Culture-dependent methods reveal the diversity of endophytic fungi of Psidium cattleianum leaves (Myrtales: Myrtaceae).

Endophytic fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that reside within plant tissues and play a crucial ecological role in the development of their hosts. Psidium cattleianum (Myrtales: Myrtaceae: 'Cattley guava') is a Brazilian native species with economic potential due to the diverse applications of its fruits, wood, and essential oils. Despite their significance, the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with P. cattleianum remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the diversity of endophytic fungi in the leaves of this plant using cultivation-dependent isolation methods, analysis of the macroscopic characters of the isolates, and phylogenetic analyses employing the ITS barcode marker. A total of 396 isolates, classified into 25 fungal taxa, were obtained, namely, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Coprinellus, Coriolopsis, Diaporthe, Induratia, Mycosphaerella, Muyocoprom, Myrmecridium, Neofusicoccum, Pantospora, Paracamarosporium, Parapallidocercospora, Paraphaeosphaeria, Penicillium, Perenniporia, Phaeophleospora, Phyllosticta, Pseudofusicoccum, Talaromyces, Xylaria, Sordariomycetes, and Xylariomycetes. Our findings reveal a significant diversity of fungi associated with P. cattleianum leaves; however, our study suggests an even greater diversity of fungi associated with this plant species. Interestingly, although P. cattleianum shares endophytic fungi with other plants in the Myrtaceae family, this plant species harbors a unique fungal community. This distinction is evidenced by certain fungal genera and seven potentially new phylogenetic species, isolated in this study.

NIN-like proteins (NLPs) as crucial nitrate sensors: an overview of their roles in nitrogen signaling, symbiosis, abiotic stress, and beyond.

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient critical for plant growth and productivity. Plants have the capacity to uptake inorganic nitrate and ammonium, with nitrate playing a crucial role as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes. The availability of nitrate and the signaling pathways involved finely tune the processes of nitrate uptake and assimilation. NIN-like proteins (NLPs), a group of transcription factors belonging to the RWP-RK gene family, act as major nitrate sensors and are implicated in the primary nitrate response (PNR) within the nucleus of both non-leguminous and leguminous plants through their RWP-RK domains. In leguminous plants, NLPs are indispensable for the initiation and development of nitrogen-fixing nodules in symbiosis with rhizobia. Moreover, NLPs play pivotal roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses, including drought and cold. Recent studies have identified NLP homologs in oomycete pathogens, suggesting their potential involvement in pathogenesis and virulence. This review article delves into the conservation of RWP-RK genes, examining their significance and implications across different plant species. The focus lies on the role of NLPs as nitrate sensors, investigating their involvement in various processes, including rhizobial symbiosis in both leguminous and non-leguminous plants. Additionally, the multifaceted functions of NLPs in abiotic stress responses, developmental processes, and interactions with plant pathogens are explored. By comprehensively analyzing the role of NLPs in nitrate signaling and their broader implications for plant growth and development, this review sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying nitrogen sensing and signaling in various plant lineages.

A Symbiotic Meal Containing Extruded Sorghum and Probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum) Ameliorated Intestinal Health Markers in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Secondary Analysis of a Subsample from a Previous Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease increases uremic toxins concentrations, which have been associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Sorghum bicolor L. Moench has dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, while Bifidobacterium longum can promote beneficial health effects. METHODS: It is a controlled, randomized, and single-blind clinical trial. Thirty-nine subjects were randomly separated into two groups: symbiotic group (SG), which received 100 mL of unfermented probiotic milk with Bifidobacterium longum strain and 40 g of extruded sorghum flakes; and the control group (CG), which received 100 mL of pasteurized milk and 40 g of extruded corn flakes for seven weeks. RESULTS: The uremic toxins decreased, and gastrointestinal symptoms improved intragroup in the SG group. The acetic, propionic, and butyric acid production increased intragroup in the SG group. Regarding α-diversity, the Chao1 index was enhanced in the SG intragroup. The KEGG analysis revealed that symbiotic meal increased the intragroup energy and amino sugar metabolism, in addition to enabling essential amino acid production and metabolism, sucrose degradation, and the biosynthesis of ribonucleotide metabolic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of symbiotic meal reduced BMI, improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis and gastrointestinal symptoms, increased diversity according to the Chao1 index, and reduced uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease patients.

Preliminary Screening on Antibacterial Crude Secondary Metabolites Extracted from Bacterial Symbionts and Identification of Functional Bioactive Compounds by FTIR, HPLC and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Secondary metabolites, bioactive compounds produced by living organisms, can unveil symbiotic relationships in nature. In this study, soilborne entomopathogenic nematodes associated with symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus stockiae and Photorhabdus luminescens) were extracted from solvent supernatant containing secondary metabolites, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects against E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilus, P. mirabilis, E. faecalis, and P. stutzeri. The characterization of these secondary metabolites by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy revealed amine groups of proteins, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of polyphenols, hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides, and carboxyl groups of organic acids. Furthermore, the obtained crude extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for the basic identification of potential bioactive peptides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ethyl acetate extracts from Xenorhabdus stockiae identified major compounds including nonanoic acid derivatives, proline, paromycin, octodecanal derivatives, trioxa-5-aza-1-silabicyclo, 4-octadecenal, methyl ester, oleic acid, and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylicacid. Additional extraction from Photorhabdus luminescens yielded functional compounds such as indole-3-acetic acid, phthalic acid, 1-tetradecanol, nemorosonol, 1-eicosanol, and unsaturated fatty acids. These findings support the potential development of novel natural antimicrobial agents for future pathogen suppression.

Characterization of a symbiotic beverage based on water-soluble soybean extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014.

The health benefits of functional foods are associated with consumer interest and have supported the growth of the market for these types of foods, with emphasis on the development of new formulations based on plant extracts. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize a symbiotic preparation based on water-soluble soy extract, supplemented with inulin and xylitol and fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014. Regarding nutritional issues, the symbiotic formulation can be considered a source of fiber (2 g/100 mL) and proteins (2.6 g/100 mL), and it also has a low-fat content and low caloric value. This formulation, in terms of microbiological aspects, remained adequate to legal standards after storage for 60 days under refrigeration and also presented an adequate quantity of the aforementioned probiotic strain, corresponding to 9.11 Log CFU.mL-1. These viable L. plantarum cells proved to be resistant to simulated human gastrointestinal tract conditions, reaching the intestine at high cell concentrations of 7.95 Log CFU.mL-1 after 60 days of refrigeration. Regarding sensory evaluation, the formulation showed good acceptance, presenting an average overall impression score of 6.98, 5.98, and 5.16, for control samples stored for 30 and 60 days under refrigeration, respectively. These results demonstrate that water-soluble soy extract is a suitable matrix for fermentation involving L. plantarum ATCC 8014, supporting and providing data on the first steps towards the development of a symbiotic functional food, targeting consumers who have restrictions regarding the consumption of products of animal origin, diabetics, and individuals under calorie restrictions.

Unraveling the drought-responsive transcriptomes in nodules of two common bean genotypes during biological nitrogen fixation.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) can efficiently fix atmospheric nitrogen when associated with Rhizobia. However, drought stress impairs plant metabolic processes, especially the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Here, we assessed transcriptional responses in nodules of two common bean genotypes to drought stress under BNF reliance. The RNA-Seq analysis yielded a total of 81,489,262 and 72,497,478 high quality reads for Negro Argel and BAT 477 genotypes, respectively. The reads were mapped to the Phaseolus vulgaris reference genome and expression analysis identified 145 and 1451 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for Negro Argel and BAT 477 genotypes, respectively. Although BAT 477 had more DEGs, both genotypes shared certain drought-responsive genes, including an up-regulated heat shock protein (HSP) and a down-regulated peroxidase, indicating shared pathways activated during drought in nodule tissue. Functional analysis using MapMan software highlighted the up-regulation of genes involved in abiotic stress responses, such as HSPs and specific transcription factors (TFs), in both genotypes. There was a significant down-regulation in metabolic pathways related to antioxidant protection, hormone signaling, metabolism, and transcriptional regulation. To validate these findings, we conducted RT-qPCR experiments for ten DEGs in nodules from both genotypes, for which the expression profile was confirmed, thus reinforcing their functional relevance in the nodule responses to drought stress during BNF. BAT 477 genotype exhibited more pronounced response to drought, characterized by a high number of DEGs. The strong down-regulation of DEGs leads to transcriptional disturbances in several pathways related to stress acclimation such as hormone and antioxidant metabolism. Additionally, we identified several genes that are known to play key roles in enhancing drought tolerance, such as HSPs and crucial TFs. Our results provide new insights into the transcriptional responses in root-nodules, an underexplored tissue of plants mainly under drought conditions. This research paves the way for potential improvements in plant-bacteria interactions, contributing to common bean adaptations in the face of challenging environmental conditions.

Supplementation with a Symbiotic Induced Neuroprotection and Improved Memory in Rats with Ischemic Stroke.

After an ischemic stroke, various harmful mechanisms contribute to tissue damage, including the inflammatory response. The increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines has been related to greater damage to the neural tissue and the promotion of neurological alterations, including cognitive impairment. Recent research has shown that the use of prebiotics and/or probiotics counteracts inflammation and improves cognitive function through the production of growth factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), by reducing inflammatory molecules. Therefore, in this study, the effect of the symbiotic inulin and Enterococcus faecium on neuroprotection and memory improvement was evaluated in a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). In order to accomplish this, the animals were subjected to ischemia; the experimental group was supplemented with the symbiotic and the control group with the vehicle. The neurological deficit as well as spatial and working memory were evaluated using the Zea Longa scale, Morris water maze, and the eight-arm maze tests, respectively. Infarct size, the levels of BDNF, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were also assessed. The results show that supplementation with the symbiotic significantly diminished the neurological deficit and infarct size, improved memory and learning, increased BDNF expression, and reduced TNF-α production. These findings provide new evidence about the therapeutic use of symbiotics for ischemic stroke and open up the possibilities for the design of further studies.

Evaluating the secondary bioactive metabolites in Geodia corticostylifera / Avaliação dos metabólitos bioativos secundários em Geodia corticostylifera

Ophiactis savignyi could be discovered all over the world in tropical marine environments. People could have aided in the spread of O. savignyi, particularly in the western and eastern populations of Panama's Isthmus. The brittle star Ophiactis savignyi, often known as savigny's brittle star, coexists alongside the sponge Geodia corticostylifera. The focus of this research has been to assess the functional relevance of G. corticostylifera secondary metabolites as antifoulant against mussels, protection against generalist fish, and chemical cues to affiliated brittle stars. Both in flow-through and static seawater laboratory studies, O. savignyi which has previously been connected with sponges, was given both treated and control mimics at the same time. The sponge extract was also tested for its ability to protect fish against predators and fouling. Deterrence test using chemicals indicated that the normal level of the sponge extract may also suppress generalist fish predation in the field as well as the mussel Perna perna's normal attachment in clinical contexts. According to the findings, G. corticostylifera crude extract has many roles in the aquatic environments, apparently being accountable for this sponge's tighter relationship with O. savignyi, which protects the ophiuroid and inhibits epibionts on itself.

Ophiactis savignyi pode ser descoberta em todo o mundo em ambientes marinhos tropicais. A população pode ter contribuído para a propagação de O. savignyi, particularmente as populações ocidentais e orientais do istmo do Panamá. A estrela-quebradiça O. savignyi, muitas vezes conhecida como estrela-quebradiça de Savignyi, coexiste com a esponja Geodia corticostylifera. O foco desta pesquisa foi avaliar a relevância funcional dos metabólitos secundários de G. corticostylifera como anti-incrustante contra mexilhões, proteção contra peixes generalistas e sinais químicos para estrelas-quebradiças afiliadas. Em estudos de laboratório com fluxo contínuo e estático de água do mar, O. savignyi, que anteriormente havia se ligado a esponjas, recebeu mimetizadores tratados e controle ao mesmo tempo. O extrato de esponja também foi testado por sua capacidade de proteger os peixes contra predadores e incrustações. Testes de dissuasão usando produtos químicos indicaram que o nível normal de extrato de esponja também pode suprimir a predação de peixes generalistas no campo, bem como a fixação normal do mexilhão Perna perna em ambientes clínicos. De acordo com os achados, o extrato bruto de G. corticostylifera tem diversas funções em ambientes aquáticos, aparentemente responsáveis ​​pela relação mais próxima dessa esponja com O. savignyi, protegendo o ofiuroide e inibindo os epibiontes.

Endophytic colonization of five Trichoderma species and their effects on growth of a Eucalyptus hybrid.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of endophytic colonization via leaf and root inoculation of five Trichoderma species in a Eucalyptus hybrid, as well as the effects of inoculation on plant growth. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 6 × 2 factorial scheme. Plant growth was evaluated during the experimental period at three different times: 20 days after inoculation (d.a.i), 40 d.a.i., and 60 d.a.i. A statistical difference was observed between the inoculation methods during each period and between the Trichoderma species. Plants inoculated with T. asperellum showed the greatest growth among the treatments. Root-inoculated plants produced the greatest growth response. This showed that the presence of Trichoderma in the roots assisted in nutrient assimilation, promoted greater plant growth, when compared with leaf-inoculated plants. Evaluation of the effectiveness of endophytic colonization was performed at each sampling period by collecting leaf samples, and at 60 d.a.i., by collecting leaf, stem, and root samples. T. longibrachiatum and T. harzianum were isolated from leaves at 20 d.a.i., with an increase in the number of colonized plants throughout the evaluation of leaf-inoculated plants. In root-inoculated plants, treatment with T. longibrachiatum, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum presented the highest endophytic colonization in the stem and root samples (at 60 d.a.i.).

Macro and Micro-Nutrient Accumulation and Partitioning in Soybean Affected by Water and Nitrogen Supply.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of water availability and nitrogen fertilization on plant growth, nutrient dynamics, and variables related to soybean crop yield. Trials were performed in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, using randomized blocks in a split-split plot arrangement. The plots corresponded to water regimes (full and deficient), the split plots to N fertilization (0 and 1000 kg ha-1 N-urea), and the split-split plots to harvest times of soybean plants (16, 23, 30, 37, 44, 58, 65, 79 and 86 days after emergence), with three replicates. In general, the accumulation and partitioning of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) were decreased in plants subjected to water deficit and without N fertilization. Although nitrogen fertilization promoted elevated N accumulation in tissues, it did not result in any significant yield gain, and the highest seed yields were found in plants under full irrigation, regardless of N supplementation. However, deficient irrigation decreased the seed oil content of N-fertilized plants. In conclusion, N fertilization is critical for nutrient homeostasis, and water availability impairs biomass and nutrient accumulation, thereby limiting soybean yield performance.

Eventos de blanqueamiento del coral Porites lobata (2006-2022) y actividades de restauración en el sitio Ramsar ''Complejo Los Cóbanos", El Salvador

Introducción: El blanqueamiento global coralino refleja la fragilidad del coral a condiciones ambientales adversas y al cambio climático. Porites lobata es la especie de coral hermatípico más abundante actualmente en El Salvador y ha experimentado eventos de blanqueamiento recientes en el área natural protegida Complejo Los Cóbanos. Objetivo: Describir los episodios de blanqueamiento que colonias de P. lobata experimentaron en Los Cóbanos, El Salvador, durante los últimos 18 años, y analizar los esfuerzos de restauración de coral. Métodos: Aproximadamente 2 100 imágenes (2006 - 2022) tomadas sin periodicidad específica de dos sitios fueron revisadas. Parámetros del agua desde 2014 fueron registradas sin una periodicidad temporal definida. Las áreas de estudio fueron son playa El Faro y colonias submareales cerca de un importante resort de playa. La primera área presentó colonias dispersas en una zona intermareal, la otra, colonias más grandes a 2 m de profundidad en marea baja. También, revisar literatura acerca de actividades para restaurar arrecifes dentro del país. Resultados: Varios eventos de blanqueamiento ocurrieron durante este período de observación. Algunos de ellos podrían estar asociados a temperaturas altas del agua de mar (> 30 o C) de mayo a octubre (estación lluviosa), floraciones algales nocivas, así como causas desconocidas. Varios blanqueamientos que causaron pérdida de cobertura de coral en las colonias intermareales ocurrieron durante el evento global (2015-2016). Conclusiones: Blanqueamiento en el Complejo los Cóbanos ocurre en diferentes patrones de intensidad durante la estación lluviosa que comprende niveles de alta temperatura y turbidez en el agua, así como floraciones algales. El episodio de 2015-2016 causó pérdida de cobertura de coral en las colonias intermareales y las submareales experimentaron pequeños daños permanentes (< 5 % mortalidad). Las políticas de restauración nacionales requieren más esfuerzos estratégicos considerando la hidrodinámica y las capacidades institucionales locales.

Introduction: Global coral bleaching reflects coral fragility to adverse environmental conditions and climate change. Porites lobata is the most abundant hermatypic coral species currently in El Salvador and has experienced recent bleaching events at natural protected area Complejo Los Cóbanos. Objective: To describe the bleaching episodes that colonies of P. lobata experienced at Los Cóbanos, El Salvador, during the last 18 years, and analyze coral restoration efforts. Methods: Approximately 2 100 images (2006 - 2022) taken without specific periodicity from two sites were reviewed. Water parameters since 2014 were registered without defined frequency. The areas sampled were El Faro beach and subtidal colonies near an important beach resort. The first area presented dispersed colonies on an intertidal zone, the other, larger colonies at 2 m deep in low tide. Also, literature about activities to restore reefs within the country was reviewed. Results: Several bleaching events occurred during this observation period. Some of them could be associated to high sea water temperatures (> 30 o C) from May to October (rainy season), others to harmful algae blooms, as well as unknown causes. Severe bleaching that caused loss of coral coverage on intertidal colonies occurred during the global event (2015-2016). Conclusion: Bleaching at Los Cóbanos occurs in different intensity patterns usually during the rainy season that encompasses high temperature and turbidity levels in water, as well as algal blooms. The 2015-2016 episode caused coral coverage loss on the intertidal colonies and subtidal ones experienced little permanent damages (< 5% mortality). National restoration policies for coral colonies require more strategic efforts considering the local littoral hydrodynamics and institutional capabilities.

Alternative additives associated in the feeding of laying hens: performance, biometrics, bone traits, and economic evaluation-an unsupervised machine learning approach.

Given the current bans on the use of some growth promoting antibiotics in poultry nutrition, the need to use alternative additives which could replace traditional promoters in diets has arisen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of alternative additives, associated or not, in replacing the antibiotic growth promoter in the diets of laying hens on performance, egg quality, biometry, bone characteristics, and economic viability. A total of 378 birds at 97 weeks of age, weighing 1691 ± 80g with an average production of 79.96 ± 4.9%, were randomly distributed and submitted to different diets: negative control - NC (no additive); positive control - PC, conventional growth promoter (Enramycin); associated organic acids (OA); symbiotic (S); Essential oil (EO); OA + S; and S+EO. The diet did not influence (P > 0.05) performance, egg quality, biometry, and bone traits. However, the use of alternative additives and their associations with the exception of S+OA, provided better economic indices when compared to NC and CP. The first component showed a negative relationship between feed conversion per mass and dozen eggs with gut length, Seedor index, egg production, and egg mass; the second component showed a positive relationship between yolk, pancreas, proventriculus, and gizzard; and, finally, the third component showed that feed consumption has a negative relationship with bone strength and deformity. The first two canonical functions were significant and discriminated 100% of the differences between the diets. Moreover, 50% of the birds were correctly classified in their group of origin, in which the positive control group (83.3%) and OA+S presented the highest rates of correct responses (66.7%). Bone deformity and bowel length were the only two variables with discriminatory power. Natural growth promoters alone or in association do not harm performance, egg quality, digestive organs biometry or bird bone characteristics, in addition to promoting greater economic return. Thus, they can be considered possible substitutes for traditional antibiotics. Finally, unsupervised machine learning methods are useful statistical techniques to study the relationship of variables and point out the main biomarkers of poultry production.

Phenotypic and biochemical characterisation and pathogenicity assessment on Galleria mellonellaL. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) of symbionts of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis amazonensis Andalo et al., 2006 / Caracterização fenotípica, bioquímica e avaliação da patogenicidade à Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) de bactérias simbiontes do nematoide entomopatogênico Heterorhabditis amazonensisAndalo et al., 2006

The objective of this study was to describe phenotypically and biochemically the symbiotic bacteria associated with three populations of Heterorhabditis amazonensis Andalo et al., 2006 (isolates: UEL-n 01, UEL-n 07, and UEL-n 08) and evaluate their pathogenicity on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. Bacteria were isolated by maceration of infective juveniles (IJs) and grown in culture medium (NBTA and MacConkey). The characterization of the bacteria was evaluated by employing motility test and biochemical tests like Gram staining, lipase activity, protease, and lecithinase. The production of antibiotics and bioluminescence was also evaluated. The pathogenicity was evaluated on the last instar larvae of G. mellonella at a concentration of 104 cells/mL. The bacteria from the three entomopathogenic nematodes isolates were positive for all biochemical tests except for lecithinase, and have presented bioluminescence when subjected to ultraviolet light, indicating that they belong to the genus Photorhabdus sp. Both were pathogenic to G. mellonella larvae causing 93.3 to 100.0% mortality.(AU)

O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever fenotípica e bioquimicamente as bactérias simbiontes associadas a três isolados do nematoide Heterorhabditis amazonensis Andalo et al., 2006 (isolates: UEL-n 01, UEL-n 07, and UEL-n 08) e avaliar sua patogenicidade sobre lagartas de Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). As bactérias foram isoladas por meio de macerado de juvenis infectantes (JIs) e cultivadas em meio de cultura (NBTA e MacConkey). A caracterização das bactérias foi realizada por meio de testes de motilidade e bioquímicos de coloração de Gram, atividade de lipase, protease e lecitinase. Avaliou-se também a produção de antibióticos e de bioluminescência. A patogenicidade foi avaliada em lagartas de G. mellonella na concentração de 104 células/mL. Observou-se que as bactérias dos três isolados de nematoides entomopatogênicos foram positivas para todos os testes bioquímicos, com exceção da lecitinase, e apresentaram bioluminescência quando submetidas a luz ultravioleta, indicando que estas cepas pertencem ao gênero Photorhabdus sp. Ambas foram patogênicas às lagartas de G. mellonellacausando mortalidade entre 93,3 e 100,0%.(AU)

Comparative study of symbiotic activity of legumes when using Risotorphin and Epin-extra / Estudo comparativo da atividade simbiótica de leguminosas em uso de Risotorfina e Epin-extra

In a vegetation experiment with soybean plants of the Svapa and Mageva varieties and in a field experiment with bean plants of the Geliada and Shokoladnitsa varieties, we studied the effect of pre-sowing treatment of the seeds of these plants with Rizotorfin and Epin-extra on the nitrogenase activity of the nodules of these plants and their ultrastructure. Analysis of the ultrastructure of the nodule tissue of beans and soybeans was carried out in the flowering phase. It was found that the highest indices of the mass and number of nodules and the activity of nitrogenase in them were found in bean plants of the Heliada cultivar when the seeds were treated with Epin-extra against the background of inoculation with Rizotorfin, where the largest area of symbiosomes, volutin and their number was noted in the nodules. Beans of the Shokoladnitsa variety showed the protective effect of Rizotorfin. In the nodules of soybean plants of the Svapa variety, the seeds of which were treated with Epin-extra against the background of inoculation with Rizotorfin, the presence of a large number of symbiosomes, bacteroids, volutin inclusions with a larger area and a minimum number of inclusions of poly-ß-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) was noted, and the highest indicators of symbiotic activity. Soybean plants of the Mageva variety showed the protective effect of Rizotorfin. The efficiency of the symbiotic system was determined by the number and weight of nodules and the activity of the nitrogenase enzyme.

Em um experimento de vegetação com plantas de soja das variedades Svapa e Mageva e em um experimento de campo com plantas de feijão das variedades Geliada e Shokoladnitsa, o efeito do tratamento pré-semeadura das sementes dessas plantas com Rizotorfin e Epin-extra sobre a atividade nitrogenase dos nódulos dessas plantas e sua ultraestrutura foi examinado. A análise da ultraestrutura do tecido do nódulo de feijão e soja foi realizada na fase de floração. Dessa forma, constatou-se que os maiores índices de massa, número de nódulos e a atividade da nitrogenase foram encontrados em plantas de feijão da cultivar Heliada quando as sementes foram tratadas com Epin-extra no contexto da inoculação com Rizotorfina, em que o maior área de simbiossomas, volutina e seu número foi anotado nos nódulos. O feijão da variedade Shokoladnitsa mostrou o efeito protetor do Rizotorfin. Nos nódulos de plantas de soja da variedade Svapa, cujas sementes foram tratadas com Epin-extra no contexto da inoculação com Rizotorfin, a presença de um grande número de simbiossomas, bacteróides, inclusões de volutina com uma área maior e um número mínimo de inclusões de ácido poli-ß-hidroxibutírico (PHB) foi notado, bem como os indicadores mais altos de atividade simbiótica. As plantas de soja da variedade Mageva apresentaram o efeito protetor do Rizotorfin. A eficiência do sistema simbiótico foi determinada pelo número e peso dos nódulos e pela atividade da enzima nitrogenase.

Performance, Gut Integrity, Enterobacteria Content in Ceca of Broiler Fed Different Eubiotic Additives

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of different eubiotics on productive characteristics, intestinal integrity, as well as the content of enterobacteria in the cecum of broiler chickens. A completely randomized design with five treatments and 8 replicates of 25 birds each was used. In total 1000 mixed broiler chickens from Ross308 strain, one day old were obtained from a commercial hatchery. The birds were housed on concrete floors in a conventional house. A sorghum+soybean meal control diet was used, to which the additives under study were added. The treatments were distributed as follows: T1 = Control diet without antibiotic or eubiotic; T2 = T1 + bacteriophages; T3 = T1 + antibiotic; T4 = T1 + probiotic; T5 = T1 + symbiotic. The results obtained at 49 days of age for weight gain and feed conversion rate improved (p<0.05) with the addition of the antibiotic and eubiotics. A lower (p<0.05) intestinal density was observed with the probiotic. The height, width, and area of villi in duodenum was higher (p<0.05) when antibiotic and eubiotics were included. In the histological score, in duodenum, the antibiotic and eubiotics resulted with a higher score (p<0.05), associated to a physiological and controlled inflammation response that allowed improving productivity. Finally, the relative expression of enterobacteria, such as Lactobacillus salivarius, allowed associating positive changes in the microbiome and better productive parameters when including the symbiotic, with comparable results to the antibiotic when including the eubiotics.(AU)

Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov., a novel symbiotic bacterial species associated with Heterorhabditis atacamensis entomopathogenic nematodes.

One motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped symbiotic bacterium, strain UCH-936T, was isolated from Heterorhabditis atacamensis nematodes. Results of biochemical, physiological, molecular and genomic analyses suggest that it represents a new species, which we propose to name Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization shows that strain UCH-936T is more closely related to Photorhabdus kleinii DSM 23513T, but shares solely 50.5 % similarity, which is below the 70% cut-off value that delimits species boundaries in bacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions using whole-genome sequences show that strain UCH-936T forms a unique clade, suggesting its novel and distinct taxonomic status again. Similarly, comparative genomic analyses shows that the virulence factor flagella-related gene fleR, the type IV pili-related gene pilL and the vibriobactin-related gene vibE are present in the genome of strain UCH-936T but absent in the genomes of its closest relatives. Biochemically and physiologically, UCH-936T differs also from all closely related Photorhabdus species. Therefore, Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov. is proposed as a new species with the type strain UCH-936T (CCCT 21.06T=CCM 9188T=CCOS 1991T).

Do fungal-endosymbionts improve crop nutritional quality and tolerance to stress by boosting flavonoid-mediated responses?

Climate change is threatening human activities, but the combination of water scarcity and heat waves are particularly challenging agriculture. Accumulating literature shows that beneficial fungal endophytes improve plant performance, a condition that seems to be magnified in presence of stress. Because evidence points out to an endophytic mediation of antioxidant activity in plants, we here focused on flavonoids for two main reasons: (i) they are involved in plant tolerance to abiotic stress, and (ii) they are known to be healthy for human consumption. With these two premises as guidance, we explored the literature trying to link mechanistically the relationship between endophytes and plant responses to stress as well as identifying patterns and knowledge gaps. Overall, fungal endophytes improve plant growth and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, evidence for endophytes boosting flavonoid mediated responses in plants is relatively scarce. Reports showing endophytes promoting flavonoid contents in grains and fresh fruits are rather limited which may be related to (long) length of the required experiments for testing it. The use of endophytes isolated from extreme environments (e.g., dry and cold deserts, acid lakes, etc.) is proposed to be better in conferring tolerance to plants under very stressful conditions. However, the real challenge is to test the capacity of these endophytes to established and maintain persistent and functional symbiosis under productive conditions. In summary, there is a clear potential for symbiotically modifying crop plants as a strategy to develop more tolerant varieties to face the stress and eventually increase the quality of the agricultural products.

Memory improvement in senile rats after prebiotic and probiotic supplementation is not induced by GLP-1.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism underlying the memory improvement induced by prebiotic and probiotic supplementation remains unclear. Glucagon-like peptide type 1 (GLP-1) could play an important role since it is induced by prebiotics and enhances memory and learning. AIMS: We correlated the levels of GLP-1 with spatial memory in senile animals to determine its role in memory improvement after prebiotic and probiotic supplementation. METHODS: Senile rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) water (control); (2) Enterococcus faecium (probiotic); (3) agave inulin (prebiotic); and (4) E. faecium + agave inulin (symbiotic). Each supplement was administered by an orogastric cannula for 5 weeks. In the fifth week, spatial memory was assessed using the Morris Water Maze test (MWM). We extracted the hippocampus, intestine, and serum. GLP-1 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant decrease in escape latency time in the MWM was observed in all groups treated with supplements. The symbiotic group achieved the highest reduction (15.13 s ± 6.40) (p < 0.01). We did not find a significant increase in GLP-1 levels nor a direct correlation of its levels with spatial memory improvement (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation improved spatial memory in senile animals. However, this beneficial effect did not correlate with GLP-1 levels.

The Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Non-Alcoholic Fat Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A Systematic Review.

Modifications in the microbiota caused by environmental and genetic reasons can unbalance the intestinal homeostasis, deregulating the host's metabolism and immune system, intensifying the risk factors for the development and aggravation of non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD). The use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics have been considered a potential and promising strategy to regulate the gut microbiota and produce beneficial effects in patients with liver conditions. For this reason, this review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in patients with NAFLD and NASH. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted, and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. The clinical trials used in this study demonstrated that gut microbiota interventions could improve a wide range of markers of inflammation, glycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, liver injury (decrease of hepatic enzymes and steatosis and fibrosis). Although microbiota modulators do not play a healing role, they can work as an important adjunct therapy in pathological processes involving NAFLD and its spectrums, either by improving the intestinal barrier or by preventing the formation of toxic metabolites for the liver or by acting on the immune system.

Analysis of the effects of curcumin and symbiotic consumption on bones of rats submitted to the use of dexamethasone.

AIMS: Glucocorticoids have adverse side effects that can compromise bone tissue. There is evidence to show that symbiotics and curcumin can prevent bone loss. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of curcumin and symbiotic to prevent and/or minimize a possible bone impairment in rats submitted to the use of dexamethasone. METHODS: Fifty Wistar female rats were divided into five groups: control group (CT), dexamethasone control group (D), dexamethasone and symbiotic group (DS), dexamethasone and curcumin group (DC), and dexamethasone and symbiotic/curcumin group (DSC). Dexamethasone was applied three times a week, while the symbiotic and curcumin were administered daily. Alkaline phosphatase and calcium dosages, analysis of structural and material properties, and Raman analysis of femurs were performed. KEY FINDINGS: Alkaline phosphatase was higher in the DC group. Maximum load and structural stiffness were higher in the CT group. Maximum stress was lower and similar between dexamethasone groups. The CT group had a lower percentage of strain, the D group had greater deformation compared to the DC group and the DS group presented more deformation than the DC group. The D, DS, and DSC groups had a lower elastic modulus compared to the CT group. The 960/1660 ratios of the D, DS, and DSC groups were different from the CT group. The 1070/1660 ratio was higher in the DC group. SIGNIFICANCE: It was possible to verify that curcumin showed promising effects related to the increase in bone strength and mineralization, mitigating the deleterious effects caused by dexamethasone, when used simultaneously with this drug.