Complete genome sequencing and antibiofilm activity of an endophytic bacterium associated with marine sponge Hyrtios erectus collected from the Red Sea

Genome sequences of sponge bacterial endophytes will be useful for understanding the bioactive compound synthetic potential and molecular mechanisms of sponge-bacteria interactions. In this study, the complete genome of the bacterium E9 isolated from the Red Sea sponge species was sequenced and its antibiofilm activity was assessed through laboratory assay. Experiments indicated the strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the extracts of bacterium E9. Complete genome sequencing reveals that genome assembly generated a single chromosome of 2123451 base pairs with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 32.9% with 2420 protein coding sequences and a gene/genome ratio of 83.7%. The bacterial strain was identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis based on phylogenetic analysis. A total of 9 biosynthetic gene clusters were identified in the genome using the open-source platform AntiSMASH. The observed antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the strain E9 may be due the presence of gene clusters such as nonribosomal peptides, lasso peptides and terpenes. Overall, the whole genome analysis indicated the bacterium’s capability to adapt in diverse environments including invertebrate hosts, and bioactive compound synthesis

Evaluating the Role of Vitamin D in Prediabetes Management, Insights from RCTs in the MENA Region: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: The association between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes has been extensively investigated, yet the findings remain inconsistent, with limited data available on the MENA region. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing specifically on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across four databases, which were Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed. RCTs studies conducted on people with prediabetes aged 15 years and older who live in the MENA region, and receiving vitamin D supplementation were included in the study. Results: From 2194 studies identified from the literature search, only 51 studies were considered eligible for full-text review. Ultimately, seven articles were finalized for inclusion. The findings from these studies showed mixed results, where some studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on these outcomes. The remaining reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of progression to type 2 diabetes with vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This systematic review examines the complex and contradictory relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the MENA region. Due to the mixed pattern seen in the intervention of vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential confounding factors specifically in population of the MENA region

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Salt Stress Tolerance in Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis)

The aim of this study was todetect the expression profiles of salt-related genes in the leaf transcriptome of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance in this plant species. The analyzed RNA-Seq data identified numerous differentially expressed genesthat were mostly upregulated under salt (NaCl) stress conditions. The genes varied in their ability to limit cellular damage under stress conditions by regulatingthe production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some genes demonstrated the use of methylation/demethylation followed by intergenerational transmission of a “stress memory”. Other genes are known for their potential to produce proteins with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the ability to detoxify metal ions and to produce molecular chaperones. Additional activities include regulating signal transductionandthe ion transport processes, the reprogramming of selective gene expression andthe maintenance of balanced sucrose content, ethylene signaling and homeostasis, the regulating of plasmodesmal permeability, ubiquitination,and selective protein degradation. Moreover, genes were also identified to be associated with cell wall remodeling, alleviating chlorophyll content, and accumulatinglower levels of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-), as well as increased levels of lignin that function to support a plant’s integrity under salt stress. Overall, these data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms at play during conditions of salt stress. These mechanisms ensure a plant’s survival and help to maintain its natural chemical compounds. These findings may be beneficial in furthering the use of this economically important plant.</jats:p

Genetic Patterns of Oral Cavity Microbiome in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

The Middle Eastern prevalence of sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, necessitates additional research. On a molecular level, we sought to identify and sort the oral microbiota of healthy individuals and those with sickle cell anemia. Furthermore, it is crucial to comprehend how changes in the genetic makeup of the oral microbiota impact the state of sickle cell anemia. Using next-generation sequencing, the 16S rRNA amplicon was examined using saliva samples from 36 individuals with sickle cell anemia and healthy individuals. These samples were obtained from sickle cell anemia patients (18 samples) and healthy control participants (controls, 18 samples). Various analyses are conducted using bioinformatic techniques to identify distinct species and their relative abundance. Streptococcus, followed by Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella, and Veillonella were the most prevalent genera of bacteria in the saliva of the SCA and non-SCA individuals according to our findings. Rothia mucilaginosa, Prevotella scoposa, and Veillonella dispar species were the dominant species in both sickle cell anemia and non-sickle cell anemia subjects. Streptococcus salivarius, Actinomyces graevenitzii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Actinomyces georgiae spp. were the most prevalent bacterial spp. in the studied SCA cases. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene yielded relative abundance values that were visualized through a heatmap analysis. Alterations in the oral microflora&rsquo;s constitution can significantly affect the susceptibility of sickle cell anemia patients to develop more severe health complications. Salivary diagnosis is a potential tool for predicting and preventing oral microbiome-related diseases in the future

Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Its Temperate N-15-like Phage: From Isolation to Functional Annotation

Antibiotic resistance to Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a major public health threat, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains complicates treatment options, requiring a deeper understanding of their genetic makeup and potential therapeutic targets. This research delineated an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strain obtained from an ICU patient and telomeric temperate phage derived from hospital effluent. The bacteria showed strong resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin (&ge;16 &mu;g/mL), ceftriaxone (&ge;32 &mu;g/mL), and meropenem (&ge;8 &mu;g/mL), which was caused by SHV-11 beta-lactamase, NDM-1 carbapenemase, and porin mutations (OmpK37, MdtQ). The strain was categorized as K46 and O2a types and carried virulence genes involved in iron acquisition, adhesion, and immune evasion, as well as plasmids (IncHI1B_1_pNDM-MAR, IncFIB) and eleven prophage regions, reflecting its genetic adaptability and resistance dissemination. The 172,025 bp linear genome and 46.3% GC content of the N-15-like phage showed strong genomic similarities to phages of the Sugarlandvirus genus, especially those that infect K. pneumoniae. There were structural proteins (11.8%), DNA replication and repair enzymes (9.3%), and a toxin&ndash;antitoxin system (0.4%) encoded by the phage genome. A protelomerase and ParA/B partitioning proteins indicate that the phage is replicating and maintaining itself in a manner similar to the N15 phage, which is renowned for maintaining a linear plasmid prophage throughout lysogeny. Understanding the dynamics of antibiotic resistance and pathogen development requires knowledge of phages like this one, which are known for their temperate nature and their function in altering bacterial virulence and resistance profiles. The regulatory and structural proteins of the phage also provide a model for research into the biology of temperate phages and their effects on microbial communities. The importance of temperate phages in bacterial genomes and their function in the larger framework of microbial ecology and evolution is emphasized in this research

Molecular Analysis of Mineral and Tap Water to Detect Microbial Contaminants in Jeddah Province

Since ancient times, drinking water quality has played a significant role in human diseases and infections. In Jeddah, the drinking water choices are mostly bottled water or water available in plastic containers after processing at private water treatment stations. A total of 30 drinking water samples were obtained from many sources in Jeddah, KSA: mineral water (13 samples) and tap water (17 samples). Microbiological tests were used, including a negative and positive Gram stain test for these colonies and determining the type of bacteria. To identify bacterially, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used in this study. Following that, the susceptibility of bacterial isolates to commonly used antibiotics is tested. The results showed that the microbial cultures were of different isolates. We confirmed that these results by microbiological examination and molecular identification found a difference between the study samples. Fifty-three bacteria were isolated from 30 samples, 34 (64.15%) tap water samples, and 19(35.85%) mineral water samples were found to be contaminated with bacteria. The highest bacterial contamination, 86.6% of all samples, was found in the tap water in 50% of samples, while 36.6% was found in mineral water. Microbiological tests and molecular diagnostic methods make it simpler and faster to shorten the detection time of drinking water contamination. The results of the current study suggest that mineral water is a better source of potable water in Jeddah than tap water. However, there may be pollution in the water at the reservoirs rather than at the water sources</jats:p