Management Of Disease Research Articles

Factors Influencing Kidney Transplantation Experiences for Patients From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds: A Qualitative Study.

Disparities in aspects of chronic kidney disease progression and management exist for patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including with treatment and outcomes for kidney transplantation. This study aimed to explore factors that impact kidney transplant outcomes from the perspective of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) from CALD backgrounds and their family caregivers. A descriptive qualitative design was utilised. Participants were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with KTRs who were born overseas incountrieswhere English is not the primary language. Interviews were also conducted with family caregivers. Analysis was guided by the Framework Method, and emergent subcategories were mapped into the categories identified in Andersen's Health Service Utilisation Model. Data from 21 KTRs and five caregivers were grouped under the categories of Population Characteristics, Environment, Health Behaviour and Outcomes. KTRs believed that neither culture nor religious beliefs impacted how they managed their transplant or healthcare utilisation. KTRs expressed satisfaction with their care, felt no inequity with how they were treated by health professionals and expressed gratitude for the Australian healthcare system. Language did not necessarily impact transplant outcomes, but there was a reliance on interpreters for non-English-speaking patients as most written information was in English. Caregivers were instrumental in providing support but discussed the challenges involved. This study explored factors influencing kidney transplantation for KTRs from a CALD background. The study provided insight into how to deliver quality healthcare to these patients, highlighting the importance of health services providing information that is written in the patient's own language and respectively asking KTRs about their health beliefs or customs. Caregivers were instrumental in supporting KTRs, but there is a need tobetter prepare them for this role. Patient and public involvement was integrated into the design and delivery of the study. KTRs from CALD backgrounds assisted with framing the research questions andoffering advice on the recruitment and data collection process.

Pharmacological Potential of Bioactive Peptides for the Treatment of Diseases Associated with Alzheimer's and Brain Disorders.

Bioactive peptides are a promising class of therapeutics for the treatment of diseases associated with Alzheimer's and brain disorders. These peptides are derived from naturally occurring proteins and have been shown to possess a variety of beneficial properties. They may modulate neurotransmitter systems, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive performance. In addition, bioactive peptides have the potential to target specific molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and brain disorders. For example, peptides have been shown to interact with amyloid-beta, a major component of amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease, and have been shown to reduce its accumulation in the brain. Furthermore, peptides have been found to modulate the activity of glutamate receptors, which are important for memory and learning, as well as to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in the formation of toxic amyloid-beta aggregates. Finally, bioactive peptides have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two major components of many neurological disorders. These peptides could be used alone or in combination with traditional pharmacological treatments to improve the management of diseases associated with Alzheimer's and brain disorders.

Identification of Boveria labialis parasitism in the respiratory tree of the Cultured Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus

Aquaculture of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus has emerged as a pivotal industry in northern China in the early 21st century. It is estimated that the cultivation area for this species spans 250,356 ha, yielding an annual production of 248,508 tons. The swift growth and intensification of sea cucumber farming practices have triggered a spectrum of diseases, resulting in significant economic detriment. This study offers an exhaustive account of a particular ciliate species, identified through smear and histopathological observations, hematoxylin-eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular biology techniques, detailing its morphology, size, cellular architecture, and reproductive mode. The ciliate exhibits a torch-like shape, measuring 40–82 μm in length and 12–35 μm in width. It is characterized by the presence of both a macronucleus and a micronucleus. The anterior end is slender and blunt, while the posterior end is the widest part of the organism. A peristomal disc (PD) is situated at the body's terminus, with the mouth positioned centrally on the PD and a lip-like projection (6–10 μm in length) extending from one side. The organism's surface, particularly the area surrounding the oral region, is adorned with an abundance of long cilia. A single contractile vacuole is observable at the aboral end of the ciliate. It possesses 17–21 somatic kineties, complemented by 3 membranelles (M1, M2, M3) and a paroral membrane (PM) within the buccal cavity. One contractile vacuole was seen at the aboral end. There were 17–21 somatic kineties, while three membranes (M1, M2, M3) and a paroral membrane (PM) located within the buccal cavity. The first somatic kinety is notably more extended than the others, uniquely reaching a length of 10 μm around the PM. The PM, comprised of 2 somatic kineties in a “zig-zag” formation, follows a spiral path, making approximately 360-degree turns in conjunction with M1, M2, and M3, and culminates at the mouth depression. The ciliate reproduces through transverse binary fission or sexual conjugation. Based on these distinguishing features and molecular biological identification results, the ciliate is provisionally classified within the genus Boveria, as Boveria labialis. Histopathological examination has shown that these ciliates are predominantly found within the respiratory trees of their hosts, where they inflict damage to the epithelial tissues. This damage manifests as cell necrosis, structural disintegration, and the shedding of cells from the respiratory tree's epithelial lining. In severe cases, the affected respiratory tree and other viscera may be expelled. Epidemiological studies have indicated that infected individuals do not present with any overt external lesions. The findings of this research are instrumental for the management of diseases and the promotion of health within the sea cucumber aquaculture industry.

Resistance of Ascochyta rabiei isolates from chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) to fungicides

Ascochyta blight is a disease that causes significant yield losses in chickpea crops in Turkey under favorable environmental conditions. The fungal pathogen Ascochyta rabiei is the causative agent of this disease. The antifungal activity of previous fungicides against A. rabiei was not effective due to the heterothallic nature of the fungus. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of A. rabiei to fungicides (25.2 g kgˉ1 boscalid + 12.8 g kgˉ1 pyraclostrobin; 50% tebuconazole + 25% trifloxystrobin; 62.5 g Lˉ1 propiconazole + 37.5 g Lˉ1 azoxystrobin; 80% thiram; 80% kükürt (sulphur); 80% mancozeb; 80% maneb) under in vitro and field conditions. Pure cultures of A. rabiei were isolated from infected chickpea plants collected in Boğazlayan, Sarıkaya, Sorgun, Merkez and Yerköy. A total of 14 A. rabiei isolates and 4 references were evaluated. The field test was conducted at Yozgat Bozok University, Yerköy Agricultural Application and Research Center Station. The trials began on March 14, 2021. The experimental area was divided into plots and the susceptible chickpea variety Sarı98 was used for the study. Two artificial inoculations were carried out approximately on the 40th and 80th days after sowing. Twenty-four hours after inoculation, the chickpea plants were sprayed with the fungicides Nativo® WG 75, Bellis®, Dikotan® M45 and Thiovit Jet® using a handheld sprayer. In vitro testing revealed that A. rabiei was resistant to kükürt (sulphur), thiram, maneb, and mancozeb. A field study showed that the percentage of A. rabiei isolates treated with the mancozeb fungicide was between 14 and 21% of the control. Therefore, effective disease management strategies should include not only the use of fungicides, but also alternative approaches such as the use of resistant varieties. Moreover, the study focused on phenotypic resistance and suggests that future research should investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying A. rabiei resistance to enable better resistance management.

One Health policy for combatting African trypanocide resistance

The rise of African trypanocide resistance (ATr) is influenced by various factors such as evolutionary changes in the pathogen, the presence of resistance genes in the population, poor policy decisions, limited private-public partnerships to engage local communities, and insufficient funding for the development of new drugs over the past sixty years. These challenges have been exacerbated by the inadequate implementation of drug liberalization policies in the mid 20th century, leading to poor pharmacovigilance practices for veterinary drugs in low and middle income countries (LMICs). One health (OH), a disease management framework, provides practical solutions for addressing ATr, drawing on its success in managing previous epidemics like avian influenza in 2004 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where institutional collaborations were rapidly established. To combat ATr, OH initiatives involving both international and local partners at the policy and grassroots levels are crucial to generate community interest. The importance of political commitment, media involvement, and nongovernmental organizations cannot be overstated, as they are essential for resource mobilization and long-term sustainability in LMICs.

Future of invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic assessment for coronary artery disease management.

Coronary artery disease represents a global health challenge. Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of hemodynamic parameters are crucial for optimizing patient management and outcomes. Nowadays a wide range of both non-invasive and invasive methods are available to assess the hemodynamic impact of both epicardial coronary stenosis and vasomotor disorders. In fact, over the years, important developments have reshaped the nature of both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, and the future holds promises for further innovation and integration. Non-invasive techniques have progressively evolved and currently a broad spectrum of methods are available, from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with pharmacological stress and coronary computed tomography (CT) to the newer application of FFR-CT and perfusion CT. Invasive methods, on the contrary, have developed to a full-physiology approach, able not only to identify functionally significant lesions but also to evaluate microcirculation and vasospastic disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic assessment for CAD management.

Impact of Clinical Presentation on Outcomes in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Managed Medically

Impact of Clinical Presentation on Outcomes in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Managed Medically

Pioneering Nit Gene Exploitation to Develop Molecular Diagnostic Assay forRapid Detection ofCotton Root Rot Incitant, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, in Field Soil.

Cotton root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina pose a significant threat to cotton production, leading to substantial yield and quality losses. Early and accurate diagnosis of this pathogen in soil is crucial for effective disease management. Thisstudy presents a pioneering investigation into the utilization of the nit gene encoding nitrilase for the development of a molecular diagnostic assay aimed at the rapid detection of M. phaseolina in field soils. The methodology involved the design and validation of primers targeting the Nit gene sequence, followed by the optimization of PCR conditions for efficient amplification. Leveraging state-of-the-art molecular techniques, the assay offers a novel protocol to accurately identify the presence of M. phaseolina in soil with high sensitivity and specificity. The specificity of the designed primers was confirmed through PCR amplification using DNA from M. phaseolina and other related fungi. Sensitivity tests demonstrated that the PCR assay reliably detected M. phaseolina DNA at concentrations as low as 1 ng. Furthermore, the performance of the diagnostic assay was rigorously evaluated using field soil samples with a known status of M. phaseolina infection, demonstrating its reliability and efficacy in real-world scenarios. This study introduces a novel molecular marker for the detection of M. phaseolina and offers a rapid and efficient means for screening M. phaseolina in large soil samples with minimal time and manpower.

Recommendations on self-management interventions for adults living with obesity: COMPAR-EU project.

Self-management interventions (SMIs) may improve disease management in adults living with obesity. We formulated evidence-based recommendations for SMIs within the context of the COMPAR-EU project. The multidisciplinary panel selected critical outcomes based on the COMPAR-EU core outcome set and established decision thresholds for each outcome. Recommendations were informed by systematic reviews of effects, cost-effectiveness, and a contextual assessment. To assess the certainty of the evidence and formulate the recommendations, we used the GRADE approach guidance. Overall, SMIs were deemed to have a small impact, but the absence of harmful effects and potential cumulative benefits indicated a favourable balance of effects, despite low certainty. SMIs showed variations in structure, intensity, and resource utilisation, but overall are likely to be cost-effective. Adapting SMIs to local contexts would enhance equity, acceptability, and feasibility, considering patients' values, and availability of resources and teamwork. Consequently, the panel made conditional recommendations favouring SMIs over usual care. The rigorous and explicit recommendations demonstrated the effectiveness of SMIs for adults living with obesity. However, the gaps in the literature influenced the panel to make only conditional recommendations in favour of SMIs. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and improve recommendations' certainty and applicability.

Current Status and Prospects of Pine Wilt Disease Management with Phytochemicals—A Review

Current Status and Prospects of Pine Wilt Disease Management with Phytochemicals—A Review

Unravelling the complex interplay of age, comorbidities, and multimorbidities in COVID-19 disease progression: Clinical implications and future perspectives

IntroductionThe COVID-19 infection as an inflammatory disease has posed significant challenges to global public health due to multi-factor risks associated with it leading to disease severity and mortality. Understanding the effect of age and comorbidities on overall disease progression is crucial to identify highly susceptible individuals and to develop effective disease management strategies in a resource limited country like Pakistan. MethodologyA retrospective study was conducted on hospitalized COVID-19 patients to assess the prevalence of various comorbidities among different age groups and their effect on disease severity and mortality rate. ResultsIn this retrospective study, a cohort of 618 hospitalized COVID-19 patients was analyzed, consisting of 387 males (62.6 %) and 231 females (37.4 %). Notably, the young age group (15–24 years), had the lowest frequency of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, while no case was observed in children (≤14 years) showing a significant association (p < 0.001) of age and disease prevalence. Comorbidities were observed in 63.9 % of COVID-19 patients including hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), ischemic heart diseases (IHD), asthma, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and tuberculosis (TB). The most common comorbidities were HTN (42.1 %) followed by DM (33.8 %), IHD (16.5 %), asthma (11.2 %), CKD (7.9 %) and TB (1.9 %).Furthermore, the study revealed a significant association between comorbidities, age groups, and the need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) (p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (MV) (p < 0.001), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p < 0.001). Patients with specific comorbidities and those in the older age group (≥65 years) demonstrated a higher need for these interventions. However, patients without any comorbidity consistently exhibited the highest cumulative proportion of survival at each time point, indicating better overall survival outcomes. In contrast, patients with multimorbidities of DM/HTN/IHD, HTN/IHD, and DM/HTN/CKD had comparatively lower survival rates and higher mortality rates (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis research highlights the significant impact of age, comorbidities and multimorbidities on the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. It highlights the importance of considering these factors in tailoring effective management strategies for patients with COVID-19 or other infectious respiratory diseases.

Machine Learning Investigation of Tuberculosis with Medicine Immunity Impact

Tuberculosis (T.B.) remains a prominent global cause of health challenges and death, exacerbated by drug-resistant strains such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis MDR-TB and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis XDR-TB. For an effective disease management strategy, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of T.B. infection and the impacts of treatment. In the present article, we employ AI-based machine learning techniques to investigate the immunity impact of medications. SEIPR epidemiological model is incorporated with MDR-TB for compartments susceptible to disease, exposed to risk, infected ones, preventive or resistant to initial treatment, and recovered or healed population. These masses' natural trends, effects, and interactions are formulated and described in the present study. Computations and stability analysis are conducted upon endemic and disease-free equilibria in the present model for their global scenario. Both numerical and AI-based nonlinear autoregressive exogenous NARX analyses are presented with incorporating immediate treatment and delay in treatment. This study shows that the active patients and MDR-TB, both strains, exist because of the absence of permanent immunity to T.B. Furthermore, patients who have recovered from tuberculosis may become susceptible again by losing their immunity and contributing to transmission again. This article aims to identify patterns and predictors of treatment success. The findings from this research can contribute to developing more effective tuberculosis interventions.

Potential Therapeutic Approach using Aromatic l-amino Acid Decarboxylase and Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor Therapy Targeting Putamen in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by specific loss of dopaminergic neurons, resulting in impaired motor movement. Its prevalence is twice as compared to the previous 25 years and affects more than 10 million individuals. Lack of treatment still uses levodopa and other options as disease management measures. Treatment shifts to gene therapy (GT), which utilizes direct delivery of specific genes at the targeted area. Therefore, the use of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) therapy achieves an effective control to treat PD. Patients diagnosed with PD may experience improved therapeutic outcomes by reducing the frequency of drug administration while utilizing provasin and AADC as dopaminergic protective therapy. Enhancing the enzymatic activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glucocorticoid hormone (GCH), and AADC in the striatum would be useful for external L-DOPA to restore the dopamine (DA) level. Increased expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) may also be beneficial in PD. Targeting GDNF therapy specifically to the putaminal region is clinically sound and beneficial in protecting the dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies supported the role of GDNF in exhibiting its neuroprotective effect in neurological disorders. Another Ret receptor, which belongs to the tyrosine kinase family, is expressed in dopaminergic neurons and sounds to play a vital role in inhibiting the advancement of PD. GDNF binding on those receptors results in the formation of a receptor-ligand complex. On the other hand, venous delivery of recombinant GDNF by liposome-based and encapsulated cellular approaches enables the secure and effective distribution of neurotrophic factors into the putamen and parenchyma. The current review emphasized the rate of GT target GDNF and AADC therapy, along with the corresponding empirical evidence.

Navigating through the healthcare system with atopic dermatitis: Analysing patient journeys in Germany.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), which can significantly impact quality of life, is a complex, heterogeneous skin disease affecting all ages and therefore can lead to very different patient journeys. Understanding the patient journey within the healthcare system is essential for improving care outcomes. To explore the patient journey of individuals with AD in Germany, with a specific focus on the utilization of Internet resources throughout this process. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from June 2021 to February 2022. Participants were recruited from dermatology private practices, a university hospital and online platforms. The study included 276 participants (62.3% female; mean age: 46.3 ± 18.4 years; mean disease duration: 26.9 ± 17.5 years; mean DLQ Index: 10.0 ± 5.6). Around 191 participants were currently receiving medical treatment, with 9.1% receiving biologic therapy. Most of the people initially contacted a GP (42.4%) and were diagnosed by a dermatologist first (57.6%). Around 47.1% were currently in treatment by a dermatologist, seeking dermatological care on average 4.5 times a year. Almost all individuals (86.2%) have already consulted more than one physician during their patient journey. Overall, participants consulted a median of five physicians, while those with severe AD consulted a median of six physicians. Initial symptoms to diagnosis and between consulting two different physicians both had a median duration of 6 months. Dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes emerged as a common reason for changing physicians. Approximately 76.4% of participants used the Internet for disease-related information, primarily relying on Google. Overall, 63% found the information quality unsatisfactory. The study underlines the widespread utilization of medical treatment and the proactive healthcare-seeking behaviour during a long patient journey. Dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes, alternative medicine and the quality of the Internet sources emphasize the potential for improving the comprehensive disease management to improve care outcomes.

Fungal communities associated with Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Larix sp. seeds of different geographic origin: Implications for disease management

AbstractIn Europe, Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies are the most common coniferous tree species used in commercial forestry, which rely on high‐quality reproductive material for successful reforestation. Clear‐cut harvested forest sites are often replanted using tree seedlings, which are produced in forest nurseries using seeds from seed orchards. However, incidences of fungal diseases in seedling production show that a better knowledge of seedborne fungi, including fungal pathogens, is needed to manage diseases in forest nurseries. This study aimed to assess seedborne fungal communities associated with commercial seeds of P. abies, P. sylvestris and Larix sp. seeds originated from geographically separated regions in Sweden, Belarus, Finland and Poland. Fungal communities were obtained first from the seed surface and then from the seed tissue. These were analysed using high‐throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA region. The results showed that fungal diversity and community composition differed between the seed surface and the seed tissue. Picea abies accommodated a higher fungal diversity than P. sylvestris. In addition, a strong host affinity of the fungal community composition on the seed surface and a weaker association in the seed tissue was found. Fungal communities on P. abies and P. sylvestris seed surface differed significantly between geographical regions, whereas no regional differences were found in the seed tissue. The seedborne fungal communities included a high proportion of plant pathogens, among which the most abundant were Sydowia polyspora (13.3%), Phoma herbarum (11.2%) and Sirococcus conigenus (3.8%). In conclusion, the results showed (a) characteristic fungal diversity and community composition between the seed surface and the seed tissue; (b) a host‐specific fungal community composition on the seed surface and in the seed tissue; (c) regional difference in fungal communities on P. abies and P. sylvestris seed surface, thus the movement of seeds between different regions can contribute to the spread of fungal diseases; and (d) the presence of a high incidence of seedborne fungal pathogens which suggest a potential need of preventative or control measures to reduce the occurrence of these fungi on the seed surface.

Sequence-specific nanoparticle barcode strategy for multiplex human enterovirus typing

Human enteroviruses (HEV) can cause a range of diseases from mild to potentially life-threatening. Identification and genotyping of HEV are crucial for disease management. Existing typing methods, however, have inherent limitations. Developing alternative methods to detect HEV with more virus types, high accuracy, and sensitivity in an accessible manner presents a technological and analytical challenge. Here, a sequence-specific nanoparticle barcode (SSNB) method is presented for simultaneous detection of 10 HEV types. This method significantly increases sensitivity, enhancing detection by 10-106 times over the traditional multiplex hybrid genotyping (MHG) method, by resolving cross-interference between the multiple primer sets. Furthermore, the SSNB method demonstrates a 100% specificity in accurately distinguishing between 10 different HEV types and other prevalent clinical viruses. In an analysis of 70 clinical throat swab samples, the SSNB method shows slightly higher detection rate for positive samples (50%) compared to the RT-PCR method (48.6%). Additionally, further assessment of the typing accuracy for samples identified as positive by SSNB using sequencing method reveals a concordance rate of 100%. The combined high sensitivity and specificity level of the methodology, together with the capability for multiple type analysis and compatibility with clinical workflow, make this approach a promising tool for clinical settings.

Ethnobotanical insights on the management of plant pests and diseases by smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa

BackgroundPests and diseases are a major contributor to yield losses in sub-Saharan Africa, prompting smallholder farmers to seek cost-effective, accessible and ecologically friendly alternatives for crop protection. This study explored the management of pests and diseases affecting crops across eight selected villages in Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.MethodsA total of 120 smallholder farmers were purposefully selected utilising the snowball technique. Information on the management of plant pests and diseases was collected through interviews and focus group discussions using semi-structured interview schedules. Ethnobotanical indices, including relative frequency of citation (RFC), use-value (UV) and informant consensus factor (Fic), were used to quantify and rank the plants used for crop protection in the study area.ResultsTwenty-three plant species (16 naturalised exotics and seven indigenous plants) belonging to 16 families were used for managing pests (vertebrates and invertebrates) and diseases (fungal and bacterial related) affecting crops in the study area. The dominant (100%) crops cultivated by the participants were Allium cepa L., Mangifera indica L., Solanum lycopersicum L. and Zea mays L. The RFC value ranged from 0.08 to 0.83 and the three most popular plants for crop protection were Capsium annuum L. (0.83), A. cepa (0.63) and Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. (0.43). In terms of the UV, the five most promising plants used as biocontrol were Tulbaghia violacea (0.13), A. cepa (0.12), C. annuum L. (0.09), Solanum campylacanthum Hochst. Ex A.Rich.(0.09) and Pinus pinaster (0.08). Based on the Fic, four categories were established and dominated by fungal diseases (0.64). Furthermore, T. violacea and A. cepa were the most often mentioned plants used against fungal conditions. Other categories cited were bacterial diseases (0.3), invertebrate pests (0.11) and vertebrate pests (0.14), an indication that smallholder farmers had limited agreement or common knowledge about the plants used for their management. The preparation methods included maceration (38%), decoction (38%) and burning (24%). Foliar application (67%) and soil drenching (33%) were used for administering plant extracts during the management of crop pests and diseases.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of botanicals and associated indigenous knowledge among smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. It is pertinent to explore the valorisation of these botanicals by generating empirical data on their biological efficacies and phytochemical profiles.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of resistance to fenhexamid, carboxin, and, prochloraz, in Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from cut roses in Colombia

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis sp., is a significant disease in Colombian rose crops and its control depends primarily on the intensive use of chemically synthesized fungicides. Despite the importance of this pathogen, there is limited information in Colombian floriculture about molecular taxonomy of species, fungicide resistance of populations and their genetic mechanism of resistance. In this study, we analyze 12 isolates of this fungus collected from rose-producing crops in the Department of Cundinamarca and conducted phylogenetic analysis using HSP60, G3PDH, and RPB2 gene sequences. Additionally, we realize phenotypic and genotypic characterization of resistance to the fungicides fenhexamid, carboxin, and prochloraz, evaluating the in vitro EC50 and presence of mutations of target genes of each isolate. All isolates were characterized as Botrytis cinerea in the phylogenetic analysis and presents different levels of resistance to each fungicide. These levels are related to mutations in target genes, with predominancy of L195F and L400F in the ERG27 gene to fenhexamid resistance, H272R/Y in the SDHB gene for carboxin resistance, and Y136F in the CYP51 gene for prochloraz resistance. Finally, these mutations were not related to morphological changes. Collectively, this knowledge, presented for the first time to the Colombian floriculture, contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity and population of B. cinerea from rose-producing crops in the department of Cundinamarca, and serve as a valuable tool for making informed decisions regarding disease management, future research, and improving crop management and sustainability in the Colombian floriculture industry.

Methylglyoxal reduces resistance exercise-induced protein synthesis and anabolic signaling in rat tibialis anterior muscle.

Resistance exercise provides significant benefits to skeletal muscle, including hypertrophy and metabolic enhancements, supporting overall health and disease management. However, skeletal muscle responsiveness to resistance exercise is significantly reduced in conditions such as aging and diabetes. Recent reports suggest that glycation stress contributes to muscle atrophy and impaired exercise-induced muscle adaptation; however, its role in the muscle response to resistance exercise remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether methylglyoxal (MGO), a key factor in glycation stress, affects the acute responsiveness of skeletal muscles to resistance exercise, focusing on protein synthesis and the key signaling molecules. This study included 12 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into two groups: one received 0.5% MGO-supplemented drinking water (MGO group) and the other received regular water (control group). After 10 weeks, the left tibialis anterior muscle of each rat was subjected to electrical stimulation (ES) to mimic resistance exercise, with the right muscle serving as a non-stimulated control. Muscle protein-synthesis rates were evaluated with SUnSET, and phosphorylation levels of key signaling molecules (p70S6K and S6rp) were quantified using western blotting. In the control group, stimulated muscles exhibited significantly increased muscle protein synthesis and phosphorylation levels of p70S6K and S6rp. In the MGO group, these increases were attenuated, indicating that MGO treatment suppresses the adaptive response to resistance exercise. MGO diminishes the skeletal muscle's adaptive response to ES-simulated resistance exercise, affecting both muscle protein synthesis and key signaling molecules. The potential influence of glycation stress on the effectiveness of resistance exercise or ES emphasizes the need for individualized interventions in conditions of elevated glycation stress, such as diabetes and aging.

Unlocking the potential of edible Ulva sp. seaweeds: Metabolomic profiling, neuroprotective mechanisms, and implications for Parkinson's disease management.

Green seaweed (Ulva sp.) is frequently used as a food component and nutraceutical agent because of its high polysaccharide and natural fiber content in Asian countries. This study investigates both metabolomic profiling of Ulva sp. and the neuroprotective efficacy of its ethanol extract and its underlying mechanisms in a rotenone-induced rat model of neurodegeneration, mimicking Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans. Metabolomic profiling of Ulva sp. extract was done using liquid chromatography high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and led to the identification of 22 compounds belonging to different chemical classes.Catenin Beta Additionally, this study demonstrated the neuroprotective properties against rotenone-induced PD, which was achieved through the suppression of elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 together with the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, inflammatory mediators, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/serine/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Using a protein-protein interaction network, AKT1, GAPDH, TNF-α, IL-6, caspase 3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Catenin Beta 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, B-cell lymphoma -2, and HSP90AA1 were identified as the top 10 most significant genes. Finally, molecular docking results showed that compounds 1, 3, and 7 might possess a promising anti-parkinsonism effect by binding to active sites of selected hub genes. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the Ulva sp. extract has the potential to be further developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of PD.