Nematode Infection Research Articles

Anti-infective properties of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)R. Wilczek) coat extract on Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected Caenorhabditis elegans: Transcriptomics and pathway analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMung bean coat has long been known for its wide-ranging health benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties. For many years in China, mung beans have been employed in the therapeutic management of inflammation induced by pathogenic bacteria infection, yet the precise underlying protective mechanisms remain to be comprehensively elucidated. Aim of the studyGiven the growing concern over antibiotic resistance, there is a necessity to explore new anti-infective agents. Here, the anti-infective properties of Mung bean coat extract (MBCE) were investigated using a model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected nematodes. Materials and methodsThe protective effects of MBCE on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) infected nematodes were assessed by lifespan assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, transcriptomics, and Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). ResultsMBCE significantly improved the survival rates and reduced ROS levels in infected worms. Transcriptomic profiling disclosed predominant KEGG pathway enrichments in immune responses, energy metabolism processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, alongside aging-related neurodegenerative diseases and longevity regulatory pathways like PI3K-AKT, MAPK, mTOR, and FOXO. qRT-PCR validation showed that MBCE upregulated antimicrobial peptides (spp-3, lys-1, lys-7, abf-2, cnc-2, nlp-33, clec-85), gram-negative responses (irg-3, src-2, grd-3, col-179), and mitochondrial function (mev-1) gene expressions, while downregulated insulin signaling-related (age-1, akt-1, akt-2, daf-15) gene expressions. Mutant strains lifespan analysis indicated that the nsy-1, sek-1, pmk-1, daf-2, aak-2, sir-2.1, and skn-1 were necessary for lifespan extension mediated by MBCE under PA14 infection, but not clk-1, isp-1, mev-1, or daf-16. ConclusionCollectively, our findings suggested that MBCE increased the survival rates of PA14-infected worms by activating downstream antimicrobial and antioxidant gene expressions through modulation of MAPK, daf-2, aak-2, sir-2.1, and skn-1 pathways. The research underscored the potential of natural plant compounds to strengthen the body's defenses against infections, potentially mitigating harmful ROS levels and improving survival. Additionally, these findings elucidated the mechanisms by which these plant-derived compounds enhance the immune system, implying their potential utility as dietary supplements or as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Non-invasive, pre-symptomatic detection of potato cyst nematode infection in tomato using chlorophyll fluorescence analysis.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are notorious pathogens in all major potato production areas worldwide. Mainly due to the low mobility of this soil pathogen, PCN infestations are mostly observed as patches ('foci') that only cover a fraction of the acreage. In-field pre-symptomatic localization of this pathogen is valuable as it would allow for the localized application of control measures. Although the mapping of foci is technically feasible, it is unpractical as it would take the analysis of numerous soil samples. We investigated whether chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl-F) could be suitable as a rapid, non-destructive method for early PCN detection. To this end, the impact of four Globodera pallida densities on the Chl-F of tomato was investigated in a phenotyping greenhouse for 26 days. Furthermore, classical plant performance indicators biomass and root surface area were compared with Chl-F. Thermal dissipation ('NPQ_Lss') and actual photosynthetic rate ('QY_Lss') responded at 1 DPI, while QY_Lss was most sensitive to low PCN infection levels. Chl-F parameters responded more readily to PCN infection than biomass and root surface area. The efficiency of photosystem II (QY_max) and the potential activity of photosystem II (Fv/Fo) initially increased at low PCN infection levels, whereas a sharp decrease was observed at higher infestation levels. Hence, our data suggest that low PCN levels promoted plant performance before becoming detrimental at higher levels. While Chl-F allowed for early and sensitive PCN detection, it remains to be investigated whether these signals can be distinguished from those produced by other below-ground stressors in the field.

WOX11-mediated cell size control in Arabidopsis attenuates growth and fecundity of endoparasitic cyst nematodes.

Cyst nematodes establish permanent feeding structures called syncytia inside the host root vasculature, disrupting the flow of water and minerals. In response, plants form WOX11-mediated adventitious lateral roots at nematode infection sites. WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting modulates tolerance to nematode infections; however, whether this also benefits nematode parasitism remains unknown. Here, we report on bioassays using a 35S::WOX11-SRDX transcriptional repressor mutant to investigate whether WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting promotes syncytium development and thereby female growth and fecundity. Moreover, we chemically inhibited cellulose biosynthesis to verify if WOX11 directly modulates cell wall plasticity in syncytia. Finally, we performed histochemical analyses to test if WOX11 mediates syncytial cell wall plasticity via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Repression of WOX11-mediated transcription specifically enhanced the radial expansion of syncytial elements, increasing both syncytium size and female offspring. The enhanced syncytial hypertrophy observed in the 35S::WOX11-SRDX mutant could be phenocopied by chemical inhibition of cellulose biosynthesis and was associated with elevated levels of ROS at nematode infection sites. We, therefore, conclude that WOX11 restricts radial expansion of nematode-feeding structures and female growth and fecundity, likely by modulating ROS-mediated cell wall plasticity mechanisms. Remarkably, this novel role of WOX11 in plant cell size control is distinct from WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting underlying disease tolerance.

PSIII-20 The effects of vitamin E and/or C on parasite burden in hair sheep

Abstract Anthelmintic resistance in flocks is an occurring issue for small ruminant producers due to increasing gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. Prevalence of high virulence GINs decreases immunity and growth, therefore not making anthelmintics economically sustainable for producers. In this current research study, we examined the role of vitamins E and/or C supplemented to crossbred hair sheep (Dorper, Katahdin, Barbados crosses) on parasite burden over time. The hypothesis of this research was that supplementing vitamin E and/or C will work comparable to anthelmintic treatment to control GIN in hair sheep. Mature ewes (n = 30) were stratified based on FAMACHA score. Ewes were placed into one of five treatment groups: 1) no dewormer or vitamin treatment (CON; n = 6), 2) anthelmintic treatment (Levamed; 0.08mg/kg; Bimeda Animal Health, Schaumburg, IL; n = 6), 3) combination of vitamin E and vitamin C (Vitamin E300; 0.33IU/kg of body weight (BW) administered subcutaneously; Durvet Animal Health; Blue Springs, MI; Vitamin C; Orally drenched at 0.56 mL/kg of BW; Radix Laboratories; Eau Claire, WI; n = 6), 4) vitamin C (Vitamin C;0.56 ml/kg of BW; Radix Laboratories; Eau Claire, WI; n = 6), and 5) vitamin E (Vitamin E 300; 0.33 IU/kg of BW; Durvet Animal Health; n = 6). Growing lambs (n = 30) were also placed into the same treatment groups. Evaluation of vitamin supplementation was observed on individual time points from d 0, 14, 28, 56, and 77 from the sheep. Parameters collected include body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, packed cell volume (PCV), and fecal egg count (FEC). There was no effect (P > 0.05) on BCS in either lamb or mature groups on any of the days within the trial. However, on d 56, there was a tendency for the FAMACHA score to be improved in the vitamin E lambs compared with the control lambs. Additionally, on d 56 for the mature group, there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) that was observed within the Vit E+C group being less than the Dewormer and vitamin C groups. Treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV) throughout the trial in either lamb or mature ewes. On d 14 of the trial, lambs receiving vitamin E and C, or the anthelmintic treatment had decreased (P ≤ 0.05) strongyle FEC compared with the control lambs. The preliminary data analyzed suggests that vitamin E and/or C may work similarly to pharmaceutical anthelmintics in hair sheep to combat GIN. However, more research is essential to confirm the viability that vitamins may work as a sustainable alternative.

PSVIII-20 Identification of functional INDELS responsible for alternative splicing in acute stress responders grazing sheep exposed to gastrointestinal nematode infection

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major constraint to the sheep industry. Infected animals can develop clinical signs, like anemia, hypoproteinemia, diarrhea, and in extreme cases death. The misuse of anthelmintics to treat infected animals has led to the development of GIN resistance making necessary the integration of different approaches to reduce the impact of GINs on the sheep industry. The application of transcriptomics using RNA-Sequencing technology to better understand the underlying genetic mechanisms of resistance to GIN can help accelerate the genetic gain. This study aimed to identify insertion and deletions (INDELs) responsible for alternative splicing in Rideau x Dorset crossbred sheep with different immune profiles under natural exposure to gastrointestinal nematodes using RNA-Sequencing. High (H) and medium (M) acute stress responders with the highest and lowest worm burden, after natural exposure to GIN, were selected for liver RNA extraction (H; n = 5 and M; n = 6). In addition, GIN-unexposed lambs (U; n = 4) were used as immunological controls. Quality control analyses were performed on fastq files using the CLC Bio Genomics workbench software including the guanine-cytosine (GC) content, ambiguous base content, Phred score, base coverage, nucleotide contributions, and over-represented sequence parameters. Pair-end sequence reads were aligned to the annotated Oar_rambouillet_v.2.0 ovine reference genome. After that, variant discovery analysis and functional consequence analysis were performed using CLC Bio Genomics workbench software to identify INDELs leading to amino acid changes and splice site events (SSEs). Genes associated with the list of INDELs leading to SSE were recovered from Ensembl BioMart. Unique INDELs with SSEs for H, M, and U groups (162, 244, and 161, respectively) and shared (372) among groups were identified. Among them, 4 INDELS with SSE uniquely identified in the M group were located within the NLRC5, SIGLEC1, CFD, and STAT6 genes related to the immune system. Significant enriched metabolic pathways (FDR< 0.05) were identified using the list of genes with INDELs that led to SSEs unique for each group and shared among groups using Reactome. Metabolic pathways related to the immune system response such as cross-presentation of soluble exogenous antigens (endosomes) and NIK noncanonical NF-kB signaling pathways were identified in the M group. These results can help to better understand the mechanisms responsible for the immune response of sheep to GIN.

211 United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study: Regional prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in the United States

Abstract One objective of the United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study (September 2019-April 2020) was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and lungworm infection in goats across the US. Feces were collected from 5,176 animals on 318 operations in 24 states and results were consolidated into 4 regions: Northwest (3 states, 34 operations), Northeast (9 states, 89 operations), Southeast (9 states, 132 operations) and Southwest (3 states, 63 operations). Feces from each operation were mixed and cultured to allow eggs to hatch and develop, The Baermann technique was used to recover infective third-stage larvae from cultures. GIN identification included Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum and Nematodirus. Lungworm (Muellerius/Protostrongylus) first-stage larval presence was also noted. Frequencies were calculated and Haemonchus were found on 18.6 ± 3.5 % of the operations (Northwest, 27.0 ± 16.5 %; Northeast, 13.1 ± 4.7 %; Southeast, 15.9 ± 5.1 % and Southwest, 29.2 ± 9.4) %); Trichostrongylus on 97.2 ± 1.4 % of the operations (Northwest, 100 %; Northeast, 98±1.1 %; Southeast, 97.0 ± 2.2 % and Southwest, 95.7±4.2 %); Teladorsagia on 80.3 ± 4.0% of the operations (Northwest, 97.1 ± 2.4%; Northeast, 71.6 ± 9.1%; Southeast, 88.6 ± 4.6% and Southwest, 75.7 ± 7.3%); Oesophagostomum on 38.2 ± 4.3% of the operations (Northwest, 73.1 ± 9.2%; Northeast, 39.6 ± 7.1 %, Southeast, 46.4 ± 8.2% and Southwest, 15.5 ± 6.0%); Nematodirus on 7 ± 2.6 % of the operations (Northwest, 7 ± 5.1%; Northeast, 5.2 ± 4.7 %, Southeast, 0 % and Southwest, 20.8 ± 8.6 %); and lungworms on 35.4 ± 4.2 % of the operations (Northwest, 69.1 ± 9.8 %; Northeast, 52.2 ± 9.1 %, Southeast, 33.4±6.9% and Southwest, 8.3±3.3%). Results indicated that Trichostrongylus was the most prevalent followed by Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum, lungworms, Haemonchus and Nematodirus. Prevalence of all GIN and lungworms were similar within regions except Nematodirus and lungworms, which were less in the southeast and southwest, respectively. Due to project seasonal timing and sampling logistics, fecal collection was conducted from fall through early spring which may have influenced prevalence, specifically the most pathogenic GIN, Haemonchus. This study provided valuable insight into USA regional prevalence of GIN and lungworms in goats.

Gastrointestinal nematodes in German outdoor-reared pigs based on faecal egg count and next-generation sequencing nemabiome data

BackgroundThere is a higher risk for nematode infections associated with outdoor-reared pigs. Next to Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum dentatum and Trichuris suis, there is the potential of infections with other nodular worm species, Hyostrongylus rubidus, Stongyloides ransomi and Metastrongylus spp. lungworms. Next-generation sequencing methods describing the nemabiome have not yet been established for porcine nematodes.MethodsFLOTAC was used for faecal egg counts of porcine gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in piglets, fatteners and adults individually. A nemabiome analyses based on ITS-2 gene region metabarcoding was used to differentiate strongyle species. Additionally, questionnaire data was analysed using mixed-effect regression to identify potential risk factors associated with parasite occurrences and egg shedding intensity.ResultsOn 15 of 17 farms nematode eggs were detected. Ascaris suum, strongyles and T. suis were detected on 82%, 70% and 35% of the 17 farms, respectively. Lungworms were detected on one out of four farms with access to pasture. Strongyloides ransomi was not detected. 32% (CI 28–36%), 27% (24–31%), 5% (4–7%) and 3% (0.9–8%) of the samples where tested positive for strongyles, A. suum, T. suis and lungworms, respectively. The nemabiome analysis revealed three different strongyle species, with O. dentatum being the most common (mean 93.9%), followed by O. quadrispinulatum (5.9%) and the hookworm Globocephalus urosubulatus (0.1%). The bivariate and multivariate risk factor analyses showed among others that cleaning once a week compared to twice a week increased the odds significantly for being infected with A. suum (OR 78.60) and strongyles (2077.59). Access to pasture was associated with higher odds for A. suum (43.83) and strongyles (14.21). Compared to shallow litter systems, deep litter and free range systems resulted in significant higher odds for strongyles (85.74, 215.59, respectively) and T. suis (200.33, 623.08).ConclusionsInfections with A. suum, O. dentatum, O. quadrispinulatum, T. suis, Metastrongylus spp. and G. urosubulatus are present in German outdoor-reared pigs. This is the first report of G. urosubulatus in domestic pigs in Europe. Metabarcoding based on the ITS-2 region is a suitable tool to analyse the porcine nemabiome. Furthermore, management practices have the potential of reducing the risk of parasite infections.

Methyl jasmonate induced tolerance effect of Pinus koraiensis to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can affect the balance of hormones and regulate the disease resistance of plants. Exploring the application and mechanism of MeJA in inducing the tolerance of Pinus koraiensis to pine wood nematode (PWN) infection is of great significance for developing new strategies for pine wilt disease control. Different concentrations (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mm) of MeJA treatment groups showed differences in relative tolerance index and relative anti-nematode index of P. koraiensis seedlings to PWN infection. The treatment of 5 mm MeJA solution induced the best tolerance effect, followed by the 1 mm MeJA solution. Transcriptome analysis indicated that many plant defense-related genes upregulated after treatment with 1, 5 and 10 mm MeJA solutions. Among them, genes such as jasmonate ZIM domain-containing protein, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and peroxidase also continuously upregulated after PWN infection. Metabolome analysis indicated that jasmonic acid (JA) was significantly increased at 7 days postinoculation with PWN, and after treatment with both 1 and 5 mm MeJA solutions. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome indicated that differences in JA accumulation might lead to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and expression changes in trans-caffeic acid and trans-cinnamic acid-related genes, leading to the abundance differences of these two metabolisms and the formation of multiple lignin and glucosides. MeJA treatment could activate the expression of defense-related genes that correlated with JA, regulate the abundance of defense-related secondary metabolites, and improve the tolerance of P. koraiensis seedlings to PWN infection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Nematode Isolate, Oscheius Tipulae, Exhibiting a Wide Entomopathogenic Spectrum and its Application to Control Dipteran Insect Pests.

An entomopathogenic nematode, Oscheius tipulae, was isolated from a soil sample. The identification of this species was supported by morphological and molecular markers. The nematode isolate exhibited pathogenicity against different target insects including lepidopteran, coleopteran, and dipteran insects. The virulence of this nematode was similar to that of a well-known entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, against the same insect targets. A comparative metagenomics analysis of these two nematode species predicted the existence of a combined total of 272 bacterial species in their intestines, of which 51 bacterial species were shared between the two nematode species. In particular, the common gut bacteria included several entomopathogenic bacteria including Xenorhabdus nematophila, which is known as a symbiotic bacterium to S. carpocapsae. The nematode virulence of O. tipulae to insects was enhanced by an addition of dexamethasone but suppressed by an addition of arachidonic acid, suggesting that the immune defenses of the target insects against the nematode infection is mediated by eicosanoids, which would be manipulated by the symbiotic bacteria of the nematode. Unlike S. carpocapsae, O. tipulae showed high virulence against dipteran insects including fruit flies, onion flies, and mosquitoes. O. tipulae showed particularly high control efficacies against the onion maggot, Delia platura, infesting the Welsh onion in the rhizosphere in both pot and field assays.

Pepper root exudate alleviates cucumber root-knot nematode infection by recruiting a rhizobacterium

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their substantial damage to crops and worldwide distribution. However, controlling this nematode disease is challenging which results from limited chemical pesticides and biocontrol agents effective against them. Here, we demonstrate that pepper-rotation markedly reduces Meloidogyne incognita infection in cucumber and diminishes the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in the soil, a compound known to exacerbate M. incognita infection. Pepper-rotation also structures the rhizobacterial community, leading to the colonization of two Pseudarthrobacter oxydans strains (RH60 and RH97) in the cucumber rhizosphere, facilitated by palmitic acid enrichment in pepper root exudates. Furthermore, both strains exhibit high nematocidal activity against M. incognita, and possess the ability to biosynthesize indoleacetic acid and biodegrade p-hydroxybenzoic acid. RH60 and RH97 additionally induce systemic resistance in cucumber plants and promote their growth. These data suggest that pepper root-exudate palmitic acid alleviates M. incognita infection by recruiting beneficial P. oxydans in the cucumber rhizosphere. Our analyses identify a novel chemical component in root exudates and uncover its pivotal role in crop rotation for disease attenuation, providing intriguing insights into the keystone function of root exudates in plant protection against root-knot nematode infection.

Pathological and Parasitological Findings in Serbian Great Cormorants Infected by Contracoecum rudolphii Sensu Lato

Abstract The carcasses of ten great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) found in one colony in the province of Vojvodina were necropsied and examined for parasites. The study aimed to identify helminths and histopathologically evaluate the associated tissue damage. Numerous nematodes were observed, either free in the the lumen of the ventriculus or deeply embedded in the ventricular mucosa of all the cormorants examined. The collected parasite samples were morphologically identified as Contracaecum rudolphii sensu lato. The main pathological findings included a thickening of the ventricular wall, while histopathology revealed a mild inflammatory infiltrate in the adjacent tissue and a connective tissue capsule around the parasite. Given that the parasites in this bird species still need to be thoroughly studied in our country, particularly the pathomorphological changes they cause, this study represents the first attempt to obtain a comprehensive understanding picture of the nematode infection and the pathological changes resulting from the presence of this parasite.

Dual nematode infection in Brassica nigra affects shoot metabolome and aphid survival in distinct contrast to single-species infection.

Previous studies showed that aphid performance was compromised on Brassica nigra infected by root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans, Pp), but less, or positively influenced by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp., Mi) infection. These experiments were on single-nematode infections, while naturally, roots are infected with several nematode species simultaneously. We performed greenhouse assays to assess the effects of single (Mi, Pp) and concurrent (MP)-nematode infections on aphid performance. Using targeted and untargeted profiling of leaf and phloem metabolomes, we examined how single- and concurrent-nematode infections affect shoot metabolomes, and elucidated the possible consequences on aphid performance. We found that the metabolic response towards double-infection is different from single-species infections. Moreover, Mi- and Pp-infections triggered discrete changes in B. nigra leaf and phloem metabolic profiles. Both Pp and MP-infections reduced aphid survival, suggesting that the biological effect could primarily be dominated by Pp-induced changes. This concurred with increased indole glucosinolates and hydroxycinnamic acid levels in the leaves, in particular the putative involvement of salicylic acid-2-O-β-D-glucoside. This study provides evidence that concurrent infection by different nematode species, as is common in natural environments, is associated with distinct changes in aboveground plant metabolomes, which are linked to differences in the survival of an aboveground herbivore.

The biological activity of bacterial rhamnolipids on Arabidopsis thaliana and the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii is linked to their molecular structure

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are amphiphilic compounds of bacterial origin that offer a broad range of potential applications as biosurfactants in industry and agriculture. They are reported to be active against different plant pests and pathogens and thus are considered promising candidates for nature-derived plant protection agents. However, as these glycolipids are structurally diverse, little is known about their exact mode of action and, in particular, the relation between molecular structure and biological activity against plant pests and pathogens.Engineering the synthesis pathway in recombinant Pseudomonas putida strains in combination with advanced HPLC techniques allowed us to separately analyze the activities of mixtures of pure mono-RLs (mRLs) and of pure di-RL (dRLs), as well as the activity of single congeners. In a model system with the plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) Heterodera schachtii we demonstrate that RLs can significantly reduce infection, whereas their impact on the host plant varied depending on their molecular structure. While mRLs reduced plant growth even at a low concentration, dRLs showed a neutral to beneficial impact on plant development. Treating plants with dRLs triggered an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, indicating the activation of stress-response signaling and possibly plant defense. Pretreatment of plants with mRLs or dRLs prior to application of flagellin (flg22), a known ROS inducer, further increased the ROS response to flg22. While dRLs stimulated an elevated flg22-induced ROS peak, a pretreatment with mRLs resulted in a prolonged synthesis of ROS indicating a generally elevated stress level. Neither mRLs nor dRLs induced the expression of plant defense marker genes of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene pathways.Detailed studies on dRLs revealed that even high concentrations up to 755 ppm of these molecules have no lethal impact on H. schachtii infective juveniles. Infection assays with individual dRL congeners showed that the C10-C8 acyl chained dRL was the only congener without effect, while dRLs with C10-C12 and C10-C12:1 acyl chains were most efficient in reducing nematode infection even at concentrations below 2 ppm. As determined by phenotyping and ROS measurements, A. thaliana reacted more sensitive to long-chained dRLs in a concentration-dependent manner.Our experiments show a clear structure-activity relation for the effect of RLs on plants. In conclusion, functional assessment and analysis of the mode of action of RLs in plants and other organisms require careful consideration of their molecular structure and composition.

Design, Synthesis, and Nematocidal Evaluation of Waltherione A Derivatives: Leveraging a Structural Simplification Strategy.

Southern root-knot nematodes are among the most pernicious phytoparasites; they are responsible for substantial yield losses in agricultural crops worldwide. The limited availability of nematicides for the prevention and control of plant-parasitic nematodes necessitates the urgent development of novel nematicides. Natural products have always been a key source for the discovery of pesticides. Waltherione A, an alkaloid, exhibits potent nematocidal activity. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of quinoline and quinolone derivatives from Waltherione A, leveraging a strategy of structural simplification. Bioassays have revealed that the quinoline derivatives exhibit better activity than quinolone derivatives in terms of both nematocidal and fungicidal activities. Notably, compound D1 demonstrated strong nematocidal activity, with a 72 h LC50 of 23.06 μg/mL, and it effectively controlled the infection of root-knot nematodes on cucumbers. The structure-activity relationship suggests that the quinoline moiety is essential for the nematocidal efficacy of Waltherione A. Additionally, compound D1 exhibited broad-spectrum fungicidal activity, with an EC50 of 2.98 μg/mL against Botrytis cinerea. At a concentration of 200 μg/mL, it significantly inhibited the occurrence of B. cinerea on tomato fruits, with an inhibitory effect of 96.65%, which is slightly better than the positive control (90.30%).

Genetic variations underlying root-knot nematode resistance in sweetpotato

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) causes severe crop damage and large economic losses worldwide. Several cultivars of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)] have been developed with root-knot nematode-resistant traits; however, many of these cultivars do not have favorable agronomic characteristics. To understand the genetic traits underlying M. incognita resistance in sweetpotato, whole genome resequencing was conducted on three RKN-susceptible (Dahomi, Shinhwangmi, and Yulmi) and three RKN-resistant (Danjami, Pungwonmi, and Juhwangmi) sweetpotato cultivars. Three SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in promotor sequences were shared in RKN-resistant cultivars and were correlated with disease resistance. One of these SNPs was located in G6617|TU10904, which encoded a homolog of RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN EL15Z, and was associated with reduced expression in RKN-resistant cultivars only. Alongside SNP analysis, mRNA-seq data were analyzed for the same cultivars with and without nematode infection, and 18 nematode-sensitive genes were identified that responded in a cultivar-specific manner. Of these genes, expression of G8735|TU14367 was lower in sensitive cultivars than in RKN-resistant cultivars. Overall, this study identified two genes that potentially have key roles in the regulation of nematode resistance and will be useful targets for nematode resistance breeding programs.

Pigeonpea cyst nematode (Heteroderacajani Koshy) pathogenicity in black gram (Vigna mungo L.): Quantitative and qualitative yield losses, and bio- organic management

The pigeonpea cyst nematode (PCN) Heterodera cajani Koshy infects black gram (Vigna mungo L.), causing significant yield losses. However, there is a lack of systematic information on PCN pathogenicity, as well as quantitative and qualitative yield losses in black gram under various inoculum levels and soil conditions. Therefore, we have assessed the threshold inoculum level(s), estimated the yield and protein losses caused by PCN, and evaluated eco-friendly management option(s) with botanicals (neem cake, neem seed powder) and a microbial agent (Trichoderma harzianum). The results revealed a gradual and significant decline in crop growth parameters as the inoculum levels increased from 0 to 3000 juveniles (J2s)(2 kg soils). The severity of PCN infestation was notably higher in alluvial soils compared to lighter soils, exhibiting higher cyst counts (+63%) in plant roots. The threshold inoculum level(s) causing a 25% reduction in various agronomic parameters was significantly lower in alluvial soil(176–1262 J2s; mean = 921) compared to light soil (720–1444 J2s, mean = 1308), indicating that alluvial soil conditions favored increased PCN infestation over light soils, leading to more substantial growth inhibition. Strong positive correlations were found between initial inoculum levels and final populations of PCN. Inoculum levels ranging from 90 to 120 thousand J2s (representing 45–60 J2s per 100 cc soils) resulted in yield losses of 26–78% (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a corresponding decrease in grain protein content by 9–22% (p < 0.01), subsequently reducing protein productivity by 11–83% (p < 0.001). In the PCN management experiment, among the different bio-organic components, neem cake at 1.0 t ha−1 exhibited the highest efficacy against PCN at crop harvest stage, leading to significant improvements in both dry shoot weight (4.3 g) and dry root weight (1.0 g)/plant compared to the inoculated check. Also, neem seed powder (at 0.1 t ha−1) and T. harzianum + farmyard manure (1 kg in 100 kg farmyard manure ha−1) showed increased effectiveness against the nematode. This study emphasizes the substantial influence of nematode infection on crop performance, particularly in alluvial soils, resulting in significant losses in both yield and protein content. Neem cake emerges as a promising eco-friendly management for managing the PCN in black gram.

Prevalence of Helminth Infections in Patients with Celiac Disease

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between helminth infections and celiac disease (CeD), examining various demographic and clinical factors in CeD cases compared to controls. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study utilizing Leumit Health Care Services’ electronic health records. The study encompassed individuals with CeD and a matched control group. We analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics, examining their association with helminth infections. Results: We observed CeD cases and controls had similar mean ages (17.8 years vs. 18.0 years, p = 0.565) and gender distributions (64.0% females in both groups, p = 0.999). There were no significant differences in socioeconomic status and ethnic distribution between the two groups. Most of the helminthiases in the CeD group were due to intestinal helminthiases, and most of the intestinal helminthiases were nematode (roundworm) infections. Enterobiasis (the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis) is involved in most cases (odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.20–1.45, p < 0.001). While the prevalence of ascariasis and anisakiasis was also higher in the CeD group, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.115 and p = 0.174, respectively). No significant differences were found in the prevalence of other specific helminth infections, such as echinococcosis, cestode infections, and strongyloidiasis. Conclusions: This study reveals an unexpected association between CeD and helminth infections, challenging prevailing hypotheses, particularly within the context of the hygiene hypothesis. These findings warrant further investigation to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this intriguing relationship.

Pharmacotherapy Study Of Albendazole And Mebendazole For Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections In Children

Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infection is a nematode infection of the intestine that requires soil for its transmission. The worms that cause Soil Transmitted Helminths infection include; Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. The incidence of STH infection is quite high with the highest spread of STH infection in the child age group. Treatment of cases of STH infection is by administering antihelmintic drugs or worming drugs. Although there are four The drugs recommended by WHO, only the two drugs most often used in the treatment of STH infections, namely albendazole and mebendazole. Both drugs have been used for more than 30 years, but cases of STH infection still have a high incidence. That is why this literature review was written aims to describe the efficacy of the two drugs for STH infection in children so that their effectiveness can be assessed.The research method used was a literature review, a literature search was sourced from Proquest, Google scholar, Pubmed, Elsevier and Europe PMC. keywords Albendazole, Mebendazole, Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections, Children. There are 10 selected literatures to be studied in this literature review. The results showed that albendazole had satisfactory efficacy in STH infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms, but reduced efficacy in Trichuris trichiura worms. Mebendazole has satisfactory efficacy in STH infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, but reduced efficacy in hookworms. Albendazole and mebendazole does not cause side effects.

Efeito nematicida do fungo Duddingtonia flagrans em ovinos

The health of the sheep flock depends, among other factors, on effective sanitary control, and the use of fungus-based bioproducts has been a promising alternative against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. The control of ovine gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites requires good management practices that minimize the exposure of animals to the infective larvae of parasites present in the environment. The fungus Duddingtonia flagrans is an efficient agent for the biological control of nematodes due to its efficiency in controlling parasites in domestic animals. The aim of this literature review is to demonstrate the predatory activity of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans against infective larvae (L) of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminant sheep. The fungus in the form of D. flagrans chlamydospores proved to be resistant to the digestive process of ruminants and efficient against intestinal parasites. Its use in association with anthelmintics proved to be a good alternative for biological control. This possibility of using bioproducts and anthelmintics in combination reduces the effects of parasite resistance. Various methods of delivering the fungus orally, in pellets or powder, have obtained results that prove the efficacy of D. flagrans isolates in reducing infective nematode larvae.

Identification of genes involved in the tomato root response to Globodera rostochiensis parasitism under varied light conditions.

Understanding the intricate interplay between abiotic and biotic stresses is crucial for deciphering plant responses and developing resilient cultivars. Here, we investigate the combined effects of elevated light intensity and nematode infection on tomato seedlings. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis revealed significant enhancements in PSII quantum yield and photochemical fluorescence quenching under high light conditions. qRT-PCR analysis of stress-related marker genes exhibited differential expression patterns in leaves and roots, indicating robust defense and antioxidant responses. Despite root protection from light, roots showed significant molecular changes, including downregulation of genes associated with oxidative stress and upregulation of genes involved in signaling pathways. Transcriptome analysis uncovered extensive gene expression alterations, with light exerting a dominant influence. Notably, light and nematode response synergistically induced more differentially expressed genes than individual stimuli. Functional categorization of differentially expressed genes upon double stimuli highlighted enrichment in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and amino acid metabolism, whereas the importance of specific pathogenesis-related pathways decreased. Overall, our study elucidates complex plant responses to combined stresses, emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches for developing stress-resilient crops in the face of changing environmental conditions.