The Biostimulant, Potassium Humate Ameliorates Abiotic Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana by Increasing Starch Availability.

Potassium humate is a widely used biostimulant known for its ability to enhance growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining its effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of potassium humate using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrated that a formulation of potassium humate effectively increased the fresh weight accumulation of Arabidopsis plants under normal conditions, salt stress (sodium or lithium chloride), and particularly under osmotic stress (mannitol). Interestingly, plants treated with potassium humate exhibited a reduced antioxidant response and lower proline accumulation, while maintaining photosynthetic activity under stress conditions. The observed sodium and osmotic tolerance induced by humate was not accompanied by increased potassium accumulation. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that potassium humate increased maltose levels under control conditions but decreased levels of fructose. However, under stress, both maltose and glucose levels decreased, suggesting changes in starch utilization and an increase in glycolysis. Starch concentration measurements in leaves showed that plants treated with potassium humate accumulated less starch under control conditions, while under stress, they accumulated starch to levels similar to or higher than control plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that the molecular mechanism underlying the abiotic stress tolerance conferred by potassium humate involves its ability to alter starch content under normal growth conditions and under salt or osmotic stress.

A High Pressure Operando Spectroscopy Examination of Bimetal Interactions in 'Metal Efficient' Palladium/In2 O3 /Al2 O3 Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation.

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol has the potential to serve as a sustainable route to a wide variety of hydrocarbons, fuels and plastics in the quest for net zero. Synergistic Pd/In2 O3 (Palldium on Indium Oxide) catalysts show high CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity, enhancing methanol yield. The identity of the optimal active site for this reaction is unclear, either as a Pd-In alloy, proximate metals, or distinct sites. In this work, we demonstrate that metal-efficient Pd/In2 O3 species dispersed on Al2 O3 can match the performance of pure Pd/In2 O3 systems. Further, we follow the evolution of both Pd and In sites, and surface species, under operando reaction conditions using X-ray Absorption Spectroscpy (XAS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. In doing so, we can determine both the nature of the active sites and the influence on the catalytic mechanism.

FeCrAl as a Catalyst Support.

The iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAl) is an exceptional support for highly exothermic and endothermic reactions that operate above 700 °C in chemically aggressive environments, where low heat and mass transfer rates limit reaction yield. FeCrAl two- and three-dimensional structured networks-monoliths, foams, and fibers-maximize mass transfer rates, while their remarkable thermal conductivity minimizes hot spots and thermal gradients. Another advantage of the open FeCrAl structure is the low pressure drop due to the high void fraction and regularity of the internal path. The surface Al2O3 layer, formed after an initial thermal oxidation, supports a wide range of metal and metal oxide active phases. The aluminum oxide that adheres to the metal surface protects it from corrosive atmospheres and carbon (carburization), thus allowing FeCrAl to operate at a higher temperature. The top applications are industrial burners, in which compact knitted metal fibers distribute heat over large surface areas, and automotive tail gas converters. Future applications include producing H2 and syngas from remote natural gas in modular units. This Review summarizes the specific preparation techniques, details process operating conditions and catalyst performance of several classes of reactions, and highlights positive and challenging aspects of FeCrAl.

Matrix metalloproteinase 10 contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis in a novel crosstalk with the stromal derived factor 1/C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 axis.

UNLABELLED: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in tissue repair after acute injury, but also participate in cancer by promoting a protumorigenic microenvironment. Previously, we reported on a key role for MMP10 in mouse liver regeneration. Herein, we investigated MMP10 expression and function in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced mouse hepatocarcinogenesis. MMP10 was induced in human and murine HCC tissues and cells. MMP10-deficient mice showed less HCC incidence, smaller histological lesions, reduced tumor vascularization, and less lung metastases. Importantly, expression of the protumorigenic, C-X-C chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4), was reduced in DEN-induced MMP10-deficient mice livers. Human HCC cells stably expressing MMP10 had increased CXCR4 expression and migratory capacity. Pharmacological inhibition of CXCR4 significantly reduced MMP10-stimulated HCC cell migration. Furthermore, MMP10 expression in HCC cells was induced by hypoxia and the CXCR4 ligand, stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF1), through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway, involving an activator protein 1 site in MMP10 gene promoter. CONCLUSION: MMP10 contributes to HCC development, participating in tumor angiogenesis, growth, and dissemination. We identified a new reciprocal crosstalk between MMP10 and the CXCR4/SDF1 axis contributing to HCC progression and metastasis. To our knowledge, this is the first report addressing the role of a MMP in hepatocarcinogenesis in the corresponding genetic mouse model.

Description of Kibdelosporangium banguiense sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from soil of the forest of Pama, on the plateau of Bangui, Central African Republic.

A novel actinomycete strain F-240,109(T) from the MEDINA collection was isolated from a soil sample collected in the forest of Pama, on the plateau of Bangui, Central African Republic. The strain was identified according to its 16S rRNA gene sequence as a new member of the genus Kibdelosporangium, being closely related to Kibdelosporangium aridum subsp. aridum (98.6 % sequence similarity), Kibledosporangium phytohabitans (98.3 %), Kibdelosporangium aridum subsp. largum (97.7 %), Kibdelosporangium philippinense (97.6 %) and Kibledosporangium lantanae (96.9 %). In order to resolve its precise taxonomic status, the strain was characterised through a polyphasic approach. The strain is a Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile and catalase-positive actinomycete characterised by formation of extensively branched substrate mycelia and sparse brownish grey aerial mycelia with sporangium-like globular structures. The chemotaxonomic characterisation of strain F-240,109(T) corroborated its affiliation into the genus Kibdelosporangium. The peptidoglycan contains meso-diaminopimelic acid; the major menaquinone is MK-9(H4); the phospholipid profile contains high amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid; and the predominant cellular fatty acid methyl esters are iso-C16:0, iso-C14:0, iso-C15:0 and 2OH iso-C16:0. However, some key phenotypic differences regarding to its close relatives and DNA-DNA hybridization values indicate that strain F-240,109(T) represents a novel Kibdelosporangium species, for which the name Kibdelosporangium banguiense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain F-240,109(T) (=DSM 46670(T), =LMG 28181(T)).

CFD simulation study and experimental analysis of indoor air stratification in an unventilated classroom: A case study in Spain.

Health problems and respiratory diseases are associated with poor indoor air ventilation. We investigated the air quality inside a classroom-laboratory where no ventilation is provided. The case of study, consisting of an internal enclosure, is located at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Edificación (ETSEM) of Madrid (Spain). The high height favours air stratification which is analysed in terms of temperature and CO2 spatial distribution. Temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure and CO2 concentration measurements were taken in time at three different height locations. A CFD numerical model was established to analyse air quality. Flow circulation is derived by solving full 3D Navier - Stokes governing equations, coupled with the thermal problem. The diffusion problem of the CO2 produced by the inner occupants is then derived from the kinematics solution. Three scenarios were taken into account: occupants seated (1), standing (2), half seated, half standing (3). Results clearly show the air stratification as a result of density gradient, which is in turn determined by temperature difference between the occupants and the surrounding air. Temperature prediction maximum relative error is contained to 3.5 %. As expected, CO2 concentration increases over time, reaching maximum values depending on the configuration considered and height location.

Nursing Considerations for Cytokine Release Syndrome in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Experience with Teclistamab from the MajesTEC-1 Study.

OBJECTIVES: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response that is commonly observed as a class effect of T-cell-redirecting therapies. This article provides important practical guidance for nurses relating to the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of CRS in patients receiving teclistamab, based on experience from the MajesTEC-1 clinical trial and real-life nursing practice. METHODS: MajesTEC-1 is a phase 1/2 study of teclistamab in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. To mitigate the risk of high-grade CRS, patients were carefully monitored for early signs and symptoms of CRS (including fever, which must have fully resolved before teclistamab administration). RESULTS: A survey of nurses from several of the study sites provided additional real-life insights into nursing best practices for managing CRS from four academic institutions in three countries. CONCLUSIONS: In MajesTEC-1, 72% of patients treated with teclistamab experienced CRS, the majority of which was low grade. All cases resolved and none led to treatment discontinuation. Real-life supportive measures for CRS are generally aligned with those outlined in the study. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Because nurses are on the frontline of patient care, they play a crucial role in promptly recognizing the signs and symptoms of CRS and responding with timely and appropriate supportive treatment. This review provides important practical guidance for nurses on diagnosis, monitoring, and management of CRS in patients receiving teclistamab, based on experience from the MajesTEC-1 trial and real-life nursing practice.

Use of Yucca (Yucca schidigera) Extracts as Biostimulants to Promote Germination and Early Vigor and as Natural Fungicides.

Climate change is increasing drought and salinity in many cultivated areas, therefore threatening food production. There is a great demand for novel agricultural inputs able to maintain yield under the conditions imposed by the anthropogenic global warming. Biostimulants have been proposed as a useful tool to achieve this objective. We have investigated the biostimulant effect of different yucca (Yucca schidigera) extracts on plant growth at different stages of development under different abiotic stress conditions. The extracts were tested in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and in three different crops; tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var microtom), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var romana). We have found that the investigated extracts are able to promote germination and early vigor under drought/osmotic and salt stress induced either by sodium chloride or lithium chloride. This effect is particularly strong in Arabidopsis thaliana and in the Brassicaceae broccoli. We have also determined using antibiograms against the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that the evaluated extracts may be used also as a natural fungicide. The results in this report show that yucca extracts may be used to enhance early vigor in some crops and as a natural fungicide, providing a new and useful tool for farmers.

Kidney Survival Impact of Delayed Graft Function Depends on Kidney Donor Risk Index: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a significant challenge in renal transplantation, particularly with deceased donors, necessitating early postoperative dialysis. The prolonged effects of medium- and long-term DGF remain uncertain, marked by contradictory graft survival outcomes. This incongruity might arise from the inherent graft resilience and regenerative capacity during transplantation. This study investigates DGF's impact on graft survival, focusing on grafts displaying favorable (KDRI < 1) and unfavorable outcomes (KDRI ≥ 1). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study (January 2015-December 2019), we assessed kidney transplants at our center, excluding multiorgan simultaneous cases, primary non-functioning grafts, and surgical complications causing graft loss. Patients were categorized into DGF presence or absence groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses, alongside propensity score matching (PSM), were performed. RESULTS: The study encompassed 322 deceased donor kidneys, with 83 encountering DGF. Grafts with higher KDRI indices (KDRI ≥ 1) and DGF exhibited a notably increased graft loss risk (HR: 4.17, 95% CI: 1.93-9.01). However, lower-KDRI donor grafts displayed no significant disparities between the DGF and non-DGF groups. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed graft function (DGF) development significantly contributes to graft loss in kidney transplants, particularly in grafts with KDRI ≥ 1.

Conversion of the hydrochar recovered after levulinic acid production into activated carbon adsorbents.

Levulinic acid production by acid-catalyzed hydrothermal conversion of (ligno)cellulosic biomass generates significant amounts of carbonaceous hydrochar, which is currently considered a final waste. In this work, the hydrochar recovered after the levulinic acid production, was subjected to cascade pyrolysis and chemical activation treatments (by H3PO4 or KOH), to synthesize activated carbons. The pyrolysis post-treatment was already effective in improving the surface properties of the raw hydrochar (Specific Surface Area: 388 m2/g, VP: 0.22 cm3/g, VMESO: 0.07 cm3/g, VMICRO: 0.14 cm3/g), by removing volatile compounds. KOH activation resulted as the most appropriate for further improving the surface properties of the pyrolyzed hydrochar, showing the best surface properties (Specific Surface Area: 1421 m2/g, VP: 0.63 cm3/g, VMESO: 0.10 cm3/g, VMICRO: 0.52 cm3/g), which synergistically makes it a promising system towards adsorption of CO2 (∼90 mg/g) and methylene blue (∼248 mg/g). In addition, promising surface properties can be achieved after direct chemical activation of the raw hazelnut shells, preferably by H3PO4 (Specific Surface Area: 1918 m2/g, VP: 1.34 cm3/g, VMESO: 0.82 cm3/g, VMICRO: 0.50 cm3/g), but this choice is not the smartest, as it does not allow the valorization of the cellulose fraction to levulinic acid. Our approach paves the way for possible uses of these hydrochars originating from the levulinic acid chain for new environmental applications, thus smartly closing the biorefinery loop of the hazelnut shells.

Validation of Psychometric Properties of the Nursing Work Index-Revised Scale in Portugal.

The use of instruments designed to assess the nursing practice environment is crucial to improve the quality of nursing care, to anticipate problems and difficulties that may arise in organizations, and allow nurse managers to implement changes and improvements in key areas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nursing Work Index-Revised Portuguese version (NWI-R-PT) scale. A quantitative, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS: The sample consisted of 767 nurses from 4 public Portuguese hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were used to test the distinct structural models. The scale's accuracy was evaluated through internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: NWI-R-PT internal consistency was 0.91. The NWI-R-PT model with six factors, namely "Management Support," "Professional Development," "Fundamentals of Nursing," "Nurse-Physician Relationship," "Endowments," and "Organization of Nursing Care," was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The NWI-R-PT scale presents adequate goodness-of-fit indices concerning the final factorial model and the convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The NWI-R-PT scale has a competent and reliable structure. The scale's validity is confirmed; therefore, it may be employed in all contexts in clinical practice, research, and nursing management. The NWI-R-PT is a useful and valid instrument to assess the nursing environment in hospitals, primary care, long-term care, and nursing homes. The scale has significance in improving the quality of nursing care and patient safety, the professional development of nurses, and organizational results.

A fast method to evaluate in a combinatorial manner the synergistic effect of different biostimulants for promoting growth or tolerance against abiotic stress.

BACKGROUND: According to the most popular definition, a biostimulant is any substance or microorganism applied to plants with the aim to enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and/or crop quality traits, regardless of its nutrient content. Therefore, a biostimulant can help crops to withstand abiotic stress, while maintaining or even increasing productivity. We have previously designed a sequential system, based on two different model organisms, the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, to evaluate the potential of different natural extracts as biostimulants employing a blind-test strategy. RESULTS: In this report, we further expand this concept to evaluate different biostimulants in a combinatorial approach to reveal the potential additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects of different combinations of biostimulants in order to design new formulations with enhanced effects on plant growth or tolerance to abiotic stress. The method is based on yeast assays (growth tests in solid medium, and continuous growth in liquid cultures) and plant assays (mass accumulation in hydroponic culture) to assess effects on early growth. CONCLUSIONS: With this novel approach, we have designed new formulations and quantified the ability to enhance growth and promote biomass accumulation under normal conditions and in the presence of abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity or cold. This method enables a fast screen of many different products in a combinatorial manner, in order to design novel formulations of natural extracts with biostimulant potential.

Insights into the Electrochemical Reduction of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural at High Current Densities.

The electrocatalytic reduction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is highly selective to 2,5-bishydroxymethylfuran (BHMF) at pH=9.2, diluted HMF solutions, and low current densities. In this work, the electrochemical reduction of 0.05 m HMF solutions was investigated in the 5-50 mA cm-2 current density range over an AgCu foam electrocatalyst. The selectivity towards the formation of BHMF or the dimerization depended on the current density, likely due to differences in the electrode potential, and on the reaction time. Operating at current densities of 40-50 mA cm-2 allowed to find a trade-off between HMF and H2 O activation, achieving 85 % BHMF selectivity and fostering the productivity (0.567 mmol cm-2 h-1 ), though co-producing H2 . The electrochemical characterization by Tafel slopes and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that the HMF reduction was kinetically favored in comparison to the hydrogen evolution reaction and that the process was limited by charge transfer.

Indoors ventilation in times of confinement by SARS-CoV-2 epidemic: A comparative approach between Spain and Italy.

With the arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the scientific academia, as well as policymakers, are striving to conceive solutions as an attempt to contain the spreading of contagion. Among the adopted measures, severe lockdown restrictions were issued to avoid the diffusion of the virus in an uncontrolled way through public spaces. It can be deduced from recent literature that the primary route of transmission is via aerosols, produced mainly in poorly ventilated interior areas where infected people spend a lot of time with other people. Concerning contagion rates, accumulated incidence or number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19, Spain, and Italy have reached very high levels. In this framework, a regression analysis to assess the feasibility of the indoor ventilation measures established in Spain and Italy, with respect to the European framework, is here presented. To this aim, ten cases of housing typology were and analyzed. The results show that the measures established in the applicable regulations to prevent and control the risk of contagion by aerosols are not adequate to guarantee a healthy environment indoors. The current Italian guidelines are more restrictive than in Spain, yet the ventilation levels are still insufficient in times of pandemic.

AgCu Bimetallic Electrocatalysts for the Reduction of Biomass-Derived Compounds.

The electrochemical transformation of biomass-derived compounds (e.g., aldehyde electroreduction to alcohols) is gaining increasing interest due to the sustainability of this process that can be exploited to produce value-added products from biowastes and renewable electricity. In this framework, the electrochemical conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) is studied. Nanostructured Ag deposited on Cu is an active and selective electrocatalyst for the formation of BHMF in basic media. However, this catalyst deserves further research to elucidate the role of the morphology and size of the coated particles in its performance as well as the actual catalyst surface composition and its stability. Herein, Ag is coated on Cu open-cell foams by electrodeposition and galvanic displacement to generate different catalyst morphologies, deepening on the particle growth mechanism, and the samples are compared with bare Ag and Cu foams. The chemical-physical and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared and spent catalysts are correlated to the electroactivity in the HMF conversion and its selectivity toward the formation of BHMF during electroreduction. AgCu bimetallic nanoparticles or dendrites are formed on electrodeposited and displaced catalysts, respectively, whose surface is Cu-enriched along with electrochemical tests. Both types of bimetallic AgCu particles evidence a superior electroactive surface area as well as an enhanced charge and mass transfer in comparison with the bare Ag and Cu foams. These features together with a synergistic role between Ag and Cu superficial active sites could be related to the twofold enhanced selectivity of the Ag/Cu catalysts for the selective conversion of HMF to BHMF, that is, >80% selectivity and ∼ 100% conversion, and BHMF productivity values (0.206 and 0.280 mmol cm-2 h-1) ca. 1.5-3 times higher than those previously reported.

Highly conductive Ni steam reforming catalysts prepared by electrodeposition.

New highly conductive, active and stable Ni steam reforming catalysts were prepared through a method consisting of the calcination of a hydrotalcite-like compound electrodeposited in a single step on FeCrAlloy foams.

Monitoring the colonization and infection of legume nodules by Micromonospora in co-inoculation experiments with rhizobia.

The discovery that the actinobacterium Micromonospora inhabits nitrogen-fixing nodules raised questions as to its potential ecological role. The capacity of two Micromonospora strains to infect legumes other than their original host, Lupinus angustifolius, was investigated using Medicago and Trifolium as test plants. Compatible rhizobial strains were used for coinoculation of the plants because Micromonospora itself does not induce nodulation. Over 50% of nodules from each legume housed Micromonospora, and using 16S rRNA gene sequence identification, we verified that the reisolated strains corresponded to the microorganisms inoculated. Entry of the bacteria and colonization of the plant hosts were monitored using a GFP-tagged Lupac 08 mutant together with rhizobia, and by using immunogold labeling. Strain Lupac 08 was localized in plant tissues, confirming its capacity to enter and colonize all hosts. Based on studying three different plants, our results support a non-specific relationship between Micromonospora and legumes. Micromonospora Lupac 08, originally isolated from Lupinus re-enters root tissue, but only when coinoculated with the corresponding rhizobia. The ability of Micromonospora to infect and colonize different legume species and function as a potential plant-growth promoting bacterium is relevant because this microbe enhances the symbiosis without interfering with the host and its nodulating and nitrogen-fixing microbes.

Bimetallic Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalysts: Facile and Green Microwave Synthesis.

This work deals with the development of a green and versatile synthesis of stable mono- and bi-metallic colloids by means of microwave heating and exploiting ecofriendly reagents: water as the solvent, glucose as a mild and non-toxic reducer and polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP) as the chelating agent. Particle size-control, total reaction yield and long-term stability of colloids were achieved with this method of preparation. All of the materials were tested as effective catalysts in the reduction of p-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4 as the probe reaction. A synergistic positive effect of the bimetallic phase was assessed for Au/Cu and Pd/Au alloy nanoparticles, the latter showing the highest catalytic performance. Moreover, monoand bi-metallic colloids were used to prepare TiO2- and CeO2-supported catalysts for the liquid phase oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfufural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The use of Au/Cu and Au/Pd bimetallic catalysts led to an increase in FDCA selectivity. Finally, preformed Pd/Cu nanoparticles were incorporated into the structure of MCM-41-silica. The resulting Pd/Cu MCM-41 catalysts were tested in the hydrodechlorination of CF3OCFClCF2Cl to CF3OCF=CF2. The effect of Cu on the hydrogenating properties of Pd was demonstrated.

Endophytic Actinobacteria and the Interaction of Micromonospora and Nitrogen Fixing Plants.

For a long time, it was believed that a healthy plant did not harbor any microorganisms within its tissues, as these were often considered detrimental for the plant. In the last three decades, the numbers of studies on plant microbe-interactions has led to a change in our view and we now know that many of these invisible partners are essential for the overall welfare of the plant. The application of Next Generation Sequencing techniques is a powerful tool that has permitted the detection and identification of microbial communities in healthy plants. Among the new plant microbe interactions recently reported several actinobacteria such as Micromonospora are included. Micromonospora is a Gram-positive bacterium with a wide geographical distribution; it can be found in the soil, mangrove sediments, and freshwater and marine ecosistems. In the last years our group has focused on the isolation of Micromonospora strains from nitrogen fixing nodules of both leguminous and actinorhizal plants and reported for the first time its wide distribution in nitrogen fixing nodules of both types of plants. These studies have shown how this microoganism had been largely overlooked in this niche due to its slow growth. Surprisingly, the genetic diversity of Micromonospora strains isolated from nodules is very high and several new species have been described. The current data indicate that Micromonospora saelicesensis is the most frequently isolated species from the nodular tissues of both leguminous and actinorhizal plants. Further studies have also been carried out to confirm the presence of Micromonospora inside the nodule tissues, mainly by specific in situ hybridization. The information derived from the genome of the model strain, Micromonospora lupini, Lupac 08, has provided useful information as to how this bacterium may relate with its host plant. Several strategies potentially necessary for Micromonospora to thrive in the soil, a highly competitive, and rough environment, and as an endophytic bacterium with the capacity to colonize the internal plant tissues which are protected from the invasion of other soil microbes were identified. The genome data also revealed the potential of M. lupini Lupac 08 as a plant growth promoting bacterium. Several loci involved in plant growth promotion features such as the production of siderophores, phytohormones, and the degradation of chitin (biocontrol) were also located on the genome and the functionality of these genes was confirmed in the laboratory. In addition, when several host plants species were inoculated with Micromonospora strains, the plant growth enhancing effect was evident under greenhouse conditions. Unexpectedly, a high number of plant-cell wall degrading enzymes were also detected, a trait usually found only in pathogenic bacteria. Thus, Micromonospora can be added to the list of new plant-microbe interactions. The current data indicate that this microorganism may have an important application in agriculture and other biotechnological processes. The available information is promising but limited, much research is still needed to determine which is the ecological function of Micromonospora in interaction with nitrogen fixing plants.

Genome features of the endophytic actinobacterium Micromonospora lupini strain Lupac 08: on the process of adaptation to an endophytic life style?

Endophytic microorganisms live inside plants for at least part of their life cycle. According to their life strategies, bacterial endophytes can be classified as "obligate" or "facultative". Reports that members of the genus Micromonospora, Gram-positive Actinobacteria, are normal occupants of nitrogen-fixing nodules has opened up a question as to what is the ecological role of these bacteria in interactions with nitrogen-fixing plants and whether it is in a process of adaptation from a terrestrial to a facultative endophytic life. The aim of this work was to analyse the genome sequence of Micromonospora lupini Lupac 08 isolated from a nitrogen fixing nodule of the legume Lupinus angustifolius and to identify genomic traits that provide information on this new plant-microbe interaction. The genome of M. lupini contains a diverse array of genes that may help its survival in soil or in plant tissues, while the high number of putative plant degrading enzyme genes identified is quite surprising since this bacterium is not considered a plant-pathogen. Functionality of several of these genes was demonstrated in vitro, showing that Lupac 08 degraded carboxymethylcellulose, starch and xylan. In addition, the production of chitinases detected in vitro, indicates that strain Lupac 08 may also confer protection to the plant. Micromonospora species appears as new candidates in plant-microbe interactions with an important potential in agriculture and biotechnology. The current data strongly suggests that a beneficial effect is produced on the host-plant.