Search

Background and Objectives: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 development. The course of the infection may vary. Long-term consequences for graft function are still being studied. We investigate whether the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection among KTRs had a long-term effect on graft function. Patients and method: 128 KTRs with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: mild (without the need for oxygen therapy; n = 91) and severe (with the need for oxygen therapy; n = 21). Baseline characteristics and medical data, especially creatinine level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) CKD-EPI, and proteinuria, were analyzed. The main outcomes were the absolute and relative change in eGFR during the one-year follow-up after COVID-19. In the final models, sex, age, smoking, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were included. Results: KTRs with severe COVID-19 were older, more likely to smoke, and had DM and CVD more frequently. Our analysis reveals that COVID-19 severity was associated with a significantly more pronounced relative eGFR decline one year after recovery only in males [−13.94 (95% CI: −25.13 to −2.76, p = 0.015) percentage points]. One year after the disease onset, males with a severe course of the infection had a higher eGFR decline than those with a mild one. The COVID-19 severity did not affect eGFR loss in females. Conclusions: In KTRs suffering from COVID-19, deterioration of graft function was noticed. The eGFR decline was associated with disease severity and sex. It indicates a need for further research, observation, and preventive actions for KTRs, especially males.

Fungi from the genus Diaporthe have been reported as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes on a wide range of host plants worldwide. Their precise identification is problematic since many Diaporthe species can colonize a single host plant, whereas the same Diaporthe species can inhabit many hosts. Recently, Diaporthe has been proven to be a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites. In our initial study, 40 Diaporthe isolates were analyzed for their metabolite production. A total of 153 compounds were identified based on their spectroscopic properties—Ultraviolet-visible and mass spectrometry. From these, 43 fungal metabolites were recognized as potential chemotaxonomic markers, mostly belonging to the drimane sesquiterpenoid-phthalide hybrid class. This group included mainly phytotoxic compounds such as cyclopaldic acid, altiloxin A, B, and their derivatives. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the metabolomic studies on Diaporthe eres species complex from fruit trees in the South-Eastern Poland. The results from our study may provide the basis for the future research on the isolation of identified metabolites and on their bioactive potential for agricultural applications as biopesticides or biofertilizers.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) associates with complex lipoprotein disturbances resulting in high cardiovascular risk. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a polymorphic protein with three common isoforms (E2; E3; E4) that plays a crucial role in lipoprotein metabolism, including hepatic clearance of chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants, and reverse cholesterol transport. It demonstrates anti-atherogenic properties but data concerning the link between polymorphism and level of APOE in CKD patients are inconclusive. The aim of our research was to assess the relationship between APOE gene polymorphism and APOE concentration and its redistribution among lipoproteins along with CKD progression. Methods 90 non-dialysed CKD patients were included into the study. Real time PCR was used for APOE genotyping. APOE level was measured in serum and in isolated lipoprotein fractions (VLDL; IDL + HDL; HDL). Kidney function was assessed using eGFR CKD-EPI formula. Results The population was divided into three APOE genotype subgroups: E2(ε2ε3), E3(ε3ε3) and E4(ε3ε4). The highest APOE level was observed for the E2 subgroup (p

Background/Aims: Hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) and reduction and dysfunction of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are common lipid disturbances in chronic kidney disease (CKD). HTG in CKD is caused mainly by the decreased efficiency of lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated very low density lipoprotein triglyceride (VLDL-TG) lipolysis. It has not been clarified whether HDL dysfunction in CKD contributes directly to HTG development; thus, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of CKD progression on the ability of HDL to enhance LPL-mediated VLDL-TG lipolysis efficiency. Methods: VLDL was isolated from non-dialysis patients in CKD stages 3 and 4 and from non-CKD patients. The VLDL was incubated with LPL at the constant LPL:VLDL-TG ratio, in the absence or presence of HDL. After incubation, the VLDL was separated and the percentage (%) of hydrolyzed TG was calculated. Results: HDL presence increased the lipolysis efficiency of VLDL isolated from CKD and non-CKD patients, for the VLDL-TG> 50 mg/dl. Its effect was dependent on the VLDL-TG and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the reaction mixtures: the higher the concentrations of VLDL-TG and HDL-cholesterol, the greater the effect. The positive impact of HDL on VLDL lipolysis was modified by CKD progression: the percentage of lipolyzed VLDL-TG in the presence of HDL decreased with a reduction in eGFR (r=0.43, p=0.009), and for patients with stage 4 CKD, no positive impact of HDL on lipolysis was observed. The percentage of lipolyzed TG correlated negatively with apoE and apoCs content in VLDL, and positively with HDL-apoCII, as well as with VLDL and HDL apoCII/ apoCIII ratios. The progression of CKD was associated with unfavourable changes in VLDL and HDL composition; apoE and apoCs levels increased in VLDL with a decrease in eGFR whereas the HDL-cholesterol level decreased. Conclusion: The progression of CKD affects lipoprotein composition and properties, and modulates the positive impact of HDL on VLDL lipolysis efficiency. In CKD patients, HDL deficiency and dysfunction can directly affect hypertriglyceridaemia development.

Recently, Diaporthe has been considered the most frequently isolated genera of endophytic fungi, having a broad spectrum of host plants and a worldwide distribution. The endophytic Diaporthe strain used in the present work came from the Fungal Collection of Phytopathology and Mycology Subdepartment, University of Life Sciences in Lublin (Poland), and was isolated from healthy Prunus domestica shoots during previous studies. Due to the possibility of using the Diaporthe endophytes as a promising option for plant disease management, the main goal of the research was to study the antagonistic effect of endophytic Diaporthe strain against six phytopathogens: Verticillium dahliae, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium avenaceum, F. sprotrichioides, Alternaria alternata, and Trichothecium roseum based on the dual culture assay and to determine the catabolic profile of the endophyte by using Biolog FF Plates. The dual-culture test assay revealed the ability of the endophytic Diaporthe to limit the growth of all tested pathogens. The growth inhibition percentage ranged from 20% (V. dahliae) to 40% (T. roseum). A distinct zone of inhibition occurred between the endophytic Diaporthe and the pathogens T. roseum, V. dahliae, and B. cinerea in the co-growth combinations. As for the catabolic profile results, the most intensive utilization of carbon substrates was observed after 168 h of incubation. The growth of the analyzed strain was observed on 79 media containing carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, amino acids, amines and amides, polymers, and others. The most effective decomposition was observed in the polymers group, the least in amines and amides. Molecular identification indicated that this strain was closely related to the Diaporthe eres species complex.

Podczas mikrorozmnażania roślin ozdobnych obserwowano zanieczyszczenia pożywki oraz mikrobulw gloriozy i mikropędów czosnków. W celu poznania mikroorganizmów zagrażających kulturom in vitro przeprowadzono identyfikację grzybów i bakterii na podstawie cech morfologicznych oraz wybranych testów fizjologicznych i biochemicznych. W przypadku bakterii przeprowadzono także testy patogeniczności, aby w pełni ocenić ich szkodliwość. Okazało się, że najczęściej izolowano niepatogeniczne bakterie, wśród których dominowały Gram-ujemne należące do rodzajów Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella i Erwinia. Jednak 5 pektolitycznych izolatów Erwinia (Pectobacterium) wyizolowanych z mikropędów czosnków uznano za patogeniczne, bowiem powodowały zgniliznę pędów badanych taksonów tej rośliny. Do najczęściej izolowanych grzybów należały gatunki z rodzajów Sarocladium, Penicillium, Talaromyces i Cladosporium, które powszechnie występują w przyrodzie jako saprotrofy.

The occurrence and elements of morphology of P. negriana Thüm. were studied. The fungus cultures were isolated from grapevine canes cultivated in South–East Poland. Grapevine stems from which the cultures of P. negriana were obtained showed symptoms of necrosis and bark break. The species of the fungus was identified on the basis of pycnidia and conidia morphology, the character of colonies growth and biochemical features of the studied isolates.

The possibilities of using antagonistic fungi and bacteria in the limitation of grapevine stems infection by Phomopsis viticola Sacc. were studied. Trichodema koningii Oud., T.viride Persoon ex S.F.,T.harzianum Rifai, Gliocladium catenulatum Gilman and Abbott, G.fimbriatum Gilman and Abbott, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and five unidentified isolates of bacteria i.e.: 22a, 35, 40, 45, 66 were estimated. It was appeared what Trichoderma spp. were the most effective in protection of grapevine stems against the infection by P.viticola. After these antagonistic fungi were used on protected grapevine canes not numerous necrosis were observed and few cultures of pathogen were reisolated from them. Moreover, Trichoderma spp. survived on the grapevine stems during the period of experiment. The abilities of other microorganisms tested to protect grapevine cuttings against P.viticola infection and to exist on the stems were less than Trichoderma spp.

Out of 282 isolates of epiphytic bacteria population originating from grapevine leaves 15% inhibited growth of Phomopsis viticola on potato-dextrose agar. Protective activity of 16 isolates, representing different morphological groups was tested on one-year old of grapevine stems fragments. Majority of bacterial isolates which inhibited the fungus growth in-vitro provided no protection of stems fragments against P. viticola. The efficiency of protection activity of bacterial isolates tested decreased with time. The most effective isolates of bacteria in protection of grapevine stemswere identified as Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens.

SpoIIE is a bifunctional protein involved in asymmetric septum formation and in activation of the forespore compartment-specific transcription factor σF through dephosphorylation of SpoIIAA-P. The phosphatase activity of SpoIIE requires Mn2+ as a metal cofactor. Here, we show that the presence of a metal cofactor also influences SpoIIE oligomerization and asymmetric septum formation. Absence of Mn2+ from sporulation medium results in a delay of the formation of polar FtsZ-rings, similar to a spoIIE null mutant. We purified the entire cytoplasmic part of the SpoIIE protein, and show that the protein copurifies with bound metals. Metal binding both stimulates SpoIIE oligomerization, and results in the formation of larger oligomeric structures. The presence of SpoIIE oligomers reduces FtsZ GTP hydrolysis activity and stabilizes FtsZ polymers in a light scattering assay. Combined, these results indicate that metal binding is not just required for SpoIIE phosphatase activity but also is important for SpoIIE's role in asymmetric septum formation.

In recent years, it has been reported the increasing harmfulness of Diaporthe/Phomopsis spp. in the orchards and nurseries worldwide. They cause nonspecific symptoms which in combination with the morphological similarity of the cultures and difficult sporulation creates problems with their correct identification using classical methods. This implies the need to integrate advanced molecular techniques to identify the strain on the species level. The aim of this research was to determine the identity and genetically characterize forty isolates of Diaporthe/Phomopsis obtained in 2010–2012 from the shoots of selected fruit trees grown in the south-eastern Poland. Using the RAPD-PCR technique the genetic similarity within studied population has been demonstrated irrespectively of the origin and type of the host plant from which the isolates derived. Based on the comparative analysis of the non-coding sequence of the ITS regions (ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, ITS2) with the sequences available in NCBI database the studied Diaporthe isolates were identified as Diaporthe eres species complex not described previously on fruit trees under Polish conditions.

ABSTRACT A mechanistic understanding of the determination and maintenance of the simplest bacterial cell shape, a sphere, remains elusive compared with that of more complex shapes. Cocci seem to lack a dedicated elongation machinery, and a spherical shape has been considered an evolutionary dead-end morphology, as a transition from a spherical to a rod-like shape has never been observed in bacteria. Here we show that a Staphylococcus aureus mutant (M5) expressing the ftsZG193D allele exhibits elongated cells. Molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro studies indicate that FtsZG193D filaments are more twisted and shorter than wild-type filaments. In vivo, M5 cell wall deposition is initiated asymmetrically, only on one side of the cell, and progresses into a helical pattern rather than into a constricting ring as in wild-type cells. This helical pattern of wall insertion leads to elongation, as in rod-shaped cells. Thus, structural flexibility of FtsZ filaments can result in an FtsZ-dependent mechanism for generating elongated cells from cocci. IMPORTANCE The mechanisms by which bacteria generate and maintain even the simplest cell shape remain an elusive but fundamental question in microbiology. In the absence of examples of coccus-to-rod transitions, the spherical shape has been suggested to be an evolutionary dead end in morphogenesis. We describe the first observation of the generation of elongated cells from truly spherical cocci, occurring in a Staphylococcus aureus mutant containing a single point mutation in its genome, in the gene encoding the bacterial tubulin homologue FtsZ. We demonstrate that FtsZ-dependent cell elongation is possible, even in the absence of dedicated elongation machinery.

A broad series of 4,5,6,7-tetrahalogenated benzimidazoles and 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-benzene-1,3-diol derivatives was tested against selected bacteria and fungi. For this study three plant pathogens Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., and Sclerotinia sp., as well as Staphylo­coccus sp., Enterococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella spp. , and Candida spp. as human pathogens were used. MIC values and/or area of growth reduction method were applied in order to compare the activity of the synthesized compounds. From the presented set of 22 compounds, only 8, 16, 18 and 19 showed moderate to good inhibition against bacterial strains. Against Candida strains only compound 19 with three hydroxyl substituted benzene moiety presented high inhibition at nystatin level or lower.

The purpose of this study, conducted in the years 2000 - 2002, was to identify fungi species colonizing apparently healthy canes and to investigate whether canes storage modify the quantitative and qualitative composition of these fungi. The plant material was collected from 5 commercial plantations growing in various regions of Poland, taking into consideration 8 cultivars which were the most frequently cultivated. From each plantation and cultivar 20 apparently healthy canes were randomly sampled in two terms: before storage - November/December (term I) and 3-4 months after storage - February/March (term II). The results showed that from asymptomatic canes 2746 isolates of fungi belonging to 23 species were obtained, but the majority of them origined from canes analysed after storage. It was found that P. viticola is able to live latently within grapevine tissue in Polish conditions because isolates of this fungus from visually healty canes the all studied plantations and terms were obtained. Among the other fungi species inhabiting grapevine canes Alternaria alternata and Fusarium spp. dominated. Moreover, both in term I and term II Botrytis cinerea, Phoma spp., Epicoccum purpurascens and Cladosporium cladosporioides were frequently isolated, whereas fungi from the genus Acremonium only in the term I. Each time isolates of Trichoderma spp. and Gliocladium spp. were also obtained. Inhabitation of grapevine canes by various fungi species shown in the present experiment indicate the danger of pathogens spread with propagation material on the new plantations.

BACKGROUND:The presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an indicator of a worse long-term prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke (IS). Unfortunately, not much is known about renal function in the population of post-IS subjects. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of renal damage and impaired renal function (IRF) in the population of post-IS subjects. METHODS:This prospective analysis concerned 352 consecutive post-IS survivors hospitalized in Pomeranian stroke centers (Poland) in 2009. In this group estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to MDRD (modification of diet in renal diseases) and CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) formulas and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) were determined. RESULTS:Among survivors decreased eGFR (

Microscopic fungi are important in reducing of the quality of the herb material. This study concerns the fungi that may colonize the above-ground and underground organs of angelica (Archangelica officinalis). The study was conducted in the years 2008–2011 in the natural conditions of plant growth. Disease and etiological symptoms occurring on plants at the stage of 8-week-old seedlings, at anthesis and during the harvest were observed. T those dates the mycological analysis of the studied plants was conducted by artificial culture methods, taking into account schizocarps for sowing as well as the roots, stem bases and stalks, leaves, umbels and formed schizocarps. A total of 32 species of fungi, including those pathogenic to angelica and other herbs, were cultured and identified. These include species of the genera Colletotrichum, Phoma, Fusarium, Sclerotinia, Rhizoctonia, Ramularia and Phomopsis.

The knowledge of life requirements of phytopathogenic fungi allows to provide the periods of their mass occurrence on plant plantations and determine the optimal conditions for their isolation and culture on artificial media. Areas of occurrence of P. diachenii on caraway plants indicate the thermophilic nature of the fungus although there is a lack of information about research on this topic. In the present study the growth and development of one-spore cultures of six isolates of P. diachenii at the temperature: 0oC, 4oC, 10oC, 16oC, 22oC, 28oC, 33oC and 38oC on Czapek-Dox medium and also the growth and development of the same isolates in eight agar media at the temperature 25°C were examined. It was shown that the optimum temperature for the growth and sporulation of most isolates of P. diachenii and for the secretion of mature conidia from conidioma ranged 22oC to 28oC. Based on the nature of growth and development of P. diachenii on the examined media, Czapek-Dox and mineral ones as slightly acidic, and possibly malt extract should be recommend for isolation of the fungus from the plant tissue. PDA and Czapek-Dox media were considered the most suitable for diagnostic purposes due to the formation of characteristic macroscopic and microscopic features on these substrates. These substrates with fragments of carnation leaves should be recommended for the stimulation of fungal sporulation.

The three Bacillus species isolated from petroleum refinery waste were examined for antifungal activity on brewery effluents and molasses for biotechnological applications. Bacillus strains were identified by three different methods: 16S rRNA gene sequences, BIOLOG system and fatty acid analysis (FAME). The results demonstrated the ability of all three Bacillus strains cultured on brewery effluents and molasses to inhibit mycelial growth of the 10 tested fungi to varying degrees measured by agar plate inhibition assays. Fungi inhibited to the greatest degree as measured by the zones of inhibition were Botrytis cinerea A 258, Phomopsis viticola W 977, Septoria carvi K 2082, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides A 259, Phoma complanata A 233 and Phoma exigua var. exigua A 175. It was also observed that the fungal mycelial growth was inhibited by the cell-free supernatants, indicating lipoprotein-like activity of antifungal agents (mainly biosurfactants). Tested fungi were most sensitive to the Bacilli supernatants obtained from the molasses cultures including: B. cinerea A 258, R. solani W 70, S. sclerotiorum K 2291, Phomopsis diachenii K 657, C. dematium K 425, P. complanata A 233, P. exigua var. exigua A 175. In the previous study it was shown that Bacillus species produced biosurfactants. Application of natural products such as these Bacillus species or their byproducts may be a new approach to phytopathogen control therefore reducing the need for fungicides.

Phomopsis diachenii belongs to the fungi recently detected on the herbs in the Polish climatic conditions. The purpose of this work was to study the fungus harmfulness to sowing material, seedlings, stems and leaves of caraway. The pathogenicity tests according to Koch’s postulates were carried out for 2 and 4 P. diachenii isolates using postculture liquids, water suspension of conidia and discs of fungus sporulating mycelium to inoculate the plants’ parts. The studies were conducted both in the laboratory and a climatic chamber. P. diachenii caused disease symptoms in the form of necrosis on all plant organs tested. The ability for asymptomatic P. diachenii colonization of inoculated plants’ parts was determined. It was found that injuries of the plant epidermal tissue significantly increased the efficiency of inoculation. The performed pathogenicity tests and the results from electron microscopy SEM observation showed that the tested isolates of P. diachenii were occasional pathogens of caraway.

Bacterial cell division is mediated by a multi-protein machine known as the "divisome", which assembles at the site of cell division. Formation of the divisome starts with the polymerization of the tubulin-like protein FtsZ into a ring, the Z-ring. Z-ring formation is under tight control to ensure bacteria divide at the right time and place. Several proteins bind to the Z-ring to mediate its membrane association and persistence throughout the division process. A conserved stretch of amino acids at the C-terminus of FtsZ appears to be involved in many interactions with other proteins. Here, we describe a novel pull-down assay to look for binding partners of the FtsZ C-terminus, using a HaloTag affinity tag fused to the C-terminal 69 amino acids of B. subtilis FtsZ. Using lysates of Escherichia coli overexpressing several B. subtilis cell division proteins as prey we show that the FtsZ C-terminus specifically pulls down SepF, but not EzrA or MinC, and that the interaction depends on a conserved 16 amino acid stretch at the extreme C-terminus. In a reverse pull-down SepF binds to full-length FtsZ but not to a FtsZΔC16 truncate or FtsZ with a mutation of a conserved proline in the C-terminus. We show that the FtsZ C-terminus is required for the formation of tubules from FtsZ polymers by SepF rings. An alanine-scan of the conserved 16 amino acid stretch shows that many mutations affect SepF binding. Combined with the observation that SepF also interacts with the C-terminus of E. coli FtsZ, which is not an in vivo binding partner, we propose that the secondary and tertiary structure of the FtsZ C-terminus, rather than specific amino acids, are recognized by SepF.

The occurrence of plant diseases is determined by the interaction of three factors – pathogen, susceptible host plant and environment. C. gloeosporioides is a polyphagous species occurring in different geographical regions of the world. The present work shows results from 10 years of studies concerning the occurrence C. gloeosporioides on various crops including herbs (spices) and medicinal plants in South-East Poland. The presence of the pathogen causing plant anthracnose was detected on the above-ground parts of angelica Archangelica officinalis Hoffm, thyme Thymus vulgaris L., caraway Carum carvi L. and elder Sambucus nigra L. However, the epidemic occurrence of this fungus was recorded on ornamental lupine plants in the years 1999–2001 as well as on angelica plants and elder umbels in 2010, i.e. during the vegetative periods with temperatures above 20oC and frequent rainfalls. In these conditions the intensive sporulation of pathogen during the necrotrophic phase of growth was the essential diagnostic factor. Mineral and malt extract culture media were convenient for the isolation of fungus while PDADifco medium for identification.

Celem pracy było poznanie bakterii zasiedlających orzechy laskowe odmiany Olbrzymi z Halle z objawami czarnej plamistości owocni oraz ciemnienia i rozmiękczenia jądra, a także sprawdzenie zdolności patogenicznych wytypowanych izolatów bakterii w stosunku do tych organów. Obiektem badań w latach 2000-2002 były orzechy z wymienionymi objawami pochodzące z plantacji produkcyjnych leszczyny w Motyczu i Końskowoli. W czerwcu i sierpniu każdego roku izolowano bakterie z chorych orzechów, spośród których wybrano 42 reprezentatywne izolaty. Testy fizjologiczne, biochemiczne i testy patogeniczności wykazały, że 3 izolaty Erwinia spp., 4 izolaty Bacillus spp. i 3 izolaty Pseudomonas fluorescens z grupy powodujących miękkie zgnilizny mogły uszkadzać zawiązki i owoce leszczyny. Efektywność zakażeń była znacznie wyższa po inokulacji organów młodych i zranionych. Za potencjalny patogen owoców uznano bakterie Erwinia spp. Wydaje się, że pektolityczne szczepy Bacillus spp. Pseudomonas fluorescens można uznać za fakultatywne pasożyty posiadające zdolność do uszkadzania orzechów w sprzyjających warunkach.

Spośród 138 badanych izolatów bakterii epifitycznych pochodzących z liści leszczyny, 12 izolatów ograniczało in vitro wzrost kolonii Botrytis cinerea, 33 ograniczało wzrost Cytospora corylicola, 31 hamowało wzrost Gloeosporium coryli, a 36 wykazywało antagonistyczne oddziaływanie w stosunku do Phomopsis sp. Stwierdzono, że tylko 9 izolatów ograniczało wzrost kolonii wszystkich wymienionych patogenów, a 7 izolatów ograniczało wzrost przynajmniej 3 gatunków grzybów patogenicznych. Zdolność badanych izolatów bakterii do ograniczania wzrostu patogenów była większa po 4 dniach biotycznego oddziaływania, a po 8 dniach znacznie się zmniejszyła. Najefektywniejsze w ograniczaniu izolaty bakterii należały do rodzajów Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus sp., Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella lub Erwinia cypripedii.