Search

The pervasiveness of urinary tract infections (UTIs) with their clinical manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus has escalated amidst the past decade or so, as myriad predisposing factors contribute to its occurrence. Although the causative agent of UTI is Escherichia coli, the etiopathogenesis can be traced back to glycosuria in the renal parenchymal region. This has precipitated pyelonephritis and renal complications, including cytopathic and altered metabolism. Furthermore, impaired immunity with scarce IL-6, 8 in urine, urinary retention, and dysfunctional voiding raise susceptibility towards uropathogens, mainly E. coli. Treatment for UTI with diabetes is based on symptoms and severity, urologic abnormalities, renal function, bladder infections, and metabolic alteration. The treatment process or regimens for patients with type 2 diabetes with asymptomatic bacteriuria are very low or negligible. Adequate management with antibiotic regimens in symptomatic patients after critical diagnosis is crucial for prophylaxis and effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the most significant constraints to crop production in dry parts of the world. This research emphasizes the beneficial effects of plant growth-promoting rhizo- bacterial isolates (PGPR) on the physiological responses of maize and wheat in a saline (NaCl) environment. Soil samples for the study were collected from a maize field in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India. Isolated bacterial strains were screened for salt (NaCl) toler- ance and plant growth-promoting characters (i.e., indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore production, amino cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activ- ity, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, and mineral phosphate solubilization). Screened bacterial isolates were further tested in pot experiments to examine their effects on wheat and maize growth. The treatments included five levels of bacterial inoculation (P0: control, P1: ACC deaminase positive + siderophore producer + NaCl tolerant bacteria, P2: mineral phosphate solubilizer + HCN producer + NaCl tolerant bacteria, P3: IAA producer + ACC deaminase positive + NaCl tolerant bacteria, P4: bacterial consortium, P5: Phosphomax commercial biofertilizer) and salt stress at 6 dS/m. Research findings found that exposure to a bacterial consortium led to the highest growth parameter in maize, including shoot length, root length, shoot and root dry weight followed by P2, P3, and P5 treatments at 6 dS/m salinity levels. However, P2 showed the best results for wheat at the same salinity levels, followed by P3, P4 and P5 treatments. P1 treatment did not show a significant result compared to control at 6dS/m salt level for both crops. The maximum proline content in maize and wheat was observed in P4 (23.28 μmol · g−1 ) and P2 (15.52 μmol · g−1 ) treatments, respectively, followed by P5 with Phosphomax biofertilizer. Therefore, the study proposed the application of growth-promoting bacterial isolates as efficient biofertilizers in the Baddi region of Himachal Pradesh, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is an essential micronutrient necessary for optimal development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Zinc-solubilizing microbes could be substitutes for zinc supplementation and transform inorganic zinc into accessible forms. The objective of the study was to culture and screen a variety of zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) from vermicompost for various plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics in tomato. Thirty-isolates from vermicompost were screened for Zn-solubilization and PGP activity. A quantitative assessment of Zn solubilization indicated maximum Zn solubilization was achieved with isolate VBZ4 (26.8 mg∙L−1) followed by isolate VBZ17 (22.2 mg∙L−1) on ZnO and 18.3 mg∙L−1 (isolate VBZ4), 15.6 mg∙mL−1 (isolate VBZ17) on ZnCO3 enriched media. The isolates were examined in association with tomato plants for growth, where isolate VBZ4 improved plant growth and maximum zinc content in tomato fruit (2.87 mg/100 g) followed by isolates VBZ4+ VBZ17 and isolate VBZ17 with 2.17 mg/100 g and 2.06 mg/100 g Zn content, respectively. Isolates VBZ4 and VBZ17 were identified as Pseudomonas sp. VBZ4 and P. stutzeri VBZ17. Application of these bacteria may help provide sufficient Zn bioavailability which could lead to improved plant growth in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is an essential micronutrient necessary for the optimal development and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Plants absorb zinc in soluble form as Zn2+; a large amount of zinc in the soil are in insoluble forms. Zinc solubilizing microbes could be substitutes for zinc fertilizers and transform inorganic zinc into plant accessible forms. The study was aimed to isolate and screen a range of Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) from vermicompost for their plant growth-promoting properties with okra. Thirty bacterial isolates from vermicompost were examined for zinc solubilization with ZnO and ZnCO3 using dilution plate method on Kings B medium. Two strains, i.e., VBZ4 and VBZ17, were found most prevalent Zn solubilizing isolates with 32 mm and 43 mm solubilization zone for ZnO supplemented media. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used for quantitative assessment of Zn solubilization, where VBZ4 displayed significantly higher solubility of ZnO (26.8 ppm) compared with VBZ17 (22.2 ppm). The quantitative results of plant growth promotion characters showed that VBZ4 and VBZ17 isolates to solubilize the maximum amount of phosphate with 316.72 μg/ml and 214.0 μg/ml, and indole acetic acid production, 10.2 μg/ml and 17.1 μg/ml respectively. Further, ZSB isolates were introduced with Okra seeds under pot experiment, where treatment P4 (seeds + VBZ4 + VBZ17) found significantly effective on plant growth and maximum zinc content in Okra fruit (2.85 mg/100g) compared to control. Application of these bacteria may help to provide sufficient amounts of Zn bioavailability, including improved plant growth in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally more than 5.2 billion hectares of farming fields are damaged through erosion, salinity and soil deterioration. Many salt stress tolerant bacteria have plant growth promoting (PGP) characteristics that can be used to overcome environmental stresses. Isolation and screening of salt-tolerant endophytes from Salicornia brachiata were achieved through surface sterilization of leaves followed by cultivation on 4% NaCl amended media. Performance of isolates towards indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, ammonia production, siderophore production and stress tolerance were determined. On the basis of the highest plant growth promoting activity, SbCT4 and SbCT7 isolates were tested for plant growth promotion with wheat and maize crops. In the present study, a total of 12 morphologically distinct salt-tolerant endophytic bacteria was cultured. Out of 12 isolates, 42% of salt-tolerant endophytes showed phosphate solubilization, 67% IAA production, 33% ACC-deaminase activity, 92% siderophore production, 41.6% ammonia production and 66% HCN production. A dendrogram, generated on the basis of stress tolerance, showed two clusters, each including five isolates. The bacterial isolates SbCT4 and SbCT7 showed the highest stress tolerance, and stood separately as an independent branch. Bacterial isolates increased wheat shoot and root dry weights by 60-82% and 50-100%, respectively. Similarly, improved results were obtained with maize shoot (27-150%) and root (80-126%) dry weights. For the first time from this plant the bacterial isolates were identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa SbCT4 and Bacillus subtilis SbCT7 based on phenotypic features and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Paenibacillus polymyxa SbCT4 and B. subtilis SbCT7 significantly improved plant growth compared to non-inoculated trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rise in human population and financial growth complicated the solid waste disposal worldwide and increase the possibilities of dispersion of diseases. This issue can only be solved through fusion of eco-friendly efficient techniques. In the present study, the efficacy of Eudrilus eugeniae has been tested for the food, medical and paper waste decomposition. During vermicomposting, Eudrilus eugeniae development was recorded with significant increase in length, weight, cocoon production, and adult individuals in final compost. Results of 60 days study suggested positive impact of vermicomposting on waste decomposition. Vermicompost of food waste (VFW) resulted with organic carbon 21.67%, 1.98% nitrogen content, and phosphate 0.59 mg/ml. Vermicompost of medical waste (VMW) analysis resulted with organic carbon 15.3%, 1.17% nitrogen, and 0.54 mg/ml phosphate. Whereas physico-chemical results of vermicompost of paper waste (VPW) showed 18.67% organic carbon, 1.39% nitrogen, and 0.79 mg/ml phosphate. The nutritional values of produced vermicompost from different solid wastes were estimated. The VFW resulted with increased nutrient contents than the VMW and VPW. Therefore, decompositing of waste materials by earthworms is the preeminent concept of nutrient renewal from green waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheath blight is referred to be a serious soil-borne disease resulting in financial losses towards rice farming. The existing research focused towards examining the potential of Bacillus subtilis strain AK38 (GenBank ID: KY458554. 1) and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain AK18 (GenBank ID: KY458552. 1), isolated from maize (Zea mays L.) rhizosphere, to regulate sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani in rice (Oryza sativa L.) as well as to examine their impact on plant development. Biocontrol attributes of selected strains, biofilm examination, root colonisation and gnotobiotic examination had been determined. AK38 and AK18 bacterial strains created biofilm effectively and live in rice rhizosphere even after 30 days of the plantation with 5.2 × 105 and 4.8 × 105 CFU/g of root. The quantity of auxin synthesis was registered 31.2μg ml-1 in the 72 hr of incubation. Additional plant development attributes i.e. siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, HCN production was confirmed positive with regard to each isolate. The statistical study of data shown significant improvement in root and shoot size 95% and 78.4%, respectively, over control. In addition, 77% decline within disease incidence has been demonstrated in vivo trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of microorganisms generate highly potent surface-active bio-molecules or biosurfactants, which vary in their chemical properties and molecular size. In the present study, bioremediation effect of Pseudomonas fluorescence RE1 (GenBank: MF102882.1) and RE17 (GenBank: MF103672.1) endophytes on heavy metals Zn, Cr, Cd, and Ni were investigated. A total of 56 morphologically distinct isolates from indigenous rice roots were selected and subsequently characterised genotypically by using 16S rRNA sequencing approach. Next, biosurfactant production and heavy metal removal ability by the isolates were screened on the basis of α and β hemolysis on blood agar plates, BATH assay, and CTAB method. Analysis of bioremediation of heavy metals was done by using atomic adsorption spectroscopy. Bioremediation analysis revealed that isolates RE1 and RE17 reduced the concentration of Zn by up to 92% and 90% at pH 7.5, respectively, while for Ni, % removal was the same for both strains at 95% at pH 7.5. Biosorption results for Cr and Cd showed highest metal removal efficiency by Pseudomonas fluorescence RE17 at pH 8, 92% and 98%, respectively. Both isolates showed significant metal removal efficiency at 32±1 °C for all experimental heavy metals. The present study suggests that all endophytes withstand at high concentration of testing heavy metals and can be used for bioremediation of heavy metals in contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are facing today. Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material which is used as a natural soil conditioner. Vermicomposting is environment friendly and cost effective technique for solid waste management. Vermicomposting serves two main purposes for the welfare of humans as it helps in the degradation of solid waste and the cast produced during this process is used as a natural fertilizer. Vermicompost is much better than chemical fertilizer because it is not associated with any kind of risk. Earthworms are potentially important creatures that are capable of transforming garbage into gold. Eisenia fetida is the most commonly used species of earthworms for vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is a mesophilic process and should be maintained up to 32°C with the moisture content of 60-80%. Earthworms break down organic matter and leave behind castings that are an exceptionally valuable fertilizer. Vermicomposting has many applications in crop improvement such as pathogen destruction, water holding capacity of soil, improved crop growth and yield, improved soil physical, chemical and biological properties and production of plant growth regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living bacteria may trigger the plant growth through production of phytohormones viz. gibberellins, auxins and cytokinins. A total 50 isolates of fluorescent Pseudomonas were screened for their ability to produce cytokinins such as isopentenyladenosine (IPA), dihydroxyzeatin riboside (DHZR) and zeatin riboside (ZR) as plant growth-promoting activity. Pseudomonas fluorescens AK1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa AK2 were found higher phytohormones producing strains. Of the three cytokinins, IPA was the major cytokinin produced by both isolates in pure culture (5.5 and 2.9 pmol/ml, respectively) and with rice root exudates (5.9 and 3.4 pmol/ml, respectively). Production of ZR and DHZR for both organisms was found after 48 and 72 h. Amount of ZR and DHZR increased with time for both isolates in pure culture conditions. In presence of rice, production of ZR was increased 0.8 and 0.6 pmol/ml for P. fluorescence AK1 and P. aeruginosa AK2, respectively, in comparison with controls. There was no significant difference in the production of DHZR with rice exudates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Correction: Identification and molecular validation of Bean Common Mosaic Virus Resistant Donors in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)" published in the Indian Journal of Microbiology addresses an error in the affiliation details of one of the authors, Arun Karnwal. The correction specifies the correct affiliation as the Department of Microbiology, School of Bioengineering and BioSciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Kapurthala, Punjab, India. The original article has been rectified, and the publisher, Springer Nature, maintains neutrality regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is considered as a hope for bioplastic production, which can serve as a sustainable alternative. Utilizing feedstock as substrate is widely explored for the production but wood waste, which is abundant in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignocellulose, has limited studies for PHB production. Herein, wood waste is used as a biobased feedstock Hydrolyses of wood waste was done using sulphuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) to break down of cellulose and hemicellulose into simple carbon forms. The hydrolysed product was analysed for sugar presence by quantitative and qualitative methods. Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial strain was used for the production purpose using hydrolysed wood waste as substrate media. The Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to optimize the growth media. The results of PBD were used to identify significant factors influencing PHB production, which were then further optimized using RSM. The work's results conclusively demonstrated that P . fluorescens possesses the capability to effectively utilize wood waste and wastewater as substrate media up to production rate of 13-14 mg mL -1 of PHB. Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopic peaks confirm the produced product is PHB, which is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), classified within the polyester family highlighting wood waste potential as a sustainable solution to address plastic pollution.