Control Efficacy Research Articles

Myopia control with orthokeratology lenses. A 3-year follow-up study including a cross-over design: Clinical study Of Near-sightedness; TReatment with Orthokeratology Lenses 2 (CONTROL2 study).

The purpose of this study is to investigate 3-year efficacy of orthokeratology lenses (OKL) in controlling axial length progression in myopic Scandinavian children. Through a cross-over design of the control group to compare the treatment efficacy in younger versus older children, with the latter having higher cycloplegic spherical refractive error (cSEQ) at treatment initiation. Further, the study aimed to evaluate the safety of the treatment. This was a continuation of the randomized controlled study Clinical study Of Near-sightedness; TReatment with Orthokeratology Lenses (CONTROL study) in which the follow-up period of the original intervention group, that received OKL, was extended from 18 months to 36 months. Meanwhile, the original control group was crossed-over to OKL after the 18-month follow-up visit and treated for 18 months. Biometry was measured using Lenstar LS900, and contact lens complications were graded according to Efron Grading Scale for Contact Lens Complications (Efron score). Mixed models were used for statistical analysis. Nineteen subjects in the OKL group and 28 in the control group completed the CONTROL study. Hereof, 17 and 24 subjects from the OKL group and control group, respectively, agreed to participate in the CONTROL2 study. In the OKL continue group, the treatment efficacy did not decline during the 3-year study period (p-values for follow-up visits were all ≥0.82). There was no statistically significant difference between treatment efficacy when OKL treatment was initiated in younger versus older children (p-value ≥0.14 for all follow-up visits). Low-grade corneal staining was seen in several subjects at some point during the study, but here were no treatment-requiring or sight-threatening adverse events during the study period. The efficacy of myopia control by OKL was stable during 3 years of treatment. Similar treatment efficacies were found regardless of the age at treatment initiation. No severe adverse events occurred during the study period.

Semi-Preparation and X-ray Single-Crystal Structures of Sophocarpine-Based Isoxazoline Derivatives and Their Pesticidal Effects and Toxicology Study.

Recently, research and development of novel pesticides from natural plant products have received much attention. To accelerate the application of sophocarpine as the agrochemical candidate, a series of novel sophocarpine-based isoxazoline derivatives were prepared by the 1,3-dipolar [2 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of sophocarpine with different chloroximes. Their structures were well characterized by high-resolution mass spectra, infrared spectra, and proton/carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Eight steric configurations of compounds 5a, 5e', 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5r, and 5u' were further determined by X-ray single-crystallography. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot, compounds 5n (LD50: 0.032 μg/nymph) and 5o (LD50: 0.024 μg/nymph) exhibited greater than 3.7- and 4.9-fold potent aphicidal activity compared to sophocarpine (LD50: 0.118 μg/nymph). Against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, derivative 5g displayed the most promising acaricidal activity with the LC50 value of 0.247 mg/mL, which was 14.2-fold that of sophocarpine. Compounds 5d and 5g also exhibited good control efficacy against T. cinnabarinus. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that compound 5g can destroy the mite cuticle layer. These results will provide the foundation for the structural modification and use of sophocarpine derivatives as agrochemicals in the future.

Potential of Small Molecules Piperidine and Pyrrolidine Against Copper-Resistant Xanthomonas perforans, Causal Agent of Bacterial Spot of Tomato.

Bacterial spot of tomato (BST), caused by Xanthomonas perforans, is an economically important disease of tomatoes in Florida. Due to the heavy reliance on copper-based bactericides for control of BST, copper-resistant strains of X. perforans are widely distributed in Florida, leading to reduced efficacy of copper-based bactericides for disease control. There is a need for alternative chemical control strategies to effectively manage this disease in tomato production. In this study, two small molecules, piperidine and pyrrolidine, were evaluated for their efficacy against the copper-resistant X. perforans strain GEV 485 in laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. In in vitro experiments, piperidine and pyrrolidine at concentrations as low as 2 mg/L and 16 mg/L, respectively, significantly (P<0.001) reduced bacterial populations within 4 h of incubation compared to the untreated control, while Kocide 3000, the grower copper-based bactericide standard, at 0.9 g/L and 2.1 g/L (full label rate) did not significantly reduce bacterial populations. When tested as foliar sprays in the greenhouse, pyrrolidine at 128 mg/L significantly (P <0.001) reduced disease severity compared to the untreated control, with an equivalent efficacy to Kocide 3000 (copper hydroxide at 2.1 g/L). Kocide 3000 at 1.0 g/L, in combination with piperidine at 64 mg/L and pyrrolidine at 64 and 128 mg/L significantly improved the efficacy in disease control compared to untreated controls and Kocide 3000 at 1.0 g/L alone. In field trials, both small molecules demonstrated equivalent or superior efficacy to ManKocide (copper hydroxide + mancozeb) against X. perforans compared to the untreated control. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential of piperidine and pyrrolidine for controlling bacterial spot of tomato.

Precise genetic control of ATOH1 enhances maturation of regenerated hair cells in the mature mouse utricle

Vestibular hair cells are mechanoreceptors critical for detecting head position and motion. In mammals, hair cell loss causes vestibular dysfunction as spontaneous regeneration is nearly absent. Constitutive expression of exogenous ATOH1, a hair cell transcription factor, increases hair cell regeneration, however, these cells fail to fully mature. Here, we profiled mouse utricles at 14 time points, and defined transcriptomes of developing and mature vestibular hair cells. To mimic native hair cells which downregulate endogenous ATOH1 as they mature, we engineered viral vectors carrying the supporting cell promoters GFAP and RLBP1. In utricles damaged ex vivo, both CMV-ATOH1 and GFAP-ATOH1 increased regeneration more effectively than RLBP1-ATOH1, while GFAP-ATOH1 and RLBP1-ATOH1 induced hair cells with more mature transcriptomes. In utricles damaged in vivo, GFAP-ATOH1 induced regeneration of hair cells expressing genes indicative of maturing type II hair cells, and more hair cells with bundles and synapses than untreated organs. Together our results demonstrate the efficacy of spatiotemporal control of ATOH1 overexpression in inner ear hair cell regeneration.

Preparation of pH-Responsive Kas@ZnO Quantum Dots for Synergistic Control of Rice Blast and Enhanced Disease Resistance in Rice.

The construction of controlled-release formulations improves the sustained-release performance and utilization efficiency of pesticides, which are important aspects in plant protection and environmental chemistry. The current study employs kasugamycin (Kas), which is widely used to control Magnaporthe oryzae, conjugated with carboxyl-functionalized ZnO quantum dots via amide linkages to yield a pH-responsive pesticide delivery system (Kas@ZnO). Physicochemical characterizations indicated the successful preparation of the Kas@ZnO nanoparticles. In vitro drug release assessments indicated that Kas@ZnO exhibited a loading capacity of 21.05% and could effect the controlled release of Kas in an acidic environment, which is beneficial given the unique acidic microenvironment of M. oryzae. Bioactivity assays demonstrated that Kas@ZnO could simultaneously inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination. Additionally, bioactivity tests showed that the control efficacy of Kas@ZnO against rice blast reached 67.43% after 14 days of in vivo spray inoculation, which was higher than that obtained with Kas (55.50%), suggesting improved beneficial effects of Kas@ZnO application over a prolonged duration. Moreover, Kas@ZnO enhanced the activity of defense-related enzymes in rice and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes, such as OsPR2, OsPR3, OsPR5, OsWRKY45, OsLYP6, and OsNAC4. Ultimately, the biosafety assessments revealed that Kas@ZnO did not exert any harmful effects on rice and demonstrated slight toxicity toward zebrafish. These findings indicate that Kas@ZnO can function as a pH-sensitive pesticide delivery system, allowing for targeted release of the pesticide within plant tissues. This technology demonstrates significant potential for eco-friendly plant disease management.

49 Effects of numeracy and literacy on glycemic control and self-perceived efficacy in youth with type 1 diabetes in Haiti

Abstract Background The management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in low-resource settings remains a challenge in the context of unfavourable social determinants of health. The effects of literacy and numeracy on glycemic control and self-perceived efficacy in youth living with T1D in low-resource settings have been insufficiently investigated. Objectives We described literacy and numeracy in Haitian youth with T1D and their caregivers and we evaluated their association with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and perceived diabetes management self-efficacy. Design/Methods We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of youth with T1D treated at the Montrouis clinic in Haiti, between June to December 2017. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of T1D at age 0-25 years and at least one parent of Haitian ancestry. One principal caregiver of each youth was also included. Exclusion criteria were inability of informed consent and declined home visit. The study was approved by our Institution Research Ethics Board. Data collection included demographics, clinical data, numeracy questionnaire adapted to the population and the standardized self-efficacy 8-item Perceived Diabetes Self-Management Scale (PDSMS). We used univariate and multivariate linear regression models to evaluate predictors of HbA1c and PDSMS scores. Results We included 85 patients (60% female) and 73 caregivers. Median age at diagnosis and diabetes duration were 14.3 and 3.1 years, respectively. Over 90% of patients had suboptimal (HbA1c &amp;gt;7.0%), poor (HbA1c &amp;gt;9%) or very poor (HbA1c &amp;gt;12%) glycemic control. 76 patients (90.5%) self-reported being able to read, 78 (91.8%) to write and 84 (98.8%) to count. Mothers’ and fathers’ median education years were 7.0 and 11, respectively. 54 parents (74.0%) self-reported being able to read and write. Normalized to 100%, median patient numeracy score was 75.0% and the mean PDSMS score was 65.9%. In univariate models, lower HbA1c was predicted by younger age (p=0.013), but not by gender, diabetes duration, numeracy score, mother’s education or PDSMS score. Higher PDSMS score was predicted by higher numeracy scores (p=0.003), marginally by sex (p=0.057), but not by age, diabetes duration, or mother’s education; in a multivariate model adjusted for age, sex and diabetes duration, higher numeracy remained significant (p=0.006). Conclusion In youth with T1D in Haiti who have ubiquitously poor glycemic control and suboptimal family literacy and numeracy, numeracy is a predictor of self-perceived efficacy of T1D. Further public health interventions addressing numeracy in youth living with T1D in low-resource settings are advised.

Exploring Silica Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Solution for Pest Control in Sri Lankan Rice Farming

Rice cultivation stands as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, serving as a vital source of employment for rural communities. However, the constraints of limited land availability have prompted an escalating dependence on agrochemicals, notably for pest management, thereby posing significant threats to human health and the environment. This review delves into the exploration of silica nanoparticles as a promising eco-friendly substitute for conventional pesticides in the context of Sri Lankan rice farming. It comprehensively examines various aspects, including the synthesis methods of silica nanoparticles, their encapsulation with synthetic pesticides, and an evaluation of their efficacy in pest control. Furthermore, it sheds light on the innovative utilization of agricultural waste such as rice husk and straw in the production of silica-based nanopesticides. This approach not only demonstrates a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices but also aligns with the principles of green chemistry and circular economy, offering a holistic solution to the challenges faced by the rice farming sector in Sri Lanka.

Comparison of different concentrations atropine in controlling children and adolescent myopia: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

To evaluate the myopia control effect of different concentrations atropine in children and adolescent. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews available in the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from the databases' inception to August 2023 were searched to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of different concentrations' atropine in controlling myopia progression. Overall effects were performed using random-effects model. AMSTAR 2 tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Prespecified outcomes were weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% credible interval (95% CI) of annual spherical equivalent refraction (SER) changes and annual axial length (AL) changes. 19 systematic reviews/meta-analyses of different atropine concentrations were included in the analysis. 14 studies reported SER changes, and 17 reported AL changes. In terms of the studies' overall methodological quality level (measured using AMSTAR 2), 1 study was rated high, 7 moderate, 7 low, and 4 critically low. The 0.01% atropine was found to have statistically significance (annual SER change WMD 0.27 [95% CI 0.21 - 0.34] D/year; annual AL change WMD -0.09 [95% CI -0.1 to -0.07]) mm/year), 0.05% atropine was preferred considering efficacy and tolerability (annual SER change WMD 0.54 [95% CI 0.49 - 0.58] D/year; annual AL change WMD -0.21 [95% CI -0.12 to -0.02]) mm/year). Different atropine concentrations alleviated children and adolescent myopia progression. However, higher-quality evidence and further investigation are needed to clarify the dose-response relationship, and practical guidelines must be developed to determine myopia control efficacy.

Copper-Driven Formation of Prothioconazole Nanocomplex: An Innovative Strategy to Prepare Nanopesticide with Improved Bioactivity and Reduced Environmental Impacts.

Developing cost-effective, energy-saving, and eco-friendly methods to construct nanopesticides fulfill the requirement of modern agriculture. Benefiting from the versatility of metal-based complexes, a facile copper-driven method is discovered for the formation of a fungicide prothioconazole nanocomplex (Cu-Pro) with the particle size of ≈300 ± 85 nm. Interestingly, adding 0.5-1% of anionic surfactants could generate nanocomplexes within 60 ± 12 nm and form stable dispersed nanosuspensions. Both nanocomplexes exhibit remarkable control efficacy against six plant pathogenic fungi, and the EC50 values are 1.4-4.8 times lower than that of prothioconazole technical concentrate (Pro TC). In addition, the novel nanocomplexes demonstrate better resistance against UV irradiation and the half-lives are 3.27- and 1.56-times longer than that of Pro TC, respectively. The acute toxicity of prothioconazole nanocomplexes against non-target organism zebrafish is decreased. Due to the small size and chelation with metals, the uptake and accumulation of prothioconazole in wheat plant is promoted, and the metabolites prothioconazole-desthio is significantly decreased by 42-48% than that of Pro TC. This metal coordination-based strategy seeks to open a new avenue for the high-throughput preparation of nanopesticides, providing an innovative toolbox for reducing the input of agrochemicals in sustainable plant protection.

Technology for Distribution and Control of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in Cherry Tree Soil

Sakura crown gall, caused by the invasion of Agrobacterium tumefaciens through plant wounds, poses a significant threat to cherry trees. In this study, the distribution of A. tumefaciens was preliminarily determined by stratified sampling and qPCR detection. Vertically, the pathogen is mainly distributed in the soil layer below 20 cm, and the amount of bacteria increases at greater depths. Horizontally, they are found within a 150 cm radius from the trunk. Zhongshengmycin and Oligosaccharide–Ethylicin were applied 100 cm from the trunk at a depth of below 20 cm. In the 20~40 cm soil layer, a 600-fold diluted solution of 3% Zhongshengmycin had a relative control efficacy of 94% to 100% against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, while a 1000-fold diluted solution of 25% Oligosaccharide–Ethylicin showed a control effect ranging from 54% to 100%. Before transplantation, the soil was disinfected with dazomet and abamectin. Application rates were 35 g/m2 for dazomet (98% granules) and 1 mL/m2 for abamectin (1.8% emulsifiable concentrate). The disinfection effectiveness was 77~100% in the 0~60 cm soil layer.

A quantitative and systematic analysis of Anopheles stephensi bionomics and control approaches

Anopheles stephensi is a mosquito endemic to South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula that has recently been detected in eight African countries, posing a significant threat to global malaria control efforts. A challenge with An. stephensi is that it requires unique surveillance and control tools when compared to other malaria vectors. Through a systematic literature review, we investigated the efficacy of trapping methods and controls for An. stephensi mosquitoes, with a focus on studies of its behavior and biology. Data from 83 articles (native range: Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Qatar; invasive range: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan) met our study inclusion criteria. Data from these studies revealed that using host-seeking animal baited traps increased the number of mosquitoes collected per trap per day in the native range when compared to host-seeking human baited traps. However, these differences were not present in data collection rate assessments from the invasive range. We also found that An. stephensi equally used a large variety of breeding habitats in the native range, but that it tended to prefer water reservoirs and wastewater in the invasive range. Finally, we found that temephos, fenthion, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, and Beauveri bassiana were more effective at reducing larvae in their native range compared to the approaches found in our systematic literature search, but the relative effectiveness of these approaches in the invasive range was less clear. Understanding proven historical surveillance and control approaches is essential to the advancement of invasive An. stephensi mitigation efforts, but continued investigations in the invasive range are critical to reducing the impacts of malaria morbidity and mortality.

Nano-pesticide delivery system based on UiO-66 with pH sensitivity for precise control of Spodoptera frugiperda.

Metal-organic frameworks have the advantages of easy synthesis, high loading capacity and good biocompatibility, making them essential materials for constructing pesticide nano-delivery systems. In this study, a pH-responsive nano-controlled-release formulation Chl@UiO-66 was prepared using UiO-66 as the nano-scale carrier for adsorbing chlorantraniliprole (Chl). The appearance, pesticide loading, release behaviour, insecticidal activity, long-term control efficacy and safety of Chl@UiO-66 for non-target organisms were extensively evaluated. The results showed that the prepared Chl@UiO-66 was a regular octahedron with a uniform particle size of 230 nm and pesticide loading of 15.62%. The release of pesticides under alkaline conditions was superior to that under acidic and neutral conditions, which showed pH-responsive performance. Chl@UiO-66 had an excellent ability to protect pesticides from ultraviolet degradation. Compared with chlorantraniliprole suspension concentrate, Chl@UiO-66 had a better control effect against Spodoptera frugiperda and long-term control efficacy. The prepared nano-controlled-release formulation had low toxicity to zebrafish, earthworms and human BEAS-2B cells. Chl@UiO-66 is a new pesticide formulation with high efficacy and low toxicity that provides a smart controlled-release solution. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bacillus velezensis B105-8, a potential and efficient biocontrol agent in control of maize stalk rot caused by Fusarium graminearum.

Maize stalk rot (MSR), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is the most serious soil borne disease in maize production, seriously affecting maize yield and quality worldwide. Microbial biocontrol agents are the best means of controlling MSR and reducing the use of chemical fungicides, such as Bacillus spp. In the study, a soil-isolated strain B105-8 was identified as B. velezensis (accession No. PP325775.1 and No. PP869695.1), demonstrated a broad spectrum against various pathogens causing maize diseases, which effectively controlled MSR, exhibited a high control efficacy of more than 60% and growth-promoting effect in the pot plant. B105-8 could effectively improve soil urease (S-UE), invertase (S-SC), and catalase (S-CAT) activities. S-NP activity showed an initial increase with a peak of 20,337 nmol/h/g, followed by a decrease, but activity remained significantly better than control treatment with chemical fungicides. The application of B105-8 repaired the damage caused by F. graminearum on soil activity. The antifungal compound B-1, extracted from B105-8, was purified using a protein purifier, revealing inhibitory effects against F. graminearum. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated the potential presence of C14 Bacillomycin, C15 Iturin, C15 Mycosubtilin, C17, and C15 fengycin in B-1. In pot experiments, a 5 μL/mL concentration of B-1 exhibited 69% control on MSR, enhancing maize root elongation, elevation, and fresh weight. At 10 μL/mL, B-1 showed 89.0 and 82.1% inhibition on spore production and mycelial growth, causing hyphal deformities. This study presents the innovative use of B. velezensis, isolated from maize rhizosphere in cold conditions to effectively control MSR caused by F. graminearum. The findings highlight the remarkable regional and adaptive characteristics of this strain, making it an excellent candidate to fight MSR in diverse environments. In conclusion, B. velezensis B105-8 demonstrated potential as a biocontrol agent for MSR.

Novel combined pharmacological strategy to alleviate acute phase response following zoledronic acid treatment.

Osteoporosis is a common condition associated with high morbidity rates, often requiring treatment with bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid. However, the persistence to zoledronic acid infusion is commonly limited by acute phase response (APR). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel combination therapy in preventing APR symptoms. A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 931 patients who received their first zoledronic acid infusion between 2011 and 2021. We evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy comprising a single dose of hydrocortisone prior to the infusion and a 3-d oral regimen of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and prednisolone following the infusion. Patients were divided into protocol (receiving combination therapy) and control groups (without treatment). Baseline characteristics, APR incidence, and the efficacy of symptom control were compared between groups using Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test. There was no difference in APR incidence between the protocol (n = 507) and control group (n = 407; p = 0.1442). However, the protocol group exhibited lower intolerable APR levels (3.72% vs. 16.71%; p < 0.0001) and complete symptom relief in 96.28% of cases. The combination therapy protocol effectively reduced intolerable APR and relieved symptoms in most patients following zoledronic acid infusion. This study highlights the importance of proactive management strategies for APR and emphasizes the potential of combination therapy in alleviating APR symptoms and reducing the occurrence of severe APR in patients undergoing osteoporosis management.

Effect of Crimson® NG Adjuvant on Glyphosate Efficacy in Corn

There is limited published data on the impact of the addition of Crimson&amp;reg; NG to glyphosate on weed control efficacy in corn under Ontario environmental conditions. Four field experiments were conducted at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, Ridgetown, Ontario during 2022 and 2023 with two water sources to evaluate weed control with glyphosate alone and in combination with Crimson&amp;reg; NG. Glyphosate was applied at rates of 900, 1029, or 1221 g ae ha-1, with and without Crimson&amp;reg; NG at 1.0 and 2.5% v/v, using water with 56 ppm (Ridgetown) and 1600 ppm (Plattsville) hardness. Results showed that glyphosate at 900 g ae ha-1 controlled velvetleaf, Powell amaranth, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, barnyardgrass, and giant foxtail 97-100%, independent of water hardness. Neither increased glyphosate rates nor the addition of Crimson&amp;reg; NG significantly improved weed control. No corn injury was observed with all herbicide/adjuvant treatments evaluated. These findings confirm that glyphosate at 900 g ae ha-1 is highly effective for the control of common annual grass and broadleaf weeds. Weed control efficacy with glyphosate was not influenced by water source and there was no improvement in weed control efficacy from increasing the rate of glyphosate or from the addition of Crimson&amp;reg; NG.

Locus Of Control, Transformative Leadership, Self Efficacy, Professional Commitment On The Ability To Detect Fraud. Auditor's Experience As Moderating Variables

This research aims to investigate the influence of Locus of Control, Transformative Leadership, Self Efficacy, and Professional Commitment on the Ability to Detect Fraud with the audit experience as a moderator. The population in this research are auditors who work at Public Accounting Firms in DKI Jakarta. The sampling method used was an unknowns sample because the population size was uncertain, and the researcher could not obtain information regarding the number of accountants working at the Public Accounting Firm in DKI Jakarta. The number of respondents obtained for this research was 155 respondents. In this research, the analytical methods used are descriptive statistics, data feasibility testing, classical assumption testing, multiple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing. Test results prove that Locus of Control (LoC) has a positive effect on the ability to detect fraud, transformational leadership and professional commitment have no effect on the ability to detect fraud. Self-efficacy has a negative effect on the ability to detect fraud. Auditor experience moderates the influence of Locus of Control and Self Efficacy on the ability to detect fraud. Auditor experience does not moderate the influence of transformative leadership and professional commitment on the ability to detect fraud.

Identification, Characteristics, and Fungicide Efficacy of Seed-Associated Fungi of Saposhnikovia divaricata in Northeast China.

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk. is one of the traditional medicinal herbs in Northeast China, and its roots are used for medicinal purposes. In 2020, a fungus isolated from S. divaricata seeds was observed to cause root rot of seedlings and leaf and stem spot of adult plants in Shuangyashan, Heilongjiang, China. Based on morphological and molecular data, isolates of all fungi were identified as Alternaria alternata. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata isolated from S. divaricata seeds in China. The carrying rate of S. divaricata seeds from 20 different collection sites reached 100% in 70% of the sites in Hulunbeier area, Inner Mongolia, China. The A. alternata isolate could infect the roots of cucumber, sorghum, mung bean, and maize seedlings and cause root rot. Considering the control of seed-associated fungal diseases, prochloraz 45% EW had the best control effect of 92.6%, followed by flusilazole 400 g liter-1 EC (88.9%) and azoxystrobin + propiconazole 18.7% SE (70.7%) of 15 fungicides. Further field control efficacy showed that 45% prochloraz EW had an 80% control efficacy on the disease at a dose of 0.225 g liter-1. It is recommended that soaking seeds and spraying are the best treatments for controlling seed-associated fungi and leaf spot on S. divaricata caused by A. alternata. Therefore, the aforementioned methods can effectively prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases of S. divaricata and provide a way to reduce reinfestation in the field.

Investigation of the distribution of inguinal lymph nodes and delineation of the inguinal clinical target volume using 18F-FDG PET/CT

ObjectiveRadiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for pelvic cancers, but uncertainties persist in defining the clinical target volume (CTV) for the inguinal lymphatic drainage region. Suboptimal CTV delineation may compromise treatment efficacy and result in subpar disease control. This study aimed to investigate and map the distribution of lymph node metastases (LNM) in the groin area to facilitate an improved and detailed CTV definition using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT).MethodsInguinal LNM in patients with biopsy-proven pelvic malignancies were identified using 18F-FDG PET/CT scan. The longitudinally nearest axial plane was determined based on six typical bony landmarks, and the axial direction relative to the femoral artery of LNM was recorded. The distances from the LNM to the nearest edge of the femoral artery were measured on the axial plane. An optimal margin to cover 95% of LNM was estimated to develop contouring recommendations.ResultsIn this study, 500 positive LNM were identified by 18F-FDG PET/CT among 185 patients with primary pelvic malignancies. Relative to the femoral artery, lymph nodes were distributed laterally (10:00–11:00, n = 35), anteriorly (12:00–1:00, n = 213), and medially (2:00–4: 00, n = 252). For CTV delineation, the recommended distances from the femoral artery on the SFH were lateral 19 mm, anterior 19 mm, and medial 25 mm; on the SGT were lateral 26 mm, anterior 20 mm, and medial 25 mm; on the SPS were lateral 28 mm, anterior 29 mm, and medial 26 mm; on the IPS were anterior 29 mm and medial 28 mm; on the IIT were anterior 27 mm and medial 27 mm; on the ILT were anterior 25 mm and medial 23 mm. Use interpolation to contour the area between six axial slices, including any radiographically suspicious LNM.ConclusionsUsing 18F-FDG PET/CT, we investigated the distribution pattern of inguinal LNM and propose a more comprehensive guideline for inguinal CTV delineation.

Optimization of fermentation conditions for Bacillus velezensis TCS001 and evaluation of its growth promotion and disease prevention effects on strawberries

Bacillus velezensis TCS001 is a novel biocontrol bacterium with broad-spectrum antifungal activity and plant growth-promoting effects, holding great potential for development in agricultural production. This study optimized the fermentation conditions for B. velezensis TCS001 through single-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology, and developed a formulation for TCS001 suspension concentrate (TCS001-SC). The efficacy of TCS001-SC to promote the growth of strawberries and to prevent and control strawberry anthracnose was evaluated. The optimal liquid fermentation condition for TCS001 was determined to be 2.89 % soluble peanut cake powder, 3.0 % glucose, 3.0 % soluble starch, 0.002 % FePO4, 0.006 % KCl, 0.6 % NaCl, 0.05 % MgCl2·6H2O, 0.3 % K2HPO4, 0.15 % KH2PO4, 0.05 % CaCO3, 0.005 % MnSO4, a working volume of 31 % (77.5 mL/250 mL), a rotation speed of 173 r/min, a cultivation temperature of 28°C, an inoculum volume of 1.0 %, and a pH of 7.0. The 15 L fermenter upscale culture achieved a spore count of 9.46 × 109 CFU/mL, which was 2.01 times the spore count of 4.7 × 109 CFU/mL before optimization, and a preliminary TCS001-SC was developed with the fermented broth as the main component. Agar plate confrontation tests showed that TCS001 had antifungal activity against five types of anthracnose fungi, with inhibition rates ranging from 70.3 % to 87.2 %. TCS001-SC could promote the growth of strawberries and induce a rapid defense enzyme response in their leaves, enhancing the plant's resistance to pathogens. After treatment, individual strawberry plants showed significant increases in the number of leaves, fresh weight of stems and leaves, root fresh weight, leaf area, plant height, and the content of POD, SOD, CAT enzymes, GA, IAA, and ABA compared to the control.Additionally, it shows good prevention and control effects against strawberry anthracnose, with a control efficacy of 60.45% after five spray treatments at a concentration of 2 × 107 CFU/mL, which is not significantly different from the efficacy of commercial microbial agents such as Bacillus subtilis wettable powder, subsequent field trials will be conducted to determine its potential as a microbial pesticide. This study provides important support for the future industrial production and application of the strain TCS001.

The Physiological Effect of Trichoderma viride on Melon Yield and Its Ability to Suppress Rhizoctonia solani

Melon damping off, which has a negative impact on melon quality and yield, can be safely and effectively managed with Trichoderma. Melon cultivar ‘Longtian No. 1’ was evaluated at both the adult and seedling stages in a pot experiment. The Rs and PD liquids were utilized as CK1 and CK2, respectively. Trichoderma viride Tv286 treatments T1B, T2B, T3B, and T4B were used based on Rs at concentrations of 104, 105, 106, and 107 CFU·g−1, respectively. The impact of several treatments on the antioxidant system and seedling quality of melon were assessed at 15, 25, and 35 days after sowing. We examined the effects of several treatments on melon quality, yield attributes, and physiological and biochemical markers during the adult stage at 10, 20, and 30 days after pollination. The effects of several treatments on melon damping off were also studied. Applying T. viride Tv286 at different rates effectively increased the activities of enzymes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), in the leaves of melon seedlings, significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and improved the root–shoot ratio and seedling strength index. In terms of its influence on promoting the effect of antioxidant system indicators, T3B performed well. Melon seedlings treated with T3B showed higher CAT, POD, SOD, APX, and PPO activities in their leaves 35 days after sowing compared to CK1 (189.74, 169.61, 175.36, 224.20, and 477.39%, respectively). The strong seedling index and root–shoot ratio showed improvements of 130.43 and 79.71%, respectively, and the MDA content dropped by 35.66% at 35 days after sowing compared to CK1. Varying the rates at which T. viride Tv286 was applied increased the nitrate reductase (NR) activity and nitrate nitrogen, proline (Pro), chlorophyll, soluble sugar, and soluble protein contents in mature melon leaves, increasing melon quality and yield. T3B is the most effective marketing campaign. Compared to CK1, mature T3B leaves had higher NR activity, nitrate nitrogen content, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, and Pro content 30 days after melon pollination (100.40, 135.17, 68.59, 93.65, 158.13, and 238.67%, respectively). The soluble solids, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C contents, and yield of melon fruit increased by 50.07, 126.82, 60.62, 70.79, and 61.45%, respectively, at 30 days after melon pollination compared to CK1. Optimal management of melon damping off can be accomplished with the application of T. viride Tv286 at different concentrations, with T3B exhibiting the best effect. The control effects reached 90.48 and 72.99% at the seedling and adult stages, respectively. Overall, T. viride Tv286 improved seedling quality, damping off control efficacy, melon yield and quality, and the antioxidant system during the seedling stage and enhanced physiological and biochemical characteristics during the adult stage. This study indicates the potential of T. viride Tv286 conidia as a biological control agent because it can prevent plant disease, increase yield, and improve quality.