NuA4 and H2A.Z control environmental responses and autotrophic growth in Arabidopsis

Nucleosomal acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) is an essential transcriptional coactivator in eukaryotes, but remains poorly characterized in plants. Here, we describe Arabidopsis homologs of the NuA4 scaffold proteins Enhancer of Polycomb-Like 1 (AtEPL1) and Esa1-Associated Factor 1 (AtEAF1). Loss of AtEAF1 results in inhibition of growth and chloroplast development. These effects are stronger in the Atepl1 mutant and are further enhanced by loss of Golden2-Like (GLK) transcription factors, suggesting that NuA4 activates nuclear plastid genes alongside GLK. We demonstrate that AtEPL1 is necessary for nucleosomal acetylation of histones H4 and H2A.Z by NuA4 in vitro. These chromatin marks are diminished genome-wide in Atepl1, while another active chromatin mark, H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac), is locally enhanced. Expression of many chloroplast-related genes depends on NuA4, as they are downregulated with loss of H4ac and H2A.Zac. Finally, we demonstrate that NuA4 promotes H2A.Z deposition and by doing so prevents spurious activation of stress response genes.

The Potential of Fungi as Bio-Control Agents in Managing Colletotrichum Kahawae In Kenya

Colletotrichum kahawae is a causative fungal agent of Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) that negatively affects coffee production. Its control relies on use of resistant varieties and chemical control. Fungicides used in control of CBD are costly and pose a risk to environment and health. The study was aimed at assessing the possible antagonistic potential of fungal isolates against Colletotrichum kahawae in in vitro conditions. Five isolates were used; one isolate was collected from berries while the rest were collected from soil. Testing for antagonism against Colletorichum kahawae was done by co-culturing the isolates on Potato Dextrose Agar. The degree of antagonism was determined by measuring and comparing the radial growth of pathogen with the bio-agent against the control. Out of the five isolates tested against C. kahawae, three isolates Fusarium proliferetum, Penicillium and Fusarium ceraneasum significantly inhibited test pathogen growth at 60%, 55% and 45.45%, respectively. The other isolates, Fumigatus aspergillus and Chaetomium perithecia showed inhibition of growth at 40% and 18.18% respectively. It was concluded that there is potential of using fungi as bio control of the coffee berry disease.

The Effectivity of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Extract on The Growth Inhibition of Candida Albicans

Background: Denture stomatitis is a type of Candida-associated infection that mainly affects the palatal mucosa. Candida albicans is one of the normal flora that is considered to be the primary etiologic agent in the pathogenesis of denture stomatitis. Denture decontamination is necessary to prevent denture stomatitis. One method of decontamination is by immersing removable dentures in an antifungal solution. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a medicinal plant showing antifungal activity. Objectives: To determine the effectivity of immersion of acrylic resin Plate in parsley extract on inhibition of growth of Candida albicans. Methods: The effectivity of immersion of heat-cured acrylic resin plates in parsley extract on inhibition of C. albicans growth was tested using an experimental laboratory study with a post-test-only control group design. Thirty samples were divided into 5 groups as 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05% parsley ethanol extract, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, and sterile aquadest. The number of colony forming units per mL was obtained after calculating the colonies on SDA media, allowing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) obtained according to the formula. Results: 0.01% parsley ethanol extract is MIC with a mean of 7.4 CFU / ml, which inhibited the growth of C. albicans by 31.05%. The Kruskal Wallis test (p<0.001) results indicate that there is an effectivity of immersion of acrylic resin plate in parsley extract on inhibition of growth of C. albicans. Conclusions: The immersion of acrylic resin plates in parsley ethanol extract with a concentration of 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% has effectivity on the inhibition of growth of C. albicans.

Contrasting effects of accumulation and tolerance characteristics in Arabidopsis thaliana under Cr(III) and Cr(VI) stress

In this study, for the first time we investigated Cr(III) and Cr(VI) stress-induced physiological and biochemical responses in Arabidopsis thaliana . The capacity of A. thalian to accumulate Cr is closely related to the valence of chromium. Cr(VI) was more toxic than Cr(III) as indicated by chromium accumulation and growth inhibition. When the concentration of chromium is greater than 200μM, the root length and biomass of A. thaliana are reduced. But interestingly, Cr(III) at 200μM increased the root length and biomass of A. thaliana compared to the control. The transmission electron microscope shows that Cr(VI) can cause the chloroplasts damaged and the chlorophyll reduced more than Cr(III). The chloroplasts were filled the starch grains. An increase of lipid peroxidation in A. thaliana roots caused by Cr was measured, and this effect increases as the increasing Cr. It indicated that A. thaliana suffers from Cr-induced oxidative stress which resulted cell death in roots. To fight against oxidative stress, Ascorbate peroxidase and Glutathione reductase were activated by Cr in antioxidant defense. The inhibition of growth, the accumulation of chromium, the responses of antioxidant systems, and the ultra-morphological changes indicate that Cr(VI) was more toxic than Cr(III) .

Treatment of postoperative wounds using pectin-based reinforced dressings and their antimicrobial activity

A reinforced pectin-based dressing with a reinforcing element containing the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine bigluconate has been developed. In vitro studies have shown that the hydrogel pectin dressing containing 0.03 ÷ 1.5 % chlorhexidine bigluconate inhibits the growth of both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (P. aeruginosa) bacteria. The dressing can be used in the complex treatment of postoperative wounds with infectious-inflammatory process. The efficacy of different doses of chlorhexidine bigluconate was characterized by growth inhibition and increase of microorganism-free areas on the culture medium around the site of dressing localization, and regardless of the type of bacteria. Bacterial growth inhibition radius size depends on the dose of chlorhexidine in the hydrogel pectin dressing. The inhibition of growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa is directly proportional to chlorhexidine bigluconate content. The increase of dressing saturation with chlorhexidine to 1.0 and 1.5 % recorded the maximum inhibition of the growth of microorganisms. A veterinary clinical trial has shown a good therapeutic effect in the wound healing, in particular in the complex treatment of postoperative and accidental wounds both in the presence of infectious-inflammatory process and in its absence. The reinforced pectin-based dressing with cotton (or polypropylene) reinforcement element containing chlorhexidine bigluconate reduces the cost of dressings and bandaging frequency during wound healing. It protects the wound surface from contamination, mechanical irritation, bacterial contamination and the development of secondary infection. The dressing promotes good water, air and heat exchange between the wound and the environment, adsorbs excess exudate, maintains a moist environment and does not cause hyperosmotic damage and drying of the wound. Surgical wound healing occurred under the initial tension for 7 days. Considering the method of its application, this dressing is suitable for use on different parts of the animal's body (neck, withers, chest and abdomen, lower back, buttocks, thighs, shoulders, etc.).

Effects of NaCl on Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Activities in Safflower Essential Oils

The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EO) extracted from safflower plants grown in the absence and presence of NaCl, 50 mM. Plants treated with 50 mM of NaCl showed decreases in root, stem, and leaf dry weight. Results of the essential oils showed that roots have a higher EO yield than leaves and stems. Salinity caused a decrease in this yield in roots and leaves but not in stems. The compounds identified in the EO extracted from these organs belong to seven chemical classes of which the dominant class is the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The chemotype of C. tinctorius EO is variable depending on the organ and the treatment. The safflower essential oils showed low antioxidant, antiradical, and iron-reducing activities compared to those of the positive control (BHT). In an antifungal activity test, only two strains, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, were found to be highly sensitive to these oils as they showed almost total inhibition of their growth. For antibacterial activity, safflower EOs showed significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Xanthomonas campestris in both control and NaCl-treated plants: for these three strains, total inhibition of growth was noted at 50,000 ppm of EO in leaves and roots; whereas for stems, total inhibition was noted only for the third strain (Xanthomonas campestris). For other strains, this inhibition was variable and weak. Salt was found to have no effect on the activities of safflower EOs.

Proteomic study of the effect of metformin on C. albicans

Fungal infections are a global health problem. Of them, those produced by Candida albicans are the most important, with a reduced arsenal of antifungals and an increasing problem of antifungal resistance. Thus, the discovery of new antifungal targets and drugs remains interesting. Metformin is a biguanide administered as a first-line treatment for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and it has recently been published its anti-Candida action, especially against C. glabrata, and its synergistic effect with other antifungals. Our studies of the effect of metformin on C. albicans have revealed an inhibition of growth, filamentation and other phenotypes important for virulence. Although metformin has been described as an AMPK agonist, its mechanism of action is partly unknown. To deepen into the anti-Candida mechanism of action, we have addressed the differential proteomic study. A set-up of the conditions for the proteomic study has been carried out, fixing a concentration of 50mM of metformin, 6 h of treatment at 37°C in RPMI medium and with 60 rpm of agitation. The proteomic study using the Labelfree technique and 4 biological replicas, allowed the identification and quantification of a total of 1899 proteins, 206 of them presenting differences in abundance due to metformin exposure. Of these, 127 increased and 79 decreased due to the action of the drug. The most relevant functions of these proteins are related to antifungal response, filamentation, biofilm formation and metabolism, being 9 essential proteins for the microorganism that could be new antifungal targets.

Cytotoxic Effect of Pterocarpus santalinus and stevia-based Mouthwash - A Lab-based Analysis

Introduction: Red sandalwood called as Pterocarpus santalinus is esteemed for the rich red colour of its wood. Pterocarpus santalinus used as astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Also helpful in treating skin illness, fistula, haemorrhage and ulcers. Stevia rebaudina is a food additive with lingering flavor. The wood isn't aromatic. The tree isn't to be mistaken for the fragrant Santalum sandalwood trees that fill locally in South India. In the present study we have prepared Pterocarpus santalinus and stevia-based mouthwash and evaluated its cytotoxic activity. Materials and Methods: 1g of Pterocarpus santalinus and stevia were measured and 50 ml of distilled water were measured. Both were mixed together to make the aqueous extract. To that 10 nauplii were slowly added and the cytotoxic activity is analysed by the number of live nauplii counts. Results: First day, Nauplii were grown in the medium and it hatches out after 24 hours. Second day, Mouthwash was added according to the concentration. Nauplii were collected and for each concentration 10 nauplii were added. After adding the nauplii, cytotoxicity well as undisturbed for one full day to analyze the inhibition of growth. Third day, nauplii were counted and cytotoxicity of mouthwash was evaluated. Statistical analysis showed significant reduction in the nauplii count (P<0.05). Conclusion: Medicinal plants cure many severe diseases. Application of medicinal plants in the field of medicine should be improved. Based on the results recorded in the present study, it is concluded that Pterocarpus santalinus has a potential cytotoxicity activity. Hence the present study findings provide a beautiful base for some of the medicinal uses of Pterocarpus santalinus.

Knockdown of LMTK3 in the Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Ishikawa: Inhibition of Growth and Estrogen Receptor α

ObjectiveThe curative effect of high-efficiency progesterone and other therapeutic drugs for endometrioid adenocarcinoma patients with preservation of reproductive capacity has not been satisfactory so far. Novel therapeutic drugs need to be explored.MethodsWe investigated the cytoplastic and nuclear expression levels of LMTK3 between endometrioid adenocarcinoma tissues and adjacent endometrial tissues by immunohistochemistry. We detected the effects of LMTK3 on cell viability of Ishikawa cells by CCK-8. We detected the effects of LMTK3 on cell cycle and apoptosis of Ishikawa cells by flow cytometry. We also detected the effects of LMTK3 knockdown on mRNA and protein levels of ERα by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. We also used the cBioPortal online database to analyze the coexpression of LMTK3 and ESR1 in 1647 UCEC samples.ResultsWe used TMAs to identify that LMTK3 was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of endometrioid tissues, and cytoplasmic LMTK3 expression in endometrioid tissues was higher than that in adjacent endometrial tissues (P &lt; 0.05). LMTK3 knockdown decreased the proliferation of Ishikawa cells through decreasing cell viability (P &lt; 0.01), increasing G1 (P &lt; 0.001) arrest, and promoting apoptosis (P &lt; 0.01). There was a positive correlation between the mRNA expression levels of LMTK3 and ESR1 (Spearman: P=2.011e-5, R=0.13; Pearson: P=7.18e-8, R=0.17). Knockdown of LMTK3 also reduced the mRNA (P &lt; 0.001) and protein (P &lt; 0.001) levels of ERα.ConclusionsInhibitors of LMTK3 may be a possible future treatment for ERα and LMTK3 highly expressed endometrioid adenocarcinoma following appropriate studies.

Study of seeded pea lines in a nursery of competitive varietal trials under drought conditions in 2020

Peas are affected by weather conditions. The effects of adverse factors do not affect the formation of the crop for the better. Under the influence of drought and high temperatures, there was an inhibition of growth processes, namely, the construction of the leaf apparatus, which, in turn, led to a sharp decline in seed productivity. It is crucial to have varieties (lines) with a more stable and shorter period from sprouting to maturity, taking into account the sharply changing heat and moisture supply in the Akmola region, making it possible to harvest the crop earlier. The authors obtained the relationship between yield and abiotic factors and morphobiological characteristics of peas in the conditions of the Akmola region for 2020. In their research, the authors found that weather conditions influenced the duration of the growing season 2020 and the grain yield of field peas. The ever-increasing season for pea lines was within 83-91 days. The peculiarities of the lines used, temperature regime and precipitation of the third decade of June influenced the duration of two periods (sprouting-flowering and flowering-ripening). Yields of pea lines in the nursery of competitive variety trials ranged from 2.80 (line 93-04-2) to 18.53 c/ha (line 6-08-7). As a result of their research, the authors found a positive average correlation between plant height and the number of beans (r = 0.33). The average plant height per sample was 62 cm. The average number of beans per plant in the nursery was 5.9, and the average number of seeds was 20.0. The research results can be successfully used in the cultivation of domestic and foreign varieties of field peas. In international practice, the results of this experiment can be applied in the selective improvement of field peas and the creation of new high-tech varieties.