Invertebrate Grazing on Live Turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum): A Common Interaction That May Facilitate Fungal Growth

In coastal wetlands and tropical reefs, snails can regulate foundation species by feeding on marsh grasses and hard corals. In many cases, their impacts are amplified because they facilitate microbial infection in grazer-induced wounds. Whether snails commonly graze live plants and facilitate microbial growth on plants in tropical seagrass systems is less explored. On a Belizean Caye, we examined patterns in snail-generated grazer scars on the abundant turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum). Our initial survey showed the occurrence of snail-induced scarring on live turtlegrass blades was common, with 57% of live leaves scarred. Feeding trials demonstrated that two of five common snails (Tegula fasciata–smooth tegula and Smaragdia viridis–emerald nerite) grazed unepiphytized turtlegrass blades and that smooth tegula abundance had a positive relationship with scarring intensity. Subsequent surveys at three Caribbean sites (separated by >150 km) also showed a high occurrence of snail-induced scars on turtlegrass blades. Finally, simulated herbivory experiments and field observations of a turtlegrass bed in Florida, United States suggests that herbivore damage could facilitate fungal growth in live seagrass tissue through mechanical opening of tissue. Combined, these findings reveal that snail grazing on live turtlegrass blades in the Caribbean can be common. Based on these results, we hypothesize that small grazers could be exerting top-down control over turtlegrass growth directly via grazing and/or indirectly by facilitating microbial infection in live seagrass tissue. Further studies are needed to determine the generality and relative importance of direct and indirect effects of gastropod grazing on turtlegrass health.

Camel milk modulates α-lactalbumin induced changes in the gut microbiota in a murine model of cow’s milk allergy

Camel milk has been noted to have medicinal properties treating allergies, diarrhea, microbial infection and Crohn's disease.The aim of this study is to identify and characterize the intestinal microbiota of BALB/c mice sensitized to α-lactalbumin (α-la) and fed with camel milk. For this, 30 females BALB/c mice aged between 4 and 6 weeks were divided into two groups. The first one designated as control group did not receive any treatment (n=10). The second group (n=20) was immunized intraperitoneally with α-la. On day 35 of sensitization protocol, mice of the second group were divided into two subgroups of 10 mice each. Animals of the first subgroup were sacrificed, whereas, mice of the second subgroup were fed camel milk for one week. In order to analyze the effect of camel milk on α-La-sensitized mice, two studies were carried out: a histological analysis of the jejunal tissues and microbiolo-gical study in the intestine and faeces of mice of different groups. Our results showed that drinking camel milk significantly reduced the alteration of in-testinal epithelium induced by α-la immunization as demonstrated by a signi-ficant increase of villus height (p<0.05). The microbiological results showed a very significant increase in enterobacteria and anaerobic bacteria (1 to 2 log ufc/g) in bacterial flora of mice immunized to α-la. However there was no significant difference in the level of enterobacteriaceae and anaerobic bacte-ria in the faeces of α-la-immunized mice treated with camel milk. In conclu-sion, Camel milk reduced the microscopic lesions caused by α-lasensitization and play an antibacterial role againstpathogenic bacteria in the intestinal mucosa of mice immunized to cow’s milk proteins especially α-la.

Coordinated Epigenetic Regulation in Plants: A Potent Managerial Tool to Conquer Biotic Stress

Plants have evolved variable phenotypic plasticity to counteract different pathogens and pests during immobile life. Microbial infection invokes multiple layers of host immune responses, and plant gene expression is swiftly and precisely reprogramed at both the transcriptional level and post-transcriptional level. Recently, the importance of epigenetic regulation in response to biotic stresses has been recognized. Changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin structures have been observed after microbial infection. In addition, epigenetic modifications may be preserved as transgenerational memories to allow the progeny to better adapt to similar environments. Epigenetic regulation involves various regulatory components, including non-coding small RNAs, DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodelers. The crosstalk between these components allows precise fine-tuning of gene expression, giving plants the capability to fight infections and tolerant drastic environmental changes in nature. Fully unraveling epigenetic regulatory mechanisms could aid in the development of more efficient and eco-friendly strategies for crop protection in agricultural systems. In this review, we discuss the recent advances on the roles of epigenetic regulation in plant biotic stress responses.

Ekstraksi Minyak Gaharu dengan Pelarut Etanol secara Maserasi

Agarwood is one of the forest products that can be utilized and has a high selling value. Agarwood contains essential oils which have many active compounds and contains a specific aromatic resin that is naturally formed as a form of defense against physical damage or microbial infection. Agarwood essential oil with good quality has a high economic value. This study aims to extract agarwood essential oil using ethanol as a solvent. The optimal yield of agarwood essential oil can be obtained by varying the particle size, the ratio of the weight of the agarwood biomass (kg) to the volume of the solvent (L), and the length of maceration (h). The results showed that the particle size of agarwood did notaffect the yield of agarwood essential oil. The results of the comparison of agarwood biomass with the volume of the solvent showed that the ratio of 1:9 (w/v) obtained the highest yield of 4.02% and the longest maceration time with the highest yield of 4.12% for 72 hours. However, 48 hours of maceration had a greater increase in yield compared to 72 hours of maceration. The increase in yield at 48 hours to 72 hours of maceration was only 0.22% when compared to the increase in yield at 24 hours to 48 hours of maceration, which was 0.56%.

Ancestry-based differences in the immune system are associated with lupus severity

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects 1 in 537 of African American (AA) women, which is >2-fold more than European American (EA) women. AA patients also develop the disease at a younger age, have more severe symptoms, and a greater chance of early mortality. We used a multi-omics approach to uncover ancestry-specific immune alterations in SLE patients and healthy controls that may contribute to disease disparities. Cell composition, signaling, and epigenetics were evaluated by mass cytometry; droplet-based single cell transcriptomics and paired proteogenomics (scRNA-Seq/scCITE-Seq). Soluble mediator levels were measured in plasma and stimulated whole blood. Toll-like receptor (TLRs) pathways are activated by vaccination and microbial infection, and are also key drivers of autoimmune disease. We observed enhanced TLR3/4/7/8/9-related gene expression in immune cells from AA versus EA SLE patients. TLR7/8/9 and IFNα phospho-signaling responses were heightened even in immune cells from healthy AA versus EA controls. TLR stimulation of healthy AA and EA immune cells recapitulated the distinct ancestry-associated SLE immunophenotypes. Thus, healthy individuals show ancestry-based differences in innate immune pathways that could influence the course and severity of lupus and other diseases.

TLC-contact bioautography and disc diffusion method for investigation of the antibacterial activity of Melastoma malabathricum L. leaves

The emergence of multi-resistant strains of bacteria reinforces the need to discover new antibacterial agents that are able to combat resistant microorganisms. Medicinal plants are a valuable natural source of bioactive substances against various infectious diseases. Melastoma malabathricum L. is an important herb that is traditionally used to treat several ailments associated with microbial infection diseases such as wounds, diarrhea, dysentery, and toothache. This study investigated extracts of M. malabathricum L. for antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Disc diffusion and TLC-contact bioautography techniques were employed to examine antibacterial properties of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts with observations of diameter inhibition zones and Rf values. Investigation of active compounds in TLC-bioautography used several reagents including citroboric, cerium (IV) sulfate and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), continued by identification of chromatogram profiles through densitometry analysis. The three extracts showed good inhibition against bacterial strains with diameter inhibition zones in the range of 8.0 – 14.0 mm with a number of active spots on TLC-contact bioautography for each extract. This plant may serve as useful source of antibacterial agents for resistant microorganisms and further investigation is needed of its bioactive pure compounds as well as their particular therapeutic potentials and applications.

Parsing the Role of PPARs in Macrophage Processes

Cells are richly equipped with nuclear receptors, which act as ligand-regulated transcription factors. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), members of the nuclear receptor family, have been extensively studied for their roles in development, differentiation, and homeostatic processes. In the recent past, there has been substantial interest in understanding and defining the functions of PPARs and their agonists in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses as well as their pharmacologic potential in combating acute and chronic inflammatory disease. In this review, we focus on emerging evidence of the potential roles of the PPAR subtypes in macrophage biology. We also discuss the roles of dual and pan PPAR agonists as modulators of immune cell function, microbial infection, and inflammatory diseases.

Elevated temperature inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in respiratory epithelium independently of IFN-mediated innate immune defenses

The pandemic spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), represents an ongoing international health crisis. A key symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the onset of fever, with a hyperthermic temperature range of 38 to 41°C. Fever is an evolutionarily conserved host response to microbial infection that can influence the outcome of viral pathogenicity and regulation of host innate and adaptive immune responses. However, it remains to be determined what effect elevated temperature has on SARS-CoV-2 replication. Utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) air–liquid interface (ALI) model that closely mimics the natural tissue physiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the respiratory airway, we identify tissue temperature to play an important role in the regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Respiratory tissue incubated at 40°C remained permissive to SARS-CoV-2 entry but refractory to viral transcription, leading to significantly reduced levels of viral RNA replication and apical shedding of infectious virus. We identify tissue temperature to play an important role in the differential regulation of epithelial host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection that impact upon multiple pathways, including intracellular immune regulation, without disruption to general transcription or epithelium integrity. We present the first evidence that febrile temperatures associated with COVID-19 inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in respiratory epithelia. Our data identify an important role for tissue temperature in the epithelial restriction of SARS-CoV-2 independently of canonical interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral immune defenses.

Antimicrobial agent from Plants and Herbs: A systemic Review

The whole worldwide, now a days use many herbal product for healthy and happy life. In ancient system there are Ayurveda Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy systems of medicines includes various different herbs, crude drugs, medicinal plants. Many ayurvedic herbs are known for its important medicinal property. Medicinal plants are mostly used for wide range of constituent present in it. In Ayurveda system of medicine, antimicrobial herbs find to be used in many ayurvedic preparations. Various antimicrobial herbs have been used against different microbial infection like bacteria, virus, fungi protozoa, helminths etc. and many more different infectious agent of different diseases. The active chemical constituents present in herbs or crude drug or medicinal plants inhibits the growth of microorganisms. The present attempt has been made to review studied various antimicrobial herbs.