Bacillus velezensis BE2 controls wheat and barley diseases by direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance

Wheat and barley rank among the main crops cultivated on a global scale, providing the essential nutritional foundation for both humans and animals. Nevertheless, these crops are vulnerable to several fungal diseases, such as Septoria tritici blotch and net blotch, which significantly reduce yields by adversely affecting leaves and grain quality. To mitigate the effect of these diseases, chemical fungicides have proven to be genuinely effective; however, they impose a serious environmental burden. Currently, biocontrol agents have attracted attention as a sustainable alternative to fungicides, offering an eco-friendly option. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of Bacillus velezensis BE2 in reducing disease symptoms caused by Zymoseptoria tritici and Pyrenophora teres. This bacterium exhibited significant antagonistic effects in vitro by suppressing fungal development when pathogens and the beneficial strain were in direct confrontation. These findings were subsequently confirmed through microscopic analysis, which illustrated the strain's capacity to inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth in both pathogens. Additionally, the study analysed the cell-free supernatant of the bacterium using UPLC-MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). The results revealed that strain BE2 produces, among other metabolites, different families of cyclic lipopeptides that may be involved in biocontrol. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of strain BE2 in planta were assessed by quantifying the fungal DNA content directly at the leaf level after bacterization, using two different application methods (foliar and drenching). The results indicated that applying the beneficial bacterium at the root level significantly reduced pathogens pressure. Finally, gene expression analysis of different markers showed that BE2 application induced a priming effect within the first hours after infection. KEY POINTS: • BE2 managed Z. tritici and P. teres by direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance. • Strain BE2 produced seven metabolite families, including three cyclic lipopeptides. • Application of strain BE2 at the root level triggered plant defense mechanisms.

Norine: Bioinformatics Methods and Tools for the Characterization of Newly Discovered Nonribosomal Peptides

In this chapter, we present Norine ( https://norine.univ-lille.fr/norine ), the unique resource dedicated to nonribosomal peptides. First, the content of the knowledgebase and the related tools are described. Then, a study case shows how to query Norine by annotations or structure and how to interpret the obtained results.

The Diversity of Lipopeptides in the Pseudomonas syringae Complex Parallels Phylogeny and Sheds Light on Structural Diversification during Evolutionary History

Pseudomonas spp. colonize diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats and produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including lipopeptides. However, previous studies have often examined a limited number of lipopeptide-producing strains. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of lipopeptide production across a wide data set of strains of the Pseudomonas syringae complex (724) by using a combined bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, and phylogenetics approach. The large P. syringae complex, which is composed of 13 phylogroups, is known to produce factins (including syringafactin-like lipopeptides), mycins (including syringomycin-like lipopeptides), and peptins (such as syringopeptins). We found that 80.8% of P. syringae strains produced lipopeptides and that factins were the most frequently produced (by 96% of the producing strains). P. syringae strains were either factin monoproducers or factin, mycin, and peptin coproducers or lipopeptide nonproducers in relation to their phylogenetic group. Our analyses led to the discovery of 42 new lipopeptides, bringing the number of lipopeptides identified in the P. syringae complex to 75. We also highlighted that factins have high structural resemblance and are widely distributed among the P. syringae complex, while mycins and peptins are highly structurally diverse and patchily distributed. IMPORTANCE This study provides an insight into the P. syringae metabolome that emphasizes the high diversity of lipopeptides produced within the P. syringae complex. The production profiles of strains are closely related to their phylogenetic classification, indicating that structural diversification of lipopeptides parallels the phylogeny of this bacterial complex, thereby further illustrating the inherent importance of lipopeptides in the ecology of this group of bacteria throughout its evolutionary history. Furthermore, this overview of P. syringae lipopeptides led us to propose a refined classification that could be extended to the lipopeptides produced by other bacterial groups.

Dataset on phenotypic characterization, on protein and genome analysis of three fluorescent Pseudomonas strains from mid-mountain water

The identification of non-fermentative Gram negative bacilli from run-off and spring water, including fluorescent Pseudomonas is very complex and investigations are needed to contribute to the systematic of these bacteria. In this dataset, the phenotypical profiles of three strains isolated from Vosges mountains first identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens were determined using API^Ⓡ 50 CH galleries. Then, the identification of their proteins released directly into water was carried out using tandem/mass spectrometry after separating proteins on native two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. Finally, genotypic analysis data is presented, that illustrates biodiversity in this fluorescent bacterial group.

This data is referred by a research article entitled “Fluorescent Pseudomonas strains from mid-mountain water able to release antioxidant proteins directly into water”.

Fluorescent Pseudomonas strains from mid-mountain water able to release antioxidant proteins directly into water

Little is known about fluorescent Pseudomonas and investigations are needed to help us better understand how their species work. The aim was here to mimic what naturally occurs in environmental water containing strains isolated from mid-mountain water samples and identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens by conventional biochemical techniques. Three strains were cultured before being directly inoculated into distilled water. Surprisingly, the three cell-less extracts obtained after spinning the bacterial suspensions showed strong in vitro anti-oxidative effects against superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical but with discrepancies. The extracts obtained were found to contain antioxidant proteins among other stress proteins that were released by viable bacteria. They were identified using tandem/mass spectrometry and showed different profiles in sodium-dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Bacterial identification was deepened using 16S ribonucleic acid and genome sequencing analyses to explain the differences observed between strains.

High-dispersion spherical holographic gratings in a modified rowland mounting

For holographic gratings requiring an extreme dispersion, I consider a modified Rowland mounting, in which the recording laser sources are moved away from the grating, to reduce the uncorrected higher-order aberrations. In addition, I choose the geometric parameters such that first-type coma is corrected. Then a plane multimode deformable mirror (MDM) or two auxiliary spherical holographic gratings (R3 device) are used to aberrate the grating's recording sources; correction up to the fourth order is sufficient to obtain high image quality. Applied to the FUSE-Lyman (FUSE is Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer) grating, with a groove density as high as 5767 grooves/mm, these recording devices produce a resolution (chromatic resolving power) as great as 611,000 with the MDM and 3,030,000 with the R3 device. These results far exceed the specified performance of 30,000. Since diffraction limits the resolution to 482,000, the images are diffraction limited with both devices.

Universal method for holographic grating recording: multimode deformable mirrors generating Clebsch-Zernike polynomials

Recording methods for making aberration-corrected holographic gratings are greatly simplified by use of a plane multimode deformable mirror (MDM) upon one of the two recording beams. It is shown that MDM compensators easily provide the superposition of many interesting active optics modes, which we have named Clebsch-Zernike modes. When we apply only a uniform loading or no loading at all onto the rear side of the MDM clear aperture, the available Clebsch-Zernike modes are made to belong to a subclass of the Zernike modes that includes the three modes of the third-order aberration theory as well as a well-defined part of the Zernike higher-order modes. Such a recording method is considered to be universal, since it does not require the use of a sophisticated optical system such as a compensator. Active optics 12-arm MDM's in the vase form have been designed from the elasticity theory. The design of six-arm MDM's is currently carried out with theoretical results. As an example of the method, the recording of three holographic gratings of the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph has been investigated. Substantial improvements in image quality have been found by use of a six-arm MDM as recording compensator. The result is that aberrations of much higher order can simultaneously be corrected so that the residual blur images of the spectra occupy areas approximately 10 (direction of dispersion) x 3 (cross dispersion) = 30 times smaller--also in terms of pixel number--than those obtained by our American colleagues. Therefore the active optics recording method appears to provide substantial gains in resolving power and in sensitivity: (i) For all three gratings the spectral resolution would be increased by a factor of 10, and (ii), in addition, for the two higher dispersion gratings, the limiting magnitude on the sky appears to be increased by a magnitude of approximately 1-1.2.

Recording high-dispersion spherical holographic gratings in a modified Rowland mounting by use of a multimode deformable mirror

To reduce the uncorrected higher-order aberrations for holographic gratings requiring an extreme dispersion, we have modified the Rowland mounting by moving the recording laser sources away from the grating. Then, with a multimode deformable plane mirror to record the grating, the correction of all the aberrations up to the fourth order inclusive is found sufficient to obtain a high-quality image. Applied to the FUSE-LYMAN grating, with a groove density of as much as 5740 grooves/mm, for which a resolution of 30,000 was required, this new recording device produces a resolution from 139,000 to 222,000 over the spectral range.

Third-generation holographic Rowland mounting: fourth-order theory

The third-generation holographic Rowland mount consists of a Rowland-mounted, optimally recorded holographic spherical grating, referred to as an optimized Rowland grating (ORG), whose recording sources are aberrated by two auxiliary ORG's. The main purpose of this mount is to avoid any aspherical surface while providing control over all the parameters needed to correct the aberrations up to and including the fourth order. Earlier [Appl. Opt. 30, 4019-4025 (1991)], we considered the case of a moderate coma c2. We now give the fourth-order theory, apply it to the high-dispersion (4600 grooves/mm) grating considered previously, and obtain for it diffraction-limited images.

Effects of PVC bags sterilization process on the 5-fluorouracil stability

The stability and compatibility of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in undiluted or diluted admixtures stored in beta-radiation sterilized portable poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) infusion bags were investigated. Admixtures containing 5-FU 50 mg ml(-1) not diluted or 25 mg ml(-1) diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection were placed in 100 or 250 ml empty PVC reservoirs sterilized initially by beta-irradiation. They were protected from light and placed at 37 degrees C. Two ml quantities were withdrawn immediately after preparation and after storage for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 14 days. For each condition, samples from each admixture were tested for drug concentration by stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography. The admixtures were also monitored for precipitation, color change and pH. Evaporative water loss from the containers was also measured. 5-FU was compatible with PVC containers in all tested conditions for 14 days. No loss of drug and no color change were detected throughout the storage period. pH values were stable and neither precipitation nor loss of water through the reservoirs was observed when drug 50 or 25 mg ml(-1) (diluted using 0.9% sodium chloride) was stored in 100 ml capacity polyvinyl PVC bags. However, when stored in 250 ml capacity PVC bags, the 5-FU solution showed precipitation after 13 and 14 days of storage, but no drug loss was detected due to a substantial loss of water. The precipitation of the drug was due to the decrease of pH induced by the dehydrochlorination of PVC during beta-irradiation leading to the formation of hydrochloric acid in solution. Differences observed between 100 and 250 ml capacity bags can be explained by the greater area of PVC present in 250 ml reservoirs, and consequently more HCl formed. Finally, more plasticizer, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), was then detected in drug solutions stored in 250 ml PVC bags. So, we recommend the use of 100 ml bags to store 5-FU at longer storage times and higher temperatures.

Theory and computation of three cosmic origin spectrograph aspheric gratings recorded with a multimode deformable mirror

The theory of three Cosmic Origin Spectrograph holographic gratings recorded with a deformable plane mirror is presented. Their working conditions are severe, since they have to correct the strong spherical aberration and the field astigmatism of the Hubble Space Telescope. Recorded on aspherized substrates, the gratings produce images that are diffraction limited with regard to spectral resolution.

[Analysis of hematopoietic growth factor prescriptions in 19 french cancer centers]

Medical prescription of hematopoietic growth factors (HGF) was analysed in 19 anticancer french centers during 2 months. About 4% of anticancer chemotherapeutic cycles prescribed during this period were supported by HGF prescription. The mean duration of treatment was 8 days. Among the 755 collected prescriptions, two tumor localizations represented about 50% of the prescriptions: malignant non Hodgkin lymphomas and breast cancer. The other main localizations concerned adult or pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (18%), testicular cancer (7%) and gynecologic tumors (6%). The prescription for primary prophylaxis for febrile neutropenia remains the main use of HGF (44%). The respect of the guidelines established by the F|d|ration nationale des centres de lutte contre le cancer was analyzed. Overall, 66% of the prescriptions were in adequation with these guidelines. Whereas the consommation of HGF decreased in the 19 considered institutions, it did not reach a plateau and could decrease in institutions which are awaked to the international and national recommendations.

Illustration of the use of multimode deformable plane mirrors to record high-resolution concave gratings: results for the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph gratings of the Hubble Space Telescope

To illustrate the efficiency of using a deformable plane mirror to record holographic gratings, we have computed the three gratings for the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Their working conditions are severe, since they have to correct the residual spherical aberration of the Hubble Space Telescope. Nevertheless, all images obtained are largely diffraction limited with regard to the resolution.

Theory of spherical holographic gratings recorded by use of a multimode deformable mirror

We present the theory of spherical holographic gratings recorded by use of a deformable plane mirror and consider its application to the optimized Rowland Mounting. We illustrate the efficiency of such a mounting by computing two high-resolution gratings (3800 grooves/mm) with f/24 and f/10 apertures.

Recording method for obtaining high-resolution holographic gratings through use of multimode deformable plane mirrors

We propose a new way of recording in which a spherical blank and a deformable mirror are used to obtain high-resolution holographic gratings. The reflection of one of the two laser recording waves upon this mirror provides the deformations necessary to image correction to as much as seventh-order aberrations inclusively.

Comparison of grating designs for the Lyman Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectrograph

Various grating designs have been proposed by several investigators for possible use with the Lyman/Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer mission. The image quality, the feasibility, and the efficiency of five designs are compared, each using a distinct type of grating: (1) a grating ruled on a deformed ellipsoidal or toroidal blank, (2) an ellipsoidal grating recorded holographically with two auxiliary spherical mirrors, (3) a spherical holographic grating recorded with two auxiliary spherical holographic gratings, (4) a spherical ruled grating with variable spacing and straight grooves, and (5) a spherical ruled grating with a groove pattern that is determined theoretically (hybrid grating). From a purely theoretical viewpoint, grating (5) provides the finest images, followed by gratings, (3), (1), (4), and (2). In view of the current technological limitations, the order of practical importance is gratings (4), (1), (2), (3), and (5).

Third-generation Rowland holographic mounting

Holographic gratings using aspheric blanks and/or aberrated laser recording sources are most often required to achieve high spectral resolution over a large spectral range. We propose a configuration derived from the optimized holographic Rowland mounting, where the grating is recorded by the interference of two aberrated wave fronts diffracted from concave holographic gratings. These two auxiliary gratings are recorded with laser point sources, and the three blanks are spherical, which is well suited to the severe far-UV constraints on shape and polishing. In addition to the correction of astigmatism, coma C(1), and spherical aberration S(1) given by the optimized Rowland mounting, this mounting cancels, at least at one point of the spectrum, coma C(2) and spherical aberrations S(2) and S(3).

A 30-cm objective grating for far-UV astronomy: theoretical study and laboratory tests

We have performed theoretical determination and experimental calibrations of an objective grating designed for high resolution spectroscopy of astronomical faint sources in the EUV and far-UV wavelength ranges (500-1400 A). First through theoretical calculations we show the feasibility of the concept with an aspheric shape for the grating blank and determine its geometrical parameters. A grating of this large size has been manufactured and tested, associated with a photon counting detector, in a vacuum environment. Finally we demonstrate that a resolving power of 3 x 10(4), a total equivalent effective area of ~5-10 cm(2) can be achieved, together with a very low scattered light level (10(-4)-10(-5) of the peak value).

Holographic aspheric gratings printed with aberrant waves

In astrophysics, holographic gratings use, as far as possible, spherical grating's surface and printing laser waves. However, to obtain high spectral resolution, aberrations must be corrected up to the fourth degree, which generally requires aspheric surfaces for the grating or the laser waves. To date, technological progress makes the fabrication of such gratings possible, so we have developed a complete theory of these deformations and have written a computer program which we believe solves any grating's aberration problems.

Optical simulation for a fixed spherical solar collector

To calculate the absorber dimensions for a fixed spherical solar collector, an optical simulation of the raytracing type is proposed. The physical quantities, which have an effect upon these dimensions, are described as well as the measurement methods. Once the dimensions are determined, the incident flux on the absorber surface can be calculated by the same program in terms of different zenith distances. These calculations can be checked by comparing the calculated flux on the surface of the absorber with the measured flux at different points along the absorber aimed at the full moon instead of at the sun. Through the data obtained from the measurements, fluctuating points of high flux and permanent zones which receive double and triple reflection rays have been studied.