Current Research in Microbial Sciences最新文献

Aspergillus species encompass a variety of infections, ranging from invasive aspergillosis to allergic conditions, contingent upon the immune status of the host. In this spectrum, Aspergillus terreus stands out due to its emergence as a notable pathogen and its intrinsic resistance to amphotericin-B. The significance of Aspergillus-associated infections has witnessed a marked increase in the past few decades, particularly with the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. The exploration of epidemiology, morphological transitions, immunopathology, and novel treatment approaches such as new antifungal drugs (PC945, olorofim) and combinational therapy using antifungal drugs and phytochemicals (Phytochemicals: quercetin, shikonin, artemisinin), also using immunotherapies to modulate immune response has resulted in better outcomes. Furthermore, in the context COVID-19 era and its aftermath, fungal infections have emerged as a substantial challenge for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. This is attributed to the use of immune-suppressing therapies during COVID-19 infections and the increase in transplant cases. Consequently, this review aims to provide an updated overview encompassing the epidemiology, germination events, immunopathology, and novel drug treatment strategies against Aspergillus terreus-associated infections.

Oropouche virus (OROV) is a member of the Peribunyaviridae family and the causative agent of a dengue-like febrile illness transmitted by mosquitoes. Although mild symptoms generally occur, complications such as encephalitis and meningitis may develop. A lack of proper diagnosis, makes it a potential candidate for new epidemics and outbreaks like other known arboviruses such as Dengue, Yellow Fever and Zika virus. The study of natural molecules as potential antiviral compounds is a promising alternative for antiviral therapies. Wedelolactone (WDL) has been demonstrated to inhibit some viral proteins and virus replication, making it useful to target a wide range of viruses. In this study, we report the in silico effects of WDL on the OROV N-terminal polymerase and its potential inhibitory effects on several steps of viral infection in mammalian cells in vitro, which revealed that WDL indeed acts as a potential inhibitor molecule against OROV infection.

In order to comply with the stringent discharge guidelines issued by governmental organizations to protect the ecosystem, the substantial amounts of effluent and sturdy wastes produced by the beer brewing process need to be discarded or handled in the most affordable and secure manner. Huge quantities of waste material released with each brew bestow a significant opportunity for the brewing sector to move towards sustainability. The concept of circular economy and the development of technological advancements in brewery waste processing have spurred interest to valorize brewery waste for implementation in various sectors of medical and food science, industrial science, and many more intriguing fields. Biotechnological methods for valorizing brewery wastes are showing a path towards green chemistry and are feasible and advantageous to environment. The study unfolds most recent prospectus for brewery waste usage and discusses major challenges with brewery waste treatment and valorization and offers suggestions for further work.

Recovery of enzymes such as FPase (filter paperase) or exoglucanase from fermented substrate is a sustainable approach in enzyme production; however, there is a scarcity of optimization studies in this field. The present study was aimed to standardize number of parameters (selection of solvent, solvent volume, soaking time, leaching conditions and number of washes) to extract maximum amount of FPase from fermented rice husk by Aspergillus protuberus. Novel Aspergillus protuberus was first report from our lab on cellulases production in solid state fermentation (SSF). Among the tested solvents, citrate phosphate buffer (0.02 M, pH 5.0) proved best solvent for maximum recovery of FPase. Consequent experimental parameters were further optimized with citrate phosphate buffer. Two washes with citrate phosphate buffer each by shaking (60 min) in a ratio of 1 g of rice husk: 5 ml of citrate phosphate buffer together attained higher recovery efficiency (88 %) of FPase from the fermented rice husk.

The study focused on isolating indigenous Qatari lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from various challenged date palm tree leaf silages to construct a comprehensive strain collection, useful to study the diversity of these strains following their adaptation to the uncommon silage. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) was employed for strain identification and differentiation. The diversity of LAB populations and strains was assessed through principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram analyses. A total of 88 LAB isolates were obtained from silages of fresh palm leaves, silage of mixed leaves and dairy feed, along with fresh palm tree leaves, and dairy feed, adapted to local harsh environments. These isolates were categorized according to the new classification of 2020, belonging to genera of Pediococcus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Companilactobacillus farciminis, Limosilactobacillus oris, Limosilactobacillus vaginalis, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus johnsonii. Pediococcus was the most prevalent genus, falling mostly within the species Pediococcus lolii. MALDI–TOF MS protein profiles, PCA, and dendrogram analyses successfully grouped the LAB isolates into five distinctive clusters based on the protein's similarities. The high diversity of the indigenous LAB in spontaneous palm leaf silages demonstrated their adaptation and mutualistic interactions, forming robust consortia that ensure the quality of the silage. The straightforward, quick, and accurate identification of LAB in this silage using MALDI–TOF MS presents a valuable approach for formulating LAB consortia for silaging harsh agricultural by-products.