Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a safe replacement for conventional chemical synthesis methods to fight plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against root rot fungi of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), including Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the eleven biosynthesized AgNPs, those synthesized using Alhagi graecorum plant extract displayed the highest efficacy in suppressing those fungi. The findings showed that using AgNPs made with A. graecorum at a concentration of 100 µg/mL greatly slowed down the growth of mycelium for R. solani, P. graminicola, S. rolfsii, and M. phaseolina by 92.60%, 94.44%, 75.93%, and 79.63%, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (75 µg/mL) of AgNPs synthesized by A. graecorum was very effective against all of these fungi, lowering the pre-emergence damping-off, post-emergence damping-off, and disease percent and severity in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the treatment with AgNPs led to increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index of bean seedlings compared to the control group. The synthesis of nanoparticles using A. graecorum was confirmed using various physicochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Collectively, the findings of this study highlight the potential of AgNPs as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for controlling root rot fungi in beans.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles: A new generation nanoparticles to combat bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and enhance rice plant growth.

Recently, nanotechnology is among the most promising technologies used in all areas of research. The production of metal nanoparticles using plant parts has received significant attention for its environmental friendliness and effectiveness. Therefore, we investigated the possible applications of biological synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs). In this study, NiONPs were synthesized through biological method using an aqueous extract of saffron stigmas (Crocus sativus L). The structure, morphology, purity, and physicochemical properties of the obtained NPs were confirmed through Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscopy attached with Energy Dispersive Spectrum, X-ray Diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. The spherically shaped NiONPs were found by Debye Scherer's formula to have a mean dimension of 41.19 nm. The application of NiONPs in vitro at 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL, respectively, produced a clear region of 2.0, 2.2, and 2.5 cm. Treatment of Xoo cell with NiONPs reduced the growth and biofilm formation, respectively, by 88.68% and 83.69% at 200 µg/mL. Adding 200 µg/mL NiONPs into Xoo cells produced a significant amount of ROS in comparison with the control. Bacterial apoptosis increased dramatically from 1.05% (control) to 99.80% (200 µg/mL NiONPs). When compared to the control, rice plants treated with 200 µg/mL NiONPs significantly improved growth characteristics and biomass. Interestingly, the proportion of diseased leaf area in infected plants with Xoo treated with NiONPs reduced to 22% from 74% in diseased plants. Taken together, NiONPs demonstrates its effectiveness as a promising tool as a nano-bactericide in managing bacterial infection caused by Xoo.

Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveals the toxicity and mechanistic insights of bioformulated chitosan nanoparticles against Magnaporthe oryzae.

Rice blast, an extremely destructive disease caused by the filamentous fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a global threat to the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The emerging trend of reducing dependence on chemical fungicides for crop protection has increased interest in exploring bioformulated nanomaterials as a sustainable alternative antimicrobial strategy for effectively managing plant diseases. Herein, we used physiomorphological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods to investigate the toxicity and molecular action mechanisms of moringa-chitosan nanoparticles (M-CNPs) against M. oryzae. Our results demonstrate that M-CNPs exhibit direct antifungal properties by impeding the growth and conidia formation of M. oryzae in a concentration-dependent manner. Propidium iodide staining indicated concentration-dependent significant apoptosis (91.33%) in the fungus. Ultrastructural observations revealed complete structural damage in fungal cells treated with 200 mg/L M-CNPs, including disruption of the cell wall and destruction of internal organelles. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed the intricate mechanism underlying the toxicity of M-CNPs against M. oryzae. The transcriptomics data indicated that exposure to M-CNPs disrupted various processes integral to cell membrane biosynthesis, aflatoxin biosynthesis, transcriptional regulation, and nuclear integrity in M. oryzae., emphasizing the interaction between M-CNPs and fungal cells. Similarly, metabolomic profiling demonstrated that exposure to M-CNPs significantly altered the levels of several key metabolites involved in the integral components of metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism, histidine metabolism, citrate cycle, and lipid and protein metabolism in M. oryzae. Overall, these findings demonstrated the potent antifungal action of M-CNPs, with a remarkable impact at the physiological and molecular level, culminating in substantial apoptotic-like fungal cell death. This research provides a novel perspective on investigating bioformulated nanomaterials as antifungal agents for plant disease control.

Bio-formulated chitosan nanoparticles enhance disease resistance against rice blast by physiomorphic, transcriptional, and microbiome modulation of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Rice blast disease (RBD) caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, threaten food security by cutting agricultural output. Nano agrochemicals are now perceived as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional pesticides. This study investigated bioformulation of moringa chitosan nanoparticles (M-CsNPs) and their mechanisms for suppressing RBD while minimizing toxic effects on the microenvironment. M-CsNPs, sized 46 nm with semi-spherical morphology, significantly suppressed pathogen growth, integrity, and colonization at 200 mg L-1in vitro. Greenhouse tests with foliar exposure to the same concentration resulted in a substantial 77.7 % reduction in RBD, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and plant health. Furthermore, M-CsNPs improved photosynthesis, gas exchange, and the nutritional profile of diseased rice plants. RNA-seq analysis highlighted upregulated defense-related genes in treated rice plants. Metagenomic study showcased reshaping of the rice microbiome, reducing Magnaporthe abundance by 93.5 %. Both healthy and diseased rice plants showed increased microbial diversity, particularly favoring specific beneficial species Thiobacillus, Nitrospira, Nocardioides, and Sphingomicrobium in the rhizosphere and Azonexus, Agarivorans, and Bradyrhizobium in the phyllosphere. This comprehensive study unravels the diverse mechanisms by which M-CsNPs interact with plants and pathogens, curbing M. oryzae damage, promoting plant growth, and modulating the rice microbiome. It underscores the significant potential for effective plant disease management.

Precision drug design against Acidovorax oryzae: leveraging bioinformatics to combat rice brown stripe disease.

Bacterial brown stripe disease caused by Acidovorax oryzae is a major threat to crop yields, and the current reliance on pesticides for control is unsustainable due to environmental pollution and resistance. To address this, bacterial-based ligands have been explored as a potential treatment solution. In this study, we developed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for A. oryzae by utilizing shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the STRING database. Using a maximal clique centrality (MCC) approach through CytoHubba and Network Analyzer, we identified hub genes within the PPI network. We then analyzed the genomic data of the top 10 proteins, and further narrowed them down to 2 proteins by utilizing betweenness, closeness, degree, and eigenvector studies. Finally, we used molecular docking to screen 100 compounds against the final two proteins (guaA and metG), and Enfumafungin was selected as a potential treatment for bacterial resistance caused by A. oryzae based on their binding affinity and interaction energy. Our approach demonstrates the potential of utilizing bioinformatics and molecular docking to identify novel drug candidates for precision treatment of bacterial brown stripe disease caused by A. oryzae, paving the way for more targeted and sustainable control strategies. The efficacy of Enfumafungin in inhibiting the growth of A. oryzae strain RS-1 was investigated through both computational and wet lab methods. The models of the protein were built using the Swiss model, and their accuracy was confirmed via a Ramachandran plot. Additionally, Enfumafungin demonstrated potent inhibitory action against the bacterial strain, with an MIC of 100 µg/mL, reducing OD600 values by up to 91%. The effectiveness of Enfumafungin was further evidenced through agar well diffusion assays, which exhibited the highest zone of inhibition at 1.42 cm when the concentration of Enfumafungin was at 100 µg/mL. Moreover, Enfumafungin was also able to effectively reduce the biofilm of A. oryzae RS-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. The swarming motility of A. oryzae RS-1 was also found to be significantly inhibited by Enfumafungin. Further validation through TEM observation revealed that bacterial cells exposed to Enfumafungin displayed mostly red fluorescence, indicating destruction of the bacterial cell membrane.

Bacteriophage-mediated biosynthesis of MnO2NPs and MgONPs and their role in the protection of plants from bacterial pathogens.

Introduction: Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the plant pathogen of Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB), which causes yield loss in rice. Methods: In this study, the lysate of Xoo bacteriophage X3 was used to mediate the bio-synthesis of MgO and MnO2. The physiochemical features of MgONPs and MnO2NPs were observed via Ultraviolet - Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission/Scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), Energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The impact of nanoparticles on plant growth and bacterial leaf blight disease were evaluated. Chlorophyll fluorescence was used to determine whether the nanoparticles application were toxic to the plants. Results: An absorption peak of 215 and 230 nm for MgO and MnO2, respectively, confirmed nanoparticle formation via UV-Vis. The crystalline nature of the nanoparticles was detected by the analysis of XRD. Bacteriological tests indicated that MgONPs and MnO2NPs sized 12.5 and 9.8 nm, respectively, had strong in vitro antibacterial effects on rice bacterial blight pathogen, Xoo. MnO2NPs were found to have the most significant antagonist effect on nutrient agar plates, while MgONPs had the most significant impact on bacterial growth in nutrient broth and on cellular efflux. Furthermore, no toxicity to plants was observed for MgONPs and MnO2NPs, indeed, MgONPs at 200 µg/mL significantly increased the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry on the model plant, Arabidopsis, in light (ΦPSII) compared to other interactions. Additionally, significant suppression of BLB was noted in rice seedlings amended with the synthesized MgONPs and MnO2NPs. MnO2NPs showed promotion of plant growth in the presence of Xoo compared to MgONPs. Conclusion: An effective alternative for the biological production of MgONPs and MnO2NPs was reported, which serves as an effective substitute to control plant bacterial disease with no phytotoxic effect.

Biocontrol Efficacy of Endophyte Pseudomonas poae to Alleviate Fusarium Seedling Blight by Refining the Morpho-Physiological Attributes of Wheat.

Some endophyte bacteria can improve plant growth and suppress plant diseases. However, little is known about the potential of endophytes bacteria to promote wheat growth and suppress the Fusarium seedling blight pathogen Fusarium graminearum. This study was conducted to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria and evaluate their efficacy for the plant growth promotion and disease suppression of Fusarium seedling blight (FSB) in wheat. The Pseudomonas poae strain CO showed strong antifungal activity in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against F. graminearum strain PH-1. The cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of P. poae strain CO were able to inhibit the mycelium growth, the number of colonies forming, spore germination, germ tube length, and the mycotoxin production of FSB with an inhibition rate of 87.00, 62.25, 51.33, 69.29, and 71.08%, respectively, with the highest concentration of CFSs. The results indicated that P. poae exhibited multifarious antifungal properties, such as the production of hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, and lipopeptides. In addition, compared to untreated seeds, wheat plants treated with the strain showed significant growth rates, where root and shoot length increased by about 33% and the weight of fresh roots, fresh shoots, dry roots, and dry shoots by 50%. In addition, the strain produced high levels of indole-3-acetic acid, phosphate solubilization, and nitrogen fixation. Finally, the strain demonstrated strong antagonistic properties as well as a variety of plant growth-promoting properties. Thus, this result suggest that this strain could be used as an alternate to synthetic chemicals, which can serve as an effective method of protecting wheat from fungal infection.

The respiratory and hemodynamic effects of alveolar recruitment in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Extensive surgical retraction combined with general anesthesia increase alveolar collapse. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the effect of alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) on arterial oxygenation tension (PaO2). The secondary aim was to observe its effect on hemodynamics parameters in hepatic patients during liver resection, to investigate its impact on blood loss, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), remnant liver function tests, and on the outcome. Material and Methods: Adult patients scheduled for liver resection were randomized into two groups: ARM (n = 21) and control (C) (n = 21). Stepwise ARM was initiated after intubation and was repeated post-retraction. Pressure-control ventilation mode was adjusted to deliver a tidal volume (Vt) of 6 mL/kg and an inspiratory-to-expiratory time (I:E) ratio of 1:2 with an optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for the ARM group. In the C group, a fixed PEEP (5 cmH2O) was applied. Invasive intra-arterial blood pressure (IBP), central venous pressure (CVP), electrical cardiometry (EC), alanine transaminase (ALT, U/L), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, U/L) blood levels were monitored. Results: ARM increased PEEP, dynamic compliances, and arterial oxygenation, but reduced ventilator driving pressure compared to group C (P < 0.01). IBP, cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume variation were not affected by the higher PEEP in the ARM group (P > 0.05) but the CVP increased significantly (P = 0.001). Blood loss was not different between the ARM and C groups (1700 (1150-2000) mL vs 1110 (900-2400) mL, respectively and P = 0.57). ARM reduced postoperative oxygen desaturation; however, it did not affect the increase in remnant liver enzymes and was comparable to group C (ALT, P = 0.54, AST, P = 0.41). Conclusions: ARM improved intraoperative lung mechanics and reduced oxygen desaturation episodes in recovery, but not PPC or ICU stay. ARM was tolerated with minimal cardiac and systemic hemodynamic effects.

Termiticidal, biochemical, and morpho-histological effects of botanical based nanoemulsion against a subterranean termite, Odontotermes Formosanus Shiraki.

Recently, the use of nanopesticides has shown significant efficacy in the control of many pests. However, the effect of nanopesticides, especially nanoemulsions, on suppressing termites, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki, 1909) (O. formosanus), has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to produce nanoemulsions of the essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill; E-EO) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; N-EO) to suppress O. formosanus. The analysis of eucalyptus nanoemulsion (E-NE) and nutmeg nanoemulsion (N-NE) was confirmed by using UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In addition, chemical analysis by Gas Chromatography with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) exhibited the major constituents of E-NE and N-NE. The principal chemical components of E-NE included D-limonene, eucalyptol, 1,5-cyclooctadiene,3,4-dimethyl, benzene, and 1-methyl-3-(1 methylethyl)-, while the main constituents in N-NE were cyclohexane,1-methylene-4-(1 methylethenyl)-, eucalyptol, and L-. alpha. -terpineol. The mortality rates were 100% and 99.53%, respectively, after 24 hours of treatment with a concentration of 140 mg/mL, compared to 23.43% and 43.55%, respectively, from E-EO and N-EO treatment. These results refer to the essential oils' nanoemulsion as far more effective than the essential oils themselves. Furthermore, the effects of E-NE and N-NE on detoxification enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase were investigated, as well as total protein concentrations, and the results have been found to be significantly increasing or decreasing in comparison with control. Besides, histological and morphological alterations found post exposure to E-NE and N-NE were shown. Overall, the results from this study clearly indicate that the nanopesticide-formulated nanoemulsions may have great potential to be used as novel, environmentally safe insecticides for controlling O. formosanus.

Combination of palbociclib with adjuvant endocrine therapy for treatment of hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer: An experience at two cancer centers in Saudi Arabia.

The addition of palbociclib (a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor) to endocrine therapy (ET) has been shown to significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) advanced breast cancer. The current study presents the local experience of using palbociclib at two cancer centers in Saudi Arabia. Electronic data of patients with metastatic HR+ and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer who progressed after prior ET and received at least one cycle of palbociclib plus ET, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 97 patients were identified, and their data were included in the analysis. The median age of the patients was 55 years. Patients were heavily pretreated in the metastatic setting (55% received systemic chemotherapy and 49% received two or more lines of prior ET). In total, 29 (30%) and 50 (52%) patients achieved an objective response and clinical benefit, respectively. The median follow-up time was 31.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.9-44.9] and the median PFS time was 16.3 months (95% CI, 11.4-21.2), with 58% of patients remaining progression-free at 12 months. Upon multivariate regression analysis, liver involvement was the only significant independent variable that predicted a greater risk of progression or death (hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.22-4.40; P=0.010). The median OS time was 19.6 months (95% CI, 18.1-20.9), with 12- and 24-month OS rates of 75 and 30%, respectively. Overall, real-world data showed that administration of palbociclib in combination with ET in patients with advanced HR+ breast cancer achieved a favorable outcome that was comparable to that reported in clinical trials.

Green synthesis of AgNP-ligand complexes and their toxicological effects on Nilaparvata lugens.

BACKGROUND: Despite developments in nanotechnology for use in the pharmaceutical field, there is still a need for implementation of this technology in agrochemistry. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully prepared by a facile and an eco-friendly route using two different ligands, 2'-amino-1,1':4',1″-terphenyl-3,3″,5,5″-tetracarboxylic acid (H4L) and 1,3,6,8-tetrakis (p-benzoic acid)-pyrene (TBAPy), as reducing agents. The physiochemical properties of the as-obtained AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The toxicity of H4L-AgNP and TBAPy-AgNP against the brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) was also measured. RESULTS: SEM and TEM analyses demonstrated the formation of quasi-spherical AgNP structures in the presence of H4L and TBAPy. Insecticidal assays showed that TBAPy is less effective against N. lugens, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 810 mg/L, while the toxicity of H4L increased and their LC50 reached 786 mg/L 168 h posttreatment at a high concentration of 2000 mg/L. H4L-AgNPs were also highly toxic at a low concentration of 20 mg/L, with LC50 = ~ 3.9 mg/L 168 h posttreatment, while TBAPy-AgNPs exhibited less toxicity at the same concentration, with LC50 = ~ 4.6 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the synthesized AgNPs using the two ligands may be a safe and cheaper method compared with chemical insecticides for protection of rice plants from pests and has potential as an effective insecticide in the N. lugens pest management program.

Energy and caloric restriction, and fasting and cancer: a narrative review.

Dietary interventions have a significant impact on body metabolism. The sensitivity of cancer cells to nutrient and energy deficiency is an evolving characteristic of cancer biology. Preclinical studies provided robust evidence that energy and caloric restrictions could hinder both cancer growth and progression, besides enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Moreover, several, albeit low-powered, clinical trials have demonstrated clinical benefits in cancer patients. Future research will inform and firmly establish the potential efficacy and safety of these dietary interventions. Here, we review the current evidence and ongoing research investigating the relationship between various dietary restriction approaches and cancer outcomes.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Onion Endophytic Bacterium and Its Antifungal Activity against Rice Pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using endophytic bacteria is a safe alternative to the traditional chemical method. The purpose of this research is to biosynthesize AgNPs using endophytic bacterium Bacillus endophyticus strain H3 isolated from onion. The biosynthesized AgNPs with sizes from 4.17 to 26.9 nm were confirmed and characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in addition to an energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) profile. The biosynthesized AgNPs at a concentration of 40 µg/mL had a strong antifungal activity against rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae with an inhibition rate of 88% in mycelial diameter. Moreover, the biosynthesized AgNPs significantly inhibited spore germination and appressorium formation of M. oryzae. Additionally, microscopic observation showed that mycelia morphology was swollen and abnormal when dealing with AgNPs. Overall, the current study revealed that AgNPs could protect rice plants against fungal infections.

Efficacy and safety of second-generation CAR T-cell therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A meta-analysis.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), representing 30% of all lymphoma cases. Within the first 2-3 years following immunochemotherapy, 30-40% of patients will experience a relapse or a refractory disease, thereby exhibiting a poor prognosis. High-dose immunotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard care for relapsed/refractory (RR) patients with DLBCL. However, >60% of patients are ineligible for a transplant, presenting a therapeutic challenge. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown promising efficacy in patients with DLBCL, including those with R/R disease. The present study conducted a meta-analysis that showed highly favorable outcomes [objective response rate (ORR): 69%; complete remission (CR): 49%] in B-cell NHL patients (n=419) who were treated with second-generation CAR T cells. The response rate varied in different types of B-cell NHL. In 306 patients with R/R DLBCL eligible for rate evaluation, the ORR and CR rate mean estimates were 68% [95% confidence interval (CI), 55-79%] and 46% (95% CI, 38-54%), respectively. Thus, the findings indicated that immunotherapy with CAR T cells has improved outcomes for patients with R/R DLBCL and other subtypes of B-cell NHL compared with standard chemotherapy regimens. The study revealed that grade ≥3 anemia (34%) and thrombocytopenia (30%) were the most common adverse effects of CAR T-cell therapy. Incidence of grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity associated with CAR T-cell therapy was effectively managed.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors as maintenance treatment in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis.

Aim: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPIs) improved progression-free survival among patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of PARPIs as maintenance strategy for newly diagnosed patients with advanced high-grade ovarian cancer with or without mutations. Materials & methods: Using defined selection criteria, a literature search identified four eligible randomized clinical trials involving 2386 patients. Results: Compared with placebo maintenance, PARPIs achieved a 46% reduction in the risk of progression or death as compared with placebo (hazard ratio: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.73; p < 0.0001). That benefit was shown in all clinical subgroups: among those with BRCA mutation, with negative/unknown BRCA mutation, and in those with homologous recombination deficient tumors. Data about the effect on overall survival are still premature. Conclusion: In patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer, PARPIs maintenance after standard therapy achieved a significant improvement in progression-free survival as compared with placebo, overall and in all subgroups.

Green-Synthesization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Garlic and Its Antifungal Activity against Wheat Fusarium Head Blight Pathogen Fusarium Graminearum.

Nanoparticles are expected to play a vital role in the management of future plant diseases, and they are expected to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic fungicides. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green synthesized through the mediation by using the endophytic bacterium Pseudomonas poae strain CO, which was isolated from garlic plants (Allium sativum). Following a confirmation analysis that used UV-Vis, we examined the in vitro antifungal activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs with the size of 19.8-44.9 nm, which showed strong inhibition in the mycelium growth, spore germination, the length of the germ tubes, and the mycotoxin production of the wheat Fusarium head blight pathogen Fusarium graminearum. Furthermore, the microscopic examination showed that the morphological of mycelia had deformities and collapsed when treated with AgNPs, causing DNA and proteins to leak outside cells. The biosynthesized AgNPs with strong antifungal activity were further characterized based on analyses of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, EDS profiles, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Overall, the results from this study clearly indicate that the biosynthesized AgNPs may have a great potential in protecting wheat from fungal infection.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Culture Supernatant of a Bacterium Pseudomonas rhodesiae and Their Antibacterial Activity against Soft Rot Pathogen Dickeya dadantii.

Bacterial stem and root rot disease of sweet potato caused by Dickeya dadantii recently broke out in major sweet potato planting areas in China and calls for effective approaches to control the pathogen and disease. Here, we developed a simple method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using bacterial culture supernatants. AgNPs synthesized with the cell-free culture supernatant of a bacterium Pseudomonas rhodesiae displayed the characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 420-430 nm and as nanocrystallites in diameters of 20-100 nm determined by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Functional groups associated with proteins in the culture supernatant may reduce silver ions and stabilize AgNPs. The AgNPs showed antibacterial activities against D. dadantii growth, swimming motility, biofilm formation, and maceration of sweet potato tubers whereas the culture supernatant of P. rhodesiae did not. AgNPs (12 µg∙ml-1) and AgNO3 (50 µg∙ml-1) showed close antibacterial activities. The antibacterial activities increased with the increase of AgNP concentrations. The green-synthesized AgNPs can be used to control the soft rot disease by control of pathogen contamination of sweet potato seed tubers.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract and Its Inhibitory Action Against the Pathogen Acidovorax oryzae Strain RS-2 of Rice Bacterial Brown Stripe.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plants has become a promising substitute to the conventional chemical synthesis method. In this study, we report low-cost, green synthesis of AgNPs using fresh fruit extract of Phyllanthus emblica. The biosynthesized AgNPs was confirmed and characterized by analysis of spectroscopy profile of the UV-visible and Energy dispersive spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction pattern, and electron microscopy images examination. UV-visible spectra showed a surface resonance peak of 430 nm corresponding to the formation of AgNPs, and FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of biological molecules in AgNPs synthesis. In spherical AgNPs, the particle size ranged from 19.8 to 92.8 nm and the average diameter was 39 nm. Synthesized nanoparticles at 20 µg/ml showed remarkable antimicrobial activity in vitro against the pathogen Acidovorax oryzae strain RS-2 of rice bacterial brown stripe, while 62.41% reduction in OD600 value was observed compared to the control. Moreover, the inhibitory efficiency of AgNPs increased with the increase of incubation time. Furthermore, AgNPs not only disturbed biofilm formation and swarming ability but also increased the secretion of effector Hcp in strain RS-2, resulting from damage to the cell membrane, which was substantiated by TEM images and live/dead cell staining result. Overall, this study suggested that AgNPs can be an attractive and eco-friendly candidate to control rice bacterial disease.

The Green Synthesis of MgO Nano-Flowers Using Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) and the Antibacterial Activities against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Recently, the use of herbs in the agriculture and food industry has increased significantly. In particular, Rosmarinus officinalis L. extracts have been reported to have strong antibacterial properties, which depend on their chemical composition. The present study displayed a biological method for synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nano-flowers. The nano-flowers are developed without using any catalyst agent. Aqueous Rosemary extract was used to synthesize MgO nano-flowers (MgONFs) in stirring conditions and temperature at 70°C for 4 h. The mixture solution was checked by UV-Vis spectrum to confirm the presence of nanoparticles. The MgO nano-flowers powder was further characterized in this study by the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, bacteriological tests indicated that MgO nano-flowers significantly inhibited bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and motility of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, which is the causal agent of bacterial blight disease in rice. The electronic microscopic observation showed that bacterial cell death may be mainly due to destroy of cell integrity, resulting in leakage of intracellular content. As recommended, the use of Rosemary extract is an effective and green way to produce the MgO nano-flowers, which can be widely used in agricultural fields to suppress bacterial infection.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using different plant extracts and their antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

The synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles with the use of plant extract is a promising alternative to the conventional chemical method. This work aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using plant extract of chamomile flower (Matricaria chamomilla L.), olive leave (Olea europaea) and red tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum M.). The synthesized ZnONPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS profile. The XRD studies confirmed the presence of pure crystalline shapes of ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnONPs synthesized by Olea europaea had the least size range of 40.5 to 124.0 nm as revealed by the SEM observation while XRD revealed a dominant average size of 48.2 nm in the sample which is similar to the size distribution analysis obtained from TEM. The antibacterial effect of ZnONPs synthesized by Olea europaea on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strain GZ 0003 had an inhibition zone of 2.2 cm at 16.0 µg/ml which was significantly different from ZnONPs synthesized by Matricaria chamomilla and Lycopersicon esculentum. Also, the bacterial growth, biofilm formation, swimming motility and bacterial cell membrane of Xoo strain GZ 0003 were significantly affected by ZnO nanoparticle. Overall, zinc oxide nanoparticles are promising biocontrol agents that can be used to combat bacterial leaf blight diseases of rice.