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Sheath rot of rice is one of the most devastating diseases of rice due to its ability to reduce the yield significantly in all rice cultivating areas of India. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Bacillus cereus strain RBS-57 against sheath rot disease of rice. In addition, it enables us to understand the molecular mechanism of the host–pathogen-bioagent interactions using a proteomic approach. A combination of seed treatment, seedling dip, and foliar spray with RBS-57 liquid formulation has recorded the lowest sheath rot disease index, both under pot experiment (21.33%) and field conditions (15.33% in trial I and 12.42% in trial II, respectively). In addition to that, RBS-57 application enhanced the plant growth and yield attributes. Moreover, a 2D-PAGE study uses protein profiling to illustrate the molecular response of the tripartite interaction between host–pathogen-bioagent. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis identified a total of 20 differentially expressed proteins, primarily implicated in plant metabolism and development, defense response, transcription and signalling. Selected genes were validated by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. The alterations in protein abundance and transcripts were positively correlated for all the genes. The present study provides initial insights into the molecular mechanism that underlies the tripartite interaction between the host–pathogen-bioagent in rice plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actually, there are intensive efforts towards eco-friendly integrated agricultural management measures to control plant diseases and pests. One of the most promising approaches is the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in combination with organic biopesticides such as eagle fern manure (FM) compost tea. However, their effects have been mainly studied independently from each other. The potential interactions between belowground plant-associated microorganisms such as AMF and aboveground foliar application of biopesticide to mitigate common tomato phytopathogens and pests remain untapped, particularly under on-farm conditions. In a randomized complete block design, the impact of inoculating tomato seedlings with a selected AMF consortium and beyond that the impact of mycorrhized plants receiving three different doses of FM compost tea (0%, 5%, and 10%) on the control of tomato-specific plant diseases and pests and subsequently on the crop yield were examined. The present study demonstrated a sevenfold increase in the rate of mycorrhizal root colonization (from 10% to 70%) in tomato plants that received the combined application of AMF and 10% FM compost tea compared to the control plants that did not receive AMF inoculum and FM compost tea. The combination of AMF and FM compost tea application led to positive synergistic effects that promoted beneficial effects in suppressing the incidence and severity of common tomato diseases and pests. The magnitude of these synergistic effects increased with AMF inoculation and FM compost tea dosage, culminating in greater suppression of tomato plant diseases and pests and, moreover, in an increase in fruit yield compared to control plants. The combination of AMF and 10% FM compost tea revealed a higher suppressive ability against most pathogens and insect attacks. This was evidenced by a 71.3% and 94.7% total reduction in incidence and severity, respectively, compared to control plants. Frontiers in This is the first time that pre-inoculation of AM, combined with FM compost tea application, has been reported as a potential biocontrol alternative to suppress common tomato pathogens and pests while increasing cherry tomato yields sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the agri-food residues of tomato and strawberry as sources of bacteria with bio-protective potential against different pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms for enhancing product shelf life and improving food safety. A comprehensive review of research highlights that Pseudomonas (e.g., P. fluorescens) and Bacillus (e.g., B. subtilis) are relevant genera in the microbiota of both tomato and strawberry plants, as opposed to lactic acid bacteria which are a minority in both plants. Interestingly, those dominant microbial groups have been reported to exhibit potential bio-protective capabilities. This work also discusses different innovative and sustainable methods, such as the use of protective coating or microencapsulation, and the importance of related factors (produce surface properties, bacterial adhesion, etc.) for applying bio-protective cultures in tomato and strawberry, emphasizing the pros and cons. As a conclusion, we suggest that bio-protective cultures are applied at an earlier stage, at crop, exploiting the antimicrobial abilities in the pre- and post-harvest continuum. This bio-protective approach contributes to a more bio-based strategy to sustainably preserve fruits and vegetables from farm to fork.

Actually, there are intensive efforts towards eco-friendly integrated agricultural management measures to control plant diseases and pests. One of the most promising approaches is the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in combination with organic biopesticides such as eagle fern manure (FM) compost tea. However, their effects have been mainly studied independently from each other. The potential interactions between belowground plant-associated microorganisms such as AMF and aboveground foliar application of biopesticide to mitigate common tomato phytopathogens and pests remain untapped, particularly under on-farm conditions. In a randomized complete block design, the impact of inoculating tomato seedlings with a selected AMF consortium and beyond that the impact of mycorrhized plants receiving three different doses of FM compost tea (0%, 5%, and 10%) on the control of tomato-specific plant diseases and pests and subsequently on the crop yield were examined. The present study demonstrated a sevenfold increase in the rate of mycorrhizal root colonization (from 10% to 70%) in tomato plants that received the combined application of AMF and 10% FM compost tea compared to the control plants that did not receive AMF inoculum and FM compost tea. The combination of AMF and FM compost tea application led to positive synergistic effects that promoted beneficial effects in suppressing the incidence and severity of common tomato diseases and pests. The magnitude of these synergistic effects increased with AMF inoculation and FM compost tea dosage, culminating in greater suppression of tomato plant diseases and pests and, moreover, in an increase in fruit yield compared to control plants. The combination of AMF and 10% FM compost tea revealed a higher suppressive ability against most pathogens and insect attacks. This was evidenced by a 71.3% and 94.7% total reduction in incidence and severity, respectively, compared to control plants. This is the first time that pre-inoculation of AM, combined with FM compost tea application, has been reported as a potential biocontrol alternative to suppress common tomato pathogens and pests while increasing cherry tomato yields sustainably.

Finding alternatives to the use of chemical inputs to preserve the sanitary and organoleptic quality of food and beverages is essential to meet public health requirements and consumer preferences. In oenology, numerous manufacturers already offer a diverse range of bio-protection yeasts to protect must against microbiological alterations and therefore limit or eliminate sulphites during winemaking. Bio-protection involves selecting non-Saccharomyces yeasts belonging to different genera and species to induce negative interactions with indigenous microorganisms, thereby limiting their development and their impact on the matrix. Although the effectiveness of bio-protection in the winemaking industry has been reported in numerous journals, the underlying mechanisms are not yet well understood. The aim of this review is to examine the current state of the art of field trials and laboratory studies that demonstrate the effects of using yeasts for bio-protection, as well as the interaction mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects. It focuses on the yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima, particularly recommended for the bio-protection of grape musts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood fiber and its products are modified to increase fire and bio-resistance. The best results are achieved by using modifiers that enter into chemical interaction with the hydroxylated substrate, forming the organic matrix of the materials. The purpose of the research described in the article was to study the possibility of using boron-nitrogen compounds to modify cellulose and cellulose-containing materials to improve the performance, bio- and fire-protective properties of construction materials, as well as to optimize the consumption of boron-nitrogen compounds. As a result of the research, it was found that the boron-nitrogen compounds used in the compositions developed here chemically interact with hydroxyl groups at the C6-atom of cellulose. The chemical interaction of boron-nitrogen compounds with cellulose is an inter-crystalline process occurring without destruction of the crystal structure of the substrate since the modifier molecules bind with the more accessible hydroxyl groups of the amorphous regions of cellulose. Thus, surface modification with boron-nitrogen compounds does not result in accelerated aging of cellulose-containing materials and loss of strength but, on the contrary, increases the durability of wooden structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding alternatives to the use of chemical inputs to preserve the sanitary and organoleptic quality of food and beverages is essential to meet public health requirements and consumer preferences. In oenology, numerous manufacturers already offer a diverse range of bio-protection yeasts to protect must against microbiological alterations and therefore limit or eliminate sulphites during winemaking. Bio-protection involves selecting non-Saccharomyces yeasts belonging to different genera and species to induce negative interactions with indigenous microorganisms, thereby limiting their development and their impact on the matrix. Although the effectiveness of bio-protection in the winemaking industry has been reported in numerous journals, the underlying mechanisms are not yet well understood.The aim of this review is to examine the current state of the art of field trials and laboratory studies that demonstrate the effects of using yeasts for bio-protection, as well as the interaction mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects. It focuses on the yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima, particularly recommended for the bio-protection of grape musts.

Background: Traditional Bulgarian fermented foods are prominent for their uniqueness of local ingredients, production methods, and endemic microbial species. The present research investigated the diversity and beneficial biological potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from various types of unique Bulgarian fermented foods. Methods: Species identification was performed via 16S rDNA sequencing. Biological activity was evaluated by determining antibacterial activity (via agar well diffusion assay), H2O2 production, spectrophotometrically determined auto- and co-aggregation, microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon, and biofilm formation. The biosafety of the isolated lactic acid bacteria was established based on hemolytic activity and phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility. Results: Forty-five strains were isolated from fermented foods (sauerkraut, fermented green tomatoes, fermented cucumbers, kefir, white cheese, and Izvara (curdled milk)). Five species were detected: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Levilactobacillus koreensis, Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Levilactobacillus yonginensis. The most prominent species was L. plantarum, at 47%. For the first time, L. koreensis and L. yonginensis, isolated from unique Bulgarian fermented foods, are reported in this study. The antibacterial effect of the cell-free supernatants was evaluated. An antagonistic effect was observed against Escherichia coli (57%) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Enteritidis (19%) for several L. plantarum strains. Only one L. brevis (Sauerkraut, S15) strain showed activity against E. coli. The best autoaggregation ability at hour 4 was observed for L. koreensis (fermented cucumbers, FC4) (48%) and L. brevis S2 (44%). The highest percentage of co-aggregation with Candida albicans, at hou 4 in the experiments, was observed for strains L. koreensis (fermented green tomato, FGT1) (70%), L. plantarum strains S2 (54%), S13 (51%), and S6 (50%), while at hour 24 for strains L. koreensis FGT1 (95%), L. brevis (Kefir, K7) (89%), L. plantarum S2 (72%), and L. koreensis FC2 (70%). Seven of the isolated LAB strains showed hydrophobicity above 40%. Our results showed that the ability of biofilm formation is strain–dependent. No hemolytic activity was detected. The antibiotic resistance to 10 antibiotics from different groups was tested phenotypically and genotypically. No amplification products were observed in any strains, confirming that the isolates did not carry antibiotic-resistance genes. Conclusions: Traditional fermented Bulgarian foods can be considered functional foods and beneficial LAB sources.

The genus of Striga spp., particularly Striga hermonthica, is an obligate root-hemiparasitic weed. Striga affects 25 African countries annually and is considered a major biotic threat to food security. This obnoxious weed species has been managed using various control strategies. However, the strategies have not been highly effective due to the complexity of the Striga life cycle and special interactions with its host. Biological control, considered a safer and ‘greener’ alternative, has drawn attention due to numerous reports on the potential of biological agents, including insects and microorganisms, to control Striga. Although researchers agree on the importance of the biocontrol approach as one of the alternative eco-friendly methods to manage Striga spp., the decreasing effectiveness of some biocontrol agents when introduced into new environments, in addition to requirements before and during the application, restricts the application of biological control on a large scale until today. This review focuses on the current knowledge of control strategies to manage Striga, emphasizing the biological control method. The challenges that limit the application of biological control to manage Striga on a broader scale are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has challenged public health systems worldwide. Therefore, large-scale testing capacity is extremely important diagnosis and exclusion diagnosis. However, fixed laboratories are limited or far away from remote areas. Fortunately, MBS-Lab is characterized by high mobility and rapid on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. MBS-Lab was first used in northern Australia during a melioidosis outbreak in 1997. The MBS-Lab and a well-trained diagnostic team were dispatched to Dongchang District, Tonghua City, Jilin Province, China to assist the SARS-CoV-2 virus screening and diagnosis on January 17, 2021. Altogether, 93,952 oropharyngeal swabs samples were collected and tested among the high-risk groups and the general population in Dongchang District. Two single samples were identified as positive in the second turn screening. In the second turn screening, 3 mixed samples (10 in 1) were identified as positive; 10 mixed samples were identified as positive in the third turn screening. By resampling again, one and four cases were identified as positive, respectively. The positive cases were properly isolated and treated in hospital and avoided to visit family members, friends, colleagues and any other persons. Through this way of large-scale screening, human-human spread of SARS-CoV-2 can be effectively avoided. In addition, all staff members strictly executed multiple safety precautions and reduce exposure risks. In the end, none of the staffs was infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus or other pathogens. As an emergency facility for infectious disease control, the MBS-Lab satisfies the requirements of ports and other remote areas far from fixed laboratories and supplements the capabilities of fixed laboratories.

Moderate subchronic intoxication was induced in rats by repeated intraperitoneal injections of PbO (49.6 ± 16.0 nm) and/or CdO (57.0 ± 13.0 nm) nanoparticles (NP) three times a week during 6 weeks. In particular, there was a reduction in arterial blood pressure and in blood concentrations of a number of factors controlling vasoconstriction and vasodilation, particularly of endothelin 1 (ET-1). This toxic effect was attenuated with a bioprotective complex administered in the background. The study confirmed as well that the combined binary action typology varies depending on which effect it is estimated by. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The production of safe and standardized fermented sausages with typical characteristics linked to traditional origin is highly desirable. The use of autochthonous starter cultures that provide peculiar flavor, texture and color to the fermented products, while maintaining the meat-product safe can be a feasible strategy for producers. In this study, 45 strains of Latilactobacillus sakei and 1 Latilactobacillus curvatus isolated from natural Mediterranean fermented sausages, were screened as potential protective cultures for their use in the fermented sausage industry. Technological properties, inhibitory activity towards Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua and the presence of genes coding for bacteriocins, were investigated. All tested strains showed an antagonistic effect by growing, while inhibiting the growth of target harmful microorganisms, in a strain-specific manner. At least one bacteriocin encoding genes was present in 25 strains, mainly sakacin X and sakacin P. The technological performances of the strains highlighted a great variability in the behavior, confirming the phenotypic diversity already reported for LAB species highly adapted to meat environment. Results highlight the potentiality of these strains to be used as protective starters in fermented meat products to improve food quality and microbiological safety, as well as giving peculiar characteristics to the final product. • L. sakei and L. curvatus strains have been investigated as new starter cultures. • Strain competitiveness against pathogens in vitro and in meat-based model was tested. • Strain growth curves have been studied in relation to temperature and % of NaCl. • The potential production of bacteriocins have been investigated. • Candidates for the production of fermented sausages have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional Bulgarian fermented foods are prominent for their uniqueness of local ingredients, production methods, and endemic microbial species. The present research investigated the diversity and beneficial biological potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from various types of unique Bulgarian fermented foods., Methods: Species identification was performed via 16S rDNA sequencing. Biological activity was evaluated by determining antibacterial activity (via agar well diffusion assay), H2O2 production, spectrophotometrically determined auto- and co-aggregation, microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon, and biofilm formation. The biosafety of the isolated lactic acid bacteria was established based on hemolytic activity and phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility., Results: Forty-five strains were isolated from fermented foods (sauerkraut, fermented green tomatoes, fermented cucumbers, kefir, white cheese, and Izvara (curdled milk)). Five species were detected: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum , Levilactobacillus koreensis , Levilactobacillus brevis , Lactobacillus helveticus , and Levilactobacillus yonginensis . The most prominent species was L. plantarum , at 47%. For the first time, L. koreensis and L. yonginensis , isolated from unique Bulgarian fermented foods, are reported in this study. The antibacterial effect of the cell-free supernatants was evaluated. An antagonistic effect was observed against Escherichia coli (57%) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Enteritidis (19%) for several L. plantarum strains. Only one L. brevis (Sauerkraut, S15) strain showed activity against E. coli . The best autoaggregation ability at hour 4 was observed for L. koreensis (fermented cucumbers, FC4) (48%) and L. brevis S2 (44%). The highest percentage of co-aggregation with Candida albicans, at hou 4 in the experiments, was observed for strains L. koreensis (fermented green tomato, FGT1) (70%), L. plantarum strains S2 (54%), S13 (51%), and S6 (50%), while at hour 24 for strains L. koreensis FGT1 (95%), L. brevis (Kefir, K7) (89%), L. plantarum S2 (72%), and L. koreensis FC2 (70%). Seven of the isolated LAB strains showed hydrophobicity above 40%. Our results showed that the ability of biofilm formation is strain-dependent. No hemolytic activity was detected. The antibiotic resistance to 10 antibiotics from different groups was tested phenotypically and genotypically. No amplification products were observed in any strains, confirming that the isolates did not carry antibiotic-resistance genes., Conclusions: Traditional fermented Bulgarian foods can be considered functional foods and beneficial LAB sources., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

Acidification and nutrient depletion by dairy starter cultures is often sufficient to prevent outgrowth of pathogens during post-processing of cultured dairy products. In the case of cottage cheese, however, the addition of cream dressing to the curd and subsequent cooling procedures can create environments that may be hospitable for the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. We report on a non-bacterio-cinogenic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain that severely limits the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in creamed cottage cheese. The main mechanism underlying Listeria spp. inhibition was found to be caused by depletion of manganese (Mn), thus through competitive exclusion of a trace element essential for the growth of many microorganisms. Growth of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis that constitute the starter culture, on the other hand, were not influenced by reduced Mn levels. Addition of L. rhamnosus with Mn-based bioprotective properties during cottage cheese production therefore offers a solution to inhibit undesired bacteria in a bacteriocin-independent fashion.

A greenhouse experiment was carried out on the use of Serendipita indica, an endomycorrhizal-like fungus, to increase the resistance of three highbush blueberry cultivars Chandler, Darrow and Spartan to the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. The cultivars differed in the acceptance of root colonisation by S. indica and in susceptibility to P. cinnamomi. The lowest percentage (%) of colonised roots was found in the cultivar Spartan. The frequency of symptomatic plants (stunted growth, dark spots on stems, small, yellowing, and dropping leaves) among plants inoculated only with P. cinnamomi was 59, 83, and 100%, for ‘Chandler’, ‘Darrow’, and ‘Spartan’, respectively. In the treatment where both pathogen and endophyte were inoculated, the frequency in ‘Darrow’ and ‘Spartan’ dropped to 28 and 90%, respectively. Of non-protected ‘Spartan’ plants, 66% died, whereas only 14% of those protected with S. indica died. Colonisation by S. indica reduced the number of dead plants of ‘Chandler’ from 3 to 1 among those protected. In ‘Darrow’ only one plant died of the non-protected and none of the protected ones. S. indica increased the growth of non-infected plants of ‘Darrow’ and ‘Spartan’ by 11%. An increase in the growth of plants inoculated with S. indica and infected with P. cinnamomi after 21 days went from 74% to 182% over the plants only infected with the pathogen.

The application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can be a challenging yet promising tool to control the endogenous microbiota during malting and to improve malt quality. In this study, a food-grade malt-based ingredient was fermented using an antifungal strain, Lactobacillus brevis R2Δ, and applied on barley grains during steeping and germination. Different variations of starter culture concentration and cell-free supernatant were compared to a control solution during pilot-scale malting trials. All treated barley samples showed a significant decrease in aerobic bacteria (up to 99.8% reduction) and a promotion of yeast growth when compared to the untreated control. The number of kernels contaminated with Fusarium spp. could be reduced by more than 90%, as confirmed by qPCR analysis. Shorter rootlets coincided with lower malting losses (−31.8%) and with increased extract yield (+3.1%). Differences in the enzymatic activity between the malts did not significantly alter the processability of the malts during brewhouse operations. Throughout yeast fermentation, no negative impact of LAB could be detected for the majority of attributes tested. Overall, the treatment containing living starter cultures and the highest amount of total titratable acidity (71 mmol L) showed the most promising results when aimed at further enhancing the quality and safety of barley malt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally processed fruits are an ideal alternative to dairy products to deliver probiotic microorganisms. At the same time, several innovative employments of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been proposed in the food industry, including bio-fortification with nutritional compounds and bio-protection against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. In this study, probiotic riboflavin over-producing Lactobacillus plantarum B2 and Lactobacillus fermentum PBCC11.5 were inoculated on fresh-cut cantaloupe by immersion in a dipping solution. The viability of probiotic microorganisms and the main physico-chemical parameters of melon pieces, including the riboflavin content, were monitored for 11 days of storage under refrigerated conditions. Finally, both probiotics were tested for their antagonistic effect against different concentrations of an isolate of Listeria monocytogenes from fruit origin. Overall, high viability of both probiotics species was found at the end of the shelf life. The main technological and nutritional parameters of the fruits were unaffected by probiotic-enrichment, except some sensorial attributes when melons were inoculated with L. plantarum B2. The riboflavin content increased about two-fold in probiotic cantaloupe. Moreover, L. plantarum B2 and L. fermentum PBCC11.5 showed a good ability to reduce the level of L. monocytogenes on artificially contaminated melons. In conclusion, the results of this work encourage further implementation of new foods with multifunctional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Screening of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from Mongolian yogurt (Tarag) led to the isolation of Enterococcus faecium PC4.1 with a bacteriocin-like activity against Listeria genus and fungi. The antimicrobial substances in cell free supernatant were sensitive to proteolytic enzymes, while neither acidic conditions nor high temperature affected their activities. These antimicrobial substances were active after storage at 4 °C, −20 °C and −80 °C for over one month. The mode of action was determined as bactericidal. In the aim of further use of E. faecium PC4.1 as a biopreservative, the isolate was tested for resistance against antibiotics and for harboring virulence determinants. E. faecium PC4.1 was characterized as free from virulence factors, has low resistance to gentamicin and ampicillin but is susceptible to vancomycin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential bio-protective role of urban greenery and how it interacts with airborne dust and pollutants has been the subject of much recent research. As particulate pollution has been implicated in both the deterioration of building materials and in damaging human health, understanding how it interacts with urban greenery is of great applied interest. Common or English Ivy (Hedera helix L) grows widely on urban walls in many parts of the world, and thus any bio-protective role it might play is of broad relevance. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy ivy leaves collected on roadways were examined to determine if ivy can absorb dust and pollutants that can instigate decay processes on stone walls and impact human health in urban environments. Results showed that ivy acts as a ‘particle sink’, absorbing particulate matter, particularly in high-traffic areas. It was effective in adhering fine (<2.5μm) and ultra-fine (<1μm) particles at densities of up to 2.9×1010 per m2. Our findings suggest that through absorbing pollutant particles ivy can retard bio-deteriorative processes on historic walls and reduce human exposure to respiratory problems caused by vehicle pollutants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using the biogeochemical model CCBATCH, which we expanded to include transport processes, we study a novel approach for the treatment of aquifers contaminated with toxic concentrations of metals, the diffusion-active permeable reactive barrier (DAPRB), which is based on generation of sulfide by Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) as the groundwater moves through a layered treatment zone. In the DAPRB, layers of low conductivity (low-K) containing reactive materials are intercalated between layers of high conductivity (high-K) that transport the groundwater across the barrier. Because diffusion dominates transport in the reactive layers, microbial communities can take advantage there of the chemical-gradient mechanism for protection from toxicants. The ideal sulfidic DAPRB design includes particulate organic matter (POM) and solid sulfate mineral inside the reactive (low-K) layer. This leads to sulfate reduction and the formation of sulfide ligands that complex with toxic metals, such as Zn2+ in the high-K layer. We perform a theoretical biogeochemical analysis of the ideal configuration of a DAPRB for treatment of Zn-contaminated groundwater. Our analysis using the expanded CCBATCH confirms the gradient-resistance mechanism for bio-protection, with the ZnS bio-sink forming at the intersection of the Zn and sulfide plumes inside the high-K layers of the DAPRB. The detailed DAPRB analysis also shows that total alkalinity and pH distributions are representative footprints of the two key biogeochemical processes taking place, sulfidogenesis and Zn immobilization as sulfide mineral. This is so because these two reactions consume or produce acidic hydrogen and alkalinity. Additionally, because Zn immobilization is due to ZnS mineral precipitation, the ZnS mineral distribution is a good indicator for the bio-sink. Bio-sinks are located for the most part within the high-K layers, and their exact position depends on the relative magnitude of metal and sulfide fluxes. Finally, we conduct a practicality analysis that supports the feasibility of implementing the proposed design. For instance, the fraction of reactive material that is consumed during sulfidogenesis is relatively small (including POM and sulfate source), a total volume fraction of less than 6% over a time span of 50years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We develop a comprehensive biogeochemical framework for understanding and quantitatively evaluating metals bio-protection in sulfidic microbial systems. We implement the biogeochemical framework in CCBATCH by expanding its chemical equilibrium and biological sub-models for surface complexation and the formation of soluble and solid products, respectively. We apply the expanded CCBATCH to understand the relative importance of the various key ligands of sulfidic systems in Zn detoxification. Our biogeochemical analysis emphasizes the relative importance of sulfide over other microbial products in Zn detoxification, because the sulfide yield is an order of magnitude higher than that of other microbial products, while its reactivity toward metals also is highest. In particular, metal-titration simulations using the expanded CCBATCH in a batch mode illustrate how sulfide detoxifies Zn, controlling its speciation as long as total sulfide is greater than added Zn. Only in the absence of sulfide does complexation of Zn to biogenic organic ligands play a role in detoxification. Our biogeochemical analysis conveys fundamental insight on the potential of the key ligands of sulfidic systems to effect Zn detoxification. Sulfide stands out for its reactivity and prevalence in sulfidic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We develop a mechanistic explanation of how microbial communities are able to protect themselves from toxicity from inflowing metal concentrations much higher than the metal-toxicity thresholds of individual microorganisms. We propose a general bio-protection mechanism, of widespread applicability to microbial communities, by which some bacteria induce pore-water metal gradients by producing ligands that bind the metal toxicant, reducing the toxicant’s concentration to non-inhibitory levels for much of the community. Sulfate-reducing communities are a good example of community-based bio-protection. In particular, we develop analytical solutions to derive metal-resistance criteria for two distinctly different systems displaying gradient-based resistance: permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), which are advection dominated, and sediments, which are diffusion dominated. In advection-dominated systems, the most significant variables influencing the development of static gradients are groundwater velocity and the rate of ligand production. By transporting the toxicant into the PRB and by preventing ligand from moving upgradient, a fast groundwater velocity can overwhelm the chemical gradient bio-protection mechanism. Likewise, the stability of a chemical gradient bio-protection scheme increases in proportion to the rate of ligand generation. In diffusion-dominated systems, resistance depends on the rate of ligand generation and the diffusion length for movement of metal into the sediment. For both cases, we derive quantitative stability criteria that include the phenomena described here. These criteria demonstrate that diffusion-dominated systems offer greater potential for gradient-based metal resistance than do advection-dominated systems. When diffusion controls transport, metal movement into the reactive zone can be slowed down, and a greater fraction of the ligand is available for reaction with the metal, since it is not swept away by advection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acidification and nutrient depletion by dairy starter cultures is often sufficient to prevent outgrowth of pathogens during post-processing of cultured dairy products. In the case of cottage cheese, however, the addition of cream dressing to the curd and subsequent cooling procedures can create environments that may be hospitable for the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. We report on a non-bacterio-cinogenic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain that severely limits the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in creamed cottage cheese. The main mechanism underlying Listeria spp. inhibition was found to be caused by depletion of manganese (Mn), thus through competitive exclusion of a trace element essential for the growth of many microorganisms. Growth of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis that constitute the starter culture, on the other hand, were not influenced by reduced Mn levels. Addition of L. rhamnosus with Mn-based bioprotective properties during cottage cheese production therefore offers a solution to inhibit undesired bacteria in a bacteriocin-independent fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: to discover the interrelationship between growth, protection and photosynthesis induced by Pseudomonas fluorescens N21.4 in tomato (Lycopersicum sculentum) challenged with the leaf pathogen Xanthomonas campestris, and to define its priming fingerprint. Methods: Photosynthesis was determined by fluorescence; plant protection was evaluated by relative disease incidence, enzyme activities by specific colorimetric assays and gene expression by qPCR. Changes in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging cycle enzymes and pathogenesis related protein activity and expression were determined as metabolic and genetic markers of induction of systemic resistance. Results: N21.4 significantly protected plants and increased dry weight. Growth increase is supported by significant increases in photochemical quenching together with significant decreases in energy dissipation (Non-Photochemical Quenching, NPQ). Protection was associated with changes in ROS scavenging cycle enzymes, which were significantly increased on N21.4 + pathogen challenged plants, supporting the priming effect. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) was a good indicator of biotic stress, showing similar levels in pathogen- and N21.4-treated plants. Similarly, the activity of defense-related enzymes, ß-1,3-glucanase and chitinase significantly increased in post-pathogen challenge state; changes in gene expression were not coupled to activity. Conclusions: protection does not compromise plant growth; N21.4 priming fingerprint is defined by enhanced photochemical quenching and decreased energy dissipation, enhanced chlorophylls, primed ROS scavenging cycle enzyme activity, and glucanase and chitinase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has challenged public health systems worldwide. Therefore, large-scale testing capacity is extremely important diagnosis and exclusion diagnosis. However, fixed laboratories are limited or far away from remote areas. Fortunately, MBS-Lab is characterized by high mobility and rapid on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. MBS-Lab was first used in northern Australia during a melioidosis outbreak in 1997. The MBS-Lab and a well-trained diagnostic team were dispatched to Dongchang District, Tonghua City, Jilin Province, China to assist the SARS-CoV-2 virus screening and diagnosis on January 17, 2021. Altogether, 93,952 oropharyngeal swabs samples were collected and tested among the high-risk groups and the general population in Dongchang District. Two single samples were identified as positive in the second turn screening. In the second turn screening, 3 mixed samples (10 in 1) were identified as positive; 10 mixed samples were identified as positive in the third turn screening. By resampling again, one and four cases were identified as positive, respectively. The positive cases were properly isolated and treated in hospital and avoided to visit family members, friends, colleagues and any other persons. Through this way of large-scale screening, human-human spread of SARS-CoV-2 can be effectively avoided. In addition, all staff members strictly executed multiple safety precautions and reduce exposure risks. In the end, none of the staffs was infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus or other pathogens. As an emergency facility for infectious disease control, the MBS-Lab satisfies the requirements of ports and other remote areas far from fixed laboratories and supplements the capabilities of fixed laboratories., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Guo, Li, Song, Xu and Huang.)

A greenhouse experiment was carried out on the use of Serendipita indica, an endomycorrhizal-like fungus, to increase the resistance of three highbush blueberry cultivars Chandler, Darrow and Spartan to the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. The cultivars differed in the acceptance of root colonisation by S. indica and in susceptibility to P. cinnamomi. The lowest percentage (%) of colonised roots was found in the cultivar Spartan. The frequency of symptomatic plants (stunted growth, dark spots on stems, small, yellowing, and dropping leaves) among plants inoculated only with P. cinnamomi was 59, 83, and 100%, for 'Chandler', 'Darrow', and 'Spartan', respectively. In the treatment where both pathogen and endophyte were inoculated, the frequency in 'Darrow' and 'Spartan' dropped to 28 and 90%, respectively. Of non-protected 'Spartan' plants, 66% died, whereas only 14% of those protected with S. indica died. Colonisation by S. indica reduced the number of dead plants of 'Chandler' from 3 to 1 among those protected. In 'Darrow' only one plant died of the non-protected and none of the protected ones. S. indica increased the growth of non-infected plants of 'Darrow' and 'Spartan' by 11%. An increase in the growth of plants inoculated with S. indica and infected with P. cinnamomi after 21 days went from 74% to 182% over the plants only infected with the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbred male rats were repeatedly injected intraperitoneally two-level sub-lethal doses of lead acetate and/or cadmium chloride solutions 3 times a week during 6 weeks. The animals developed explicit, even if moderate, subchronic intoxication characterized by a large number of indices, both common to both metals (including increased DNA fragmentation coefficient) and lead-specific. Special attention was paid to hemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects. The combined action of lead and cadmium was modeled with the help of the Response Surface Methodology to obtain additional support for the previously substantiated postulates of combined toxicity's typological ambiguity. This is dependent on which particular effect comes under consideration, on its level, and on the acting dose ratio. For one and the same toxic combination, the type of combined toxic action can vary from synergistic to contra-directional. In particular, the actions of lead and cadmium on blood pressure were found to be opposite in direction. Furthermore, it is shown once again that the systemic toxic effects of a metal combination, its in vivo genotoxicity included, can be more or less attenuated by background administration of a theoretically justified composition of biologically active agents. • Rats repeatedly injected IP with Pb acetate and/or Cd chloride developed outcomes either common to Cd and Pb or Pb-specific. • For the first time, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects of this toxic combination was studied. • Causal association of many features with Cd or Pb impact was confirmed by their correlation with blood metal level. • For one and the same toxic combination, the type of combined toxicity can vary from synergistic to contra-directional. • Many toxic effects of the combination, genotoxicity included, were attenuated by background administration of bioprotectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Piriformospora indica protects rhododendron plants from phytophthorosis. • Root colonisation by P. indica should precede infection with the pathogen. • P. indica and P. cinnamomi / P. plurivora do not reciprocally limit spore formation in vitro. Experiments were carried out on the use of Piriformospora indica, an endomycorrhizal-like fungus , to increase the resistance of two rhododendron cultivars 'Nova Zembla' and 'Alfred' to the pathogens Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. plurivora. The interaction between P. indica and the pathogens was evaluated in dual cultures on KM and PDA media. The growth of P. indica colonies was restricted by pathogens during the 7–13 days of culture due to their quicker growth. Neither hyphae lysis nor atypical morphology was observed. No inhibition zones were observed between colonies of pathogens and P. indica but they were present in monocultures of P. indica. The ability to release zoospores by Phytophthora was not affected in the cultures with P. indica. In an experiment performed in vitro , P. indica colonised the roots of microplants, but after pathogen inoculation, its protective role was limited only to delaying dieback. In pot greenhouse experiments, all the young plants grown in virgin peat substrate, and in the substrate inoculated with P. indica survived, whereas all the plants grown in the substrate infected with the pathogens died. From 40 to 60% of plants grown in the substrate inoculated with P. indica, to which pathogen infected substrate was added after 21 days, survived one year without symptoms. The rate of success depended on the pathogen species and rhododendron cultivar. Our results show a practical possibility of biological protection of rhododendron plants against Phytophthora with the help of P. indica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adding L. plantarum to CMC coatings improves the shelf life of strawberries. • Population of probiotics in edible coatings remain stable during the storage period. • Presence of probiotics has no negative effect on the sensorial properties of fruit. • Probiotic loaded edible coatings enhance the functional properties of fresh products. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) edible coating used as a carrier to deliver an adequate amount of Lactobacillus plantarum on fresh strawberries and the shelf life of strawberries during the storage period was investigated. For this aim, different amounts of L. plantarum incorporated into CMC edible coatings and the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of strawberries through storage at 4 °C were evaluated. The results showed that the number of viable probiotics in all treatments was higher than 6 log CFU g−1 and it increased by inoculation of a higher amount of probiotics into the coating solution. The population of L. plantarum in all coating treatments remained constant over the storage period and it helped to reduce the growth of yeast and molds on the surface of strawberries compared to control samples which it is mainly due to competitive and antimicrobial properties of probiotics. The presence of L. plantarum improved some physicochemical properties of coated strawberries compared to control samples by reducing the amount of weight loss, decay, and slowing the deteriorations rate of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds during the storage time. No significant difference between color, hardness, TSS, TA and total anthocyanin of different treatments was observed and strawberries loaded with L. plantarum showed similar sensorial properties to CMC coated and control samples. It can be concluded that using the edible coating with probiotics is a novel method to design new functional foods and helps to improve the shelf life of strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Strain BS5 exerted the higher mycelial growth inhibition of Bipolaris oryzae under in vitro. • Strain BS5 had the maximum number of evaluated antibiotic biosynthetic genes. • Liquid based formulation of BS5 was effectively reduced the brown spot disease in glasshouse and field conditions. • We investigated the molecular interaction of host-pathogen-bioagent through proteomic approach. • Nine differentially expressed proteins and their functions were identified. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BS5 against brown spot disease of rice and to understand the molecular mechanism of host-pathogen-bioagent interactions through a proteomic approach. We tested the antagonistic potential of forty Bacillus spp. against Bipolaris oryzae under in vitro. Based on their antagonism, ten effective strains were selected and characterized at the molecular level. The antibiotic biosynthetic genes producing bacillomycin, bacilysin, iturin, surfactin, subtilin, mersacidin, subtilosin, ericin, mycosubtilin and fengycin from the effective strains were detected by PCR analysis. Among the strains, BS5 exerted higher mycelial growth inhibition (76.66%) of the pathogen and possesses the maximum number (9) of antibiotic genes as well. We also evaluated the efficacy of liquid formulation of the Bacillus strains BS5, BS6 and BS39 against brown spot disease under glasshouse and field conditions. The results indicated a significant reduction in the intensity of brown spot disease with the combined application of seed treatment + seedling dip + foliar spray of BS5 liquid formulation under glasshouse and field conditions. Furthermore, a 2D-PAGE analysis revealed a total of nine proteins with differential expressions using MALDI-TOF Mass spectrometry (MS). The Mascot algorithm demonstrated homology among proteins such as ribulose 1, 5 bisphosphate carboxylase, 2-cys-peroxiredoxin, ATP synthase, trehalose-phosphate phosphatase, serine/threonine protein kinase and 50s ribosomal protein. The functions of the proteins were mainly related to plant metabolism, defense response and disease resistance. The three ways synergy associated with the host-pathogen-bioagent of rice plants will be provided in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]