Impact of Helicobacter pylori virulence markers on clinical outcomes in adult populations.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, associations between specific virulence markers of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and gastrointestinal disorders have been suggested. AIM: To investigate the presence of virulence factors including vacuolating cytotoxin A genotypes (s1m1, s1m2, s2m1, and s2m2), cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), and urease activity in H. pylori strains isolated from Arab and Jewish populations in northern Israel and to assess associations between these factors and patients' demographics and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients (n = 108) who underwent gastroscopy at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya due to symptomatic gastroduodenal pathologies as part of H. pylori diagnosis were enrolled in the study. Gastric biopsy specimens were collected from the antrum of the stomach. Clinical condition was assessed by clinical pathology tests. Bacteria were isolated on modified BD Helicobacter Agar (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD, United States). Bacterial DNA was extracted, and PCR was performed to detect CagA and vacuolating cytotoxin A genes. Urease activity was assessed using a rapid urease test. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between disease severity and patient ethnicity (P = 0.002). A significant correlation was found between CagA presence and the s1m1 genotype (P = 0.02), which is considered the most virulent genotype. Further, a higher level of urease activity was associated with isolates originating from the Jewish population. Moreover, higher urease activity levels were measured among CagA-/s1m1 and CagA-/s2m2 isolates. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the importance of incorporating molecular methods for detection of virulence markers of H. pylori in order to tailor optimal treatments for each patient. Further investigation should be performed regarding associations between H. pylori virulence factors and ethnicity.

Changes in soil bacteria functional ecology associated with Morchella rufobrunnea fruiting in a natural habitat.

Morchella rufobrunnea is a saprobic edible mushroom, found in a range of ecological niches, indicating nutritional adjustment to different habitats and possible interaction with soil prokaryotic microbiome (SPM). Using the 16S rRNA gene, we examined the SPM of M. rufobrunnea that appeared in a natural habitat in Northern Israel. Three sample types were included: bare soil without mushroom, soil beneath young mushroom initials and soil beneath the mature fruiting body. Morchella rufobrunnea developmental stage was significantly associated with changes in bacterial populations (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0005). Indicator analysis with point-biserial correlation coefficient found 180 operational taxonomic units (OTU) uniquely associated with distinct stages of development. The Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxonomy (FAPROTAX) database helped to infer ecological roles for indicator OTU. The functional ecological progression begins with establishment of a photoautotrophic N-fixing bacterial mat on bare soil. Pioneer heterotrophs including oligotrophs, acidifying nutrient mobilizers and nitrifiers are congruent with appearance of young M. rufobrunnea initials. Under the mature fruiting body, the population changed to saprobes, organic-N degraders, denitrifiers, insect endosymbionts and fungal antagonists. Based on this work, M. rufobrunnea may be able to influence SPM and change the soil nutritional profile.

Synthesis and application of chitosan-copper nanoparticles on damping off causing plant pathogenic fungi.

Damping-off disease in seeds and young seedlings in agricultural crops is a major fungal disease that limits the agriculture production. Frequent use of synthetic fungicides against damping-off diseases is known to hamper the environmental balance. Thus, an alternative approach needs to be explored for the management of such economically important fungal diseases. In the present study, simple, economically feasible chitosan-coupled copper nanoparticles (Ch-CuNPs) were synthesized and demonstrated antifungal activity against damping-off disease causing phytopathogens, Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium aphanidermatum. Physico-chemical studies confirmed the size, shape, surface charge, element confirmation and mono-dispersed nature of Ch-CuNPs. In vitro efficacy studies revealed up to 98% mycelial growth inhibition at 0.1% Ch-CuNPs. An extracellular conductivity study of the mycelium showed cellular content leakage within 12 h of treatment. Further, plant toxicity study against chili, cowpea and tomato plants; showed that ≤0.2% NPs were safe under greenhouse conditions. NPs also exhibited growth-promoting activity with chili seeds, by overcoming the limited germination rate of susceptible seeds. Overall, the present study emphasizes the benefits of synthesized Ch-CuNPs on agricultural crops as fungicide and growth-promoter, as well as a safe alternative to pesticides in order to avoid hazardous effect on the environment.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of solanum torvum mediated silver nanoparticle against Xxanthomonas axonopodis pv.punicae and Ralstonia solanacearum.

To meet the food demand of growing population, agricultural productivity needs to be increased by employing safe strategies without harming ecosystem. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) using a green approach has become a promising substitute to the synthetic pesticides to overcome pest menace. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized from Solanum torvum fruit extract and their bactericidal property against phyto bacteria was shown. UV-vis spectroscopic observation revealed a surface resonance peak of 440 nm corresponding to the formation of AgNPs. Microscopic and particle-size analyses showed a nearly spherical size, with an average diameter of 27 nm. Surface charge and polydispersity index of the synthesized AgNPs were -11.8 mV and 0.29, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray and Infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to explore phase formation, composition and possible biological molecules involved in AgNP formation. AgNPs exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations of 6.25 µg mL-1 and 12.5 µg mL-1 against bacterial plant pathogens Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae and Ralstonia solanacearum. In-vitro disk-diffusion assay showed inhibition zones of 11.4 ± 1 mm for R. solanacearum and 18.1 ± 1 mm for X. axonopodis pv. punicae treated with 50 µg mL-1 AgNPs. The AgNPs generated intracellular reactive oxygen species in the pathogens. DNA damage and DNA replication inhibition studies showed genotoxicity of AgNPs to the bacterial cells. A plant toxicity study demonstrated a nontoxic effect of the synthesized NPs. Overall; the results show that AgNPs can be used as an economically feasible, ecologically safe and effective approach to overcome bacterial diseases.

In Vitro Antileishmanial Activity of a Black Morel, Morchella importuna (Ascomycetes).

We studied the anti-Leishmania activity of a fractionated extract from the mushroom Morchella importuna in an in vitro system. Leishmaniasis is an important infectious disease caused by a range of Leishmania species, which are multihost protozoa parasites transmitted to humans by the sand fly and infecting macrophages. Leishmaniasis is an increasing worldwide health problem, including in the Mediterranean basin. Current chemotherapy treatments are limited by their toxic effects, the need for long-term treatment, and the increasing development of resistance by the parasite cells. Thus, alternative therapies are being considered, including herbal and mushroom products. We studied the effect of extracts from M. importuna on L. tropica promastigote cell proliferation and survival, and on their toxicity against human macrophages. The aqueous mushroom extract was compared with 3 successive extracted fractions: an 80% ethanol fraction, a water-soluble polysaccharide fraction, and a polyphenolic fraction. All 4 extracts showed anti-Leishmania activity; the aqueous extract was most active. The inhibition activity was dose dependent in killing Leishmania. No cell recovery was recorded after exposure to the mushroom extract. Microscopic observation showed morphological changes and the loss of flagella on the parasites. No cytotoxic activity was recorded against human macrophages at the same extract concentrations. The findings suggest the potential use of extracts of an edible Morchella mushroom against the Leishmania parasite in humans.

Aroma-volatile profile of black morel (Morchella importuna) grown in Israel.

BACKGROUND: A headspace solid-phase microextraction method with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to profile the aroma volatiles of mature fruiting bodies of Morchella importuna grown in Israel. RESULTS: We tentatively identified 40 aroma compounds and seven unknown volatiles. The M. importuna aroma profile consisted of 14 aldehydes, six alcohols, 10 methyl esters, four heterocyclic/sulfur compounds, 10 carbohydrates and three other compounds (i.e. one acid, one ketone and one butyl ester). The most abundant volatiles were carbohydrates, with a total relative peak area of 29.3%, followed by alcohols (27.7%), aldehydes (21.6%), methyl esters (10.8%), heterocyclic/sulfur compounds (3.1%) and other compounds (5.8%). The 8-carbon (C8) compounds imparting typical mushroom-like aroma were very abundant in M. importuna, accounting for 27.9% of the total peak area and including, amongst others, 1-octen-3-ol (80% of total C8), octanal and 2-octenal (Z- and E-). CONCLUSION: The aroma volatile profile of morels has much in common with that of other mushrooms, with a few unique characteristics. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of the aroma profile of M. importuna. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

True morels (Morchella)-nutritional and phytochemical composition, health benefits and flavor: A review.

Morels are edible mushrooms appreciated worldwide for their savory flavor. Morels have been in use in traditional medicine for centuries, due to their health-related benefits, and current research demonstrated their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory bioactivities, in addition to immunostimulatory and anti-tumor properties. In spite of the high demand for morels and their increasing economic importance, their cultivation is limited, and they are either used as wild harvested or fermented in culture, for consumption as a functional food and for food-flavoring. Morel's health benefits were attributed mainly to polysaccharides as the active compounds, and to various phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and vitamin D. Morel's nutritional composition was reported, including sugar, amino acid, fatty and organic acid and mineral profile. Information regarding Morel's flavor is limited, and while some of their taste attributes have been described, including the role of umami taste, details about their volatile aroma profile are scarce, and it was reported to include eight carbon volatiles, the main aroma volatiles typical to most mushrooms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review presenting morels' nutritional and phytochemical composition, health benefits and flavor, and we will review the available information in current literature regarding these aspects in light of morels phenotypic plasticity.

Laboratory study of fungal bioreceptivity of different fractions of composite flooring tiles showing efflorescence.

Fungi can grow in extreme habitats, such as natural stone and mineral building materials, sometimes causing deterioration. Efflorescence-concentrated salt deposits-results from water movement through building material; it can damage masonry materials and other bricks. Fungal isolate KUR1, capable of growth on, and dissolution of stone chips composing terrazzo-type floor tiles, was isolated from such tiles showing fiber-like crystalline efflorescence. The isolate's ribosomal DNA sequences were 100 % identical to those of Nigrospora sphaerica. The ability of KUR1 to colonize and degrade the different stone chips composing the tiles was studied in axenic culture experiments. When exposed to each of the different mineral chip types composed of dolomite, calcite, or calcite-apatite mineral in low-nutrition medium, the fungus showed selective nutrient consumption, and different growth and stone mineral dissolution rates. Micromorphological examination of the fungus-colonized chips by electron microscopy showed the production of a fungal biofilm with thin films around the hyphae on the surface of the examined chips and disintegration of the calcite-apatite fraction. More than 70 % dissolution of the introduced powdered (<1 mm particle size) mineral was obtained within 10 days of incubation for the soft calcite-apatite fraction.

Biodegradation of p-nitrophenol sorbed onto crystal violet-modified organoclay by Arthrobacter sp. 4Hß.

Organoclays are effective sorbents for removal of organic contaminants from water, but their regeneration capacity limits their practical use as a biotechnological process for bioremediation. Here, the sorption of p-nitrophenol (PNP) to crystal violet (CV)-modified montmorillonite and its biodegradation by the bacterium Arthrobacter sp. 4Hß were studied in a batch aqueous system. The degree of PNP sorption was dependent on the degree of CV modification (loaded at 80 % or 100 % of the clay's cation-exchange capacity-CVM80 and CVM100, respectively). CV sorption to the clay reduced its toxicity to bacteria. PNP at an initial concentration of 0.72 mM was degraded at rates of 65 % and 42 % in CVM80 and CVM100 suspensions, respectively. Both free and CV-clay-adsorbed PNP concentrations were reduced by the bacteria at rates proportional to the degree of CV modification. Three successive cycles of PNP reloading-degradation in the organoclay suspension demonstrated the potential of this matrix's regeneration and reuse toward maximal removal efficiency of organic pollutants.

Partial identification of antifungal compounds from Punica granatum peel extracts.

Aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels were assayed in vitro for their antifungal activity against six rot fungi that cause fruit and vegetable decay during storage. The growth rates of Alternaria alternata , Stemphylium botryosum , and Fusarium spp. were significantly inhibited by the extracts. The growth rates were negatively correlated with the levels of total polyphenolic compounds in the extract and particularly with punicalagins, the major ellagitannins in pomegranate peels. Ellagitannins were also found to be the main compounds in the bioactive fractions using bioautograms, and punicalagins were identified as the main bioactive compounds using chromatographic separation. These results suggest that ellagitannins, and more specifically punicalagins, which are the dominant compounds in pomegranate peels, may be used as a control agent of storage diseases and to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides.

Biotechnology of morel mushrooms: successful fruiting body formation and development in a soilless system.

Morchella spp. ascocarps (morels) are some of the world's most sought-after mushrooms. Successful cultivation of morels is still a rare and difficult task despite over 100 years of effort. Here we provide the first report of successful Morchella rufobrunnea fruiting body initiation and development in laboratory-scale experiments. Mushroom initials appeared 2 to 4 weeks after first watering of pre-grown sclerotia incubated at 16 to 22°C and 90% humidity. Mature fruiting bodies reached 7 to 15 cm in length and were obtained after the five morphological developmental stages of this Morchella species: sclerotium formation, scelerotium germination, asexual spore formation, formation of initial knots and development of the fruiting body.

Comparison of rose bengal-chloramphenicol and modified aureomycin-rose bengal-glucose-peptone agar as media for the enumeration of molds and yeasts in water by membrane filtration techniques.

The present study compares the suitability of rose bengalchloramphenicol (RBCh) and modified aureomycin-rose bengal glucose-peptone agar for enumerating fungi recovered from diverse water sources using the membrane filtration method. Both mold and yeast colonies were established more rapidly, with more intensified colony colors and higher RBCh counts.

External ultrastructure of fruit body initiation in Morchella.

The external morphological changes occurring during initiation and early stages of fruit body development of a Morchella sp., before the development of asci, were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Four stages of primordial development were distinguished. First, disk-shaped knots of 0.5-1.5 mm were observed on the surface of the substrate. Next, the knot inflated and a primordial stem emerged from its centre. Afterward, the stem lengthened, oriented upward, and two types of hyphal elements developed: long, straight and smooth basal hairy hyphae and short stem hyphae, some of which were inflated and projected out of a cohesive layer of tightly packed hyphal elements. Finally, when the stem was 2-3 mm long, pre-apothecia emerged in the apical end, with ridges and pits having distinguished types of paraphyses. Extracelluar mucilage covered the ridge layer and helped give the tissue its shape and rigidity.