Endolichenic fungi are considered a promising source of new materials. For further evaluation of some biological activities of the Trichoderma strains isolated from lichens Dirinaria spp. and Cryptothecia spp., their antifungal and antibacterial activities were screened by the methods of dual culture and environmental toxicity. Substrate degradation was evaluated using the qualitative enzyme assays. Fourteen strains of Trichoderma spp. were isolated from 60 lichen samples. All the isolates were able to inhibit the radial growth of tested fungal strains (Bipolaris spp., Colletotrichum spp., Corynespora cassiicola, and Fusarium spp.). Otherwise, only 12/14 isolates were found capable of competing for substrates with Ralstonia solanacearum. The cell-free supernatant obtained from the cultures possessed both antifungal and antibacterial activities. The antagonistic activity of the isolates was selective. Most of the isolates were able to degrade at least one of the investigated substrates, namely cellulose, pectin, and starch. All strains could produce peroxidase; none of the isolates possessed laccase and tyrosinase. A potential antagonistic fungal strain VDT6 has been identified as Trichoderma harzianum. The assessment results indicated that the Trichoderma isolates could be used in agriculture as biological control agents.

Background Staphylococcus aureus infections, including Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-Sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), present significant challenges in healthcare due to rising antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluates the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus, focusing on key resistance-associated genes mecA and PVL. Methods A total of 568 clinical specimens were analyzed for the presence of S. aureus. Demographic data were collected to assess age-dependent prevalence. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted to evaluate resistance patterns. The prevalence of the mecA and PVL genes was determined using molecular techniques. Results S. aureus was identified in 37.9% of cases, with the highest prevalence (60-79 age group). All S. aureus isolates showed 100% resistance to penicillin. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains accounted for 84.19% of isolates, with a significant presence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. The mecA gene was prevalent in 82.79% of MRSA isolates, indicating its strong association with methicillin resistance. Additionally, 41.86% of all S. aureus isolates were positive for the PVL gene, highlighting its widespread distribution. Conclusions The high prevalence of mecA and PVL genes in S. aureus strains underscores the challenges in managing these infections. These findings emphasize the necessity for judicious antibiotic use and enhanced collaborative efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. Understanding the genetic basis of resistance can inform more effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in S. aureus infections.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are substantial contributors to the global disease burden and mortality. The ANRIL gene polymorphism rs1333040 has been implicated in susceptibility to cardiovascular disease; however, its role in the Vietnamese population remains unclear. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 185 Vietnamese patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and clinical data, medical history, and biochemical parameters were recorded. ANRIL SNP rs1333040 was genotyped using PCR-RFLP. Genotype frequencies were assessed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and their association with cardiovascular risk factors. Results The ‘Normal’ BMI (Body Mass Index) category was the largest segment, comprising 77.84% of the sample. Key cardiovascular risk factors identified among patients with AMI included hypertension (83.8%), dyslipidemia (80.0%), smoking (50.0%), and diabetes mellitus (33.8%). Clinical presentation showed that 55.0% of patients had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 45.0% had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Lipid profile abnormalities were significant; 60.0% had decreased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), 53.8% had elevated triglycerides, 37.5% had elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), and 36.3% had elevated total cholesterol levels. Genetic analysis focused on the rs1333040 polymorphism of the ANRIL gene, with the most common genotype being TT (58.8%), followed by CT (33.7%) and CC (7.5%). Allele frequencies were 75.6% for T and 24.4% for C. This study is the clinical implications of ANRIL polymorphisms in Vietnamese patients with CAD and AMI. Significant genotype-phenotype associations were observed, underscoring the importance of incorporating genetic screening for enhanced prognostic capabilities and personalized therapeutic decisions. Further research focused on delineating the precise genetic underpinnings of complex cardiovascular diseases in diverse populations is warranted.

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