of chest infections caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study was carried out from March to December 2022 which included a 45-year-old male patient admitted to the ICU of Al Ramadi Teaching Hospitals following a severe RTA that resulted in a TBI and subsequent coma. Two study isolates were diagnosed bacteriologically using the VITEK^®-2 technique including resistant mechanisms like extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. Whole genome sequencing was performed using a DNA nanoball sequencing platform from BGI-Tech. Genome assembly and annotation were done using the bacterial bioinformatics resource center. The report on Comprehensive Genome Analysis includes a phylogenetic analysis using the reference and representative genomes provided by PATRIC. <b>Results:</b> <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolates were XDR, producing ESBLs and carbapenemases. The WGS detection NDM-5 gene in the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strain is not very common compared to the NDM-1 and blaOXA-181 g. At the same time, a file in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolate found genes GES-type ESBL (not reported in Iraq before), blaPAO and blaOXA-396 with NDM-1 all these genes are carbapenemases. In phylogenetic analysis, the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolate has an evolutionary relationship with strains originating from China while <i>P. aeruginosa</i> was globally unique. <b>Conclusion:</b> The XDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> pose a public health threat. The WGS revealed unique virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes associated with nosocomial outbreaks. The XDR isolates carrying NDM-5, blaOXA-181 and GES-type ESBL genes were detected.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> In jojoba plants, the sex is usually difficult to identify, especially before flowering and during the very early stages of development. This stage is expected to facilitate breeding programs and adopt an invention and approach to isolate the GPAT gene identified between males and females: The study aimed at early diagnosis of sex in jojoba by sequence characterized by GPAT gene of sex-determining by simplex PCR. To prove the existence of the GPAT gene in male jojoba plants which may be the sex determination and identification in all plant systems. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Initially, different primers were selected for the sex determination of jojoba samples using PCR-based amplification. The primers that can produce distinct DNA bands in males, not in females were selected for further experiments. The amplification of a male-specific GPAT marker situated in the sex determination region was amplified using specific primers. The newly designed GPAT primers flank region. <b>Results:</b> For the first time, separation and identified of the GPAT gene sequence of jojoba was done. The novel method represents a breakthrough in the sex determination of jojoba to identify sex at early developmental stages. This work provides a potentially useful diagnostic for determining sex in jojoba species. In this report, a breakthrough in the methodology for determining the sex of jojoba has been made. The amplified regions of the GPAT gene closely matched with sequences of GPAT in papaya and humans. <b>Conclusion:</b> The authors make an interesting finding by targeting the sequences in the GPAT gene and the final conclusion that PCR as a simple, rapid and reliable technique can complement and confirm sex by using specific primers pair according to our invention.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Peatlands are unique ecosystems rich in microbial diversity, including bacteria with potential antibiotic activity. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of bacteria from Indonesian peat soil, particularly their potential to produce antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Bacterial isolates were rejuvenated on nutrient agar and subjected to antimicrobial activity testing using the Bauer & Kirby diffusion method against MRSA. The bacterial strain exhibiting the strongest activity was further analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing for genetic identification. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using NCBI BLAST, followed by a statistical comparison of inhibition zones to assess antimicrobial efficacy. <b>Results:</b> Antimicrobial activity testing revealed that isolate 10 PS exhibited a larger inhibition zone against MRSA than the positive control, Ampicillin, indicating its strong antibiotic potential. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the isolate belonged to the <i>Lysinibacillus</i> genus, though significant branch divergence suggested it may represent a novel species. This isolate's lack of endospore production, typically characteristic of the genus, alongside its isolation from the unique Indonesian peatland ecosystem, suggests potential microbial adaptations to environmental pressures. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings highlight the potential of peat soil bacteria as a valuable source of novel antibiotics, particularly against MDR pathogens like MRSA. The proposed new species, isolate 10 PS (cataloged as SUB14736623), expands taxonomic knowledge of <i>Lysinibacillus</i> and holds promise for developing natural antibiotic treatments.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Amid the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance, the exploration of new sources has become essential, with plants serving as a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds. <i>Cannabis sativa</i> has attracted significant research interest for its antimicrobial properties and broad applications in medicine, industry and nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of the Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1 strain against twelve human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Stems and leaves from the Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1 strain were subjected to ethanol extraction. The primary antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from Tanao Si Kan Dang RD1 was assessed using the disc diffusion method, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined via the broth microdilution method. The inhibition zone diameter (mm) was analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with the SAS software. <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed that the ethanolic extract from the leaves of Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1 produced the largest inhibition zone diameter of 10.00 mm against <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> TISTR 008. The MIC and MBC of the leaf extract showed the lowest values of 0.09 and 0.19 mg/mL, respectively, recorded against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> TISTR 1466. <b>Conclusion:</b> This is the first report on the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts from the leaves and stems of Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1, which offers potential benefits for developing natural antibiotic drugs to combat infections caused by the tested pathogenic bacteria.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metal pollutants and its accumulation impacts the sustainability of marine organisms. Current research aimed to isolate and identify the cadmium-reducing bacteria from contaminated coastal sediment in Karangsong Port, Indramayu, Indonesia. The isolates were investigated for their potential to reduce cadmium and showed the cadmium reduction drastically up to 50% at 6 hrs treated under different cadmium concentrations of 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 ppm, respectively. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Morphological characteristics were observed in most of the isolates. Out of 8 isolates, two selected strains such as Karangsong Cd 3 and Cd 7 were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as <i>Pseudoalteromonas issachenkonii</i> strain KMM 3549 (Acc. No. NR 025139.1) and <i>Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis</i> GFC strain IAM 14160 (Acc. No. NR 041787.1), respectively. <b>Results:</b> The cadmium resistance profile showed that the selected isolates were resistant to various concentrations of cadmium (Cd). The isolates reduced the concentration of cadmium drastically up to 50% at 6 hrs. The results demonstrated the two bacteria are possible to remove the cadmium from seawater containing cadmium. The gram staining showed bacterial colony morphology were diplobacilli and coccobacillus. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results suggested that the Karangsong Cd 3 and Cd 7 could facilitate the new references of future microbial applications for bioremediation efforts.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Oroxylum indicum</i>, a plant commonly used in traditional medicine to address various human ailments, has recently gained attention as a promising candidate in this regard due to its rich phytochemical composition and potential antibacterial properties. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of <i>O. indicum</i> extracts, specifically from its leaves and stems, against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Stems and leaves of <i>O. indicum</i> were extracted using ethanol, hexane and dichloromethane. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was initially evaluated through the disc diffusion method, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined using the broth microdilution method. The inhibition zone diameters (mm) were statistically analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) in SAS software at a p-value threshold of <0.05. <b>Results:</b> The ethanolic stem and leaf extracts of <i>Oroxylum</i> <i>indicum</i> produced the largest inhibition zone of 11 mm against <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>, highlighting a significant antibacterial response. Further analysis showed that the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded at 1.56 mg/mL in these ethanolic extracts, effective against both <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> and <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was observed at 6.25 mg/mL for these bacteria, indicating a potent bactericidal effect. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study represents the first documented instance of <i>O. indicum</i> extracts effectively targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thereby underscoring their potential as a foundation for developing new antibiotics. The findings pave the way for further research and development, contributing to the critical pursuit of novel therapeutic agents to combat resistant bacterial infections.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Laccase as a ligninolytic enzyme has been known for its green-catalysis mechanism, which has the potential to be applied to food industries. Lignocellulose found in agro-industrial waste is promising for laccase production as a substrate, that could be encountered in pineapple (<i>Ananas comosus</i>) and Arabica coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i>) industrial residue. To boost enzyme activity, laccase characterization was performed using <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> under solid-state fermentation. This study aims to determine the lignocellulosic waste substrate that can produce the highest laccase activity and evaluate the effect of lignocellulosic substrate types under solid-state fermentation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> There were 3 variants of lignocellulosic substrates used, consisting of pineapple peel, pineapple leaf and coffee husk. Characterization was carried out during pre-production by determining lignocellulose composition by Van Soest method and qualitative assay of <i>G. lucidum</i> laccase, continued with post-production including dry cell weight, pH measurement during fermentation and laccase activity. Laccase activity was statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). <b>Results:</b> The characterization indicated that the type of substrate used had the potential to be used as a substrate in laccase production from <i>G. lucidum</i> under solid-state fermentation. The highest laccase activity was obtained on sample coffee husk S₃ on the 8th day of incubation with average values of laccase activity 2622.07±68.49 U/L. Based on ANOVA results, types of lignocellulosic waste substrates used have significant effects on laccase activity. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> has the potential to produce laccase enriched with pineapple waste and coffee husk substrates under solid fermentation.

<b>Background and Objectives:</b> This study characterized a bacterial strain, BN122, isolated from the root tissues of purple sticky rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L. var. glutinosa). Identified as <i>Streptomyces antimicrobicus</i> based on 16S rDNA analysis and physical-chemical properties, the aim was to isolate and evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer activities of its bioactive compounds. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The major compounds were purified from BN122's culture extract using column chromatography and TLC. The NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry confirmed their identities as Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Val), Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Leu), Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Trp) and Cyclo-(L-Pro-L-Phe). The antibacterial and anticancer activities of these compounds were subsequently assessed. Statistical significance was determined using SPSS software. <b>Results:</b> Isolated compounds exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 32 to 256 μg/mL, while minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were between 128 and 512 μg/mL. Compounds demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 32.00 to 57.08 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells, 85.73 to 158.93 μg/mL for HeLa cells and 276.89 to 323.48 μg/mL for HepG2 cells. Notably, these compounds exhibited moderate toxicity towards non-cancerous Vero cells (IC₅₀ = 482.73 to 680.87 μg/mL). <b>Conclusion:</b> The findings suggested that <i>Streptomyces antimicrobicus</i> BN122 produces compounds with promising antibacterial and anticancer properties. Further research on these compounds could contribute to developing novel therapeutic strategies for bacterial infections and certain cancers.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Black soybeans [<i>Glycine max</i> (L.) Merr] are among the important crops, but the cultivated resources are normally low-yielding, susceptible to diseases and low profit. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the genetic diversity of black soybean germplasms for breeding programs. This study investigates the genetic diversity of 22 black soybean varieties by RAPD and ISSR markers. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty two black soybean genotypes in Vietnam were evaluated for genetic diversity by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Data were scored following a binary matrix and analyzed using NTSYSpc 2.1 (Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System). <b>Results:</b> All 20 RAPD and 11 ISSR markers produced scorable bands. As 230 loci were investigated over the population, of which 107 were polymorphic, accounting for 46.5%. The collection of 22 black soybean varieties had a relatively close relationship with high genetic similarity coefficients, ranging from 0.71-0.99. Two main genetic clusters were classified. The RAPD markers showed better performance than ISSR markers in evaluating the genetic diversity of these 22 black soybean varieties. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results of this study display that 22 Vietnamese black soybean varieties are relatively identical in genetics. The study is suitable for breeding programs to improve black soybean varieties.

<i>Searsia lancea </i>(L.f.) F.A.Barkley is an evergreen tree well-known for its edible fruits and is also widely used in traditional medicine. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal and traditional uses of <i>S. lancea</i> and its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Research articles on nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological properties of <i>S. lancea</i> were searched from online databases such as PubMed^®, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect^®, SpringerLink^® and Scopus^® and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. <i>Searsia lancea</i> is used as ethnoveterinary medicine and as traditional medicine for fever, measles, sores, wounds, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, gastrointestinal problems and skin and respiratory infections. Chemical compounds identified from <i>S. lancea</i> include alcohol, alkane, amide, flavonoids, naphthalene, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, anthraquinones and volatile compounds. <i>Searsia lancea </i>crude extracts demonstrated anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anticholinesterase (AChE), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and nematicidal activities. This review highlights the need for detailed nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological studies of <i>S. lancea</i> focusing on its nutritional, phytochemical, biological and toxicological properties, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical studies.