Employment of Spore-Forming Probiotics to Combat Persister Cells of Staphylococcus Epidermidis.

Background: In this study, spore-forming probiotics were employed to eradicate Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms and the presence and expression of genes involved in stress response was examined. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect rpoS, relA and mazF genes in S. epidermidis ATCC 12228. Biofilm production was investigated by microtiter plate (MTP) assay. 100X minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamycin was used to induce persister cells in planktonic and biofilm bacterial cells. The expression of rpoS, relA, and mazF genes was assessed at different time intervals of 2, 8, and 24 h using real-time PCR assay. Then, dilutions of 1, 0.5, and 0.25 µg/ml of the supernatant of Bacillus coagulans culture was used to eradicate the persister cells and the number of colonies was determined. Results: Persister cells of S. epidermidis were formed after 7 h in planktonic and 5 h in the biofilm structure after exposure to 50 µg/ml of gentamycin. The expression of mazF and rpoS in biofilm structure and the expression of rpoS and relA in persister cells were significantly higher compared to the control (p< 0.05). The number of persister cells showed a reduction of log 2.4 and log 0.8 after exposure to 1 and 0.5 µg/ml B. coagulans supernatant, respectively, but no reduction was observed at the concentration of 0.25 µg/ml. Conclusion: The results showed that the supernatant of probiotics containing their secretive metabolites can be used as a novel approach to combat persister cells.

Concurrent genotyping and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in pityriasis versicolor patient's skin lesions.

The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of the rs35829419 SNP on the serum level of NLRP3, and to assess the relationship between NLRP3 and its SNP and vulnerability to Pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is one of the most frequent skin conditions linked to skin pigmentation changes. Malassezia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PV. A case-control study, 50 patients with pityriasis versicolor and 44 healthy controls. Real-time PCR was used to genotype NLRP3 (rs35829419) and ELISA assay of NLRP3 levels in tissue samples. There was a significantly higher median NLPR3 levels in PV patients than controls. A significant predominance of A allele of Q 705 K was in patients than controls. The risk of having the disease in the presence of A allele is nearly 10 times than having C allele. In PV patients, there was a significant relationship between NLPR3 levels and Q 705 K genotypes with higher NLPR3 levels in AA genotype. A potential correlation between PV and the Q705K polymorphism, pointing to evidence of NLRP3 alteration in PV patients. The NLRP3 inflammasome may be an appropriate therapeutic target for Malassezia-associated skin disorders.

Association between vitamin D metabolism gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a multifactorial and neurodegenerative disorder that results from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Notably, hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the susceptibility to SZ. Vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in regulating several genes important for maintaining brain function and health. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have yet been conducted on the association between the VD pathway and patients with SZ. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the potential association between eight SNPs in genes related to the VD pathway, including CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1 and VDR among patients with SZ. A case-control study was conducted, involving a total of 400 blood samples drawn from 200 patients and 200 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted and variants were genotyped using the tetra-amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. The present study revealed statistically significant differences between patients with SZ and controls regarding the genotypes and allele distributions of three SNPs [CYP2R1 (rs10741657), CYP27B1 (rs10877012) and CYP24A1 (rs6013897) (P<0.0001)]. The AA genotype of rs10741657 was identified to be associated with SZ (P<0.0001) and the frequency of the A allele was higher in patients with SZ (P<0.0001) compared with the control group. Similarly, the TT genotype of rs10877012 was revealed to be associated with SZ (P<0.0001) and the T allele was more frequent in patients with SZ (P<0.0001) than in the control group. Moreover, the AA genotype of rs6013897 was revealed to be associated with SZ (P<0.0001), although no significant difference was detected between the two groups regarding the A allele (P=0.055). VDR (rs2228570, rs1544410, rs731236 and rs7975232) and CYP27B1 (rs4646536) gene polymorphisms did not exhibit a significant association with SZ. While the studied SNPs revealed promising discriminatory capacity between patients with SZ and controls, the rs10741657 SNP exhibited the most optimal area under the curve value at 0.615. A logistic model was applied considering only the significant SNPs and VD levels, which revealed that rs6013897 (T/A) and VD may have protective effects (0.267, P<0.001; 0.888, P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, a low serum VD level was highly prevalent in patients with SZ compared with the controls. Based on this finding, an association between serum 25(OH)D and SZ could be demonstrated. The present study revealed that CYP2R1 (rs10741657), CYP27B1 (rs10877012) and CYP24A1 (rs6013897) gene SNPs may be associated with SZ susceptibility.

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in saliva by quantitative PCR: A potential alternative specimen for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Current tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic tests primarily rely on sputum samples, yet many TB patients cannot produce sputum. This study explored whether saliva could be used instead of sputum to diagnose pulmonary TB (PTB). METHOD: The study included 32 patients with confirmed PTB and 30 patients with other respiratory diseases (ORD). Saliva from all study participants was subjected to quantitative (qPCR) assays targeting the IS1081 gene for detection of M. tuberculosis complex DNA. RESULTS: The sensitivity of saliva IS1081 qPCR was 65.6 % (95 % CI 48.4-80.2 %) with positive results for 21/32 PTB cases, while the specificity was 96.7 % (95 % CI 85.9-99.6 %) with negative results for 29/30 participants with ORD. Sensitivity improved to 72.4 % (95 % CI 54.6-86.0 %) when sputum-Xpert was used as the reference standard, while remaining similar at 65.5 % (95 % CI 47.4-80.7 %) when culture was used as the reference standard. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for saliva IS1081 qPCR was 82.5 % (95 % CI 71.7-93.3 %). CONCLUSION: Saliva testing offers a promising alternative to sputum for TB diagnosis among confirmed PTB cases. Larger multicenter studies, encompassing diverse clinical TB characteristics, are needed to provide improved estimates of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Pet chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): Source of zoonotic Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium ubiquitum and microsporidia of the genera Encephalitozoon and Enterocytozoon.

The domestic chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is kept as a pet and previous studies suggest that it may play an important role as a source of zoonotic parasites, including Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia. In this study, we examined the occurrence and genetic diversity of above mentioned parasites in pet chinchillas in the Czech Republic by PCR/sequencing of the 18S rRNA, TPI, and ITS genes. Of 149 chinchillas from 24 breeders, 91.3 % were positive for G. intestinalis, 8.1 % for Cryptosporidium spp., 2.0 % for Encephalitozoon spp., and 5.4 % for E. bieneusi. Molecular analyses revealed presence of G. intestinalis assemblage B, C. ubiquitum (XIIa family), E. bieneusi genotypes D, SCF2, and, CHN-F1, and E. intestinalis. The infection intensity of G. intestinalis determined by qRT-PCR reached up to 53,978 CPG, C. ubiquitum up to 1409 OPG, E. intestinalis up to 1124 SPG, and E. bieneusi up to 1373 SPG. Only two chinchillas with C. ubiquitum and five with G. intestinalis had diarrhoea at the time of the screening. Three chinchillas in the long-term study were consistently positive for G. intestinalis, with intermittent excretion of C. ubiquitum, E. intestinalis, and E. bieneusi over 25 weeks. The findings indicate that chinchillas are frequently infected with zoonotic parasitic protists, but that these infections rarely show clinical signs. The lack of visible signs could reduce the vigilance of pet owners when handling their chinchillas, increasing the risk of transmission within breeding groups and possibly to humans.

Molecular and serological prevalence rates of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from Jordan.

Neosporosis is a proven disease of farm animals and dogs caused by Neospora caninum. This cross-sectional study investigates N. caninum prevalence and seroprevalence among 268 dogs. Nc5 gene PCR was carried out on dog faeces and confirmed by sequencing. Seroprevalence was detected using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Three age groups, gender, locality (Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa Governorates), dog type (stray, pet, and breeding), place of living (indoor/outdoor), food type (raw/cooked), having diarrhoea, having abortion in the area, and having animals nearby were tested as independent variables for associations with positivity to N. caninum using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The true prevalence of N. caninum was 34.3% (95% CI 28.4, 40.5) using the Nc5-PCR test. The true seroprevalence rate of N. caninum among dogs in Jordan was 47.9% (95% CI 41.4, 54.5) using IFAT. The sequenced isolates of Nc5-PCR products (n = 85) matched three N. caninum strains, namely, NcHareGre (n = 70, 82.4%, 95% CI 72.6-89), NC MS2 (n = 14, 16.5%, 95% CI 9.3-26.1), and L218 (n = 1, 1.2%, 95% CI 0.03-6.4). The three strains were isolated previously from three different countries and continents. N. caninum shedding is associated with abortion among dogs and animals in the area (odds ratio = 3.6). In Amman and Zarqa, living indoors reduced seroprevalence at 0.45, 0.24, and 0.02 odds ratios, respectively. Jordan shares three molecular N. caninum strains with three different countries and continents.

Multiplex PCR assay for the accurate and rapid detection and differentiation of Lactococcus garvieae and L. petauri.

Lactococcosis is a common bacterial fish disease caused by Lactococcus garvieae, L. petauri and L. formosensis. Although there are different PCR-based techniques to identify the etiological agent, none of these can differentiate these two bacteria without sequencing PCR-amplified fragments. In the present study, we developed a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection and differentiation of L. garvieae and L. petauri. The specificity of the primers was validated against the bacterial DNA of the targeted and non-targeted bacteria. The sizes of the PCR amplicons were obtained as 204 bp for the DUF1430 domain-containing protein gene of L. garvieae, 465 bp for the Lichenan permease IIC component gene of L. petauri, and 302 bp for the teichoic acid biosynthesis protein F gene of both L. garvieae and L. petauri. The PCR amplicons were clearly separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The multiplex PCR assay did not produce any amplification products with the DNA of the non-targeted bacteria. The multiplex PCR detection limits for L. garvieae and L. petauri were 5 and 4 CFU in pure culture and 50 and 40 CFU/g in spiked tissue samples, respectively. It takes less than 2 h from plate-cultured bacteria and 3 h from tissue samples to get results. In conclusion, the developed multiplex PCR assay is a rapid, specific, accurate, and cost-effective method for the detection and differentiation of L. garvieae and L. petauri and is suitable to be used for routine laboratory diagnosis of L. garvieae and L. petauri.

SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with other respiratory pathogens-descriptive epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Co-detection of respiratory pathogens with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is poorly understood. This descriptive epidemiological study aimed to determine the effect of the interaction of different respiratory pathogens on clinical variables. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of comprehensive multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing from November 2020 to March 2023 to estimate respiratory pathogen co-detection rates in Shinjuku, Tokyo. We evaluated the interactions of respiratory pathogens, particularly SARS-CoV-2, between observed and expected co-detection. We estimated the trend of co-detection with SARS-CoV-2 in terms of age and sex and applied a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for age, testing period, and sex to identify influencing factors between co-detection and single detection for each pathogen. RESULTS: Among 57,746 patients who underwent multiplex PCR testing, 10,516 (18.2%) had positive for at least one of the 22 pathogens. Additionally, 881 (1.5%) patients were confirmed to have a co-detection. SARS-CoV-2 exhibited negative interactions with adenovirus, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhino/enterovirus. SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with other pathogens occurred most frequently in patients of the youngest age group (0-4 years). A multiple logistic regression model indicated that younger age was the most influential factor for SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with other respiratory pathogens. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with other respiratory pathogens in younger age groups, necessitating further exploration of the clinical implications and severity of SARS-CoV-2 co-detection.

Utility of pan-bacterial and pan-fungal PCR in endophthalmitis: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Endophthalmitis is a clinical diagnosis but identification of the disease-causing agent or agents allows for a more tailored treatment. This is routinely done through intraocular fluid cultures and staining. However, culture-negative endophthalmitis is a relatively common occurrence, and a causative organism cannot be identified. Thus, further diagnostic testing, such as pan-bacterial and pan-fungal polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), may be required. BODY: There are now newer, other testing modalities, specifically pan-bacterial and pan-fungal PCRs, that may allow ophthalmologists to isolate a causative agent when quantitative PCRs and cultures remain negative. We present a case report in which pan-fungal PCR was the only test, amongst quantitative PCRs, cultures, and biopsies, that was able to identify a pathogen in endophthalmitis. Pan-PCR has unique advantages over quantitative PCR in that it does not have a propensity for false-positive results due to contamination. Conversely, pan-PCR has drawbacks, including its inability to detect viruses and parasites and its increased turnaround time and cost. Based on two large retrospective studies, pan-PCR was determined not to be recommended in routine cases of systemic infection as it does not typically add value to the diagnostic workup and does not change the treatment course in most cases. However, in cases like the one presented, pan-bacterial and pan-fungal PCRs may be considered if empiric treatment fails or if the infective organism cannot be isolated. If pan-PCR remains negative or endophthalmitis continues to persist, an even newer form of testing, next-generation sequencing, may aid in the diagnostic workup of culture-negative endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Pan-bacterial and pan-fungal PCR testing is a relatively new diagnostic tool with unique advantages and drawbacks compared to traditional culturing and PCR methods. Similar to the tests' use in non-ophthalmic systemic infections, pan-bacterial and pan-fungal PCRs are unlikely to become the initial diagnosis test and completely replace culture methods. However, they can provide useful diagnostic information if an infectious agent is unable to be identified with traditional methods or if empiric treatment of endophthalmitis continues to fail.

Detection and quantification of Brucella abortus DNA in water buffaloes (bubalus bubalis) using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction.

Brucellosis represents a major public health concern worldwide. Human transmission is mainly due to the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products of infected animals. The gold standard for the diagnosis of Brucella spp in ruminants is the bacterial isolation, but it is time-consuming. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a quicker and more sensitive technique than bacterial culture. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a novel molecular assay showing high sensitivity in samples with low amount of DNA and lower susceptibility to amplification inhibitors. Present study aimed to develop a ddPCR protocol for the detection of Brucella abortus in buffalo tissue samples. The protocol was validated using proficiency test samples for Brucella spp by real time qPCR. Furthermore, 599 tissue samples were examined. Among reference materials, qPCR and ddPCR demonstrated same performance and were able to detect up to 225 CFU/mL. Among field samples, ddPCR showed higher sensitivity (100%), specificity and accuracy of 93.4% and 94.15%, respectively. ddPCR could be considered a promising technique to detect B. abortus in veterinary specimens, frequently characterized by low amount of bacteria, high diversity in matrices and species and poor storage conditions.

Comparison of fluorescent antibody test, immunohistochemistry, and PCR testing for diagnostic confirmation of neurolisteriosis in 25 goats.

Neurolisteriosis, a common disease of small ruminants, is most often caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Here we describe 25 cases of caprine neurolisteriosis diagnosed in our laboratory over a 5-y period and compare our fluorescent antibody test (FAT) results with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for diagnostic confirmation. Neurohistologic changes consistent with neurolisteriosis affected the pons in all cases, extending rostrally to the mesencephalon in 6 cases, caudally to the medulla oblongata in 6 cases, and/or dorsally to the cerebellum in 4 cases. Acute inflammatory changes were observed in 17 cases, and included neuroparenchymal microabscesses, neuronal necrosis and neuronophagia, axonal swelling, microgliosis and astrogliosis, and perivascular neutrophils with macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells that occasionally extended to the leptomeninges. Subacute-to-chronic changes (8 cases) consisted of neuroparenchymal and perivascular clusters of macrophages with rare neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells admixed with glial nodules. Bacterial bacilli were observed within neutrophils or macrophages in H&E-stained tissue sections in 4 cases. Gram stain highlighted gram-positive bacilli in 13 cases. Neurolisteriosis was confirmed by FAT in 2 cases, by IHC in 19 cases, and by PCR in 20 cases.

Immunobiological effects of lipopolysaccharide derived from Helicobacter pylori and influence of a proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human gastric mucosa of more than half of the human population and has a unique lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure. LPS is the most dominant and suitable pathogen-associated molecular pattern that is detected via pattern recognition receptors. Although the priming effect of H. pylori LPS on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of PMNs is lower than that of Escherichia coli O111:B4 LPS, LPS released from H. pylori associated with antibiotics eradication therapy may activate PMNs and increase ROS production. In addition, we describe the effects of H. pylori and E. coli O111:B4 LPSs on gene expression and the anti-inflammatory effect of lansoprazole (LPZ) in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. LPS isolated from H. pylori and E. coli O111:B4 alters toll-like receptor 2 (TLR) and TLR4 expressions similarly. However, LPS from E. coli O111:B4 and H. pylori caused a 1.8-fold and 1.5-fold increase, respectively, in CD14 expression. All LPS subtypes upregulated TNFα and IL6 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Although E. coli O111:B4 LPS upregulated IL8R mRNA levels, H. pylori LPS did not (≦ 100 ng/mL). Gene expression levels of ITGAM demonstrated no significant change on using both LPSs. These different effects on the gene expression in PMNs may depend on variations in LPS structural modifications related to the acquired immunomodulatory properties of H. pylori LPS. Proton pump inhibitors, i.e., LPZ, are used in combination with antibiotics for the eradication therapy of H. pylori. LPZ and its acid-activated sulphenamide form AG-2000 suppress ROS production of PMNs in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that LPZ combination with antibiotics for H. pylori eradication reduces gastric inflammation by suppressing ROS release from PMNs.

Mapping the main harmful algal species in the East China Sea (Yangtze River estuary) and their possible response to the Main ecological status and global climate change via a global vision.

The Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) is one of the areas in China most severely affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs). This study explored the distributive patterns of HABs in the YRE and how they are influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and other environmental factors. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was employed to detect and quantify the four predominant HAB species in the YRE, Karenia mikimotoi, Margalefidinium polykrikoides, Prorocentrum donghaiense, and Heterosigma akashiwo. Additionally, the study analyzed how turbidity, pH, salinity, and temperature influence these algae. Distribution of the four HAB species in the YRE area shows clear geographical variations: K. mikimotoi is predominantly found in the northwest and central sea areas, M. polykrikoides (East Asian Ribotype, EAR) is mainly distributed in the southeastern part, P. donghaiense is abundant in the northern regions, and H. akashiwo is especially prevalent at stations S26 and S27 in the northeastern part of the study area. HABs dominated by H. akashiwo and P. donghaiense were observed in the northeastern sea area of the YRE on July 22, 2020. Our study reveals that K. mikimotoi, M. polykrikoides (EAR), and P. donghaiense are mainly affected by turbidity, pH, and salinity, while temperature predominantly influences the blooms of H. akashiwo. Moreover, runoff in the YRE has a certain correlation with ENSO events, which may also impact the nutrient content of the region. The findings of this study illustrate the distributive patterns of the four HAB species under various ecological conditions in the YRE and emphasize the importance of establishing practical cases for future warning systems. To better understand how climate change affects HABs, exploring the link between ENSO and HABs is essential.

Optimizing single-tube nested PCR for enhanced genotyping of single cells and in vitro produced bovine embryos.

Single-tube nested PCR (STnPCR) is a technique that improves nested PCR, reducing potential contamination and false-positive results, enhancing the amplification sensitivity. Despite being commonly used for the detection of microorganisms, STnPCR can be a valuable tool for bovine genotyping, encompassing essential targets as ROSA26 and TSPY, pivotal in the fields of animal reproduction, genetic improvement, and transgenic research. The objective of this study was to improve and innovate STnPCR for gene detection in cattle. We aimed to detect the ROSA26 and TSPY genes using low-concentration DNA samples, including single cells, small cell groups (one to five cells), in vitro-produced embryos, and bovine tissue samples. Moreover, we refined STnPCR for gene detection in up to single cells by conducting sensitivity testing with different concentration ratios of internal and external primers. Successful amplification of the ROSA26 and TSPY genes was achieved across all tested primer concentrations, even in single cells, with more consistent results observed at lower primer concentrations. Additionally, simultaneous gene amplification was achieved through STnPCR multiplexing, representing the first study of multiplex STnPCR in cattle. These outcomes not only confirm its effectiveness in detecting genetic markers for animal genetic improvement and transgenic elements but also pave the way for its widespread adoption in reproductive studies in bovines.

[Diagnosis by isothermal amplification of nucleic acids. Opportunity for community pharmacies]. / Diagnóstico por amplificación isotérmica de ácidos nucleicos. Oportunidad para la farmacia comunitaria.

This review focuses on describing new commercially available POC-type molecular diagnostic systems that can be easily implemented in community pharmacies and have the potential to expand the portfolio of pharmaceutical services and make a significant contribution to the improvement of public health.Knowledge of new molecular diagnostic techniques other than PCR is relatively unexplored. However, the available options are diverse and have reached sufficient technological maturity for large-scale use. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has brought diagnostic tests to market that, in some cases, have been used exclusively in research for decades.Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology continues to evolve and it is likely that in the coming years we will witness an exponential increase in its use, as well as the development of new improvements that further simplify and reduce the cost of each assay.Furthermore, we cannot ignore the fact that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has become accustomed to self-diagnosing through mass distribution channels such as community pharmacies. Which can open the sector to other diseases - such as sexually transmitted diseases or animal health -, food control, water and air contamination (fungi) or the presence of allergens.Knowledge of them is an essential technological surveillance strategy for the pharmaceutical sector.

Study the effect of Enterobacter cloacae on the gene expression, productivity, and quality traits of Curcuma longa L. Plant.

Overuse of artificial chemical fertilizers could be detrimental to the environment. Utilizing beneficial microorganisms as biofertilizers is a sustainable technique that promotes soil health, crop yield, and ecosystem preservation. Curcuma longa L. is utilized as a medication since it has its antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor characteristics, which reduce inflammation and hasten wound healing. The effect of E. cloacae strain MSR1, which is common in the roots of alfalfa grown in the Al-Ahsaa region, on C. longa plants is being investigated. C. longa rhizomes were planted under greenhouse conditions after being submerged in a solution of E. cloacae strain MSR1 (OD 500) or water treatment as a control for 12 hours. After 240 days of growing, ten randomly selected plants from each treatment were collected, and the vegetative growth and yield metrics were assessed. To investigate how E. cloacae influences C. longa production and chemical composition (photosynthetic pigment, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and curcuminoid), measurements were conducted as well as genes diketide-CoA and curcumin synthases genes. Our research showed that C. longa's growth and yield were favorably impacted by E. cloacae. Significant increases in the related plants' chlorophyll a,b, carotenoid, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels were likewise a reflection of the enhanced effects shown in the growth and yield parameters. Treatment with E. cloacae raised the curcuminoid's three sub-components' compositions to varying degrees: bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin. Comparing E. cloacae treated plants to the control, high expression levels of the genes diketide-CoA and curcumin synthase-1, -2, and 3 were also found. The treatment of E. cloacae is a good biostimulant candidate for boosting growth and yield as well as raising the medicinal qualities of C. longa, according to the overall results.

miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) variant may predict morbid obesity risk in adults.

Obesity is a common public health problem associated with serious, life-threatening complications. MicroRNAs (miRs) have modulating roles in the immune and inflammatory systems. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between miR-146a and morbid obesity (MO) in a Turkish population. In this study, a total of 258 subjects (110 patients with MO and 148 controls) were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method to analyze miR-146a rs2910164. Then, we examined the patients as males and females separately. The results of the analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. There was a significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of miR-146a rs2910164 between patients with MO and control individuals. miR-146a rs2910164 CC genotype and C allele were shown to increase in the MO patients' group compared to the control group (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). Also, the C allele was higher in both female and male patients compared to controls (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). High differences were also observed when the patients and the controls were compared according to CC versus GG + GC and GG versus GC + CC (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). A significant difference was found between the female/male patients and the female/male controls in terms of GG + GC versus CC (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between this variant and MO in Turkey. Our results showed that miR-146a rs2910164 is a valuable biomarker that can be used to distinguish between patients with MO and the healthy population. The findings can be extended by increasing the sample sizes with diverse ethnicities.

Molecular investigation of Treponema pallidum strains associated with ocular syphilis in the United States, 2016-2020.

Ocular syphilis is a serious complication of Treponema pallidum infection that can occur at any stage of syphilis and affect any eye structure. It remains unknown if certain T. pallidum strains are associated with ocular infections; therefore, we performed genotyping and whole genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize strains from patients with ocular syphilis. Seventy-five ocular or non-ocular specimens from 55 ocular syphilis patients in 14 states within the United States were collected between February 2016 and November 2020. Sufficient T. pallidum DNA was available from nine patients for genotyping and three for WGS. Genotyping was done using the augmented Centers for Disease Control and Prevention typing scheme, and WGS was performed on Illumina platforms. Multilocus sequence typing allelic profiles were predicted from whole genome sequence data. T. pallidum DNA was detected in various specimens from 17 (30.9%) of the 55 patients, and typing was done on samples from 9 patients. Four complete strain types (14d10/g, 14b9/g, 14d9/g, and 14e9/f) and five partial types were identified. WGS was successful on samples from three patients and all three strains belonged to the SS14 clade of T. pallidum. Our data reveal that multiple strain types are associated with ocular manifestations of syphilis. While genotyping and WGS were challenging due to low amounts of T. pallidum DNA in specimens, we successfully performed WGS on cerebrospinal fluid, vitreous fluid, and whole blood.IMPORTANCESyphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Total syphilis rates have increased significantly over the past two decades in the United States, and the disease remains a public health concern. In addition, ocular syphilis cases has also been on the rise, coinciding with the overall increase in syphilis rates. We conducted a molecular investigation utilizing traditional genotyping and whole genome sequencing over a 5-year period to ascertain if specific T. pallidum strains are associated with ocular syphilis. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis show that multiple T. pallidum strain types are associated with ocular syphilis in the United States.