An insight into biosensing platforms used for the diagnosis of various lung diseases: A review.

Many of the infectious diseases are ubiquitous in nature and pose a threat to global and public health. The original cause for such type of serious maladies can be summarized as the scarcity of appropriate analysis and treatment methods. Pulmonary diseases are considered one of the life-threatening lung diseases that affect millions of people globally. It consists of several types, namely, asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and several respiratory-related infections. This is due to the limited access to well-equipped healthcare facilities for early disease diagnosis. This needs the availability of processes and technologies that can help to stop this harmful disease-diagnosing practice. Various approaches for diagnosing various lung diseases have been developed over time, namely, autopsy, chest X-rays, low-dose CT scans, and so forth. The need of the hour is to develop a rapid, simple, portable, and low-cost method for the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. So nowadays, biosensors have been becoming one of the highest priority research areas as a potentially useful tool for the early diagnosis and detection of many pulmonary lung diseases. In this review article, various types of biosensors and their applications in the diagnosis of lung-related disorders are expansively explained.

Wickerhamiella lachancei f.a. sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species isolated from flowers of Lantana camara in India.

Two isolates representing a novel species of the genus Wickerhamiella were obtained in India from nectar of flowers of Lantana camara, an ornamental exotic species native to Central and South America. Phylogenetic analyses of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and physiological characteristics, supported the recognition of the novel species, that we designate Wickerhamiella lachancei sp. nov (MycoBank no. MB851709), with MCC 9929T as the holotype and PYCC 10003T as the isotype. Considering pairwise sequence similarity, the type strain of the novel species differs from the type strain of the most closely related species, Wickerhamiella drosophilae CBS 8459T, by 16 nucleotide substitutions and two gaps (3.9 % sequence variation) in the D1/D2 region (560 bp compared) and 28 nucleotide substitutions and five gaps (7.22 % sequence variation) in the ITS region (444 bp compared).

Organic amendments modulate the crop yield and rhizospheric bacterial community diversity: a 3-year field study with Cajanus cajan.

Excessive use of chemicals to enhance soil nutrient status and crop yield has resulted in a decline in soil health. Organic farming promotes organic amendments, which help to balance the ecosystem. Understanding the dynamic patterns of belowground microbial populations is essential for developing sustainable agricultural systems. Therefore, the study was designed to evaluate the effect of different agri-practices on rhizospheric bacterial diversity and crop yield in an Indian agricultural system. A 3-year field experiment was set up in a randomized block design using Cajanus cajan as a model crop, comparing conventional farming with organic practice (with animal manure and bio-compost as amendments). Plant and rhizospheric soil samples were collected at the harvest stage for assessing various growth attributes, and for characterizing rhizospheric bacterial diversity. Enhanced crop productivity was seen in conventional farming, with a 2.2-fold increase in grain yield over control. However, over the 3 years, an overall positive impact was observed in the bio-compost-based organic amendment, in terms of bacterial abundance, over other treatments. At the harvest stage of the third cropping season, the bacterial diversity in the organic treatments showed little similarity to the initial bacterial community composition of the amendment applied, indicating stabilization along the growth cycles. The study emphasizes the significance of the choice of the amendment for ushering in agricultural sustainability.

International Center-Level Variation in Utilization of Completion Lymph Node Dissection and Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Sentinel Lymph Node-Positive Melanoma at Major Referral Centers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine overall trends and center-level variation in utilization of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) and adjuvant systemic therapy for sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive melanoma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Based on recent clinical trials, management options for SLN-positive melanoma now include effective adjuvant systemic therapy and nodal observation instead of CLND. It is unknown how these findings have shaped practice or how these contemporaneous developments have influenced their respective utilization. METHODS: We performed an international cohort study at 21 melanoma referral centers in Australia, Europe, and the United States that treated adults with SLN-positive melanoma and negative distant staging from July 2017 to June 2019. We used generalized linear and multinomial logistic regression models with random intercepts for each center to assess center-level variation in CLND and adjuvant systemic treatment, adjusting for patient and disease-specific characteristics. RESULTS: Among 1109 patients, performance of CLND decreased from 28% to 8% and adjuvant systemic therapy use increased from 29 to 60%. For both CLND and adjuvant systemic treatment, the most influential factors were nodal tumor size, stage, and location of treating center. There was notable variation among treating centers in management of stage IIIA patients and use of CLND with adjuvant systemic therapy versus nodal observation alone for similar risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: There has been an overall decline in CLND and simultaneous adoption of adjuvant systemic therapy for patients with SLN-positive melanoma though wide variation in practice remains. Accounting for differences in patient mix, location of care contributed significantly to the observed variation.

Validating a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess regional diet in a study of cancer in South West Nigeria.

PURPOSE: Cancer burden is rising rapidly in Nigeria, the most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa; this trend may in part be attributable to diet. We developed and validated a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess regional diet in Nigeria. METHODS: We recruited 68 adult participants from rural and urban settings in South West Nigeria. We developed an FFQ administered at baseline and assessed its validity using 3 dietary recalls (baseline, 7 days post baseline, 3 months post baseline). We calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and energy-adjusted de-attenuated correlation coefficients for food items and macronutrients. We evaluated cross-classification using quartiles of macronutrient intake. RESULTS: Energy-adjusted de-attenuated food item correlations between the FFQ and dietary recalls ranged from -0.08 (smoked beef/goat) to 0.73 (fried snacks) for the average intake from the first 2 recalls (2DR) and from -0.05 (smoked beef/goat) to 0.75 (smoked fish) for the average of all 3 recalls (3DR). Macronutrient correlations ranged from 0.15 (fat) to 0.37 (fiber) for the 2DR and from 0.08 (fat) to 0.41 (carbohydrates) for the 3DR. The percent of participants classified in the same quartile ranged from 16.4% (fat) to 32.8% (fiber, protein) for the 2DR and from 25.6% (fat) to 34.9% (carbohydrates) for the 3DR. Agreement improved when including adjacent quartiles, from 65.5% (carbohydrates) to 70.5% (fat, fiber) for the 2DR and from 62.8% (protein) to 76.8% (carbohydrate) for the 3DR. CONCLUSION: Our semi-quantitative FFQ was reasonably valid for ranking intake of certain foods and macronutrients in adults in South West Nigeria.

Distal coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: experience on CT coronary angiography in 176 children.

OBJECTIVE: Precise evaluation of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) in Kawasaki disease (KD) is essential. The aim of this study is to determine role of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) for detection of CAAs in distal segments of coronary arteries in patients with KD. METHODS: CTCA findings of KD patients with distal coronary artery involvement were compared with those on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during the period 2013-21. RESULTS: Among 176 patients with KD who underwent CTCA (128-Slice Dual Source scanner), 23 (13.06%) had distal CAAs (right coronary-15/23; left anterior descending-14/23; left circumflex-4/23 patients). CTCA identified 60 aneurysms-37 proximal (36 fusiform; 1 saccular) and 23 distal (17 fusiform; 6 saccular); 11 patients with proximal aneurysms had distal contiguous extension; 9 patients showed non-contiguous aneurysms in both proximal and distal segments; 4 patients showed distal segment aneurysms in absence of proximal involvement of same coronary artery; 4 patients had isolated distal CAAs. On TTE, only 40 aneurysms could be identified. Further, distal CAAs could not be identified on TTE. CTCA also identified complications (thrombosis, mural calcification and stenosis) that were missed on TTE. CONCLUSIONS: CAAs can, at times, occur in distal segments in isolation and also in association with, or extension of, proximal CAAs. CTCA demonstrates CAAs in distal segments of coronary arteries, including branches, in a significant number of children with KD-these cannot be detected on TTE. CTCA may therefore be considered as a complimentary imaging modality in children with KD who have CAAs on TTE.

Lipingzhangella rawalii sp. nov., a novel halophile isolated from Sambhar Salt Lake, Rajasthan, India.

A haloalkaliphilic actinobacterial strain LS1_29T, isolated from an inland hypersaline Sambhar Salt Lake, situated in Rajasthan, India, was subjected to taxonomic characterisation using the polyphasic approach. Cells of the strain were Gram stain positive and aerobic, having reticulate and aerial hyphae. The major fatty acids detected were iso C16:0 (38.23%), anteiso C17:0 (20.52%), iso C18:0 10 methyl (8.09%), iso C18:0 (7.74%) and iso C17:0 (7.48%). The major polar lipids identified were diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phospholipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Lipingzhangella with the highest similarity of 94.09% to Lipingzhangella halophila EGI 80537 T and formed a separate clade within the genus Lipingzhangella. The DNA G + C content of genomic DNA of strain LS1_29T was 67.99 mol%. The strain showed the highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) value of 72.80% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 20.3% with Lipingzhangella halophila EGI 80537 T. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain LS1_29T represents a novel species within the genus Lipingzhangella, for which the name Lipingzhangella rawalii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is LS1_29T (= KCTC 49199 T = JCM 32979 T = MCC 3420 T).

Revealing bacterial and fungal communities of the untapped forest and alpine grassland zones of the Western-Himalayan region.

The Western Himalayas offer diverse environments for investigating the diversity and distribution of microbial communities and their response to both the abiotic and biotic factors across the entire altitudinal gradient. Such investigations contribute significantly to our understanding of the complex ecological processes that shape microbial diversity. The proposed study focuses on the investigation of the bacterial and fungal communities in the forest and alpine grasslands of the Western Himalayan region, as well as their relationship with the physicochemical parameters of soil. A total of 185 isolates were obtained using the culture-based technique belonging to Bacillus (37%), Micrococcus (16%), and Staphylococcus (7%). Targeted metagenomics revealed the abundance of bacterial phyla Pseudomonadota (23%) followed by Acidobacteriota (20.2%), Chloroflexota (15%), and Bacillota (11.3%). At the genera level, CandidatusUdaeobacter (6%), Subgroup_2 (5.5%) of phylum Acidobacteriota, and uncultured Ktedonobacterales HSB_OF53-F07 (5.2%) of Choloroflexota phylum were found to be preponderant. Mycobiome predominantly comprised of phyla Ascomycota (54.1%), Basidiomycota (24%), and Mortierellomycota (19.1%) with Archaeorhizomyces (19.1%), Mortierella (19.1%), and Russula (5.4%) being the most abundant genera. Spearman's correlation revealed that the bacterial community was most influenced by total nitrogen in the soil followed by soil organic carbon as compared to other soil physicochemical factors. The study establishes a fundamental relationship between microbial communities and the physicochemical properties of soil. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between biotic and abiotic factors that influence the microbial community composition of this unique region across various elevations.

Unraveling the potential of bacterial phytases for sustainable management of phosphorous.

Phosphorous actively participates in numerous metabolic and regulatory activities of almost all living organisms including animals and humans. Therefore, it is considered as an essential macronutrient required supporting their proper growth. On contrary, phytic acid (PA), an antinutritional substance, is widely known for its strong affinity to chelate essential mineral ions including PO4 3- , Ca2+ , Fe2+ , Mg2+ , and Zn2+ . Being one the major reservoir of PO4 3- ions, PA has great potential to bind PO4 3- ions in diverse range of foods. Once combined with P, PA transforms into an undigested and insoluble complex namely phytate. Produced phytate leads to a notable reduction in the bioavailability of P due to negligible activity of phytases in monogastric animals and humans. This highlights the importance and consequent need of enhancement of phytase level in these life forms. Interestingly, phytases, catalyzing the breakdown of phytate complex and recycling the phosphate into ecosystem to its available form, have naturally been reported in a variety of plants and microorganisms over past few decades. In pursuit of a reliable solution, the focus of this review is to explore the keynote potential of bacterial phytases for sustainable management of phosphorous via efficient utilization of soil phytate. The core of the review covers detailed discussion on bacterial phytases along with their widely reported applications viz. biofertilizers, phosphorus acquisition, and plant growth promotion. Moreover, meticulous description on fermentation-based strategies and future trends on bacterial phytases have also been included.

Successful management of in-transit cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

This report describes the case of a 70-year-old man with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the right lower leg. Soon after definitive surgical management of the primary and nodal metastases with curative intent, he relapsed, developing aggressive in-transit metastatic disease and recurrent nodal disease. The patient was treated with systemic immunotherapy alone, which not only prompted the progressive nodal metastases to regress, but also resulted in a complete response of the in-transit disease. This situation is previously undescribed in the medical literature.

In vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity of Murraya koenigii leaf extract intercedes ZnO nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology is an emerging field with tremendous potential and usage of medicinal plants and green preparation of nanoparticles (NPs) is one of the widely explored areas. These have been shown to be effective against different biological activities such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc. The current studies focus on the green synthesis of zinc NPs (ZnO NPs) from aqueous leaf extract of Murraya koenigii (MK). The synthesized Murraya koeingii zinc oxide NPs (MK ZnO NPs) were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The synthesized MK ZnO NPs were evaluated for their in vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. They demonstrated significant antidiabetic and cytotoxic activity, as well as moderate free-radical scavenging and antibacterial activity.

Insight of smart biosensors for COVID-19: A review.

The review discusses the diagnostic application of biosensors as point-of-care devices in the COVID-19 pandemic. Biosensors are important analytical tools that can be used for the robust and effective detection of infectious diseases in real-time. In this current scenario, the utilization of smart, efficient biosensors for COVID-19 detection is increasing and we have included a few smart biosensors such as smart and intelligent based biosensors, plasmonic biosensors, field effect transistor (FET) biosensors, smart optical biosensors, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor, screen printed electrode (SPE)-based biosensor, molecular imprinted polymer (MIP)-based biosensor, MXene-based biosensor and metal-organic frame smart sensor. Their significance as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of smart sensor are mentioned in depth. Furthermore, we have compiled a list of various biosensors which have been developed across the globe for COVID-19 and have shown promise as commercial detection devices. Significant challenges in the development of effective diagnostic methods are discussed and recommendations have been made for better diagnostic outcomes to manage the ongoing pandemic effectively.

Effect of Tinospora cordifolia on gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Ayurvedic system of medicine uses giloy or guduchi, also known as Tinospora cordifolia (TC), to treat diabetes and related diseases like hyperglycemia and hyperlipididemia. However, its usage in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well studied. The primary objective of the study was to examine the effects of water extract of TC called satva, essential oil, and hydroalcoholic (HA) extract on GDM and its complications and to explore their mechanism of action using mice model. We used streptozotocin-induced diabetes in pregnant mice as murine model and tested TC preparations for anti-GDM activities. Blood glucose, insulin, litter size, and placental weight were assessed. ELISA method was used to measure plasma insulin level to compute homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and homeostatic model assessment for assessing beta cell function (HOMA-Beta) levels to estimate insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell function respectively. TC-treated groups had significantly higher serum insulin levels, QUICKI, average litter size, and lower placental weight (p < .001). TC oil and HA extract increased pancreatic beta cell activity according to the level of HOMA-Beta. TC lowered placenta weight and increased litter size significantly compared to control group. Our findings suggest that TC preparations preserve pancreatic beta cells, increase insulin production, decrease insulin resistance, and improve beta cell function, hence preventing GDM. TC preparations also reduced placental weight and increased litter size in mice. Based on these results, we recommend the clinical trial and testing of TC preparations for management of GDM and associated complications. Refer graphical abstract (Figure S1).

Thrombocytopenia in Children: A Large Prospective Study on Clinical Manifestations, Seasonal Variation, Etiology, and Outcome.

AIM: To study the clinico-etiological profile of children with thrombocytopeniaMethods: This prospective hospital-based study included all children (<18 years) with thrombocytopenia at the time of hospitalization and/or thrombocytopenia during the course of their hospital stay. A detailed history was recorded and appropriate laboratory investigations were carried out Results: The study group comprised 246 children (mean age, 9.29 years; median age, 10 years) with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Nearly 45% of children were above 10 years of age. Trends of admissions showed that the majority of children with thrombocytopenia (n = 115) got hospitalized during the rainy season, followed by summer (n = 84). Fever (72.8%), pallor (52.8%), bleeding manifestations (22%), lymphadenopathy (20.3%), and splenomegaly (20.3%) were common clinical features. Petechiae was the most common bleeding manifestation (63%). Septicemia (24%) was the most common etiology, followed by megaloblastic anemia (14.6%), undiagnosed fever (10.2%), local infection (9.3%), hepatitis (6.5%), and scrub typhus (6.1%). About nine children died. All those who died had septicemia and multi-organ dysfunction (MOD). On logistic regression analysis, age >10 years, presence of bleeding, arthralgia, rash, pallor, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, hematological disorders, and malignancy were associated with severe thrombocytopeniaConclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological observation. This study revealed seasonal variation in the occurrence of thrombocytopenia in children, with the maximum number of cases in the rainy season. Septicemia is the commonest etiology. The majority of children with thrombocytopenia have no bleeding manifestations. Age >10 years, presence of bleeding, arthralgia, rash, pallor, GI symptoms, hematological disorders, and malignancy are associated with severe thrombocytopenia.

Examining the microbial composition of natural springs in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Natural springs are the main source of water supply for domestic and agricultural use for humans living in the mountainous regions of Asia. Increasing anthropogenic activities with associated waste load, coupled with inadequate sanitation, and contamination of natural water resources and the environment are emerging as important public health issues. We performed a prospective microbiological and physicochemical investigation of water samples from seven distinct natural springs situated at an altitude of 1615 m in the Bhaderwah region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Bacterial groups belonging to opportunistic pathogens such as members of Moraxellaceae (Acinetobacter), Arcobacteraceae (Pseudoarcobacter), Pseudomonadaceae (Pseudomonas), Oxalobacteraceae (Massilia), and Flavobacteriaceae (Flavobacterium) were observed. The total coliform test indicated an intermediate level of risk of fecal contamination of the springs, except for one site. Through a questionnaire-based survey of the local population, we discovered that around 40% of participants had suffered from waterborne diseases including typhoid (~14%) and diarrhea (~11%). Our data suggests that increased surveillance of fecal contamination and heterotrophic opportunistic pathogens is needed to enhance water quality and reduce health risks for people living in mountainous regions.

An endophytic Schizophyllum commune possessing antioxidant activity exhibits genoprotective and organprotective effects in fresh water fish Channa punctatus exposed to bisphenol A.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is responsible for the onset of several chronic and degenerative diseases. Exogenous supply of antioxidants is reported to neutralize the effects of oxidative stress. Several synthetic antioxidants suffer from various side effects which necessitates the exploration of antioxidant compounds from natural sources. Endophytic fungi residing in the plants are gaining the attention of researchers as a source of novel antioxidants. Majority of the research conducted so far on endophytic fungi has been restricted to the members of phylum ascomycota. Basidiomycota, inspite of their immense bioactive potential remain relatively unexploited. This study aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of an endophytic Schizophyllum commune (basidiomycetous fungus) against oxidative stress associated altered antioxidant levels, genotoxicity and cellular damage to different organs in bisphenol A exposed fresh water fish Channa punctatus. RESULTS: Good antioxidant and genoprotective potential was exhibited by S. commune extract in in vitro studies conducted using different antioxidant, DNA damage protection, and cytokinesis blocked micronuclei assays. In vivo studies were performed in fresh water fish Channa punctatus exposed to bisphenol A. A significant decrease in the considered parameters for DNA damage (% micronuclei and comet assay) were recorded in fish treated with S. commune extract on comparison with untreated bisphenol A exposed group. The S. commune extract treated fish also exhibited an increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase as well as histoprotective effect on various organs. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 3-n-propyl-2,4-pentanedione, n-heptadecanol-1, trans-geranylgeraniol, 3-ethyl-2-pentadecanone, 1-heneicosanol and squalene as some of the compounds in S. commune extract. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significance of an endophytic basidiomycetous fungus S. commune as a source of antioxidant compounds with possible therapeutic potential.

Molecular aspects of Omicron, vaccine development, and recombinant strain XE: A review.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 began in December 2019 and is still continuing. The past 2 years have seen the emergence of several variants that were more vicious than each other. The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529) proved to be a huge epidemiological concern as the rate of infection of this particular strain was enormous. The strain was identified in South Africa on November 24, 2021 and was classified as a "Variant of Concern" on November 26, 2021. The Omicron variant possessed mutations in the key RBD region, the S region, thereby increasing the affinity of ACE2 for better transmission of the virus. Antibody resistance was found in this variant and it was able to reduce vaccine efficiency of vaccines. The need for a booster vaccine was brought forth due to the prevalence of the Omicron variant and, subsequently, this led to targeted research and development of variant-specific vaccines and booster dosage. This review discusses broadly the genomic characters and features of Omicron along with its specific mutations, evolution, antibody resistance, and evasion, utilization of CRISPR-Cas12a assay for Omicron detection, T-cell immunity elicited by vaccines against Omicron, and strategies to decrease Omicron infection along with COVID-19 and it also discusses on XE recombinant variant and on infectivity of BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.

Temporal variation in bacterial community profile on patients' bedsheets in a primary healthcare unit.

Fabrics serve as fomites in spreading nosocomial infections. As a patient is in close contact with bedsheets, it is important to assess the seasonal variation in bacterial diversity on these in healthcare units. The study was conducted to characterise the bacterial diversity on patients' bedsheets across 7 months in a primary healthcare unit. Polyester-cotton blend fabric was stitched on bedsheets, and temporal dynamics of bacterial communities was assessed from May to November 2019. qPCR and amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was performed for profiling of bacterial community. Results revealed the dominance of Bacillota followed by Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota. A seasonal variation was observed in the bacterial load, with maximum values in June. This indicates the impact of environmental conditions on bacterial abundance and composition on fabrics in healthcare unit. The presence of priority pathogens on the patient bedsheets is a human health concern reiterating the need for season-specific laundering protocol.

Bacterial diversity of geochemically distinct hot springs located in Maharashtra, India.

Bacterial diversity of four thermally different hot springs of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India, was investigated using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. A total of 144 bacterial cultures were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Culture-independent analysis by Ion Torrent sequencing targeting the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the predominance of Firmicutes across all the hot springs, followed by Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Armatimonadetes, Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae, Acidobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus, with subtle differences in their abundance. At the lower taxonomic rank of genus, we noted the prevalence of Acinetobacter followed by Clostridium, Planomicrobium, Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Leptolyngbya. Metagenomics imputation using in silico approach revealed divergence in the metabolic capabilities of bacterial communities along the thermal gradient of host springs, with site TS (63 °C) featuring the abundant functional gene families.

Natronococcus pandeyae sp. nov., a Novel Haloarchaeon from Sambhar Salt Lake.

A halophilic archaeon, designated strain LS1_42T, was isolated from Sambhar Salt Lake, Rajasthan, India. Cells were non-motile, coccoid, Gram-stain-variable and present in irregular clusters with light pink pigmented colonies. The strain was strictly aerobic and able to grow without Mg2+. Growth of the strain LS1_42T was observed at 25-45 °C, pH 7.0-11.0 and NaCl concentrations of 10-35% (w/v). The nearest phylogenetic neighbor of strain LS1_42T was Natronococcus amylolyticus Ah-36T based on 16S rRNA and rpoB' genes with similarity of 95.4% and 91.9%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene, rpoB' gene and whole-genome sequences indicate that the strain LS1_42T belongs to the genus Natronococcus and is closely related to N. amylolyticus. The genome size was 5.38 Mb with 98.9% completeness. The DNA G + C content of the strain LS1_42T was 63.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and DNA-DNA hybridization values between LS1_42T and N. amylolyticus Ah-36T were 81.3%, 77.7% and 24.8%, respectively. The major polar lipids detected were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genome-based analysis, strain LS1_42T represents a novel species within the genus Natronococcus, for which the name Natronococcus pandeyae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LS1_42T (MCC 3654T = JCM 33003T = KCTC 4280T = CGMCC 1.16738T).